Rose Tasting at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar - Hosted by Jackie's Fine Wine & Spirits - Saturday April 21st 2p-4p
There were 7 tables of delicious Rose to taste!
Table 1:
I tasted the Henri Bourgeois Pinot Noir Loire - $15.99
and the Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Loire - $20.99. The 2nd was my favorite.
Table 2:
I tasted Le Fervent Costieres de Nimes France $20.99, it was very light.
Table 3:
I tasted none of these, but I had in the past tasted the Chapoutier "Belleruche" France $11.99.
Table 4:
I tasted the Barville Cotes-du-Rhone "Esprit" France $14.99. It was a bit funky.
The Castels des Maures - France - $16.99 - good
The Fragile France - $20.99 - it was meh
The Foncalieu PiquePoul France - $15.99 - it was too light
The Elena Walch from Italy - $17.99 - good and funky
The Portlandia from Oregon - $15.99 - CA COW!
Table 5:
The Ayres Oregon - $21.99
Bruliam Rose of Pinot Noir California Elemental - $25.99 - loved it
Champagne Lallier France - $54.99 - was AMAZING
Fabre en Provence, France, $16.99 - delicious, wanted to buy a bottle.
The Ned from New Zealand - $14.99 good
Fabre en Provence Cru Classe France - $24.99 - delicious
Table 6
Sedosa from Spain - $14.99 - good
Fleurs de Prarie France - $14.99 - loved it
Pasas from Spain - $11.99 - olive juice briny end, liked it
Minuty from France - $18.99 - good
Hecht & Bannier from France - $19.99 - good
Stoller from Oregon - $19.99 - limey
Table 7
Rousseau Freres from France - $18.99 - loved it
Lefond "Roc Epine" Tavel from France - $19.99 - liked it
Le Zolle from Italy - $14.99 - ewww too sweet, dumped it. No Way Rose!
Drift served appetizers also. it was a delightful day for it, perfectly sunny with a light breeze. not too hot either.
A Wine Club in Atlanta, GA, founded in 2008. We meet to taste wine, gab, snack, and learn. TWITs is all about having fun, trying wines, and growing your palate.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Saturday, April 14, 2018
TWITs - Chianti - hosted by Ms. Vicki & Ms. Lane - April 14th, 2018
TWITs - Chianti - hosted by Ms. Vicki & Ms. Lane - April 14th, 2018
When: Saturday April 14th, 2018 @ 6 pm
Theme: Chianti - we will do our usual blind tasting method
Chianti (kee-yan-tee) is an Italian red wine blend produced in Tuscany. Chianti can be made with many different varietals. Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the Chianti recipe of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca in the middle of the nineteenth century. During the 1970s producers started to reduce the quantity of white grapes in Chianti. In 1995 it became legal to produce a Chianti with 100% Sangiovese. For a wine to retain the name of Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Chiantis tend to have medium-high acidity and medium tannins. The acidity in the wines make them very flexible with food and wine pairings, particularly with Italian cuisines that feature red sauce, as well with as beef, lamb and game.
A Chianti may have a picture of a black rooster (known in Italian as a gallo nero) on the neck of the bottle, which indicates that the producer of the wine is a member of the Gallo Nero Consortium, an association of producers of the Classico sub-area sharing marketing costs. Since 2005 the black rooster has been the emblem of the Chianti Classico producers association.
Basic level Chianti is often characterized by its juicy fruit notes of cherry, plum and raspberry and can range from simple quaffing wines to those approaching the level of Chianti Classico. Basic everyday-drinking Chiantis are at their peak between three and five years after vintage
Chianti Classico wines are characterized in their youth by their predominantly floral and cinnamon spicy bouquet. As the wine ages, aromas of tobacco and leather can emerge. Well-made examples of Chianti Classico often have the potential to age and improve in the bottle for six to twenty years.
Chianti Superiore is an Italian DOCG wine produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena, in Tuscany. Superiore is a specification for wines produced with a stricter rule of production than other Chianti wines, and has been authorized since 1996. Chianti Superiore wines can be produced only from grapes cultivated in the Chianti wine areas except from those vineyards that are registered in the Chianti Classico sub-zone. Vineyards registered in Chianti sub-zones other than Classico can produce Chianti Superiore wines but must omit the sub-zone name on the label. Aging is calculated from 1 January after the picking. Chianti Superiore cannot be sold to the consumer before nine months of aging, of which three must be in the bottle. Therefore it cannot be bottled before the June after picking or sold to consumers before the next September.
Chianti Riserva is aged 38 months instead of 4-7. Chianti that meets more stringent requirements (lower yield, higher alcohol content and dry extract) may be labelled as Chianti Superiore, although Chianti from the "Classico" sub-area is not allowed in any event to be labelled as "Superiore".
Reminder about Italian Wine Rating Scale:
VDT --> IGT --> DOC --> DOCG (highest)
Our hostesses Lane & Vicki provided us with many delicious foods to pair with our Chianti: Stuffed mushrooms, Bruschetta on toast, Avocado, pickled okra, olives, Charcuterie, Fromages including Parmesan, Brie, and fresh Mozzerella Cheese, Spaghetti Squash/Chicken/Pesto Casserole, Caramel Cheesecake.
Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:
1) 2012 Ampeleia Tuscan IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti) ~ $35 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
13.5% Alcohol
Indicative blend: 50% Cabernet Franc, 20% Sangiovese, 30% of four different Mediterranean varieties. A collaboration among Elisabetta Foradori, Giovanni Podini and Thomas Widmann. Formerly Ampelaia was labeled as Maremma Toscana IGT.
cherry, alcohol, heat, earthy, currant, blackberry, red currant, smell blackberry but taste raspberry, briny, pepper on finish, dry, medium finish, a Sangiovese Clone perhaps? fruity finish, strawberry, dark berry, young airy finish.
2) 2015 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico ~ $20 via Garagiste
13% Alcohol
chocolate, cocoa powder, cherry cordial, riserva? guesses Chris? deeper, richer, all good so far, dry, bitter, aged, oaky, the more I drink it the better I like it.
3) 2013 Marchese Antinori Tignanello Chianti Riserva ~ $40 retail
13.5% alcohol
sour milk, astringent, terrible nose, smooth, ok for a Monday, 3 dumps at once! pales in comparison to the 2nd wine, I don't usually dump but...
4) 2011 MonteMaggio Chianti Classico ~ $26 @ Total Wine
14.5% alcohol
lovely bouquet, floral and fruit, jammy, white pepper finish, strawberry and black pepper in the back, acidic finish, tangy, good dinner wine, memorable, sits with you, you'll never forget it, a short term love affair.
5) 2013 Cantine F.lli Bellini Chianti Rufina Riserva Fattoria Monte ~ $18 @ Total Wine
12.5% Alcohol
earthy, organic, manure, sharp, warm, poo poo, compost, sweet tart, sour apple, tannins, pucker, a warm virile man fresh from the stable, cinnamon, classico guess from Christy, wet earth, potting soil, early stages of compost heap, snake charmer, it's got a lil French tickler on it, after the cheese it's not good.
6) 2013 Ruffino Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva ~ $ 20 retail
13.5% alcohol
tangy, manure, mild light nose, velvet nose, fruit forward, but the flavor trails off like Fruit Stripe Gum, flat, flabby, no follow-thru.
7) 2014 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva ~ $21 retail
13% alcohol
mild, fruity on the nose, chocolate, good 3rd bottle of the night, cherry tobacco, no body, soil, a lil' punch in the face, chewy on the backend, the last Jedi, nutty tastes, butternut, promising on the nose, great size but not girth, fruity-not-too-fruity, not searching for anything, doesn't linger, flash in the pan, forgettable.
8) 2012 San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva ~ $24.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
13% alcohol
licorice, anise, oak and pepper, chocolate, easy drinking, late night wine, light pepper finish, nice, smooth, potting soil, we like this one!
9) 2013 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti) - $40 @ Beverage World
13.5% alcohol, Red Blend (Merlot, Syrah and a small part Sangiovese)
berry nose, cassis, briny olive then pepper, great with steak! tangy, pushes #1, more substance!
10) 2013 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva - $30 @ Vino Venue
13% alcohol
leather, sumptuous cherries, dark fruit, pine, tart berry, smooth, unfolding on my tongue, I can feel it spreading, easy drinking, I like this,
VOTING results!
We voted on which wines we liked the best.
First Place = #2, the 2015 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
Second Place = #1, the 2012 Ampeleia Tuscan IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti)
Third Place = #9, the 2013 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti)
Fourth Place was tied between #3, #4, #5, and #10.
When: Saturday April 14th, 2018 @ 6 pm
Theme: Chianti - we will do our usual blind tasting method
Chianti (kee-yan-tee) is an Italian red wine blend produced in Tuscany. Chianti can be made with many different varietals. Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the Chianti recipe of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca in the middle of the nineteenth century. During the 1970s producers started to reduce the quantity of white grapes in Chianti. In 1995 it became legal to produce a Chianti with 100% Sangiovese. For a wine to retain the name of Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Chiantis tend to have medium-high acidity and medium tannins. The acidity in the wines make them very flexible with food and wine pairings, particularly with Italian cuisines that feature red sauce, as well with as beef, lamb and game.
A Chianti may have a picture of a black rooster (known in Italian as a gallo nero) on the neck of the bottle, which indicates that the producer of the wine is a member of the Gallo Nero Consortium, an association of producers of the Classico sub-area sharing marketing costs. Since 2005 the black rooster has been the emblem of the Chianti Classico producers association.
Basic level Chianti is often characterized by its juicy fruit notes of cherry, plum and raspberry and can range from simple quaffing wines to those approaching the level of Chianti Classico. Basic everyday-drinking Chiantis are at their peak between three and five years after vintage
Chianti Classico wines are characterized in their youth by their predominantly floral and cinnamon spicy bouquet. As the wine ages, aromas of tobacco and leather can emerge. Well-made examples of Chianti Classico often have the potential to age and improve in the bottle for six to twenty years.
Chianti Superiore is an Italian DOCG wine produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena, in Tuscany. Superiore is a specification for wines produced with a stricter rule of production than other Chianti wines, and has been authorized since 1996. Chianti Superiore wines can be produced only from grapes cultivated in the Chianti wine areas except from those vineyards that are registered in the Chianti Classico sub-zone. Vineyards registered in Chianti sub-zones other than Classico can produce Chianti Superiore wines but must omit the sub-zone name on the label. Aging is calculated from 1 January after the picking. Chianti Superiore cannot be sold to the consumer before nine months of aging, of which three must be in the bottle. Therefore it cannot be bottled before the June after picking or sold to consumers before the next September.
Chianti Riserva is aged 38 months instead of 4-7. Chianti that meets more stringent requirements (lower yield, higher alcohol content and dry extract) may be labelled as Chianti Superiore, although Chianti from the "Classico" sub-area is not allowed in any event to be labelled as "Superiore".
Reminder about Italian Wine Rating Scale:
VDT --> IGT --> DOC --> DOCG (highest)
Our hostesses Lane & Vicki provided us with many delicious foods to pair with our Chianti: Stuffed mushrooms, Bruschetta on toast, Avocado, pickled okra, olives, Charcuterie, Fromages including Parmesan, Brie, and fresh Mozzerella Cheese, Spaghetti Squash/Chicken/Pesto Casserole, Caramel Cheesecake.
Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:
1) 2012 Ampeleia Tuscan IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti) ~ $35 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
13.5% Alcohol
Indicative blend: 50% Cabernet Franc, 20% Sangiovese, 30% of four different Mediterranean varieties. A collaboration among Elisabetta Foradori, Giovanni Podini and Thomas Widmann. Formerly Ampelaia was labeled as Maremma Toscana IGT.
cherry, alcohol, heat, earthy, currant, blackberry, red currant, smell blackberry but taste raspberry, briny, pepper on finish, dry, medium finish, a Sangiovese Clone perhaps? fruity finish, strawberry, dark berry, young airy finish.
2) 2015 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico ~ $20 via Garagiste
13% Alcohol
chocolate, cocoa powder, cherry cordial, riserva? guesses Chris? deeper, richer, all good so far, dry, bitter, aged, oaky, the more I drink it the better I like it.
3) 2013 Marchese Antinori Tignanello Chianti Riserva ~ $40 retail
13.5% alcohol
sour milk, astringent, terrible nose, smooth, ok for a Monday, 3 dumps at once! pales in comparison to the 2nd wine, I don't usually dump but...
4) 2011 MonteMaggio Chianti Classico ~ $26 @ Total Wine
14.5% alcohol
lovely bouquet, floral and fruit, jammy, white pepper finish, strawberry and black pepper in the back, acidic finish, tangy, good dinner wine, memorable, sits with you, you'll never forget it, a short term love affair.
5) 2013 Cantine F.lli Bellini Chianti Rufina Riserva Fattoria Monte ~ $18 @ Total Wine
12.5% Alcohol
earthy, organic, manure, sharp, warm, poo poo, compost, sweet tart, sour apple, tannins, pucker, a warm virile man fresh from the stable, cinnamon, classico guess from Christy, wet earth, potting soil, early stages of compost heap, snake charmer, it's got a lil French tickler on it, after the cheese it's not good.
6) 2013 Ruffino Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva ~ $ 20 retail
13.5% alcohol
tangy, manure, mild light nose, velvet nose, fruit forward, but the flavor trails off like Fruit Stripe Gum, flat, flabby, no follow-thru.
7) 2014 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva ~ $21 retail
13% alcohol
mild, fruity on the nose, chocolate, good 3rd bottle of the night, cherry tobacco, no body, soil, a lil' punch in the face, chewy on the backend, the last Jedi, nutty tastes, butternut, promising on the nose, great size but not girth, fruity-not-too-fruity, not searching for anything, doesn't linger, flash in the pan, forgettable.
8) 2012 San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva ~ $24.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
13% alcohol
licorice, anise, oak and pepper, chocolate, easy drinking, late night wine, light pepper finish, nice, smooth, potting soil, we like this one!
9) 2013 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti) - $40 @ Beverage World
13.5% alcohol, Red Blend (Merlot, Syrah and a small part Sangiovese)
berry nose, cassis, briny olive then pepper, great with steak! tangy, pushes #1, more substance!
10) 2013 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva - $30 @ Vino Venue
13% alcohol
leather, sumptuous cherries, dark fruit, pine, tart berry, smooth, unfolding on my tongue, I can feel it spreading, easy drinking, I like this,
VOTING results!
We voted on which wines we liked the best.
First Place = #2, the 2015 Fattoria di Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
Second Place = #1, the 2012 Ampeleia Tuscan IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti)
Third Place = #9, the 2013 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis IGT Red Blend (not a Chianti)
Fourth Place was tied between #3, #4, #5, and #10.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
TWITs 10 Year Anniversary Party - March 10th, 2018 - hosted by Abbie & Matt
TWITs 10 Year Anniversary Party - March 10th, 2018 - hosted by Abbie & Matt
TWITs is turning 10 years old! Can you believe we've been doing tastings as a group for an entire DECADE?!? It boggles the mind. So to celebrate the New Year and an entire DECADE of TWITs, we are hosting an Anniversary Party.
Theme: TWITs 10 year Anniversary - Bring a bottle of your favorite wine from 2017 to share
Bring: TWITs should bring a bottle of your favorite wine that you tasted in 2017
How has TWITs changed your life?
"We are more knowledgeable about wine."
-Rachel & Chris
"I moved to Atlanta a few years back I did not know anyone, having been introduced to Abbie via Rheinallt, she invited me to TWITs and this has given me social events every month to look forward to, a lot of good laughs, fine food, and amazing wine. But most of all, I have made new friends!! I am now encouraging my parents to start a wine club modeled on TWITs back home, because after their last move they have not yet managed to make new friends."
-Crystal
"We have really enjoyed finding a community of folks who enjoy and take wine seriously, but don't seem to take themselves to seriously. Everyone we've met in TWITs has been warm and generous, interesting and insightful, and we've truly enjoyed the camaraderie we've experienced so far, along with learning more about and tasting some great wines!"
-Chase & David
"TWITS has expanded my vocabulary for describing wine, and I've tasted varietals I wouldn't have even have considered before."
-Karin
"TWITS helped me see wine in a more vino-culturally sensitive and socially savvy way."
-Joshua
"We’re so new, TWITs hasn’t had much change on our existence ... and I don’t know if we have fully realized how much TWITs will change our lives in the 10 years to come, but we look forward to finding out!!"
-Crissy & Steve
"TWITs changed my life by opening me up to wine regions around the world I would not have considered before. It was a TWITS gathering that encouraged us to plan a trip to Burgundy which was one of the best trips we've had. Our passion for wine has grown so much, we are now having a wine cellar put in our house to hold all our wine - must keep our Burgundian wine at the correct temps!"
-Christy & Chad
"We have learned so much in the years we have been members of Twits! We have learned about different varietals of wine we would have never have normally tried and about different regions and how the terroir impacts the wine. We have also made some wonderful friends and had a lot of fun. Here’s to 10 more years! Cheers!"
- Kathy, Jamie, and Jackson
"I think the most important thing about TWITs for me is the lovely people I've met. I have a feeling that's going to be a lot of people's answer. But regardless, the monthly gatherings seem to attract high quality people & the wines themselves make for the perfect conversation starter. It helps me get out of my introverted shell. Thanks for all you guys do."
- Val
**FOOD**
1 lb of Foie Gras Torchon (from the Feeding Hannibal cookbook, this time I marinated the Foie in Fonseca Porto Bin No 27)
Toasted Baguette Slices
Sage Plum Berry Sauce
Caviar w Cremé Fraiche
Prosciutto wrapped melon
Stuffed mushrooms (soy chorizo & Italian cheese)
Mini quiche
Fromages (Dubliner, goat cheese, Brie)
Olives
Charcuterie
Strawberries
Crudités
Chocolate bites
**WINES**
Welcome Wine: NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico ~ $15 @ most wine shops
sometimes can get a good price on a case via Woot.com
75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
12% Alcohol
1) NV Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, California ~ $50 @ the winery itself
85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
12.7% alcohol
Sparkling, bubbly, fruity, bubblegum aroma, strawberry, smoked bamboo (just kidding),
Guesses:
Abbie guessed Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc but definitely not La Marca Prosecco
RH says it's too sweet to be that one
2) 2017 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ~ $13 @ CostCo or $20 elsewhere
100% Sauvignon Blanc
13% alcohol
still white wine, green apple, pith, sweet note, muscat, white flowers, quince, apple, honeysuckle, would be good in the hot tub, or on the porch
Guesses:
Karin - Albarino
Kathy - Sauvignon Blanc in USA
Chad, Janssen, Lauren, Val, Rachel - Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
3) 2014 Yonah Mountain Chardonnay ~ $40 from winery
100% Chardonnay
13.3% Alcohol
floral, not quite as strong as a Jura, a lil funk, oaked, soft palate,
Guesses:
Abbie - French? no wait Semillon from Australia
Kathy - Chardonnay from California
Val - Chardonnay from Napa
Crissy - not 100% chardonnay, a blend?
Joshua - North GA wine
Karin - Semillon
4) 2016 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, Provence - $23 @ Whole Foods
Rose Blend - varietal info not found online - assume GSM ?
13% alcohol
faint nose, light, refreshing, berries on finish, lot of citrus, pine tree, floral, minerally, mild, doesn't standout, pairs well with chocolate, light pepper on finish, the Vanishing Rose, it kissed the grape skins, made out, but no tongue, the palest pink.
Guesses:
Kathy - French
5) 2015 Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape - $80 @ PH Wine Merchant
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
cassis, grape nose, back in North GA?, Welch's grape jelly, menthol, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Gigondas
Lauren - French Bordeaux/young
Crissy - a sweet red
Kathy - Gamay from France
Matt - North GA
Joshua - Carmenere
RH - Oregon Pinot Noir
6) 2012 E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape - $40 @ CostCo
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
smells like foie gras, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Italian Barbera
Joshua - Bonarda
Rachel - West Coast CA
Crissy - Willamette, Oregon
7) 2014 Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Virginia - $23 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
100% Cabernet Franc
13.5% alcohol
Jammy, new oak, IDFK (I Don't F---ing Know) LOL
Guesses:
Kathy - Pinot Noir
Abbie - Sonoma Pinot Noir
Chad - Santa Barbara Pinot Noir
8) 2000 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna Cappella di Santo Stefano, Barolo DOCG, Italy - $60 from RH's personal cellar
100% Nebbiolo
14.5% alcohol
robusto, black licorice, currants, sherry, raisins, brandy, worcestershire sauce, tar on the nose
Guesses:
Abbie - Nebbiolo from Italy
Joshua - Tempranillo (but then changed his mind to Syrah from USA)
David - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
9) 2013 Michel Schlumberger Deux Terres Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 on WTSO or $75 from Winery
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (50% each from each Terres, thus the name)
14.9% alchol
caramel, sweet nose, mmmmmm, honey and caramel, rainbows in the forest, dark and inky, we smell unicorns!,
Guesses:
Crystal - older wine, Australian Shiraz
David - 8 yrs old
Kathy - Chianti
Joshua - Tannat
Karin - Lebanon - no a French Cahors?
RH - Syrah from Sonoma
? - 2011 Brunello di Montalcino ?
10) 2012 St. Clair Winery D.H. Lescombes Petit Verdot New Mexico - $45-50 @ winery
100% Petit Verdot
15% alcohol
tar, asphalt, bell pepper, Cab Franc ? leather, desert, scrub brush, funky, earthy, smells like taint (we had to explain what taint meant, it was hilarious), New World Palate, Spices, pepper, fruit,
Guesses:
Karin - France
Abbie - Cabernet Franc
11) 2015 La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma - $21-22 @ most stores
100% Pinot Noir
13.5% alcohol
funky in a different way, bald eagles and freedom, rescuers down under, pine, mineral, earth, chewy, cassis note but not overpowering, soft nose
Guesses:
Chad - Pinot Noir Sonoma
RH - Pinot Noir Burgundy
Joshua - Pinot Noir Argentina
Abbie - Pinot Noir Willamette
12) 2016 Rue de Perle Grand Vin Bordeaux - $15 @ Kroger
Bordeaux blend
13% alcohol
grandma's perfume, flabby, don't like, plums, cinnamon
Guesses:
Karin - Italian
WINNERS:
We had 4 prizes for those who did well with guessing the wines. Our winners were:
RH, Chad, Kathy, & Joshua
TWITs is turning 10 years old! Can you believe we've been doing tastings as a group for an entire DECADE?!? It boggles the mind. So to celebrate the New Year and an entire DECADE of TWITs, we are hosting an Anniversary Party.
Theme: TWITs 10 year Anniversary - Bring a bottle of your favorite wine from 2017 to share
Bring: TWITs should bring a bottle of your favorite wine that you tasted in 2017
How has TWITs changed your life?
"We are more knowledgeable about wine."
-Rachel & Chris
"I moved to Atlanta a few years back I did not know anyone, having been introduced to Abbie via Rheinallt, she invited me to TWITs and this has given me social events every month to look forward to, a lot of good laughs, fine food, and amazing wine. But most of all, I have made new friends!! I am now encouraging my parents to start a wine club modeled on TWITs back home, because after their last move they have not yet managed to make new friends."
-Crystal
"We have really enjoyed finding a community of folks who enjoy and take wine seriously, but don't seem to take themselves to seriously. Everyone we've met in TWITs has been warm and generous, interesting and insightful, and we've truly enjoyed the camaraderie we've experienced so far, along with learning more about and tasting some great wines!"
-Chase & David
"TWITS has expanded my vocabulary for describing wine, and I've tasted varietals I wouldn't have even have considered before."
-Karin
"TWITS helped me see wine in a more vino-culturally sensitive and socially savvy way."
-Joshua
"We’re so new, TWITs hasn’t had much change on our existence ... and I don’t know if we have fully realized how much TWITs will change our lives in the 10 years to come, but we look forward to finding out!!"
-Crissy & Steve
"TWITs changed my life by opening me up to wine regions around the world I would not have considered before. It was a TWITS gathering that encouraged us to plan a trip to Burgundy which was one of the best trips we've had. Our passion for wine has grown so much, we are now having a wine cellar put in our house to hold all our wine - must keep our Burgundian wine at the correct temps!"
-Christy & Chad
"We have learned so much in the years we have been members of Twits! We have learned about different varietals of wine we would have never have normally tried and about different regions and how the terroir impacts the wine. We have also made some wonderful friends and had a lot of fun. Here’s to 10 more years! Cheers!"
- Kathy, Jamie, and Jackson
"I think the most important thing about TWITs for me is the lovely people I've met. I have a feeling that's going to be a lot of people's answer. But regardless, the monthly gatherings seem to attract high quality people & the wines themselves make for the perfect conversation starter. It helps me get out of my introverted shell. Thanks for all you guys do."
- Val
**FOOD**
1 lb of Foie Gras Torchon (from the Feeding Hannibal cookbook, this time I marinated the Foie in Fonseca Porto Bin No 27)
Toasted Baguette Slices
Sage Plum Berry Sauce
Caviar w Cremé Fraiche
Prosciutto wrapped melon
Stuffed mushrooms (soy chorizo & Italian cheese)
Mini quiche
Fromages (Dubliner, goat cheese, Brie)
Olives
Charcuterie
Strawberries
Crudités
Chocolate bites
**WINES**
Welcome Wine: NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico ~ $15 @ most wine shops
sometimes can get a good price on a case via Woot.com
75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
12% Alcohol
1) NV Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, California ~ $50 @ the winery itself
85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
12.7% alcohol
Sparkling, bubbly, fruity, bubblegum aroma, strawberry, smoked bamboo (just kidding),
Guesses:
Abbie guessed Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc but definitely not La Marca Prosecco
RH says it's too sweet to be that one
2) 2017 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ~ $13 @ CostCo or $20 elsewhere
100% Sauvignon Blanc
13% alcohol
still white wine, green apple, pith, sweet note, muscat, white flowers, quince, apple, honeysuckle, would be good in the hot tub, or on the porch
Guesses:
Karin - Albarino
Kathy - Sauvignon Blanc in USA
Chad, Janssen, Lauren, Val, Rachel - Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
3) 2014 Yonah Mountain Chardonnay ~ $40 from winery
100% Chardonnay
13.3% Alcohol
floral, not quite as strong as a Jura, a lil funk, oaked, soft palate,
Guesses:
Abbie - French? no wait Semillon from Australia
Kathy - Chardonnay from California
Val - Chardonnay from Napa
Crissy - not 100% chardonnay, a blend?
Joshua - North GA wine
Karin - Semillon
4) 2016 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, Provence - $23 @ Whole Foods
Rose Blend - varietal info not found online - assume GSM ?
13% alcohol
faint nose, light, refreshing, berries on finish, lot of citrus, pine tree, floral, minerally, mild, doesn't standout, pairs well with chocolate, light pepper on finish, the Vanishing Rose, it kissed the grape skins, made out, but no tongue, the palest pink.
Guesses:
Kathy - French
5) 2015 Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape - $80 @ PH Wine Merchant
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
cassis, grape nose, back in North GA?, Welch's grape jelly, menthol, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Gigondas
Lauren - French Bordeaux/young
Crissy - a sweet red
Kathy - Gamay from France
Matt - North GA
Joshua - Carmenere
RH - Oregon Pinot Noir
6) 2012 E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape - $40 @ CostCo
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
smells like foie gras, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Italian Barbera
Joshua - Bonarda
Rachel - West Coast CA
Crissy - Willamette, Oregon
7) 2014 Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Virginia - $23 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
100% Cabernet Franc
13.5% alcohol
Jammy, new oak, IDFK (I Don't F---ing Know) LOL
Guesses:
Kathy - Pinot Noir
Abbie - Sonoma Pinot Noir
Chad - Santa Barbara Pinot Noir
8) 2000 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna Cappella di Santo Stefano, Barolo DOCG, Italy - $60 from RH's personal cellar
100% Nebbiolo
14.5% alcohol
robusto, black licorice, currants, sherry, raisins, brandy, worcestershire sauce, tar on the nose
Guesses:
Abbie - Nebbiolo from Italy
Joshua - Tempranillo (but then changed his mind to Syrah from USA)
David - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
9) 2013 Michel Schlumberger Deux Terres Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 on WTSO or $75 from Winery
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (50% each from each Terres, thus the name)
14.9% alchol
caramel, sweet nose, mmmmmm, honey and caramel, rainbows in the forest, dark and inky, we smell unicorns!,
Guesses:
Crystal - older wine, Australian Shiraz
David - 8 yrs old
Kathy - Chianti
Joshua - Tannat
Karin - Lebanon - no a French Cahors?
RH - Syrah from Sonoma
? - 2011 Brunello di Montalcino ?
10) 2012 St. Clair Winery D.H. Lescombes Petit Verdot New Mexico - $45-50 @ winery
100% Petit Verdot
15% alcohol
tar, asphalt, bell pepper, Cab Franc ? leather, desert, scrub brush, funky, earthy, smells like taint (we had to explain what taint meant, it was hilarious), New World Palate, Spices, pepper, fruit,
Guesses:
Karin - France
Abbie - Cabernet Franc
11) 2015 La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma - $21-22 @ most stores
100% Pinot Noir
13.5% alcohol
funky in a different way, bald eagles and freedom, rescuers down under, pine, mineral, earth, chewy, cassis note but not overpowering, soft nose
Guesses:
Chad - Pinot Noir Sonoma
RH - Pinot Noir Burgundy
Joshua - Pinot Noir Argentina
Abbie - Pinot Noir Willamette
12) 2016 Rue de Perle Grand Vin Bordeaux - $15 @ Kroger
Bordeaux blend
13% alcohol
grandma's perfume, flabby, don't like, plums, cinnamon
Guesses:
Karin - Italian
WINNERS:
We had 4 prizes for those who did well with guessing the wines. Our winners were:
RH, Chad, Kathy, & Joshua
Friday, March 9, 2018
Italian wine tasting of Fattoria Cordero di Montezemolo of Piedmont, hosted by Alberto Cordero
Sherlock's & Sanders -
3401 Northside Parkway NW
Atlanta, GA30327
March 8th, 2018 Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Italian wine tasting of Fattoria Cordero di Montezemolo of Piedmont, hosted by Alberto Cordero - winemaker and owner:
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Langhe Arneis 2016 - $19.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barbera d'Alba 2015 - $21.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 (baby Barolo) - $24.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Monfaletto" 2013 - $49.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Bricco Gattera" 2012 - $89.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Enrico VI" 2012 - $99.99
3401 Northside Parkway NW
Atlanta, GA30327
March 8th, 2018 Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Italian wine tasting of Fattoria Cordero di Montezemolo of Piedmont, hosted by Alberto Cordero - winemaker and owner:
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Langhe Arneis 2016 - $19.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barbera d'Alba 2015 - $21.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 (baby Barolo) - $24.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Monfaletto" 2013 - $49.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Bricco Gattera" 2012 - $89.99
- Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo "Enrico VI" 2012 - $99.99
Abbie with Alberto Cordero (winemaker & owner)
I need one of these! :)
Saturday, February 10, 2018
February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy
February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy
This next event already has my mouth watering in anticipation. Crissy & Steve have just returned from Napa, and they are hosting a Wine & Chocolate pairing tasting. There will be at least 5, possibly 6 wines which they have curated, with pairings for each course.
WHEN: Saturday February 10th, 2018 @ 7:30pm ET
THEME: Wine & Chocolate Pairings
BRING: TWITs should bring $20/per person
We learned a few helpful tips for pairing wine with chocolate:
1) The wine should be sweeter than the food with which it is being paired.
2) One should taste the wine, take a bite of the food pairing, and then taste the wine again. This is to see if the food changes the wine on the palate in any way.
Fun Fact: White Chocolate isn't really Chocolate. White chocolate doesn't qualify as genuine chocolate because it doesn't contain chocolate solids (a.k.a. cocoa powder). White chocolate is typically made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin — a fatty emulsifier that holds it all together. Who knew?
TWITs had a fabulous time tasting the wine and glorious pairings along with them. I think my personal favorite of the courses was the flourless chocolate cake paired with the Biale Petite Sirah. Yum! Crissy is a fanTAStic cook! However, the most unusual dish was the Dukkah. I'd never had Dukkah before, and now I think I'm in love. Crissy and Steve did a wonderful job of designing an exquisite menu to pair with the wines. Each pairing was spot on, and absolutely delicious.
This next event already has my mouth watering in anticipation. Crissy & Steve have just returned from Napa, and they are hosting a Wine & Chocolate pairing tasting. There will be at least 5, possibly 6 wines which they have curated, with pairings for each course.
WHEN: Saturday February 10th, 2018 @ 7:30pm ET
THEME: Wine & Chocolate Pairings
BRING: TWITs should bring $20/per person
We learned a few helpful tips for pairing wine with chocolate:
1) The wine should be sweeter than the food with which it is being paired.
2) One should taste the wine, take a bite of the food pairing, and then taste the wine again. This is to see if the food changes the wine on the palate in any way.
Fun Fact: White Chocolate isn't really Chocolate. White chocolate doesn't qualify as genuine chocolate because it doesn't contain chocolate solids (a.k.a. cocoa powder). White chocolate is typically made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin — a fatty emulsifier that holds it all together. Who knew?
TWITs had a fabulous time tasting the wine and glorious pairings along with them. I think my personal favorite of the courses was the flourless chocolate cake paired with the Biale Petite Sirah. Yum! Crissy is a fanTAStic cook! However, the most unusual dish was the Dukkah. I'd never had Dukkah before, and now I think I'm in love. Crissy and Steve did a wonderful job of designing an exquisite menu to pair with the wines. Each pairing was spot on, and absolutely delicious.
Welcome Wine: 2016 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc
~
Course 1:
2015 Amici Sauvignon Blanc
and
White Chocolate Baba Ganoush
~
Course 2:
Chocolate Dukkah w Olive Oil & Bread
(this also paired with the Amici Sauvignon Blanc AND with the first red wine)
2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz
Course 3:
Chocolate Dukkah Dusted Chicken Breast & Carrots
and
2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz
~
Course 4:
Mole Chili
&
2015 The Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon
~
Course 5:
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Freshly Whipped Cream
and
2015 Robert Biale Vineyards "Royal Punishers" Petite Sirah
~
Course 6:
White Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Nut Cookies
and
2015 Ferrari-Carano "Eldorado Gold" Semillon
~
Course 7:
"PBJ"
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bites
and
2016 Bella Vineyards "Late Harvest" Zinfandel
Monday, January 15, 2018
Man (or Woman) vs. Wine - Sommelier Smackdown at Vino Venue
The 7th Annual "Man (or Woman) vs. Wine - Sommelier Smackdown" at Vino Venue
Monday, January 15th, 2018 7pm - 9pm
Professional Sommeliers and Wine Professionals came together in a challenge for sharpest palate! When it comes to tasting blind, who would be the best? But that's not all. Not only did we get to watch, learn, and absorb how the Pro's do it--we got to taste the SAME WINES blind right along with them!
Class included:
A series of blind tastings (6 - 8) with commentary from Master Sommelier, Michael McNeill
Top-notch wines
Light nibbles such as cheeses, salumi, olives, nuts, and a selection of crackers and fresh breads (some were Gluten-Free options)
Winners from Previous Years
2011 - The first year's winner was Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits
2012 - Year two saw Justin Amick of The Painted Pin claim braggin' rights
2013 - Third year's winner was Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits again
2014 - Fourth year's winner was ???
2015 - Caleb Hopkins of The Druid Hills Country Club took top honors
2016 - Juan Cortes was the champ.
2017 - Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits won again.
Competitors for 2018:
Jim Cumiskey, Highland Fine Wines
Laura Engle, Empire
Jacob Gragg, Cru Artisan Wines
Joe Herrig, Georgia Crown
Kacey Ivey, Quality Wines
Ahry Ko, pH Wine Merchant
Ryan Mullins, Quality Wine & Spirits
Adam Pucillo, American Cut
Caitlin Taglia, One Midtown Kitchen
Rob Van Leer, Vino Venue
Brian White, Ritz Carlton
2018 winner was Brian White of Ritz Carlton. Congratulations Brian!
Scoring:
Points were awarded for each section - if they guessed correctly.
Old or New World?
Varietal or Blend?
Country?
Region?
Appellation?
Quality Level (if appropriate)
Vintage?
There were 2 wines in each round. After each round, they eliminated the competitors who had 0 points, or the lowest points, and so on. However, the attendees (not competing at the head table) just tried to get the most points.
Tasting Notes:
Round 1
Wine #1 - White Wine
stone fruits, pear, slightly dry finish,
My Guess: Old world, Varietal Sauvignon Blanc, France, Bordeaux, ?, ?, 2013
Actual Wine: New World, Riesling, Australia, Clare Valley, 2016
Wine #2 - White Wine
more oaked, funky, tropical fruits, flimsy finish, so maybe new world
My Guess: Old world, Varietal Muscadet, France, Loire, ?, ?, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, Semillon, South Australia, 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2
Wine #3 - White Wine
green, herbacious, pineapple, viscous,
My Guess: New world, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, Hobbitown ?, ?, 2014
Actual Wine: Old World, Chenin Blanc, French, Loire, Anjou 2014
(yay I got 2 pts)
Wine #4 - Red Wine
dry finish, heavy tannins, thick, has grip, flimsy fast finish though
My Guess: Old World, Sangiovese, Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, IGT, 2015
Actual Wine: Old World, Cabernet Franc, Saumer, Champange, 2016
(yay I got 2 more points)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3
Wine #5 - Red Wine
perfumey, elegant palate, flimsy finish,
My Guess: Old World, Valpolicella, Italy, Verona, Valpolicella, IGT, 2015
Actual Wine: Old World, Syrah, Northern Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, 2014
(yay I got 2 more points)
Wine #6 - Red Wine
Chocolate, Silk, Higher Alcohol
My Guess: New World, Pinot Noir, USA, California, Russian River Valley, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, GSM, Australia, Barossa Valley, 2013
(yay I got 2 more points)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4
Wine #7 - Red Wine
high alcohol, inky, pepper, greenness, dry finish, grip, no oak or neutral oak
My Guess: New World, Syrah or Zinfandel, Australia, McClarenvale, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Spring Mountain 2013
(yay I got 2 more points)
Wine #8 - Red Wine
heat, rusty, dried fruits, forest floor
My Guess: Old World, Sangiovese, Italy, Tuscany, Brunello, 2010
Actual Wine: Old World, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Blend, France, Bordeaux left bank, Haut-Medoc, they didnt' say the vintage?
(yay I got 2 more points)
Tie Breaker: (Brian had already won at this point.
Dessert Wine: Barollo Chinato, tastes a lot like a Negroni.
My Score:
I got 12 total points for the whole tasting out of a possible 104. Yeah, I have some work to do.
Monday, January 15th, 2018 7pm - 9pm
Professional Sommeliers and Wine Professionals came together in a challenge for sharpest palate! When it comes to tasting blind, who would be the best? But that's not all. Not only did we get to watch, learn, and absorb how the Pro's do it--we got to taste the SAME WINES blind right along with them!
Class included:
A series of blind tastings (6 - 8) with commentary from Master Sommelier, Michael McNeill
Top-notch wines
Light nibbles such as cheeses, salumi, olives, nuts, and a selection of crackers and fresh breads (some were Gluten-Free options)
Winners from Previous Years
2011 - The first year's winner was Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits
2012 - Year two saw Justin Amick of The Painted Pin claim braggin' rights
2013 - Third year's winner was Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits again
2014 - Fourth year's winner was ???
2015 - Caleb Hopkins of The Druid Hills Country Club took top honors
2016 - Juan Cortes was the champ.
2017 - Ryan Mullins of Quality Wine & Spirits won again.
Competitors for 2018:
Jim Cumiskey, Highland Fine Wines
Laura Engle, Empire
Jacob Gragg, Cru Artisan Wines
Joe Herrig, Georgia Crown
Kacey Ivey, Quality Wines
Ahry Ko, pH Wine Merchant
Ryan Mullins, Quality Wine & Spirits
Adam Pucillo, American Cut
Caitlin Taglia, One Midtown Kitchen
Rob Van Leer, Vino Venue
Brian White, Ritz Carlton
2018 winner was Brian White of Ritz Carlton. Congratulations Brian!
Scoring:
Points were awarded for each section - if they guessed correctly.
Old or New World?
Varietal or Blend?
Country?
Region?
Appellation?
Quality Level (if appropriate)
Vintage?
There were 2 wines in each round. After each round, they eliminated the competitors who had 0 points, or the lowest points, and so on. However, the attendees (not competing at the head table) just tried to get the most points.
Tasting Notes:
Round 1
Wine #1 - White Wine
stone fruits, pear, slightly dry finish,
My Guess: Old world, Varietal Sauvignon Blanc, France, Bordeaux, ?, ?, 2013
Actual Wine: New World, Riesling, Australia, Clare Valley, 2016
Wine #2 - White Wine
more oaked, funky, tropical fruits, flimsy finish, so maybe new world
My Guess: Old world, Varietal Muscadet, France, Loire, ?, ?, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, Semillon, South Australia, 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 2
Wine #3 - White Wine
green, herbacious, pineapple, viscous,
My Guess: New world, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, Hobbitown ?, ?, 2014
Actual Wine: Old World, Chenin Blanc, French, Loire, Anjou 2014
(yay I got 2 pts)
Wine #4 - Red Wine
dry finish, heavy tannins, thick, has grip, flimsy fast finish though
My Guess: Old World, Sangiovese, Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, IGT, 2015
Actual Wine: Old World, Cabernet Franc, Saumer, Champange, 2016
(yay I got 2 more points)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 3
Wine #5 - Red Wine
perfumey, elegant palate, flimsy finish,
My Guess: Old World, Valpolicella, Italy, Verona, Valpolicella, IGT, 2015
Actual Wine: Old World, Syrah, Northern Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, 2014
(yay I got 2 more points)
Wine #6 - Red Wine
Chocolate, Silk, Higher Alcohol
My Guess: New World, Pinot Noir, USA, California, Russian River Valley, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, GSM, Australia, Barossa Valley, 2013
(yay I got 2 more points)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 4
Wine #7 - Red Wine
high alcohol, inky, pepper, greenness, dry finish, grip, no oak or neutral oak
My Guess: New World, Syrah or Zinfandel, Australia, McClarenvale, 2012
Actual Wine: New World, Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Spring Mountain 2013
(yay I got 2 more points)
Wine #8 - Red Wine
heat, rusty, dried fruits, forest floor
My Guess: Old World, Sangiovese, Italy, Tuscany, Brunello, 2010
Actual Wine: Old World, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Blend, France, Bordeaux left bank, Haut-Medoc, they didnt' say the vintage?
(yay I got 2 more points)
Tie Breaker: (Brian had already won at this point.
Dessert Wine: Barollo Chinato, tastes a lot like a Negroni.
My Score:
I got 12 total points for the whole tasting out of a possible 104. Yeah, I have some work to do.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Wine Country Travels - Dry Creek Valley
Wine Country Travels - Dry Creek Valley
Wednesday, December 27th
We had basically a repeat of the same amazing breakfast at Caffe Sunflower - it was just SO good. this time I didn't get the green dream, but I did get the Monster Mimosa. It just so happened that there was an older lady sitting nearby our table with a 4 month old French Bulldog named Chloe. And then a few moments later, another woman with a 4 month old French Bulldog of the same coloring, named Baron sat down. Of course the two doggies HAD to meet. It was just too much adorable in one place. awww!
Then it was back in the car to drive to Dry Creek Valley.
Our first winery visit of the day, was to Michel-Schlumberger. We had friends who were previous wine club members here, and thus we had tasted some of their wines before. However, we hadn't tried their current production and we were interested in seeing their beautiful property. I decided this was my favorite tasting of the trip with regards to the quality of wine, and the lovely setting. We sat outside at a table with a lovely view of the gardens and vineyard. There was only one tasting person there, so he would come and go, but we had the chance to sit quietly and enjoy our wine tasting privately. I really prefer this to the stand & sales pitch method.
Every wine was absolutely delicious. Not a "meh" one in the bunch. If we hadn't already made a pact to NOT join any wine clubs this trip, I might have been tempted to join this one.
We tasted the first line up, and then they escorted us to the barrel room to taste 3 barrel wines. Before we left w purchased 1 bottle 2014 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Franc - $45, and 2 bottles 2014 Michel-Schlumberger 'Deux Terres' Cabernet Sauvignon - $75 each.
Next stop was Kokomo Winery. I had met the winemaker twice in Atlanta before, but he wasn't in the tasting room this trip. We love their wines, and once again they showed beautifully. We left with a bottle of Chardonnay and a bottle of Claret. Their wine club is more affordable than some, and I also considered joining this one.
Right next door was the Family Wineries building, so we did a small tasting of Dashe Cellars wine. We'd met Anne Dashe before, and her wines are superb as well. My hubby was getting hungry so we "dashed" off (ha ha pun intended) to Dry Creek General Store for one of their famed sandwiches. I had the Dry Creek Stacker - Cremenelli toscano salami, imported mortadella, turkey, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, oregano, mustard, olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic mayo on a sourdough roll. It was to DIE for. I only ate half of it, but my goodness, we saved the other half for later! He had the Reuben - pastrami, gruyere cheese and Sonoma Brinery sauerkraut on toasted rye bread with your choice of mustard, Thousand Island dressing or both.
Last winery of the day was Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs. We had a special memory with Ridge Vineyards wine in our past. We once celebrated Thanksgiving in Manhattan at Bar Boulud, and they were serving a magnum of 2005 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel. It was so good, it left a lasting impression. So here we are, 12 years later at Ridge! The grounds and view were quite pretty. We did the tasting, and bought the holiday gift pack which had a bottle of the 2015 - 50th anniversary - Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel, and a bottle of the 2015 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel. Both were just exquisite. We enjoyed those 2 bottles on New Years Day.
We drove back to our BnB for a well-deserved nap, and then we went out to dinner in Sonoma square at at Oso. We had the Caesar Salad, Deviled Eggs with Dungeness crab, Moroccan Squash, and Salmon with Kale and Sweet Potatoes. Delightful per usual.
Thoughts about this trip:
I prefer to sit down with a bottle of wine, and relax while tasting it. Having a wine tasting, while standing up is not the same experience. Neither is going quickly through many different wines while someone is pouring them as fast as you can drink them AND giving you the sales pitch about their wine club at the same time. Even when we had time to stand and reflect on the wine, it was difficult as the sales person was always nearby, and you couldn't chat with your spouse about the experience privately while there. This was probably why I enjoyed Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Michel-Schlumberger experiences the best - we had a moment to sit DOWN and really enjoy the wines.
Apart from those, I really loved Imagery winery. The whole concept is so interesting, and I love that there is an art gallery there. Their wines are truly lovely. You cannot buy them in stores.
If you do this trip, you will need to go to the restroom a LOT! Every stop, I had to go when we arrived, and before we left. Think about it, you're drinking wine, and then water, and then coffee, and then more water, and more wine, in a cycle. It's a lot of liquid to process. And then the food. You don't realize it, but you end up eating quite a bit of food. Don't forget your greens! Trust me.
Wednesday, December 27th
We had basically a repeat of the same amazing breakfast at Caffe Sunflower - it was just SO good. this time I didn't get the green dream, but I did get the Monster Mimosa. It just so happened that there was an older lady sitting nearby our table with a 4 month old French Bulldog named Chloe. And then a few moments later, another woman with a 4 month old French Bulldog of the same coloring, named Baron sat down. Of course the two doggies HAD to meet. It was just too much adorable in one place. awww!
Then it was back in the car to drive to Dry Creek Valley.
Our first winery visit of the day, was to Michel-Schlumberger. We had friends who were previous wine club members here, and thus we had tasted some of their wines before. However, we hadn't tried their current production and we were interested in seeing their beautiful property. I decided this was my favorite tasting of the trip with regards to the quality of wine, and the lovely setting. We sat outside at a table with a lovely view of the gardens and vineyard. There was only one tasting person there, so he would come and go, but we had the chance to sit quietly and enjoy our wine tasting privately. I really prefer this to the stand & sales pitch method.
Every wine was absolutely delicious. Not a "meh" one in the bunch. If we hadn't already made a pact to NOT join any wine clubs this trip, I might have been tempted to join this one.
We tasted the first line up, and then they escorted us to the barrel room to taste 3 barrel wines. Before we left w purchased 1 bottle 2014 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Franc - $45, and 2 bottles 2014 Michel-Schlumberger 'Deux Terres' Cabernet Sauvignon - $75 each.
Next stop was Kokomo Winery. I had met the winemaker twice in Atlanta before, but he wasn't in the tasting room this trip. We love their wines, and once again they showed beautifully. We left with a bottle of Chardonnay and a bottle of Claret. Their wine club is more affordable than some, and I also considered joining this one.
Right next door was the Family Wineries building, so we did a small tasting of Dashe Cellars wine. We'd met Anne Dashe before, and her wines are superb as well. My hubby was getting hungry so we "dashed" off (ha ha pun intended) to Dry Creek General Store for one of their famed sandwiches. I had the Dry Creek Stacker - Cremenelli toscano salami, imported mortadella, turkey, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, oregano, mustard, olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic mayo on a sourdough roll. It was to DIE for. I only ate half of it, but my goodness, we saved the other half for later! He had the Reuben - pastrami, gruyere cheese and Sonoma Brinery sauerkraut on toasted rye bread with your choice of mustard, Thousand Island dressing or both.
Last winery of the day was Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs. We had a special memory with Ridge Vineyards wine in our past. We once celebrated Thanksgiving in Manhattan at Bar Boulud, and they were serving a magnum of 2005 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel. It was so good, it left a lasting impression. So here we are, 12 years later at Ridge! The grounds and view were quite pretty. We did the tasting, and bought the holiday gift pack which had a bottle of the 2015 - 50th anniversary - Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel, and a bottle of the 2015 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel. Both were just exquisite. We enjoyed those 2 bottles on New Years Day.
We drove back to our BnB for a well-deserved nap, and then we went out to dinner in Sonoma square at at Oso. We had the Caesar Salad, Deviled Eggs with Dungeness crab, Moroccan Squash, and Salmon with Kale and Sweet Potatoes. Delightful per usual.
Thoughts about this trip:
I prefer to sit down with a bottle of wine, and relax while tasting it. Having a wine tasting, while standing up is not the same experience. Neither is going quickly through many different wines while someone is pouring them as fast as you can drink them AND giving you the sales pitch about their wine club at the same time. Even when we had time to stand and reflect on the wine, it was difficult as the sales person was always nearby, and you couldn't chat with your spouse about the experience privately while there. This was probably why I enjoyed Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Michel-Schlumberger experiences the best - we had a moment to sit DOWN and really enjoy the wines.
Apart from those, I really loved Imagery winery. The whole concept is so interesting, and I love that there is an art gallery there. Their wines are truly lovely. You cannot buy them in stores.
If you do this trip, you will need to go to the restroom a LOT! Every stop, I had to go when we arrived, and before we left. Think about it, you're drinking wine, and then water, and then coffee, and then more water, and more wine, in a cycle. It's a lot of liquid to process. And then the food. You don't realize it, but you end up eating quite a bit of food. Don't forget your greens! Trust me.
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