Le Caveau - Last Tasting of 2011 - 12/17/2011

Le Caveau - Last Tasting of 2011 - 12/17/2011
1) 2010 Domaine Du Vieux Chene - Viognier - 14% alcohol
sweet and lemony

2) 2009 François Chidaine Vouvray Clos Baudoin Sec - $28.99
94 Points Fine Wine Review: With each passing vintage the Clos Baudoin bottling from Domaine Chidaine gets better and better and the 2009 is an exceptional bottle. The ripeness here is even a tad higher than in the les
Argiles, as this just tops fourteen percent alcohol, but again there are no overt signs of this additional ripeness in the finished wine. This is by a fair measure the most concentrated bottling from Clos Baudoin that I have yet
tasted since the Chidaines took over this great vineyard, as the wine soars from the glass in a mélange of lemon, apple, delicate notes of honeycomb, a complex, chalky signature of soil, a hint of pineapple and a lovely, floral
topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and really rock solid at the core, with fine framing acids, impeccable focus and depth and simply stunning length and grip on the reserved and classy finish. Great juice. 2015-
2040+." - John Gilman

3) 2007 François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire "Les Tuffeaux" Demi Sec - $24.99
François Chidaine got his fame from making wine out of the Montlouis appellation, which is 400 hectares and only a river separates it and Vouvray. It actually used to be a part of Vouvray until 1937, when it was granted AOC status. The soils are very similar in Montlouis and Vouvray with sand and a base of tuffeau (marine sedimentary rock unique to the Loire Valley of France). There is a slightly higher percentage of sand and rocks in Montlouis which many say gives the wine a more lean character. These are stunning values as the world has not quite caught up to the magic that the Chidaine's produce every year.
92 Points Wine Spectator: Still a touch tight, with a core of Bosc pear and Jonagold apple notes in reserve, finishing with hints of orange blossom, quince, cardamom and green almond. -James Molesworth

4) 2009 Chateau du Hureau Saumur-Champigny "Tuffe" - $22.99
This Cabernet Franc-based wine is crafted from 15 different batches of old and young vines grown on the distinctive free-draining "tuffeau" soils of the Loire. Scents of wild flowers and thyme meld with sweet mulberry fruit to produce a flavorful palate and a lingering finish. Deeply colored yet almost without tannin, this is a soft, sumptuous and thoroughly enjoyable wine that should age for up to 6 years.

5) 2008 Agnès et René Mosse Anjou Rouge - $23.99
A red blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Very nice fruit, dark mixed berries, and tangy minerality from the schistous soils. Very structured, yet very accessible. This is a fresh, clean, terroir-driven red wine to enjoy any time. Organic and unfiltered.
Prior to purchasing the estate in Anjou, Rene Mosse had a wine bar/bistro in
Tours with his wife, Agnès where you could drink a bottle in house or take it to go. This led to meeting a bunch of vignerons from the Loire, most notably François Chidaine . They became friends, hung out and eventually Rene
was inspired to attend an oenology program for adults and eventually worked in Burgundy for a year and a half.

6) 2004 Bodega y Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino - $26.99
40% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot
With nice dark garnet color, the nose shows black currant, tobacco, and smoked meat. The seamless palate is echoes the dark fruit on the nose with silky tannins, nice acidity and a persistent finish.

Weinert was founded in 1890 by a Spanish Immigrant family and to say they make wine in traditional ways may be understating the case. This is one of the few wineries in Mendoza (Argentina) where you will find no stainless steel tanks for fermentation. All the wines are fermented either in epoxy lined concrete tanks, or in large oak casks. If wines are aged in oak, they are really aged in oak – typically 3+ years and only in large old oak barrels ranging from 800 gallons to 3000 gallons in capacity.

Australian Shiraz - December 14th, 2011 - Ms. Marilyn

Australian or South African Shiraz/Syrah - December 14th, 2011 - Ms. Marilyn
Wikipedia: Syrah/Shiraz Syrah or Shiraz (Not to be confused with Petite Sirah which is a different varietal.) is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines.
Pairings: Shiraz is great for grilled meats or veggies, wild game, richly flavored red meats, beef stew and meat lover's pizza. Cheese Pairing ideas.

Tasting Notes:
The Welcome Wine - Chook Chinook Shiraz - $5.99 @ Trader Joes

1) 2009 Shotfire Shiraz, Austrailia, Barossa Valley, Thorne-Clarke - $17.99 @ Total Wine
14.8% alcohol
Color: dark purple-red, mostly opaque, nice thick legs
Nose: dark fruit, plum, sweetness, reminds me of Port, high alcohol on nose
Palate: a bit of pepper, some blackberry, tart, very dense, tannic
Other comments: the name Shotfire originated from the hazerdous job of lighting charges in the mines. On the bottle it says it has chocolate and plum with oak and vanilla flavors
*this was one of my favorites of the evening.

2) 2010 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, South Africa, Western Cape - $9.99 @ the Liquor Store on corner of 17th & Northside Drive by IKEA.
12.5% alcohol
Color: clear ruby red, light, translucent, almost no legs
Nose: earthy (graphite/caulky),
Palate: sweeter, cherry wine, cola, tastes like a lighter Port, jelly/jam, cherry jam soda, like a red white zin,
Other: Pairs well with spicy food, but can't drink an entire bottle alone, too sweet, Leslie correctly guessed this was Jam Jar, summertime-dessert wine, on bottle says juicy-berry with hints of dark chocolate

3) 2006 Torbreck, Woodcutters Shiraz, Barossa Valley - $20.00 @ small liquor store on Terrell Mill
14.5% alcohol
Color: dark purple red, opaque
Nose: nice and pleasant at first, then tinge of kitty litter or dirty socks. Olive perhaps? earthy, no fruit, smells of pine or evergreen bark.
Palate: smooth, medium bodied, slight bitterness, some citrus notes, licorice/fennel
Other: bottle says to pair with hearty meal
*this was one of my favorites of the evening.

4) 2010 Layer Cake Shiraz - South Australia - $15.98 @ Kroger in Sandy Springs
14.1% alcohol
Color: Midnight Purple, almost black, long legs
Nose: perfumey
Palate: smooth, faintly sweet, jammy, dry finish, slightly tart, a sweet jam then pucker, savory
Other: would pair well with game, recommend the 2008 Layer Cake (supposedly tastes better than the 2010), bottle says it has fruit/mocha/chocolate - spice - rich.

5) 2010 Terra Barossa Shiraz - Thorne & Clarke - $12.99 @ Total Wine
14.5% alcohol
Color: red purple, jam, dark, slow legs
Nose: herb/earth, peaty, damp spice, musty
Palate: tart, pucker, pepper, cranberry, dry finish, a bit of alcohol burn going down.
Other: This is apparently the #2 selling Shiraz at Total Wine. Bottle says plum, soft tannins, appealing spiciness

6) 2007 Le Pousseur Syrah- Bonny Dune vineyards - Santa Cruz California ~$16.00 @ CostCo (?)
13.5% alcohol
Color: lighter, clearer, magenta, more pink,
Nose: layered nose, pepper, vanilla-clove-coffee
Palate: smooth, full flavor but surprisingly light finish

7) 2010 Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz, Southeast Australia - $7.99 @ Trader Joes
13.5% alcohol
Color: clear-ish, claret-red
Nose: dark cherry, dark chocolate, alcohol, cocoa powder, caramel
Palate: approachable, drinkable, almost too easy to drink, butterscotch,
Other: pairs well with chocolate, definitely needs food with it. bottle says plum and spice and to pair with pasta or red meat.
My fave quote of the evening was from Aubrey "You can feel this in your teeth, and some of them aren't even mine!"

8) 2009 Villa San Juliette - Petite Sirah - Paso Robles, San Miguel, California ~ $17.00 @ Costco or Le Caveau (she couldn't remember which)
Color: dark violet
Nose: violets, oak
Palate: jammy, lingering then abrupt dry finish, "it's good but...not?"
Other: Leslie says this is the wine from the makers of American Idol. bottle says "Blueberry motor oil" and mocha, pairs well with meats and cajun cuisine. Another recommendation from same winemaker is Chorum

9) 2010 MollyDooker - Shiraz - The Boxer - McLaren Vale Australia - $21.99 @ CostCo
16% alcohol
Color: dark purple/red, high alcohol
Nose: red fruit, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, butter
Palate: dry, deep cranberry, pepper at the end, oak, full-bodied
Other: This is Abbie's favorite Australian Winemaker, she tried it for the first time at Morrell's Wine Bar in NYC Rockafeller Center. Matt remarked on his first look "It has legs like a Rockette up in here!" The legs are so lovely, lingering, and slow, they practically stain the glass.
**NOTE: Sometimes you can find this for $19.99 at Kroger, but it goes fast so you have to snatch it up quick**
MollyDooker is slang for "Left-Hander"
Another recommendation is MollyDooker - Shiraz- Blue Eyed Boy, but this one runs about $45/bottle. however it is worth it if you can splurge.


Other notes:
Recommended - 2002 The Prisoner by Orin Swift Cellars (label photo is lovely):

Le Caveau - Artisan Wines Portugal Tasting - 12/10/2011

Le Caveau - Artisan Wines Portugal Tasting - 12/10/2011
Today was a special tasting featuring Gail Lawing and Paul Hearn of Artisan Vines - conducting a Portuguese tasting with the following:

1) 2009 Vale d'Algares Seleccion White - $21.99
55% Viognier, 30% Alvarinho, 15% Verdelho
"The vineyard is located in the Tejo DO of Portugal. Tejo (Tey-joo) is the main Iberian river, called Tagus in Latin and English. The Tejo region has been known as a wine producing region since the middle ages. This wine offers aromas of citrus and green plum with a hint of peach and fig on a palate. It has a touch of smoke due to aging in 90% French oak and a fine acidity that brings balance to the finished product."

2) 2008 Quinta Nova Touriga Nacional - $79.99
100% Touriga Nacional (the main varietal in Port)
"very aromatic, perfumed nose: floral with some blackberry and dark cherry fruit. The palate is beautifully expressive with lovely fresh dark fruits. Very expressive with some grippy tannin on the finish. Ripe and lush but not at all jammy." It is recommended to decant this one for at least 1.5 hrs, but you can have it open in the bottle for up to 1 week, it will open very nicely.

3) 2006 Sanguinhal Touriga Aragonez - $13.99
100% Aragonez (Tempranillo) - another varietal in Port.

4) 2009 Quinta Nova Pomares - $18.99
40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Roriz - port blend
pretty ripe berry flavors.

5) 2009 Monte da Ravasquiera "Fonte de Serrana" - $14.99
Aragonez, Alicante Bochet, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
I liked this one, it had Braille on the bottle label, for a blind tasting (pun).

6) 2009 Quinta Nova Colheita Duoro - $21.99
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao Blend
"An unoaked cuvee. Spicy and chocolatey with a slightly balsalmic edge to the ripe blackberry and berry fruits. The palate is ripe, dense, and sweetly fruited with some spiciness and chocolatey richness"
I really enjoyed this one.

7) 2006 Quinta Nova LBV Port - $29.99
LBV means Late Bottled Vintage. This one had an amazing nose, very perfumed wine, but it was a bit too sweet on the palate for my taste. I have not yet found a port that I adored, but I tasted this one just in case it was that one special port for me.

8) NV Quinta Nova CLA Port - $28.99
Same as above for me. I could inhale the nose all day long, but the palate just doesn't do it for me. The other folks at the tasting seemed to like these Ports however. I much preferred the other red wines mentioned above.

Moo- some interesting Cow News

Cows Fed Wine Dregs, emit less methane?

"HOW do you feel after imbibing a bit of red wine? Euphoric, excited, or perhaps simply cheery? Or are you one of those drinkers prone to suffering a nagging feeling of guilt, combined with an uncomfortable sensation inside your head?

Well now, thanks to new research by Victorian scientists, you could instead simply feel content that you are doing your bit for the environment, as well as for the nation's dairy herd.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/gone-with-the-wind-study-finds-cows-fed-wine-dregs-emit-less-methane-20111207-1ojbl.html#ixzz1g2ssuu91"

------------

Jazz for Cows?

"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lXKDu6cdXLI?rel=0"

Tip for Saving on Wine

Tip for Saving on Wine purchases from RealSimple magazine.
article link
"How to Make the Holidays More Affordable -Save on Wine

Tips from an anonymous sommelier
People tend to stock up on wine and spirits at the closest store, but that place may not have the best deals. Go to wine-searcher.com (an inventory database of several thousand stores nationwide) and enter the vintage or the wine’s name and your ZIP code to find the cheapest retailer in your area. Or fill your “cellar” with wines from affordable online retailers, like Zachys.com and Winelibrary.com. Both have a huge inventory and e-mail specials to customers on a weekly basis; you may be able to get discounts of up to 40 percent off or free shipping.

Also consider buying bottles from somewhat less prestigious wine-growing regions, such as Oregon; Santa Barbara, California; and France’s Loire Valley. These wines are priced up to 50 percent less than their more famous counterparts. A high-quality Bordeaux, for example, costs between $20 and $50, whereas a comparable bottle from the Loire Valley might cost as little as $10."

Naked Winery & Orgasmic Wine Company

Naked Winery & Orgasmic Wine Company -
I just found out about this place, and WOW I'm definitely turned on!
Who?
A family owned winery who produce Washington and Oregon wines. "The grapes for our red varietals (Syrah, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Merlot) are orgasmically grown in the hot and dry Apple Gate and Columbia Valley regions of Oregon and Washington respectively. While our other varietals (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Muscat and Riesling) benefit from the cool pacific marine layers of the Willamette and Illinois Valley's to produce subtle and complex wines. The vines in Washington's Columbia Valley struggle with just enough drip irrigated water to produce exceptional fruit for our big bold Chardonnays."
--
On their wine list:
Naked Winery Pinot Gris,
Sure Thing Symphony,
Foreplay Chardonnay,
Gay Rose,
Tease Riesling,
Cougar Semi-Sparkling White,
Sugar Mama Muscat,
Naked Winery Pinot Noir,
Dominatrix Pinot Noir,
Naked Winery Merlot,
Vixen Syrah,
Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon,
Missionary Cabernet Sauvignon,
Diva Sangiovese
Booty Call Blush
Picnic Table Pink
Escort Pinot Gris
Foreplay Chardonnay
Virgin Chardonnay
Naughty Chardonnay
Fling Gewurtztraminer
...and more...
---
And who can resist attending the Erotic Exotic Ball, an adult only party with prizes, catering, and erotic donuts from Voodoo Donuts!
I just might have to make a trip out West for this!

Le Caveau - November 26th, 2011 - Small Business Saturday Tasting

1) 2009 Provenza “Lugana” Lugana DOC $ 14.99
100% Trebbiano di Lugana
This white wine displays a subtle straw color with green highlights. The delicate bouquet of almonds is enhanced by a slightly salty, semi-sweet, flavor of citrus and almond butter.
Trebbiano is the second most planted grape in Italy, and this sub variety is grown in clay soil around Lake Garda. (aka the largest lake in Italy)

2) 2009 Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Chardonnay Pays d'Oc $ 9.99
100% Chardonnay
This is early-picked (for the Languedoc) unoaked Chardonnay showing nice citrus acidity, clean white fruit and a hint of aniseed. It’s crisp and fresh with a long bright finish.
Since 1791, eight generations of the Miquel family have worked the vines of their estate high in the Lanauedoc hills. To Pay tribute to his ancestries, he named this range “Père et Fils” (Father and Son) and by looking at the label you’ll see a vine with on its roots all the first names of each of Laurent’s forbearers.

3) 2007 Domaine Duseigneur “Antàres” Lirac AOC $17.99
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mouvedre
A garnet-coloured robe is draped over spice, licorice and black cherry fruit. With a long, lingering finish that presents hints of raisin, smoke, and garrigue (aka: Herbs from Provence - lavender, etc).
This biodynamically-farmed vineyard is located on the West bank of the Rhône Valley, near the picturesque village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, and in view of the slopes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. On old alluvial terraces the soil is made up of red clay and pebbles on top of a layer of sand. The vine grows through this seemingly uncultivatable soil, the farming of which requires great belief, patience and tenacity.

4) 2009 Chateau Richard “Cuvée Natural” Bergerac AOC $ 17.99
90% Merlot, 10%, Cabernet Franc
This organic Bergerac (near Bordeaux) has pretty cassis, berry fruit aromas and a pleasant supple palate with good acidity and freshness. An everyday red and an excellent value, particularly for a wine made without added sulfites.
This winery is Ecocert organic certified and no sulphur dioxide added to the wine.

5) 2006 Château Garderose “Cuvée Saint-Vincent” Lalande de Pomerol AOC $16.99
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
This red Bordeaux has a crazy complex nose of dark plum, leather, rich black fruits with light oak and tobacco notes. The palate shows firm, but mature tannins and nice balancing acidity with a subtle earthy finish.
The region of Lalande-de-Pomerol is considered a lesser-known “satellite” of the more famous Pomerol appellation, although it actually covers more acreage. Merlot is the dominant grape in the region, accounting for over 80% of the vines planted. (Cabernet Franc is a distant second.) The wines of Lalande-de-Pomerol wine is often compared to the more famous Pomerol appellation, but is sold at a fraction of the price.
I thought it smelled of fresh butter and cranberries
--
Interesting people today: Leslie McCain of Total Wine was at this tasting.

French Red Wines - November 22nd - Ms Abbie

French Red Wines - November 22nd, 2011 - Ms Abbie
"Santé !" Lets toast to the this GORGEOUS Autumn with French Red Wines. Attendees will bring 1 bottle of a French Red Wine. If you have a favorite region, please be prepared to tell us about it and why. BONUS points if your wine pairs well with Thanksgiving Turkey...
Wikipedia: French Wines - "France is the source of many grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah) that are now planted throughout the world, as well as wine-making practices and styles of wine that have been adopted in other producing countries. "
Pairings: Some amazing Pairing ideas for various French wines .

Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Baron Edmond Von Rothschild - Chateau Malmaison-Medoc-Bordeaux Superior $18.99 @ Minks (on sale)
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Must breathe well, this wine had to open up, so we re-tasted it after the other wines this night.
Color - skin of dark plum (black dark plum), blueberry, opaque,
Palate - smooth, medium bodied, crazy tannins
Aroma - Spray paint/alcohol, musky, smoky berry, earthy mushroom, dry, very dry, "tannic as hell", slight bitterness, sharp finish, some spice, "2 thumbs up" says Deb. kitty litter aroma,
Left-Bank - Rheinallt's guess?

2) 2009 Les Terrasses - Val de Loire - Chinon - Cabernet Franc $19.99 at Le Caveau
Color - magenta
Nose - Licorice, almost sweet on the nose, flowery like roses, floral on nose, smells "French", wet grass, manure, rose petals, horse manure
Palate- rosy, recommend pair with hearty meat or tomato sauce, complex earthy tones

3) 2009 Vieux Chateau Landon - Cru Borgeous - Medoc - Cyril Gilet $12.99-13.99 at CostCo
13.5% alcohol, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Color - dark garnet, heavier legs
Nose - caramel on the nose, toffee, honey nectar, malalactic and oak,
Palate - light chocolate, smooth, caramel, pair with chocolate, caramel, apple, soft tannins, good grip

4) 2009 Chateau Arnauton - Fronsac - Grand Vin de Bordeaux $12.99-13.99 at CostCo
Color - dark, less opaque, ruby red
Nose - similar to #2, but not as heavy, spicier, a bit of white pepper,
Palate - medium to full bodied, lighter than others, rounded, more refreshing, strong tannins, earthy

5) 2009 Cotes du Rhone - Chiroubles - Domaine Cheysson Recoultant $16.99 @ Ansley (grouped with Turkey pairing wines) - Gamay
Color - can see through it, candy red, no legs if at all,
Nose - candy cherry, cherry jello, guessing Gamay?, kool-aid aroma
Palate - well balanced, guessing 3-4 varietals in a blend, grown up cherry-grape flavor, easy to drink, good tartness and minerality, soft body, tannic

6) 2009 Minervois - Languedoc - Chateau Coupe Roses - Gamay $16.99 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant in Decatur
13% alcohol, (old vine Carignan/Grenache)
Color - cloudy
Nose - earthy, grapes
Palate - a bit of effervescence (reminds me of La Butte Gamay), crispier, strong minerality, delish earth,
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Tidbits:
Valerie and Rheinallt are starting list of places in ATL that have NO CORKAGE FEE so you can bring your own wines:
Murphy's
Fleming's (if wine is not on their list)
Rathbuns (if you let Chef Rathbun taste it)
Gu's Bistro - Szechuan - spicy - recommend bringing your own glasses and a white wine like a Gewurtztraminer
etc.

Le Caveau - November 19th, 2011 - Thanksgiving Wines & Eric's Picks

1) 2010 René Michel Mâcon-Villages AOC $21.99
100% Chardonnay
Delicate varietal aromas with flavors of apple and melon offset by citrus notes. Great texture for a Macon, fresh and minerally, with great creaminess on the finish.
Domaine Michel have been making wines from old vines on the best slopes of Clessé in the Mâconnais, south of Burgundy for six generations. The winemaking is deliberately slow and natural, without any addition of commercial yeast or chaptalization. This wine is aged stainless steel tanks (fermentation under controlled temperature) for about eight months, and bottled in the spring following the harvest.

2) 2008 Westrey Reserve Pinot Noir Williamette Valley $33.99
Barrel selected Pinot Noir from: 30% Momtazi Vineyard, 50% La Cantera Vineyard, and 20% Oracle Vineyard.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, July/August 2010, Issue #151
“Bright red. Pungent, expressive aromas of strawberry and raspberry preserves, white pepper, spicecake, rose and blond tobacco. Round and silky, with a firm tannic spine shaping the spicy red and dark berry flavors. The tannins fade into the sweet fruit on the finish, which strongly echoes the darker fruit qualities and leaves spice and floral notes behind. I'd hold onto this for at least a few more years.” 92 points
Amy Wesselman together with co-winemaker David Autrey, the two founded Westrey Wine Company in 1993. Each has had extensive winemaking experience (Amy at Oregon’s Bethel Heights and The Eyrie Vineyards and Burgundy’s Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine de L’Arlot and; David at Oregon’s Adelsheim, Cameron and Burgundy’s Domaine Dujac). The two met while studying philosophy at Reed College in Portland and their philosophy of winemaking is nicely summed up in their tag line: “Texture and terroir amidst post-industrial splendor.” This reserve wine was aged in 25% new wood and 20% one-year old, with the balance coming from neutral wood.

3) 2008 Château Ollieux Romanis “Cuvée Classique” Corbières AOC $17.99
45% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 20% Syrah (hand harvested with partial carbonic maceration (or fermentation with CO2 and yeast))
The deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Corbieres Classique exhibits meaty, garrigue, black cherry and black currant notes, medium to full-bodied flavors, abundant fruit and an attractive headiness.
During the middle ages the monks of the nearby Fontfroide Abbey developed their own wine making and growing techniques, continually improving the quality of the wines and consolidating their “savoir faire” in the region. Still visible today on the domain are some of the abbey’s ancient tombs and vestiges.
Ollieux Romanis = Roman Olives

4) 2009 Château d'Oupia Minervois AOC $12.99
60% Carignan (from vineyards up to 100 years old), 30% Syrah and 10% Grenache.
It is densely colored and aromatic with pretty black plum, blackberry and wild herb. The wine is elegant and balanced with good structure and length. A great every day wine value from the Languedoc region in the south of France.
Century-old vines are tough to find, but André Iché has plenty of them on his Minervois hillsides. Iché, , tended his very old vines and made his wines but sold everything in bulk to local négociants. Twenty years ago, a Burgundian winemaker happened to be in Oupia, tasted Iché’s wines, and was so enthused that he convinced Iché to bottle and market his production.
d'Oupia = doo-PEE-uh

5) 2004 L'Arco Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ripasso $27.99
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and a bit of Croatina
The nose at first shows rich chocolate covered cherry, turning to crushed fall leaves, and herbs. The palate is remarkably finessed and showing , dried cherries, and tobacco. The mid-palate is rich with cherries and finishes with lingering spice note.
This wine is made using the ripasso technique. With this technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of Amarone are added to Valpolicella wines for a second fermentation then aged in Slovonian oak barrels.
Thicker-denser

Le Caveau - Taste of Italy DINNER and Wine Tasting - 11/16/2011

Le Caveau - "Taste of Italy" DINNER and Wine Tasting - 11/16/2011 - 6:30pm - $75/person

This Italian themed dinner featured a selection of Italian artisanal wines, each paired with traditional dishes, hand-crafted by a local expert in Italian cuisine, Chef Adam Waller of Sotto Sotto. The dinner was held at Le Caveau 6:30pm.

"Taste of Italy" Menu & Wine Pairings:

NV Ferrari Brut Rosé Trento (375ml - $14.99)
Veal Tartare with iGreco White Truffle oil spritz

2009 Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino ($23.99)
Carmelized fennel soup with Little Neck Clams and crispy Guanciale

1999 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate Le Coste ($164.99)
Risotto Milanese with Bone Marrow Espuma

1999 Il Macchione Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva ($59.99)
Braised Rabbit Pappardelle with Swiss Chard

2003 Scubla Friuli Verduzzo Friulano Cràtis ($26.99)
Maple Panna Cotta with bacon dust

Some photos:

Veal Tartare with iGreco White Truffle oil spritz
(Quail Egg in center, other ingredients included Red Onion, Capers, Red Watercress leaves, Parsley, and fried Pumpernickel crumbles)

Braised Rabbit Pappardelle with Swiss Chard
(Chef Adam Waller actually made the Pappardelle pasta himself)

Maple Panna Cotta with bacon dust

2003 Scubla Friuli Verduzzo Friulano Cràtis ($26.99)
Maple Panna Cotta with bacon dust

Matthew, my husband, looking so "amused" that I'm Photographing his "gluttony" ;)

Tidbits on the experience:
Chef Adam Waller is simply amazing. He's a quiet, humble, and almost shy man. While he was obviously pleased that everyone enjoyed his food, he truly seems to love his craft and has a quiet pride in his work. I was in awe of him and his fantastic abilities. Currently, he has moved from Sotto Sotto to EScorpion. I love how down-to-earth and approachable Adam is. If you met him in passing on the street, you'd never know he is a famous chef. His creativity is not limited to the kitchen I imagine, and I'm curious to know the stories behind his various tattoos. Someone compared him to the likes of Daniel Boulud last night, and having dined at one of Boulud's restaurants in New York, I would wholeheartedly agree.

Tasting Notes:
1) NV Ferrari Brut Rosé Trento (375ml - $14.99)
Pinot Nero and Chardonnay varietals used to make this Rose.
Photo of the bottle. Paired with: Veal Tartare with iGreco White Truffle oil spritz
This Rose paired perfectly with the Veal. The CantineFerrari website is almost as amazing as the wine itself, and is chock full of wise quotes. "Those who are thirsty for beauty are never satiated by passions." "The historian describes events, the artist brings them to life"

"The legend of Ferrari began with a man, Giulio Ferrari, and with his dream of creating a wine in Italy inspired by the very finest French Champagne. A skilled and painstaking enologist who

had studied at the prestigious School of Viticulture in Montpellier, Giulio created Ferrari in 1902..." go to their site to read more.

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2) 2009 Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino ($23.99)
Fiano di Avellino is the varietal.
Carmelized fennel soup with Little Neck Clams and crispy Guanciale
Words cannot describe this magnificent soup. I think this is the very best soup I have ever tasted. I wonder if I can somehow get Adam to let me see the recipe? The wine paired very nicely as well. and comes from the Campania region. The grapes are harvested in bunches and later spend 3 months in stainless steel. This is a full-bodied white wine, with fresh floral aromas and a palate of fresh minerality.
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3) 1999 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate Le Coste ($164.99)
Nebbiolo is the varietal
Risotto Milanese with Bone Marrow Espuma
The risotto was just delicious! The Bone Marrow Espuma really gave it a creamy and flavorful taste. It came garnished with a sprig of thyme, which I kept nibbling in between bites. The thyme gave the whole dish a bit of a kick of new flavor. POW!
We were given an special page of notes about Guiseppe Rinaldi, the winemaker, who insists on natural, unmanipulated wines. "Tradition is a constant theme in his thoughts, and he mourns the special connection with the land that he believes has been eradicated by technology". My favorite part about him was the excerpt..."the only concession to anything resembling contemporary is an old fashioned rotary telephone, which seems to genuinely annoy him each time it rang..." - the Barolo is aged in Slovenia barrels, and wine spectator recently gave it 97 points, the highest rated of 1999. Matthew says "it's so light, it tastes like angels dancing on your tongue." Wine spectator says it has a "beautiful perfume of flowers, mushroom, and forest underbrush" with "fine tension and mineral elements, followed by notes of chai spices and sandalwood on the long finish."
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4) 1999 Il Macchione Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva ($59.99)
Prugnolo Gentile is the varietal (a clone of Sangiovese)
Braised Rabbit Pappardelle with Swiss Chard
As stated above, Chef Adam made the Pappardelle pasta himself. It was absolutely delicious. The wine paired perfectly, and I would say this was my FAVORITE wine of the evening. It had an amazing nose, "dry, full, long finish with floral notes of violets and minerality." Il Macchione's site quote is "as long as it takes" - a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with (when it comes to wine). The winemaker's story is fascinating. Swiss dentist, "Azienda Agricola" decided he preferred wine-making to dentistry, and abruptly switched careers. He spent time in California, and apprenticed quite a bit before founding Il Macchione, on a hill in the heart of "Le Caggiole."
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5) 2001 Brigaldara Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico ($69.99)
Corvina Blend (typically comprised of varietals: Corvina 40-70%, Rondinella 20-40%, and Molinara 5-25%)
No food pairing for this one. I believe this wine was more of a "palate cleanser" or "digestif" in between courses. I really enjoyed this wine and would say it was my 2nd favorite of the evening. Brigaldara is located just outside the town of San Floriano, in the heart of Valpolicella (which literally means "valley of many cellars"), just north of Verona. It is situated at the entrance of the Valley of Marano, one of four valleys that constitute the area of "Classical" Valpolicella. The name "Brigaldara" first appears in a deed in 1260 (just to illustrate the history of the name). Wine Spectator says this wine is "a clean-cut Amarone, with a balanced mix of raisin and spicy oak. Medium-to-full-bodied, with fine tannins, and a clean, spicy finish."
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6) 2003 Scubla Friuli Verduzzo Friulano Cràtis ($26.99)
Verduzzo Fruilano is the varietal
Maple Panna Cotta with bacon dust
Good lord, this was a decadent dessert. I'm already a huge fan of Panna Cotta, but this was a heavier, thicker, and creamier version. I compared it to EggNog, as in an EggNog Panna Cotta. that is what I tasted anyway. I think there was vanilla bean in it, which might have been the cause of the beautiful black flecks in this masterpiece. With or without the bacon on the side, the dish was superb. Chef Adam tiptoed out of the kitchen to tell us this was his dessert inspiration of pancakes, eggs,and bacon. The wine paired well again, but was almost too sweet for me. It has a rich golden orange color, and an wonderful nose. One sip was enough for me. It made me think of the "Lumiere" fruit (or Faery Fruit) as it could/should have tasted on True Blood. However, I could not drink very much of the wine. It was just a bit thick, sweet, and juicy for me. According to the Scubla website: "Intense amber colour; acacia honey, walnut husk and vanilla bouquet. Sweet and concentrated, with hints of dry fruit, figs, citrus fruits and caramel combined with the typical tannin content of the grapes." We were also told the wine was very labor intensive and is harvested late, almost into ice wine harvesting time.
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Other thoughts:
We met a lot of people during the dinner, including a gentlemen named Chance and his wife (newlyweds, and she works at a Wine Bistro in Decatur/Stone Mountain area?). Also, a guy named Red was there (who owns/works a Cigar store in Marietta - Tobacco World). We met a nice older couple who had some amazing stories to tell us. The gentlemen was Scottish, a MacDonald of Arnold, who played bagpipes here in town for many years. He told us about "Open That Bottle Night" which is the last Saturday night in February. It was a tradition started by some journalists from the New York Times. He sent in a tidbit about a bottle he and a friend opened that night, and they did an article on him. The wife told us about an experience in Paris (Montmartre area) called "Lapin Agile" featuring a Steve Martin play about Picasso and Einstein. Lapin Agile means Nimble Rabbit.
Another lady there was talking of a place in Scottsdale, AZ called Cowboy Ciao - which I am now convinced I must try! I believe she also said she had a "black thumb" as I do (I cannot keep any plant from dying to save my life). Very cool people!
Before we said "Ciao", the Scottish Man and his Wife did their toast. It went something like (and please forgive me as I was STUFFED with food and a little toasty from wine at this point): "Not above me, not below me, but Beside me."
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Just the caliber of people who attended this dinner made me VERY glad to be a part of Le Caveau's world. I really enjoy the people, the wine, and the unique experiences there.
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When is the next dinner?!? I can't wait!

Le Caveau - Wine Tasting - 11/12/2011

Special Guests: Greg Schlagdenhauffen, the North American Market Manager for Kuentz-Bas and Olivier Savoye of Northeast Sales were at Le Caveau Saturday, showing the following wines: 1) 2009 Kuentz-Bas Alsace Blanc The cuvée is a blend of 60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois and 10% Chasselas and straddles the line of both rich and light. The Sylvaner and Chasselas grapes add to the precision and definition of the blend, while the Auxerrois and Muscat lend aromatic intensity and a lush texture. This wine is dry, but bold and full in flavor with roasted apples, lemon custard, flowers and an exotic spice tone. 2) 2008 Kuentz-Bas Muscat An explosive nose expresses aromas of white peach, flowers, herbs and apricot .The palate is clean, crisp, full of fruit and finesse. 3) 2009 Kuentz-Bas Riesling Wine Spectator 92 points: "A firm Riesling, with razor-sharp acidity backing fruit flavors of Granny Smith apple, juicy tangerine and pink grapefruit, underscored by stone and smoke notes and a hint of fresh earth. It's all deftly woven together in a focused, elegant package, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2020. " Le Caveau staff showed these Red Wines also: 4) 2008 Domaine Vincent and Sophie Morey Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière This wine has an elegant nose elegant nose with notes of red raspberry and cherry fruit that is echoed on the palate balanced by bright acidity and a wonderfully stony finish. Sophie and Vincent Morey both come from families of wine-growers. They set up their own domaine in 2006 and had their first harvest in 2007. When Vincent's father Bernard Morey, a leading personality in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet, took his retirement, Vincent took over the a part of the holding. In the same year Sophie was making her first vintage for the Ménager-Belland domaine in Santenay. 5) 2009 Pascal Lambert Chinon "Les Terraces" Made from a bio-dynamically farmed vineyard, this 100% Cabernet Franc is free of sulphur additives. This is terrific Chinon with dark cherry, blueberry, and herbs on the nose. It is showing and rich dark and ripe red fruit on the palate with crisp acidity and great length.

We Did It - Sunday Sales!!!

Sunday Sales Referendum - Metro Atlanta

1)See the Google Map for Details
2)11 Alive News
3) AJC News - “The results of today’s election,” Georgia Food Industry Association lobbyist Kathy Kuzava said, “have shown that the vast majority of voters overwhelmingly support the opportunity to purchase all of their groceries, including beer and wine, seven days per week.”
Don't go dropping 12-packs on the checkout conveyer belt just yet. Stores that can offer the sales will be spotty throughout the area, and in places where voters approved, effective dates will vary, ranging from the second Sunday after election results get certified to perhaps as late as February.
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My personal opinion, is why would you let someone drink alcohol in a restaurant on Sunday, with the danger of them driving home drunk... As opposed to letting them buy alcohol and drink at home on Sunday? Seriously, it's backwards thinking.
AND now that we CAN buy Alcohol on Sundays, doesn't mean we HAVE to. It just means we don't have to stop and go "oh crap today's Sunday, I guess I won't have any beer for when my friends come over to watch the Football game..."
I was rather disturbed by the Christian Coalition's effort to stop this from passing. WHY would this be a religious issue? It isn't about religion. If you don't want to buy Alcohol on Sunday, nobody is forcing you to, and it isn't part of a religious requirement. They need to choose their battles a bit more wisely, in my humble Wino opinion.
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VOTE! Vote YES for Sunday Sales!!!

VOTE! Vote YES for Sunday Sales!!!
Apparently, since I live in the "Unincorporated DeKalb" part of Atlanta, this item wasn't even ON my ballot. But I still went to vote.
Please if you DO have this item on your ballot in Georgia today, please vote YES for Sunday Sales!

Thank you,
TWITs Wine Club

Chanson Pere et Fils Tasting - Le Caveau - Nov. 3rd, 2011

Abbie with Gilles de Courcel (jeel dey Core-sell, soft j)

Exciting!
A pre-sale tasting of some of the red and white Burgundies of Chanson Père et Fils from the blockbuster 2009 vintage. Gilles de Courcel, President of Chanson Père et Fils will be on hand. This is a great opportunity to taste and pre-order some wines (they will arrive from France in early 2012) from a specatacular vintage along with some cheeses and charcuterie.

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Gilles de Courcel is as Burgundian as they come: born and raised in Pommard, he has worked in the wine trade his entire life. His family has owned and run the Domaine de Courcel for more than 400 years. Indeed, you could say that Gilles, like the wines, "was born in the vineyard." After completing a degree in business administration in the early 1980s, he left Burgundy to work in Reims as export director for one of the greatest houses of Champagne. The mid-1990s found him in Bordeaux where he worked with top producers in Médoc, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes. In 2002 the Bollinger family asked him to look after their new acquisition, the Chanson estate. Of course, they wanted someone with his vast experience, but they also desired a bona fide Burgundian, an experienced manager and trusted friend who could restore the glory of this once noble Négociant.

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The wine maker, son of legendary winemaker Jean-Jacques "Jacky" Confuron, Jean-Pierre Confuron launched his career working for his family's domaine in Vosne-Romanée (Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot). After studying enology first in Champagne and then in Burgundy, he worked as a consultant to the famed Chateau de La Tour in Clos de Vougeot while continuing his father's legacy at the family's estate. He is a lecturer in viticulture and winemaking at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune and an active member of the Union des Oenologues de France. In 1999, after Bollinger asked him to conduct a study of Chanson's vineyards, he developed and implemented a program to improve growing and winemaking there. A member of an elite Burgundian family and an esteemed winemaker in his own right, Confuron developed partnerships with some of the best growers in Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.

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Tastings Notes:

Whites:

1) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Puligny Montrachet $55.99

Burghound, July 2011, Issue #43 (7/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

Discreet if not invisible wood does not unduly dampben the expressiveness of the pretty mix of ripe orchard fruit and floral aromas that are in keeping with the notably ripe and seductively textured medium-bodied flavors that possess good fat and volume before culminating in a sappy, mouth-coating, and lingering finish. I like the generosity, but there isn't enough complexity to raise this to the next level. 88 points
Abbie says - "I like this one, it has a scent of soft pine box"
2) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Pernand Vergelesses Les Caradeaux Blanc 1er Cru $64.99

Burghound, July 2011, Issue #43 (7/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

Moderate wood influence still allows the ripe pear, white peach and citrus aromas to be seen. There is very good richness to the supple, forward and fleshy medium weight flavors that finish with fine length if perhaps less depth than might be expected for the appellation. 88-90 points
Abbie says "Pernand Vergelesses (Pair-non Vair-gel-aize) - Les Caradeauex (hill on the left, facing east), slight sulfur, flint scent, but not unpleasant. this is a sweeter wine, perhaps too sweet for me."

3) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Beaune Clos de Mouches Blanc $96.99

Burghound, July 2011, Issue #43 (7/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

Background wood notes mix with mostly floral and citrus hints to serve as a graceful introduction to the rich, round and naturally sweet flavors that exude a fine minerality on the forward finish that possesses just enough grip to suggest that this will require 2 to 3 years of cellar time to arrive at its peak. 88-91 points
Abbie says "Beaune (Bonne), Clos de Mouches (Cloe-day-Moosh) means honey bees."

4) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Corton-Vergennes Domaine Des Héritiers P.Chanson Grand Cru $144.99

Burghound, July 2011, Issue #43 (7/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

A reserved, indeed almost reluctant nose though persistent swirling coaxes notes of white flower, green fruit and distinct stone nuances. There is excellent richness to the powerful and relatively well-concentrated flavors that display plenty of extract on the dry, stony and solidly persistent finish that also exhibits a trace of austerity. 91 points
Abbie says "Corton-Vergennes" (Core-tone Vair-gen)"

5) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Chablis Montmains 1er Cru $39.99

Burghound, July 2011, Issue #43 (7/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

An expressive nose of floral and iodine hints leads to rich, round and textured middle weight flavors that display a discreet minerality on the dry finish and just enough Chablis character to be interesting. This very forward effort should drink well almost immediately. 87 points

6) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Chablis $24.99
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Reds:

1) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Dominode$ 44.99

Burghound, May 2011, Issue #42 (5/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

Here the nose is exuberantly fresh and bright with plenty of Savigny-style earth to the ripe red pinot fruit nose. The rich yet well-delineated flavors are notably firm yet the underlying tannins possess complete phenolic ripeness, all wrapped in a long if only moderately complex finish. 88-91 points

2) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves $59.99

Burghound, May 2011, Issue #42 (5/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

A very ripe and expressive nose speaks of red and black berry fruit that are liberally laced with warm earth nuances that continue onto the rich and quite finely detailed middle weight flavors that possess both good volume and fine complexity on the firm, complex and mildly austere finish. 89-91 points

3) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves $84.99

Burghound, May 2011, Issue #42 (5/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

This appears to be even riper though not surmature with an expressive nose of raspberry liqueur, cassis and warm earth where the latter element also suffuses the rich, mouth coating and relatively powerful medium-bodied flavors that are structured, intense and impressively persistent. There is a robustness to this that will require 12 to 15 years to fully soften. 90-92 points
Abbie says "Clos" refers to closed by walls. Chanson is the only producer of Clos De Feves, we call this a Monopole."

4) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Clos Vougeot Grand Cru $199.99

Burghound, May 2011, Issue #42 (5/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

A deft touch of wood sets off a similar earthy red berry fruit nose in the sense that it is reserved to the point of being mute. The equally earthy and broad-scaled flavors possess excellent volume and the tannins are fully ripe and are buffered by an abundance of dry extract, all wrapped in a hugely long and mouth coating finish. Like the Clos de Bèze, this is unabashedly built to age and will need all of 20 years to arrive at its peak. In a word, terrific. 92-94 points

5) 2009 Chanson Père et Fils Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru $274.99

Burghound, May 2011, Issue #42 (5/1/2011) By Allen Meadows

In contrast to the expressiveness of many of the foregoing wines, this is almost mute aromatically though aggressive swirling coaxes grudging notes of spice and ripe red berry fruit. The cool, restrained and discreetly mineral-driven flavors possess real drive and gorgeous detail on the extremely firm but persistent finish. This classy effort is very much built for long-term aging and as such, will not be for everyone. 91-94 points

6) 2007 Chanson Père et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin $54.99

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"Attention to detail is everything in Burgundy," says de Courcel. "Detail, patience, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process are what make Chanson's wines stand apart," he explains.

"For me it is a great honor and very exciting to have been asked to work for such a historic and illustrious house of Burgundy, one of the original estates of the modern era where it all began."

Le Caveau - Fall Weather Wines - October 29, 2011

Le Caveau - Fall Weather Wines - October 29, 2011

1) 2010 Banshee Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $15.99
100% Sauvignon Blanc
This is a slighty grassy, lemon blossom and citrusy Sauvignon blanc, with a rush of melony goodness on the palate. Medium-bodied, this wine has good texture AND acidity, which would come as no surprise if you knew the wine's source. Banshee gets 98% of the fruit from one of the top three Sauvignon Blanc producers in the Napa Valley. Try this with fresh-shucked oysters, a lobster boil or even a Chinese dish.
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2) 2010 Damien Coquelet Chiroubles $21.99
100% Gamay
This wine jumps from the glass with an open and floral nose followed by notes of wild raspberry, ripe cherry, herbs and brown spice. The palate shows the succulence and freshness that is the hallmark of the 2010 vintage along with a smoky minerality and nice grip.
Damien is George Descombes’ son and he’s been working the vineyards of cru Beaujolais since he was five years old. Heis drawing a lot of attention for his beautifully pure renditions of Beaujolais from the cru of Chiroubles. Chiroubles has the highest elevation of Beaujolais' 10 crus, and it is this elevation-coupled with granite-based soils-that gives the wines of Chiroubles their floralperfume and incisive cut.
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3) 2009 La Ferme du Mont Côtes du Rhône Premiere Cote $21.99
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah
The 2009 Cotes du Rhone Premiere Cote is an amazingly sexy, lush, full-bodied, Cotes du Rhone with loads of black cherry and black currant fruit, a deep, concentrated mouthfeel and a silky finish. It should drink nicely for 2-4 years if you can resist it that long.
Stephane Vedeau, one of the young, energetic Turks of Chateauneuf du Pape, has emerged from the woodwork to produce stunning wines in 2007 as well as 2008 and 2009. Something about him reminds me of the obsessive-compulsive St.-Emilion proprietor, Francois Mitjaville. This is a seriously talented winemaker who is quickly emerging as a star of the southern Rhone.
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4) 2009 Domaine Daniel Rion et Fils Bourgogne $14.99
100% Pinot Noir
This Bourgogne presents a moderate crimson color in its youth, then becomes orange/ruby after a few years of aging in bottle. The cherry and blackcurrant flavors are marked in its youth, after wich game and mushroom appear on the nose supported by candied fruits on the palate. The vines are distributed on several parcels located in the bottom of a mineral-rich hillside in Nuits Saint George on a gentle slope of silt and clay. These 2.13 hectars of vines have an average age of 20 years.
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5) 2008 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape $54.99
75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mouvèdre and 5% Cinsault and others.
Classic notes of kirsch, plum, spice box, cedar, and garrigue are accompanied by deep fruit, an attractive dark ruby/plum color, and surprising body as well as depth for a 2008. It should drink well young, and evolve for up to a decade.
93 points Wine Spectator: "This is rock-solid, with crushed raspberry, kirsch, juniper and smoked apple wood notes, backed by a broad, plush, spice- and anise-filled finish. Nicely rounded and integrated for the vintage. Drink now through 2021."
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We loved #5 (of course), but I was also in love with #2, it was "like drinking roses."

Le Caveau - Rose Tasting - October 21st, 2011

Le Caveau - Rosé Tasting for Breast Cancer Awareness - October 21st, 2011
Featuring 5 of Le Caveau's favorite Roses.

1) 2010 Domaine du Deffends “Rosé d'une Nuit”
Grenache/Cinsault Blend
This Rosé is pale salmon in color, with floral aromas. On the palate, it shows deliciously ripe fruit with a definite herbal note and crisp, refreshing acidity. The wine finishes with with faint notes of pink grapefruit.
The wine is name after the method of vinification: it is bled off at night following the harvest, as soon as the juice reaches the optimal color.

2) 2010 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé
Mourvedre, with Grenache and Cinsault
Light orange, medium/full bodied with a nose of dried cherry, musky herbs and flowers, plus a hint of white pepper. 2010 bottling is quite rich this year and built to handle full-flavored food. Dry, smooth on the palate.
In the early ’70s Michel and Louis Bronzo acquired the property of the Bastide Blanche, with the goal of producing top Bandol wines to rival their more famous cousins in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

3) 2010 Alain Brumont Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne Rosé
1/3 Tannat, 1/3 Syrah, 1/3 Merlot
This wine has a pale pink color. The nose shows bright raspberry and a savory note. On the palate, the wine is round and rich with a fresh finish.
Alain Brumont was elected “The best Wine Grower of the 80’s” in 1991 by the Gault Millau and received the Légion of Honor, the highest decoration in France in 1999.

4) 2010 Domaine de Triennes Rosé
Cinsault Blend
This wine is pale pink with peach on the nose. On the palate white peach flavor, some subtle red fruits, and minerals. This is one of those Roses that you have a glass and then another and before you know it the bottle is empty.
Domaine de Triennes is jointly owned by Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee Conti.

5) 2010 Château Mourgues du Gres Rosé “Fleur d'Eglantine”
Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan
With an excellent aromatic length and depth, this vintage displays fresh, elegant and ethereal floral notes layered over aromas of pear and light red fruits, including raspberry and red currant.
The soil of the Costières-de-Nîmes region is essentially composed of alluvium stones from the Alps. Here, the sun shines all year long, ensuring that the grapes reach optimum maturity. "Sine Sole Nihil" (Nothing without sunshine).
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Le Caveau - Sicily & Sardinia - October 15, 2011

Le Caveau - Sicily & Sardinia - October 15, 2011

Marie Ballard of Palm Bay Imports came by Le Caveau to show some excellent wines from Planeta in Sicily and Sella & Mosca in Sardinia.

1) 2010 Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna DOC $12.99
100% Vermentino
Pale yellow, elegant and supple, this single-vineyard wine couples fullness of flavor with an underlying acidity. Named for a small, secluded cove fringed by violet colored thistles on the edge of the Sella & Mosca estate. Shows an exceptional affinity with seafood, thanks to the very subtle presence of a natural marine salinity in the wine, due to the vineyard's seaside location.

2) 2008 Planeta Chardonnay di Sicilia IGT $39.99
100% Chardonnay
This has a golden yellow color with lively green glints and an intense nose of peach, golden apple, white figs, meringue and hints of hazelnut. The palate is concentrated, fresh and focused with lively acidity.

3) 2009 Planeta La Segreta IGT $12.99
50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Franc
Explosive aromas of cocoa and tobacco along with mulberry, plums and balsamic notes. The palate conisists of fresh red fruits, with supple tannins and balanced acidity.

4) 2007 Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva $12.99
100% Cannonau (Native Grenache)
Bright ruby color, with purple hues, the aromas project ripe red berry, including strawberry and raspberry. In the mouth, coffee, spices and herbs, including an aroma of violets, plummy fruit flavours and aristocratic oak overtone. Full, round, fruit forward, consumer friendly taste profile. Oak aged for two years in large Slavonian casks with several additional months in the bottle. Medium-bodied for food-friendly matchings.

5) 2007 Planeta Santa Cecilia Nero d'Avola di Sicilia $39.99
100% Nero d'Avola
The aromatic profile shows notes of sour fruit and ripe plum mixed with citrus fruit, carob and licorice. The fresh palate echoes those notes with compact tannins and the hallmark acidity of Nero d’Avola.

Le Caveau - Iugum - October 8th, 2011

Le Caveau - Iugum - October 8th, 2011
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2001 Peter Dipoli “Iugum” Alto Adige DOC $24.99
(the only other retailer on the internet selling this wine has it at $48)
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Merlot is harvested from mid-September, Cabernet Sauvignon from mid-October and then each grape variety is vinified separately. Both the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon undergo malolactic fermentation in new barriques. The Cabernet Sauvignon is then aged in new barriques, while the Merlot is aged in second and third-use barriques both for 12 months, after which the wines are blended to make Iugum . After 60 days in stainsteel vats, Iugum is bottled and then released after 24 months in the bottle. Annual production of this wine is only 6,500 bottles.

This vineyard parcel is located on the slope of Magré one of the warmest vineyard areas of Alto Adige. The warm temperature and the soil structure with high clay content determined the selection of Bordeaux varieties to be planted in the vineyard. The objective with Iugum was to produce a great red wine which could be barrel aged and withstand long bottle ageing. Iugum (iou-gum) means “yoke” in Latin and is also used in very early agricultural texts in reference to vines being trained on a support. "
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Random Learning Whilst Tasting:
The 5 Bordeaux Grapes Are:
1) Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Merlot
3) Cabernet Franc
4) Petite Verdot
5) Malbec

Le Caveau - Spain & Portugal Wine Tasting - 9/24/11

Le Caveau - Spain & Portugal Wine Tasting - 9/24/11
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1) 2010 Bodegas Pedro Escudero ‘Fuente Milano’ Rueda DO $10.99
50% Viura, 50% Verdejo
This wine has a light, bright yellow color with melon, grapefruit, and with faint herbal note on the nose. There is intense citrus fruit on the palate with nice weight, crisp acidity and a fresh finish.
The Escudero family and patriarch Pedro in particular are recognized as being some of the very best grape growers in all of Rueda, and own “Fuente Elvira” a vineyard planted with 32 hectares of Verdejo and 2 hectares of 80 year old vine Viura. The vineyard contains gravel and sand over a red clay sub-soil. They farm all of their plots with organic practices.

2) 2009 Bodegas Abanico ‘Tempestad’ Godello Valdeorras DO $18.99
100% Godello
This wine has a medium golden color, and an intense nose of ripe peach, pear tart and tropical fruit. The palate is concentrated with rich stone fruit and a gorgeous texture/mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity.
The winery was founded in 1964 and has vineyards in 4 different villages of Valdeorras with slate, granite and alluvial soils. Godello possesses the capacity to age well like chardonnay in Burgundy and Riesling in Germany.

3) 2008 Monte da Ravasqueira ‘Fonte da Serrana’ Alentejo $14.99
Mostly Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira with Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon
With a deep garnet hue, this wine shows smoky dried fruit, anise and raspberry fruit aromas. The wine shows rich red fruit on the palate with prominent acidity, soft tannins and an earthy finish.
Monte da Ravasqueira is based in the Alentejo region, in south-central Portugal. In addition to wine, they are involved in the production of cork, olive oil and honey, as well as breeding Lusitanian horses.

4) 2007 Bodegas Neo ‘Neo Sentido’ Ribera del Duero DO $24.99
100% Tempranillo
This wine has a dark ruby color and has ripe black cherry with hints of earth and licorice. On the palate is sports dark, ripe, concentrated fruit with round tannins, velvety texture and a lengthy finish.
Produced from leased, old vine (60 year old vines with growing conditions managed by the winery) fruit and fruit from young estate vines. Aged in new, one and two year old, 60% French and 40% American oak for 8 months, it is bottled without fining or filtration

5) 2004 Bodegas Valduero 'Valduero' Reserva Ribera del Duero DO $34.99
100% Tempranillo
Dark garnet colored, it shows black cherry, leather, herbs, and espresso. The palate echoes with rich dark fruit with firm structure, but is easy to drink on not at all heavy. This wine is very complex with balancing acidity and a nice mineral-driven finish.
The 2004 Valduero Reserva spent 30 months in French and American oak and then another 18 months in bottle before release. The Reserva is only produced in the best vintages.

Wine Shoe - Wine 101 Class -

Wine Shoe - Wine 101 Class - Saturday 09/17/2011 2:45pm.
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For those unfamiliar, Wine Shoe is a boutique wine shop in the Castleberry Hill area of Atlanta. Nora is the owner. They have roughly 140 small-production wines available for sale, mostly from Europe, Central and South America, and South Africa, and a few from California. Most of the wines are under $20 in price, which makes it much more affordable to Drink Well! They are also retailers of the ISAW Foundation recommended wines from M'Hudi and Seven Sisters wineries - which makes ME a HUGE fan off the bat.
Wine Shoe Classes - Also Wine Shoe hosts classes on various weeknights and weekends. See their website for details and registration.
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We went to Wine Shoe for the Wine 101 class. Yes yes I know, we are not complete beginners, but it is always good to go back to the beginning to learn things you may have forgotten, or learn new things you missed when jumping into the Wine World the first time. Back to the basics we went.
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Our instructor was Teresa (Tair-ray-suh), a lovely woman who can be instantly recognized by her black beret . you may have seen her around town? I know I have run into her on several occasions. She loves good food and wine, and she is hysterically funny to talk with. I adore her!
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Top Ten Most Used Wine Terms (ok maybe more than 10).
Aroma (also bouquet, perfume, nose, scent), the intensity and character of the aroma can be assessed with nearly any descriptive adjective. Usually refers to the particular smell of the grape variety. The word "Bouquet" is usually restricted to describing the aroma of a cellar-aged bottled wine.
Balance balance of wine elements (ie: no individual part is dominant). Acid balances sweetness, fruit balances oak and tannin content, alcohol is balanced against acidity and flavor. Wine not in balance may be acidic, cloying, flat, or harsh.
Crisp - wine having a pronounced but pleasing tartness, acidity. Fresh, young and eager, begs to be drunk. In general used to describe white wines only, especially those of Muscadet de Sevres et Maine from the Loire region of France.
Dry- dry wine types have sugars that have been all used up to create alcohol. The wine possesses little or no sweetness.
Finish- term used to describe the taste left in the mouth after swallowing the wine. Both character and length of the aftertaste are part of the total evaluation. The finish may be harsh, hot, soft, and lingering, short, smooth, tannic, or non-existant at all.
Fruity- used for any quality that refers to the body and richness of a wine made from good, ripe grapes. A fruity wine has an apple-like or berry-like, or herbaceous character. Fruitiness implies a little extra sweetness.
Smooth/Soft/Velvety - Generally has low acid-tannin content. Also describes wines with low alcohol content. Consequently has little impact on the palate.
Spicy - almost a synonym for peppery. Implies a softer, more rounded flavor nuance however.
Structure - the flavor plan, so to speak. Suggests completeness of the wine, all the parts there, term needs a modifier in order to mean something (ie: brawny)
Sulphites - preservatives
Tannins - a naturally occurring substance in grape skins, seeds, and stems. Is primarily responsible for the basic "bitter" component in wines. Acts as a natural preservative, helping the development, and in the right proportion, balance of the wine. It is considered a fault when present in excess.
Taste - The four basic sensations detectable by the human tongue. The tip of the tongue contains the taste receptors registering sweetness, just a little further back, at the sides, the taste will appear salty, behind that the flavor will have a sour taste at the sides, finally dissolving into bitterness at the near center-rear of the tongue.
Terroir (tear-r-wah) - medium that the grape vines are growing in (land, geographical location, winds, weather, soil, etc).
Varietal - grape or variety of grape used to make the wine, sometimes many varietals are used in a wine, then it is considered a blend.
Vintage - the year or age of the wine
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Classic Varietal Information
Cabernet Sauvignon -(Cab-er-nay-Saw-veen-yawn) - classic red - distinctive black currant aroma can develop bouquet nuances of cedar, violets, leather earth, or tobacco. typically has a tannic edge that will soften and smooth considerably with time. It's a wine that ages extremely well, and indeed produces striking results after a long storage period.
Chardonnay - (Shar-doe-nay)- classic white - unmistakable in the mouth because of its impeccable sugar/acid balance, full body, and smooth ripe flavors. It often smells like apples, peaches, or tropical fruits. Popular throughout the world, it is the most commonly planted varietal in California.
Chenin Blanc - (Shen-nin-blahnk) classic white - the most vibrant comes from the Loire Valley of France, but it is the leading white grape of South Africa, where it is known as Steen. It is full, round, and effortless to drink.
Merlot - (mer-low) classic red - Merlots tend to be dry, rich in flavor, and smooth in finish. The bouquet is ripe with berry and fruit smells, and thus the wines tend to have fruit forward flavors. Merlots can be consumed soon after bottling, but can age for long periods for optimal tasting.
Pinot Noir - (Pee-no-nwar) classic red - lighter color and bodied red wine, with intense complex flavors and a silky texture. Somewhat dry in its taste, the flavors often include berries, plums, cherries, rose petals, and mushrooms. The grapes are difficult to grow and susceptible to disease, making the varietal an excellent challenge for most winemakers. This varietal shows best when grown in cool climate. (My fave Pinot Noirs come from Williamette Valley Oregon or Russian River Valley).
Riesling - (reez-ling) classic white - A particularly refreshing alternative to the Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc white wine tandem. Unlike its cousin, Gewurztraminer (Guh-vertz-trah-miner), this varietal has little spice and instead relies on its delicate aromas and subtle flavors for its niche. usually lighter in style and sometimes residual sweetness, it's better paired with lighter fare. (I prefer DRY Rieslings)
Sangiovese - (san-gee-o-vay-zee) main red wine in Italy
Sauvignon Blanc - (Saw-veen-yawn-Blahnk) classic white - The polar opposite of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc is brisk, refreshing, herb scented, grassy, grapefruit, passion fruit, gooseberry, or melon with a streak of sharp acidity. The varietal can be extremely dry or even sweet, depending on the wine maker.
Syrah or Shiraz (Sear-rah, sheer-rahz)- classic red - makes velvety wine with exotic perfumes of smoke, bacon, violets, and blueberries.
Tempranillo (temp-ra-nee-yo)- red varietal from Spain
Viognier - (vee-own-yay) - white wine, typically sweeter and high in sugar (depending who makes it).
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The 4 S's of wine
Sight
Swirl
Scent
Sip
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Wine 101's Tasting Notes:
1) 2009 D'Lucio Sparkling Rose, Tempranillo, Spain, 7% alcohol,
2) Altosur Sauvignon Blanc, Mendoza Argentina, 12% alcohol,
3) 2010 El Peral Chardonnay, Tupungato, Valle De Uco, Mendoza, Argentina. 13.6% alcohol
4) 2009 Le Dog Merlot, Tuchan, Languedoc, France - $13.99
5) 2009 Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 14% alcohol - $19.99
6) 2003 Mt. Jagged Shiraz (98% Shiraz, 2% Viognier), Australia, 14% alcohol - $19.99
7) 2009 Seven Sisters Odelia Bukettraube - Swartland South Africa, 12% alcohol - $17.99
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Wine Shoe's Off The Wall VIP Club
currently $79.99/month to get:

• Wine shopping by appointment for your convenience - even when they are "closed"
• Six bottles of Off The Wall wines each month
• Free wine Shoe 6-bottle wine tote bag
• Free monthly tasting during scheduled pickup on 2nd Monday of each month
• Two Free Seats to one of their classes when you sign up for 1 year.
• Free gift wrapping on special purchases
• 15% off on re-orders of cases of the Off The Wall wines throughout the feature month.
• 12% off case purchases of any of their other wine
• 6% off when you buy 6 or more bottles.
• Half Price on any other classes, and half price for your guest(s) when they come with you.
• Personal Wine Consulting service

Off The Wall wines are wines not usually carried on the wine wall in the shop, for you to take home and try. It will be a mixture of reds and white, but primarily reds. Your wines will be ready to pick up on the 2nd Monday of each month between 5p-8p. Just bring your Wine Shoe tote bag. If you really LOVE one of the Off The Wall wines, please let Nora know, and you will be helping "make Wine Shoe" the best Wine Shop in Atlanta. Your VIP opinion matters!
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Bonus class notes:
Italian toast - Hold up your glass, look the person you are toasting in the eye, and as you clink, say "Chin-Chin." Make sure you look them in the eye or you will have 5 years of bad sex (says Teresa). The origination of the toast is the Italian word for 5 = Cinque (cheen-quay). It means from my 5 senses to your 5 senses. Meaning of course the 5 senses (see, smell, taste, touch, hear).
Bukettraube -(Boo-ket-traw-buh) white wine varietal - also sometimes spelled as "Bouquettraube", originally from Germany, now grown most notably in South Africa (yum!)