Wine Country Travels - Sebastopol - Russian River Valley

Wine Country Travels - Sebastopol & Sonoma

Friday, December 22nd 2017 - We flew direct to San Francisco.  Our flight landed rather late (10:30pm their time, which would translate to 1:30am our time).  We stayed in the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront hotel just to rest up, before planning to retrieve our rental car from the Airport in the morning.  The room service was tasty, and quick (30 mins or less for food delivery) I highly recommend this hotel!

Saturday, December 23rd 2017 - The SFO Rental Car facility is a nightmare.  I am SO glad we left the hotel with a good 45 mins extra time padded on our trip.  If we hadn't we would have been late to our first tasting.  There isn't good signage directing you where to enter the facility.  Our Lyft Driver was just as lost as we were and he WORKS in the area!  And once we found the right building, we still couldn't figure out where to go, there were all these down escalators, but none going up, etc.  We finally got to the 4th floor via an elevator by the bathrooms, and found the Alamo desk.  We were prepaid, so I had hoped we could just walk out to the car, but NO.  So we went to the automated kiosk to register, the machine took me all the way through the registration, and then just before it printed my paperwork, it froze up and got an error message.  Considering that process had already taken us 10-15 minutes, we sucked it up and stood in the ridiculously long line to talk to a real live person.   Thankfully, they were quicker than expected, and soon we were in a White Ford Mustang Convertible, and vrooming up to San Francisco.  We opted to cross the Bay Bridge, since this was our first time ever crossing it, and then up through Sebastopol we went!

First stop was our 11am appointment at Iron Horse Vineyards.  They serve their tastings in a rustic, outdoor setting, with overhead heaters to keep you warm.  You have a lovely view of the vineyard hills below, and the palm tree-lined drive to the side.  Iron Horse is known for their sparkling wines, so we started with those straight away.  For now I recommend the Sparkling (Winter Cuvée is my fave - We took a bottle with us to enjoy on Christmas Day), and the Native Yeast Chardonnay. Wait a bit on those Pinot Noirs.

Considering it was so close to lunch time, we stopped at the Underwood Bar & Bistro for a light lunch.  Maybe I'm a bit of a Southern Girl, but all the ladies working there were NOT wearing any make-up at all. Not that there is anything wrong with that, we started to realize this is a trend in California I guess.  However, I never leave the house without my makeup on, unless I have my huge "Edna Mode" Sunglasses on.  I guess it's just me.  LOL  Anyhoo, they were very cheerful and friendly.  The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. Lovely lunch of Lentil soup, French onion soup, the Marin gems (oysters) on the half shell, and tuna tartare.

Second stop was a 1:30pm appointment at Lynmar Estate.  We were lucky to have friends who were members of their club, so they had setup an appointment for us.  It's rather fancy.  You drive up to a gate, and you must have a 4 digit code to get inside the property for the tasting.  The grounds were just beautiful, and there was a distinct aroma of scrub brush and herbs.  It smelled divine!  Their bathroom even had a lovely rose scented hand lotion.  Lynmar makes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.  They were truly delicious.  For some reason I was very much in love with their Chardonnay, so I bought a bottle to take with me.  We also snacked on a light cheese platter.  Everything was just spectacularly delicious.

Our last visit was a 3:30pm appointment at Dutton-Goldfield Winery.  This location was seemingly casual, as it was in a cluster of buildings housing other tasting rooms, and there was a convenience store across the street.  However, once we entered their garden grounds we were pleasantly surprised to see an enchanting scene of potted succulents and beautiful plants.  Their tasting room was lush with leather couches, and warm lighting.  They had a sign welcoming us to their tasting room.  The wines were good, but I was not ready to buy anything here.

We stayed in a lovely Air BNB called Lemon Moon Cottage.  It was only $119 per night, which is much more affordable than any decent hotel in the area. I loved the view of the lemon tree and the nearby horse farm from our cottage.  It was a lovely retreat.

We were told in advance, that driving in wine country can be a bit challenging.  It really is farm country, only the crops are mostly grape vines.  The roads are winding, narrow, and sometimes there is only room for 1 car at a time.  However, given that we were visiting during a slower season, it was nice and quiet.  We felt like nearly the only people there.

For dinner that evening, we went to Zazu Kitchen and Farm in The Barlow.  It was absolutely yummy!  We had Creme of Chanterelle Mushroom Soup, Lacinato Kale & Romaine Caesar Salad, Porcini Noodles, Beet & Buratta salad.  Then back to the Lemon Moon Cottage for some R&R before we headed off to Sonoma.  We ate the lemon bars for breakfast. YUMMY!

Outlander Wines - Dec 10th, 2017

Outlander Wines - Dec 10th, 2017

As any good Obsession-nach Wino would do, I had to try the Outlander Wines.

There are six wines total in the set, with three devoted to Claire's monikers (Sassenach, Mo Nighean Donn, and La Dame Blach) and three to Jamie's (Red Jamie, Mac Dubh, and A. Malcolm).

I'm picky when it comes to my wine, and I have thus far avoided trying "themed" wines for TV shows.  However, these wines were mostly French (with the exception of the California Pinot Noir), which gave me better confidence that they would be tasty.

We opted to share the La Dame Blanch Pays d'Oc Viognier and the Sassenach Languedoc-la-clape Rose with my husband's family for Thanksgiving.  These were both delicious and showed well.  Later one night, we opened up the Mo Nighean Donn California Pinot Noir, and this was also quite tasty. 

We saved the Jamie-named wines for the Outlander Season 3 Finale episode viewing.  I would say of these three wines, only 1 was decent, and I was verra disappointed in the quality.  I buy Red French wines regularly, and these could have been SO delicious, given the regions the grapes were grown in.  However, they tasted more like a Trader Joes Charles Shaw wine.  We still drank them, but I wasn't moved.  I feel they "done Jamie wrong" with these wines.

La Dame Blanche Pays d’Oc Viognier
Description: “She is given the name La Dame Blanche by her husband as a clever ruse, but in truth Claire does possess some of the cunning powers of this mythological figure, using them to turn fortunes her way. This French Viognier is similarly persuasive in its nature, with a heady floral aroma that leads to peach and apricot flavors on the palate, all lifted by a vein of acidity. Upon first sip, you’ll find yourself hopelessly enchanted.”

Sassenach Languedoc-la-clape Rosé
Description: “As a visitor of a time and place that’s not her own, Claire is a true outsider until Jamie Fraser draws her into his world and bestows upon her the playful nickname Sassenach. This rosé is Provençal in style, but, like Claire, it comes from an unexpected place — Languedoc-la-clape, where the limestone-rich soil lends the wine its flavors of strawberry, white peach, and grapefruit, racy minerality, and clean finish. Sometimes a fresh new perspective is exactly what’s needed.”

Mo Nighean Donn California Pinot Noir
Description: “‘My brown-haired lass’ is what Jamie affectionately calls his charming new bride in Gaelic, and there’s no better wine to embody that side of Claire than this earthy, seductive Pinot Noir. Exhibiting flavors of black raspberry, forest floor, and tea, this complex and balanced wine will make anyone fall in love with its alluring qualities immediately. Don’t bother attempting to resist its delightful and immensely appealing ways.”

Mac Dubh Pays d’Oc Syrah
Description: “Even as a prisoner at Ardsmuir, Jamie retains a commanding presence, rallying the other prisoners and earning their respect as a leader. They give him the nickname Mac Dubh, or ‘son of the black’ — and it’s this earthy, brooding French Syrah that embodies this dark version of Jamie. With plenty of concentration and blueberry flavor, this is an intense wine that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.”

A. Malcolm Languedoc-la-clape Rouge
Description: “A fugitive after the Jacobite rising, Jamie Fraser must become Alex Malcolm and begin anew as a printer in Edinburgh… yet under this simple facade lies the same complex and passionate man who captured Claire’s heart. Equally unassuming, at first, is this red wine from a small appellation in southern France. It becomes clear after experiencing the pure, black-red fruit nuances, however, that this is a charming, formidable wine — one you won’t easily forget.”

Red Jamie Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Description: “Whether he’s fiercely defending the love of his life or charging off to war alongside his clansmen, the notorious Jacobite Red Jamie is a force to be reckoned with — as is this dynamic Côtes du Rhône named in his honor. With a vibrant acidity and tannic structure keeping the flavors of red plum and blueberry in check, this red blend of 70% Syrah, 15% Carignan, and 15% Grenache will have you surrendering after just a taste.”

Another review, if you are interested:
https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2017/11/09/outlander-wine-collection-review/

December - Benefit for Vineyards Damaged by California Wildfires - hosted by Matt & Abbie

December - Benefit for Vineyards Damaged by California Wildfires  - hosted by Matt & Abbie

When:  Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 7:00pm ET

Theme: Benefit for Vineyards Damaged by California Wildfires

Bring:  TWITs should bring 2 items:
1) A wine from a vineyard damaged by the 2017 California Wildfires - within our usual price range (Up to $20/bottle for Single Attendee, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples, couples only expected to bring 1 bottle per couple)
2) AND wrapped gift for our Annual Blanc Elephant Exchange ($15 suggested price range).

We will take up a collection if anyone wishes to help.  Tax Deductible Donations will go to Habitat For Humanity of Sonoma County (501c3), project "Rebuilding Sonoma County from Wildfire Disaster" - Abbie's employer will match up to $1000 of our donations.

Here is the list of vineyards damaged in the fires: 
Napa County wineries:
Signorello Vineyard
Stags’ Leap Winery
White Rock Vineyards
William Hill Estate Winery
Darioush
Hagafen Cellars
Helena View Johnston Vineyards
Segassia Vineyard
VinRoc

Sonoma County wineries:
Paradise Ridge Winery
Ancient Oak Cellars
Sky Vineyards
Nicholson Ranch
Chateau St. Jean
Mayo Family Wineries
Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Mendocino County wineries:
Frey Vineyards Winery
Oster Wine Cellars
Golden Vineyards
Sources: http://fortune.com/2017/10/10/california-wine-country-fire-vineyard/
http://fortune.com/2017/10/11/napa-wineries-damaged-by-fires/
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/California-Wine-Fire-Road-Ahead

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2015 Frey Chardonnay ~ $13.99 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol

1) 2015 Darioush Napa Valley Chardonnay ~ $52.00 @  Total Wine

2) 2016 Dirty & Rowdy Mourvedre ~ $29.00
13.3% alcohol

3) 2016 Frey Pinot Noir ~ $17.00
13.7% alcohol

4) 2013 William Hill Estate Winery Central Coast Merlot ~ $13.00

5) 2013 Gundlach Bundschu Sonoma Valley Merlot ~ $29.99

6) 2014 Stags Leap Napa Valley Merlot ~ $30
14.1% alcohol

7) 2015 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $60
14.5% alcohol

8) 2013 William Hill Estate Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $34.99

9) 2013 Gundlach Bundschu Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $40.00

10) 2013 William Hill Estate Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $34.99

11) Spann Vineyards Lot 12 Betsy's Backacher ~ $24.00
48% Merlot, 39% Syrah, 6% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Sangiovese
13.4% alcohol

November TWITs - Tempranillo & Tapas - hosted by Rachel & Chris

November TWITs - Tempranillo & Tapas - hosted by Rachel & Chris

Date:  Saturday, November 4th, 2017 - 7pm ET

Theme:  Tempranillo & Tapas
"Wine is sunlight held together by water" - Galileo Galilei
Pronunciation: “Temp-rah-NEE-yo” - Tempranillo is derived from the word temprano, which in Spanish means “early.” Among red varieties in Spain, it’s considered an early ripener. Tempranillo is an easy to find and wildly diverse food-pairing wine that also happens to have great a great flavor profile for its value.

Tempranillo Characteristics: 

• Fruit: Cherry, plum, tomato, and dried fig 
• Other: Cedar, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dill, and clove 
• Oak: Yes; typically aged 6-18 months in American or French Oak 
• Tannin: Medium-plus tannin 
• Acidity: Medium-minus acidity 
• ABV: 13-14.5%

A Brief History of Tempranillo

• Proof of wine in ancient Spain was discovered in 1972, when archaeologists unearthed a mosaic of the wine god Bacchus at Baños de Valdearados in north-central Spain. Tempranillo may well have been the wine shown in the mosaic because it has been in Spain since 800 BC. 
• The Phoenicians brought wine to Southern Spain. Tempranillo originated from this area, so it’s quite possible that Tempranillo is related to the ancient Phoenician species in Lebanon.

"Beer is made by men, wine by God" - Martin Luther

Tempranillo Wine Profile: 

Major Regions: Spain (over 80% of vineyards worldwide), Portugal, Argentina, Australia, USA 575,000 acres / 232,700 hectares (2010) 

Common Synonyms:  Tinto del Toro, Tinta Fina, and Tinto del Pais (Spain); Tinta Roriz and Aragonez (Portugal) Other Names Rioja, Valdepeñas, Ribera del Duero

"Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages" - Louis Pasteur

Tempranillo is known by other names in certain regions:  Albillo Negro, Aldepenas, Aragon, Aragones, Aragonez, Aragonez 51, Aragonez da Ferra, Aragonez de Elvas, Arganda, Arinto Tinto, Cencibel, Cencibera, Chinchillana, Chinchillano, Chinchilyano, Cupani, De Por Aca, Escobera, Garnacho Fono, Grenache de Logrono, Jacibera, Jacibiera, Jacivera, Juan Garcia, Negra de Mesa, Negretto, Ojo de Liebre, Olho de Lebre, Pinuela, Sensibel, Tempranilla, Tempranillo de la Rioja, Tempranillo de Perralta, Tempranillo de Rioja, Tempranillo de Rioza, Tempranillo Rioja, Tinta Aragones, Tinta Corriente, Tinta de Madrid, Tinta de Santiago, Tinta de Toro, Tinta do Inacio, Tinta do Pais, Tinta Fina, Tinta Madrid, Tinta Monteira, Tinta Monteiro, Tinta Roris, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Santiago, Tinto Aragon, Tinto Aragonez, Tinto de la Ribera, Tinto de Madrid, Tinto de Rioja, Tinto de Toro, Tinto del Pais, Tinto del Toro, Tinto Fino, Tinto Madrid, Tinto Pais, Tinto Ribiera, Tinto Riojano, Ull de Liebre, Ull de Llebre, Valdepenas, Verdiell, Vid de Aranda.

"I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food" - W.C. Fields

What does Tempranillo taste like?  Spanish Tempranillo delivers contrasting flavors of leather and cherries. The finer the wine, the more balance there is between earth and fruit. The finish is typically smooth and lingers with the taste of tannin on both sides of your mouth. Tempranillo wines from New World regions, including Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, generally offer more fruit flavors like cherry and tomato-sauce, followed by chunky tannins and less earthy notes. Tempranillo can be characterized as either a medium- to full-bodied, with red fruit characteristics. If you’ve never tried Tempranillo before, you may find it has a similar taste profile to both Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tempranillo Food Pairing:  Tempranillo pairs well with all types of food because of its savory qualities. Regional Spanish cuisine, which includes roasted vegetables and cured meats, like the lusty Jamón Iberico de Bellota creates an exceptional pairing. However, the wine is diverse and not only pairs with local Spanish food, but it also works well foods from all over the globe. 

▸ Lasagna, pizza and dishes with tomato-based sauces 

▸ Barbecue grilled-meats, smoky dishes 

▸ Grits, polenta, and dishes with corn as a major ingredient 

▸ Mexican food such as tacos, nachos, burritos, and chile rellenos

"Wine is bottled poetry" - Robert Louis Stevenson

Crianza:  

▸ Tasting Notes: Sour Cherry, Plum, Spicy Black Pepper and Bay Leaf 

▸ Average cost: $10–20 USD 

▸ Regions: Rioja Crianza, Ribera del Duero Roble and Crianza, Valdepeñas, Tinto de Toro, La Mancha, CastillaLeón, Extremadura 

▸ A juicy and spicy style of Tempranillo that typically receives less than a year of aging. Because wines are not aged long, they are spicy, fleshy and tart. Most value-driven Tempranillo tastes this way and the most well-known example of it is Rioja Crianza. In Central Spain, there are sub-$10 wines which are ideal for traditional Spanish Sangria

"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile." - Homer

Reserva & Gran Reserva:  

▸ Tasting Notes: Cherry, Dried Fig, Vanilla and Cedar 

▸ Average cost: $25–35 USD 

▸ Regions: Rioja Reserva, Ribera del Duero Reserva, Toro Reserva, Aged Castilla-León 

▸ Bold high tannin wines that embellish Tempranillo’s best qualities that are aged for several years in oak and bottle. The aging of Tempranillo softens the variety’s spiciness and flavors become almost sweet and dried. The extended cost of aging explains why this style typically costs more. Keep your eyes peeled for wines labeled with Reserva and Gran Reserva.

*** This year International Tempranillo Day is November 9th, 2017!!! ***

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2015 Estylo Puro Albarino ~ $18-19 @ Brookhaven Wines
12% alcohol, 100% Albarino
refreshing, tasted light, great beach wine.

1) 2015 Storyteller Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon  - $ purchased @ the winery
13.5% alcohol, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
OOPS this isn't a Tempranillo, but we didn't know that when we tasted it blind.
tomato, dry, cedar note, mineral, chalkiness, "let's just move on"

2) 2008 Dehasa la Granja - $18.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
chocolate, perfumey nose, oaky, lighter, leather, velvet pepper finish, cherry, a lot more fruit, graphite,

3) 2012 Gomez Cruzado Haro Rioja Crianza - $20 @ H&F Bottleshop
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
sweeter nose, a lot of pepper, younger than the last one, lighter, clay, high tannin

4) 2010 Vina Alberdi Reserva ~ $20 @ Brookhaven Wines
13.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
leather, tobacco, cherry, pepper, I need this in a perfume, a study filled with books, acidic yet smooth, it has a really good feel in the mouth, velvety,

5) 2015 Campo Viejo Rioja - $12.99 @ Publix
15.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
different nose, smells of cassis, lots of pepper, star anise, licorice, the nose keeps disappearing, tobacco-y, no flavor, it's flat, non-descript, nothing about it finishes, it's a wedding wine - approachable, a stereotypical tempranillo, not amazing.

6) 2010 Gran Reserve Cune ~ $35 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
black cherry, smooth, mmm, bright red fruit, not as much tannin, apricot, spice @ finish, smooth, fuller taste, rounded, (if you said this was Sangiovese), pairs well with nachos, vanilla on the end, love it on the front but not on the finish, flat on the finish, one of my faves, orange rinds, a bit bitter.

7) 2006 Gran Reserva El Puntido - $40 @ CostCo Brookhaven
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
got grip, tomatoey, peppery, dark, old musty leaves under a rotting log, tomato sauce and plum, got some age, wise old grandmother

8) 2011 Muga Rioja - $35 @ Savvy Provisions
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
peppery, hot nose, very dry, sweet?, cherry bomb, luxardo, got grip, chewy, musty cherry vanilla,

9) 2014 Tinto Pesquera Crianza  - $36.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
14.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
a smack in the face, serious pepper, urine odor, dry, tannic, grass, makes you pucker, I like the taste better than the smell, tart, dip-sticks candy, raisiny, port-thing going on, an olympic swimming pool of tannins, pairs with pepperoncini, green pepper, a pairing wine, needs food.

10) 2012 Ercavio Tempranillo Roble - $12.99 @ Jackie's Bottle Shop
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
orange rind on the nose, vanilla, chocolate, spicy, cinnamon chocolae, cocoa, cherry.

11) 2014 Tridente Tempranillo ~ $15.99
15.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
wow, holy crap, dark mellow fruit, noms, interesting, chewy, got grip, raisins, fruit salad, sangria

Food Pairings:
Patatas Bravas, romesco sauce, jamon, quesos, olives, jamon stuffed rolls, banderillas veggie skewers

Scooby!!! 

Lesser Known Italian Wines at Brookhaven Wines

Lesser Known Italian Wines 
at Brookhaven Wines

When:  Thursday, September 21st, 2017 - 7:00pm

Bring:  TWITs paid $20/person and everyone brought a potluck side dish to go with the wine

Theme:  Lesser Known Italian Wines - Eddie from Brookhaven Wines curated the wines for us

Menu:
Lamb Bolognese
Gluten-Free Baguette
Bruschetta Spread
Italian Cheese
Salami
Heirloom tomato salad with basil, onion, and balsamic vinegar dressing
Italian Olives
Saksuka
Arancini with spicy tomato sauce

Tasting Notes:
1) NV Cinzia Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore
100% Prosecco (Glera), 11.5% alcohol

2) 2014 Benanti Etna Biano
100% Carricante, 12% alcohol
Carricante, grown as alberello (free standing bush). This indigenous vine is cultivated only on Etna. Its name seems to be attributed by the vine-growers of Viagrande because of its characteristics of allowing a good, constant production over the years. The bunches, at ripeness are of average length, usually scattered; the grape is medium-sized with very pruinose skin and a green-yellowish color. 
The pulp is juicy and the taste is simple and sweet.

3) 2015 La Miraja Grignolino D'Asti
100% Grignolino, 13% alcohol
Grignolino is a red-wine grape from the Monferrato hills of Piedmont. The pale red wine that Grignolino grapes produce is a local curiosity (particularly in eastern Piedmont), and its lack of depth and charm means it has very few fans outside the region. The name Grignolino derives from the Piedmontese dialectal term grignolo, which means "pip". It serves as a warning that the variety produces grapes abundant in pips, and therefore tannins. The name does not, however, give any hint as to the grapes' searing acidity. Naturally high levels of tannin and acidity might suggest that Grignolino could rank alongside Piedmont's two most successful red varieties, Nebbiolo and Barbera, whose tannin and acid structure is a key element in their success. But this has not proven to be the case. The absence of warmth and intrigue in Grignolino wines has left the variety as a kind of back-up; it performs a similar role to Dolcetto (a fill-in wine to provide something to drink while the "proper" wines develop in barrel and bottle). If Grignolino had Dolcetto's depth, or if Dolcetto had Grignolino's acidity, things might be quite different, but fate has consigned these two grape varieties to the lower echelons of Piedmont's red wine grapes.  Despite the current lack of demand for Grignolino wines in general, there are two DOC titles devoted to the grape: Grignolino d'Asti and Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese.

4) 2013 Lechthaler Teroldego Rotaliano
100% Teroldego 13% alcohol
Intense ruby red. Bright nose of ripe black cherry, distinct sweet earth and tobacco. Smooth texture with notes of cherries, black raspberry, earth, and a touch of spice with ample acidity and medium tannins. Pairs well with vegetarian dishes, fish, poultry, pork and beef

5) 2008 Isole e Olena Syrah Collezione Privata, IGT
100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol
"The 2008 Syrah Collezione Privata jumps from the glass with expressive, pungent aromatics and waves of super-expressive dark red/black stone fruits. Mint, sage, tobacco, rosemary and plums all develop in the glass, adding further dimensions of complexity. An intensely floral, savory finish laced with lavender, violets, rose petals and spices rounds things out. At six years of age, the 2008 Syrah remains fresh, vibrant and impeccable in its purity. In particular, the interplay of dense fruit and cooler, varietal Syrah notes is compelling. 94 points"
–Sept 2014, Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media

6) 2010 Tenuta Castelbuono 'Carapace', Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Italy
100% Sagrantino, 15% alcohol
"Intense, slightly mature garnet. Pleasurable nose of black berry fruits, orange peel and fine spices. Robust, full palate that is still fairly reticent and supported by a robust structure. Vegetal presence marks the finish. Promising. " Gilbert & Gaillard

Arizona Wines & Blood Into Wine Documentary Viewing - Thursday August 17th, 2017

Arizona Wines & Blood Into Wine Documentary Viewing

When:  Thursday August 17th, 2017  @ 7:00 pm ET

Theme:  Arizona Wine Tasting & Blood Into Wine Documentary Viewing - Take a look inside the life of one of Rock music's most mysterious and interesting figures. With winemaking in his blood, multi-platinum recording artist Maynard James Keenan (Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, & TOOL) sets out to bring notoriety to Arizona's burgeoning wine regions.  Amidst industry prejudice and the harsh desert terrain, the transition from Rock Star to farmer is an amazing journey.

BRING: Due to the difficulty in procuring these wines, please bring $30/person (cash, check, PayPal or Venmo) for the wine tasting.

Welcome Wine:  Gruet Brut New Mexico

1) 2014 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Blanca, 
Chupacabra Blanca is our white Shape Shifter Kitchen sink blend
• Varietals: 55% Riesling, 45% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard: Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement of Cochise County, AZ
• Elevation: 4200 feet
• Handling: Whole cluster pressed; barrel fermented @ 52 degrees
• Aged: Stainless steel
• Winemaker: M.J. Keenan      
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Impressions: A good showing of Arizona Riesling. Floral and lime zest nose. Tart like kiwi fruit or a key lime merangue pie, minus the cloying sweetness. A seeming natural effervescence. Would pair well with a butter leaf lettuce salad or mildly spicy cuisine.

2) 2014 Merkin Vineyards The Diddler, 
White Blend, Rich seductive palate suitable for hanky panky. Enjoy with a friend.
• Varietals: 55% Viognier, 45% Pinot Grigio
• Vineyard: Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement of Cochise County, AZ
• Elevation: 4200 feet
• Handling: Whole cluster pressed; stainless fermented @ 52 degrees. Aged in stainless.
• Alcohol: 12.6%
• Winemaker: M.J. Keenan
• Impressions: The Pinot Grigio here is well balanced with the Viognier. Meyer lemon and orange zest, with mango, mineral and spice. Creamy/velvety with a long finish, Clouds parading across a blue autumn sky. Another day to cherish - snapshot this moment.

3) 2015 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra Rosa,
Chupacabra Rosa is our pink Shape Shifter Kitchen sink blend
• Varietals: 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
• Vineyard: Buhl Memorial Vineyard, Cochise County, AZ
• Soil: Sandy loam, gravely and sandy clay & silt loam Elevation: 4200ft
• Process: Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, aged in stainless & new and neutral French oak.
• Alcohol: 13.7%
• Winemaker: MJ Keenan
• Impressions: The bottle to open when you're not sure what will pair best with lunch or dinner. Great freshness, with tangerine and apricot notes that almost tingle your tongue, and rich, almost like a creamy flan. A stony, crystalline-crisp finish. There are no rules here…enjoy gulping this down to your heart's delight!

4) 2015 Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra,
Chupacabra is our Shape Shifter Kitchen sink blend. This red blend changes from year to year depending on where our Alchemistic inclinations lead us but is usually rooted in French/Alsatian varietals.
• Varietals: 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
• Vineyard: Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement of Cochise County, AZ
• Elevation: 4200ft
• Process: Hand picked and sorted; open top and submerged cap fermentation; barrique aged 11 months, new and neutral French oak.
• Winemaker: MJ Keenan
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Impressions: Immediately enticing with scents of desert campfire smoke, leather & spice. Hints of plums and figs, dried apricots, tobacco, creasote and iron. Like a rich visceral and meaty tomato sauce followed later by cherry fruit rollups. Did I mention that it's fun to drink?

5) 2013 Merkin Vineyards Shinola,
Our ITALIAN Red Blend, Currently this bright acid-driven Red is made from Italian clones, including but not limited to Sangiovese, Refosco, Aglianico, Montepulciano, Dolcetto, Barbera depending on the vintage. Recognize the difference.
• Varietals: 44% Sangiovese, 26% Montepulciano, 16% Dolcetto, 7% Refosco, 7% Primitivo
• Vineyard: Luna Rosa Vineyard, Luna County, NM
• Elevation: 4300ft
• Process: Hand picked and sorted; barrique aged 12 months, new and neutral French oak.
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Winemaker: MJ Keenan & J Bechard
• Impressions: Medium bodied, easy drinking aromatic blend of Italian varietals. Recalls many aromatic memories: pine and cedar forest floor, vanilla, cinnamon, licorice, cherries off the tree, a raspberry thicket, slate chalkboard, fresh bread in the oven. Pair with a chair and that personal journal you always wanted to keep.

6) 2014 Merkin Vineyards Tarzan Red
This is a big hairy old world Iberian beast of a blend. Mostly Tempranillo with a dash of something Iberian depending on the year.
• Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano
• Vineyard: Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement of Cochise County, AZ
• Elevation: 4200ft
• Process: Hand picked and sorted; open top & submerged cap fermentation, barrique aged 11 months, new and neutral French oak.
• Winemaker: MJ Keenan
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Impressions: Violets spring from fallen tree trunks holding leather saddles deep in a shady forest. Campfire smoke; meat on a charcoal grill; savory spices and black olives…comfort. Watching grazing horses in the distance, the first sip brings your palate back to the fore. Mexican chocolate, and cherry pie with a hint of vanilla add to a lingering finish.

TWITs takeover Southbound - June 22nd, 2017 7pm ET

TWITs takeover Southbound - June  22nd, 2017 7pm ET

When:  Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 -  7:00pm ET

Theme:  Southbound's Big Mike and Olivier Savoye will be curating the wines for us.  Olivier chose the Beaujolais region of France, this is where he grew up.  Who better to curate the wines for us? Beaujolais is the land of Gamay, a red grape.  Gamay is a cross between Pinot Noir and the ancient white variety Gouais.  Most bottles can be purchased between $19 - $29.99 each.
It is an easy, joyful, unpretentious wine.  It is good to share with friends, for eating and drinking a lot.  It would pair well with blood sausage, boeuf bourguignon, mushrooms, charcuterie, etc.
In the early 1980s, Beaujolais began pumping out one-dimensional, over-commercialized bottlings made by large cooperative wineries using carbonic maceration. On top of that, Beaujolais Nouveau began its widespread marketing campaign across the globe. The result was a market that was flooded with these soulless, mass-produced wines.
      But then there was a resistance!  
Jules Chauvet, a man whom for many was the leader of the resistance in Beaujolais. Chauvet was a winemaker, a researcher, a chemist, and a viticultural prophet. It was he who, upon the advent of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the 1950s, first spoke out for “natural wine,” harkening back to the traditional methods of the Beaujolais.  Chauvet advocated traditional methods such as employing old vines, not using synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late, keeping only the healthiest grapes, adding minimal or no sulfur dioxide, and refusing to chaptalize and filter. This approach allows the wine to fully express the Morgon terroir and the result is fruit-driven wines with floral and mineral notes backed by solid structure.
  Joined by local vignerons Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre spearheaded a group that soon took up the torch of this movement. Kermit Lynch dubbed this clan the Gang of Four, and the name has stuck ever since. These rebels called for a return to the old practices of viticulture and vinification: starting with old vines, never using synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late, rigorously sorting to remove all but the healthiest grapes, adding minimal doses of sulfur dioxide or none at all, and disdaining chaptalization.

Where:  
Southbound
(Upstairs in "The Peabody")
5394 Peachtree Rd.
Chamblee, GA 30341
678-580-5579
http://www.southboundatl.com/

BRING: $20/pp for the wine tasting

 

Tasting Notes:
1) 2015 Domaine Jean-Paul Dubost Tracot, White Beaujolais
95% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier
12.5% alcohol

2) 2014 Domaine Robert-Denogent, Cuvee Jules Chauvet
Beaujolais Villages
12.5% alcohol

3) 2014 Regnie - Guy Breton
12% alcohol
soil is pink granite soil of Cru Beaujolais, old vine, semi-carbonic maceration, no filtration, natural yeast, certified organic, some biodynamic practices.  dark chocolate, cherry, raspberry

4) 2015 Jean-Paul Dubost Cru Morgon "La Balls Fiere"
12.5% alcohol
cardamom, nutmeg, later with age the gamay is more meaty

5) 2015 Domaine de la Voute des Crozes, Cote de Brouilly
(Scea Chanrion viteculteurs, woman winemaker)
13.5% alcohol
violet, spice, earthy, darker hue, full carbonic maceration, not certified but organic practices, very little sulfur, natural, black cherry

6) 2016 Domaine Diochon Cuvee Vielles Vignes Moulin-a-Vent (Windmill)
13% alcohol
can age for decades, sustainable farming, 50-60 yr old vines, 1 yr in Burgundy barrels.

---- EXTRA wines we tasted

7) 2016 M & C Lapierre a Villie Morgan
13% alcohol
Sarl Mercel Lapierre

8) 2014 Domaine Diochon Cuvee Vielles Vignes Moulin-a-Vent (Windmill)

9) ???? Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Brut