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."
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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...
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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
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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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