Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2012/10/03/more_on_om_nom_organics_tlt_food_v_tasting_room.php
Monday, 8 October 2012
Burgundy 2012 – rain, hail and naked virgins
Burgundy 2012 via Twitter: Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac posts what could be the wine tweet of the year! Jean-Marc Roulot had a more apt image and caption for the season that has been beset by rain and hail, reducing usable crop to a minimum: Advertisement:
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/XM4BrqzGnS4/
Luxury Sports Car Bugatti Veyron
If you have money and opportunity, then certainly Bugatti Veyron is the car that will adorn your garage and show off your taste and class in style. Bugatti Veyron is the super car that comes with the fabulous price tag of $1,700,000, almost £810,000. Quite simply the super car Bugatti Veyron is the most expensive [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/9aFj7H3wsYs/
The Urban Grape Opens Location in Boston's South End
"Sometimes, you open your second store first." -Hadley Douglas, The Urban Grape
Massachusetts wine retailer The Urban Grape is opening a new shop in Boston's South End. It's their second location in the Boston area, following in the footsteps of their Chestnut Hill location they opened in 2010 which has already won multiple Best of Boston awards.
When they opened The Urban Grape in the decidedly sub-urban Chestnut Hill neighborhood we had a feeling their original intent was to open something closer to home in Boston proper. Things eventually worked out in the form of a new sophisticated space in the South End on Columbus Ave just east of Dartmouth.
The South End location is gorgeous inside and out, mixing warm dark wood with bright white shelving. Polished concrete with inviting window seats.
And walls and walls of wine.
Wines are sorted in The Urban Grape's signature progressive weight format. Whites, rosés and reds are separated, then within those sections, wines are arranged on a scale of 1 to 10 depending on weight. This format does wonders for helping customers select wines based on how full bodied they like their wines and is helpful for pairing wine with the weight of dishes.
It can make it tricky to find, for example, all of the California Pinot Noirs in the store or all of the Barbaresco. But their staff is always quick to provide assistance and I've never had trouble navigating the assortment at their Chestnut Hill location.
At first glance there appeared to be far more wines at the South End location. And the new location definitely feels larger and brighter. But they've actually got about 15% fewer SKUs than at the Chestnut Hill location. About 700-850 unique wines at each location depending on when you stop in.
Refrigerated beers and chilled whites and roses are available. A nice assortment of seasonal and regional brews with staples like Heineken and Bud.
They've also got a couple of walls of hard liquor and mixers.
Sake is available. (shout out to The Passionate Foodie for that one)
As I was perusing the store during the pre-opening event I thinking about what it was about The Urban Grape that's made their model so successful. After all, retail is a commodity business. But they've succeeded in differentiating their brand.
For me, the answer appeared in the form of a single bottle of beer they carry - a bomber of Goose Island Matilda Belgian Ale. I tasted this for the first time in Chicago at Xoco (full review). It was one of the most compelling beverages I've discovered this past year. I don't drink a lot of beer, but I've had it in the back of my mind I'd like to pick this up if I could find it locally. Sure enough they had it.
I've had a high batting average with the wines I've purchased at The Urban Grape, and they've turned me on to some great producers. Like a gorgeous Occhipiniti Frappato, a beautiful Lioco Chardonnay, and an amazing Braida Brachetto. Every time I leave there I come home with a few bottles more than I set out to purchase but somehow I never regret it.
They offer a 15% discount mixed case discount on wine, and if you look around the shop you'll find wines you don't see in many other shops. Like Littorai Pinot Noir, Coho Headwaters, Balletto Pinot Noir, and Mount Eden Pinot Noir. Look - you're already half way to a case. Mix in a few daily drinkers (they sell plenty of more affordable wines too) and you'll get to 12 before you know it.
I look forward to continued success for The Urban Grape. They've got a great sense of what customers are looking for, a smart, clean retail concept, and an enthusiastic appreciation for wine. What more can you ask for?
They offer free delivery in the neighborhood on $150+ orders. Meter parking is available on Columbus Ave. Call ahead if you'd like to arrange for curbside delivery.
Check 'em out:
The Urban Grape
303 Columbus Avenue (just east of Dartmouth)
Boston, MA 02116
http://theurbangrape.com
@urbangrape
Further Reading: A review of The Urban Grape's Chestnut Hill location
Shout out to new friends of the WWP! So nice to connect with Mark L, Tom G, Brad S, Philip B, Alan B, and Steve D this past week.
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Competition Winners Announced
The winners of the 70th annual Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition were announced today and the list is an impressive one! A box wine, a Scotch whisky, repeat winners (Armida Winery and baseball legend Tommy Lasorda) and so much more! Take a look at the winners here then check out the buzz on [...]
Academy of Wine Communications-FLX: February Meeting this Thursday, 2/25/10
Update: February meeting canceled due to winter storm warning for the region. We’re working on setting up our next meeting for Thursday, 3/18/10. Watch here for more details. February’s meeting of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Academy of Wine Communications will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/awc-meeting-this-thursday-22510/
Wine In The ‘Shark Tank’
Reality TV is all the rage these days but I rarely watch this genre outside of a few cooking competition shows like Top Chef or Masterchef. But I have been hooked this year by ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’. The show’s premise is simple; entrepreneurs pitch their products to a panel of well known investors (‘sharks’) such [...]
Wine In The ‘Shark Tank’ originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/Jz5dX6aFuBI/
Winners of the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards 2012
Congratulations to the many winners of the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards presented tonight in London. Whilst the awards that Vrazon helped to create,the Born Digital Wine Awards, recognise the growing talent of content written specifically for online media, it is fair to say that this is not yet the mainstream of wine writing. Tonight’s categories [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/zPEZ9O7k8nE/
Landon Winery Wine Club pick up for Aug 2012
It is summer in Texas and that means the heat is on. When the phrase “dog days of summer” it was meant for Texas. Today the alignment of the moons, stars and solar systems must have had a hiccup because it was a very pleasant day to be out and about in North Texas. So [...]
Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2012/08/19/landon-winery-wine-club-pick-up-for-aug-2012/
Wine Clubs
I was asked earlier today to describe my wine clubs and what makes them different than all of our competitors. I talked some about our differing price points ($20, $50 and $100 per bottle) and how we refuse to include shipping in the prices charged for our wine clubs. Unlike many of our competitors we [...]
7 Reliably Outstanding Fruit-Forward California Pinot Noir Producers
It's no secret California Pinot Noir consumption has taken center stage here at The Wellesley Wine Press lately. But all of this research has to lead to something, right?
I thought it would be interesting to share a list of producers, mostly ones I'd consider to be at least somewhat fruit-forward stylistically, who when I open a bottle of their wines I have full confidence the wine is going to be outstanding.
Here are 7 reliably outstanding California Pinot Noir producers I've discovered:
Kosta Browne
A benchmark, bold, fruit-forward producer. Their appellation wines (Russian River, Sonoma Coast and recently added Santa Lucia Highlands) go for $58 and their single vineyard wines fetch $78. After a string of favorable ratings, their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year. Rarely seen at retail, this one is mostly mailing list only with some availability in restaurants. A tough mailing list to crack but get on it and have patience. It's worth it. Sign up at http://kostabrowne.com
Sojourn
Some of their wines are rightfully described as "a Cab drinker's Pinot Noir" (Ridgetop, Gap's Crown) but others let the site speak beautifully for itself (Rodgers, Alder Springs). Their appellation wines sell for $39-$42 and they're fantastic. Their single vineyards go for $48-$59. One of the most favorable mailing lists on the planet. Sign up now at http://sojourncellars.com
Radio-Coteau
Gorgeous stuff that shows diversity from vineyard to vineyard. La Neblina and the newly-introduced Laguna are my favorites, Alberigi is leaner in style. You'll see some availability retail but rarely at a price better than what's available winery direct. That these spectacular wines are available in the high $40s is an example of why California Pinot Noir is one of the most exciting categories in wine today.
Dehlinger
Three years ago I'd never heard of Dehlinger. But after a friend introduced me to their wines and I've had a chance to try a number of their bottles and I've been blown away. An old school Pinot Noir producer, they show strength across a number of varieties. Prices are extremely reasonably considering the quality. Their Pinots sell for between $45 and $60. http://dehlingerwinery.com
Sea Smoke
They ruffled some feathers when they labeled their 2009s "Grand Cru", but they're undeniably one of the finest California Pinot Noir producers. There's quite a price gap between their Southing bottling (around $50) and the $100+ "Ten". I say go for the Southing. It ages nicely and can exhibit gorgeous earthy characteristics with just a bit of age. Their 2004 Southing was my wine of the year. Sea Smoke is always a nice bottle to break out for a special occasion. http://seasmoke.com
Belle Glos
Their appelation "Meiomi" bottling ($22 release and available for less at retail if you look around) provides a beautiful window into what they do with their single vineyard bottlings. Las Alturas and Taylor Lane are my favorites for their cherry pipe tobacco notes and polished, effortless richness. Beautifully packaged in wax dipped bottles with scripted lettering, these wines are a great value at $44. And even better when you find them for less at select retailers. So reliably delicious. Search for these at retail on Wine-Searcher.com
Black Kite
A relatively new producer from the Anderson Valley, Black Kite's Kite's Rest bottling has impressed me across a number of vintages. I tasted the 2008 blind against alongside a couple of nice Burgundies and thought to myself: "Now this is what Pinot Noir should taste like". What can I say - I love California Pinot Noir. I usually try to catch this one at specialty retailers due to tough shipping terms winery direct to the Northeast.
Question of the Day: Who did I miss? Who are the California Pinot Noir producers who, when you open a bottle, you're fairly certain it's going to be an outstanding, fruit-forward, enjoyable bottle?
Check back soon for a similar list of leaner, more terroir-driven producers. I'd love it if you subscribed to The Wellesley Wine Press to get new posts sent to your inbox.
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Wine of the Month Club
Are you interested in wine? Do you find that wine stores are too stuffy and pretentious for you to have an enjoyable shopping experience? If so, finding a quality wine of the month club might be a good fit for you to not only learn about wine, but also to have some truly outstanding wine [...]
Win Tickets to ZAP’s 2011 Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason!
You heard correctly. Beyond Napa Valley is giving away 4 tickets to ZAP’s Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason. All you have to do is write a Zinfandel-inspired Haiku. Click the link below for all of the details. We hope … Continue reading
Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/win-tickets-to-zaps-2011-grand-zinfandel-tasting-at-fort-mason/
Pairing pinotage with the elephant in the room
One of the questions that I had going to South Africa was what gives some red wines, notably pinotage, a smoky, burned rubber smell. Pintoage is quite polarizing in the US; Lettie Teague of the Wall Street Journal, for example, categorically states that she loathes the variety. So I attended a pinotage seminar last week [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/jdg2mHA-Zkc/
Wine In The ‘Shark Tank’
Reality TV is all the rage these days but I rarely watch this genre outside of a few cooking competition shows like Top Chef or Masterchef. But I have been hooked this year by ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’. The show’s premise is simple; entrepreneurs pitch their products to a panel of well known investors (‘sharks’) such [...]
Wine In The ‘Shark Tank’ originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/Jz5dX6aFuBI/
Winners of the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards 2012
Congratulations to the many winners of the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards presented tonight in London. Whilst the awards that Vrazon helped to create,the Born Digital Wine Awards, recognise the growing talent of content written specifically for online media, it is fair to say that this is not yet the mainstream of wine writing. Tonight’s categories [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/zPEZ9O7k8nE/
Rockin’ at Wine & Cars
Everyone had a great time at Wine & Cars Under the Stars last weekend. Don’t believe me? Check out the video: The evening was a great success, netting nearly $50,000 for the foundations at Fairplex and their programs. If you missed Wine & Cars, you can taste the award-winning wines of the Los Angeles International [...]
A New Rosé from Stepping Stone by Cornerstone
We’re big fans of dry rosé at Adams, Heritier & Associates. We like them just as much in January as we do in July, and we’re always up for trying something new, so when our friends at Cornerstone Cellars sent us a sample of their latest Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/H8Ovn_ZSrcc/new-rose-from-stepping-stone
Friday, 5 October 2012
September 28 – 2012 – Florida Jim Cowan’s 2012 Tasting Notes Archive
The 2012 archive is presented by date the notes were compiled and submitted. Prior year’s tasting notes may be found here. September 28, 2012 Dinner with “the boys” in honor of a birthday (not mine): 2010 Dagueneau, Pouilly-Fumé Silex: Sauvignon blanc doesn’t get much better, IMO; crystalline flavors, energy, presence and length. Stupid price but [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/nUQeMMr7YtY/jim-cowan%e2%80%99s-2012-tasting-notes
Let’s Get Fizzacle!
Sure, bubbly is boss on New Years and even at celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, but why not add its charming sparkle to silly-sweet St. Valentine’s Day? I can’t think of a lustier toast … except for maybe Bedrock’s ravishing … Continue reading
Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/lets-get-fizzacle/
Project Genesis Cruise Ship
Project Genesis from the cruise line of the Royal Caribbean International is supposed to be the largest and most expensive cruiseship of the world. 1,180 foot long, cruise ship will weigh almost 220,000 tons and carry 6,400 passengers at the most along with 2,100 crew members. The ship has a Central Park that is as [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/M4IZRpNFIBI/
Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart
I’m sitting here in my new home office with a fresh perspective and a touch of the misties, as in misty-eyes. Rich and I have been moved into the place for just over a month and it has made a huge difference in how we feel about things. I now recognize that we were both [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/thank-you-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart/
Tasting Report: Recent Releases from Sojourn Cellars
Sojourn is a Sonoma-based producer of mostly Pinot Noir (~$39-$59) and also Cabernet Sauvignon (~$39-$95). The first time I tasted their wines was at an event in Cambridge a friend on their mailing list invited me to. Founder Craig Haserot was on hand pouring the wines as a chance for their fans in Massachusetts to try before they buy. Definitely a cool gesture. He's got a swagger about him for sure. Deep knowledge about Burgundy and a passion for Pinot - especially Sojourn Pinot!
I thought their wines -- 2009s at the time -- showed great potential. They were powerful and delicious but with some rough edges I hoped would soften with time.
As I've gone back and tasted some of those wines 6 to 12 months later they have indeed softened nicely and are showing fabulously. The style here, speaking about their Pinot Noirs, is more of a Cab-drinker's Pinot Noir. I find they hit the spot when I'm in the mood for a Pinot Noir with a little extra substance.
But that's not entirely the case as you can see in their bottlings from the Alder Springs and Rodgers Creek vineyards for example. These wines show restreaint and reveal earthy characteristics like mushrooms and wet red clay. It's a testament to winemaker Erich Bradley's ability to deliver flavorful, delicious wines regardless of the origin. Their wines may be considered by some to be ripe but I've not yet tasted one that crossed the line into the over-ripe territory marked by raisiny/pruney flavors.
Here are my notes on recent Sojourn releases:
- 2010 Sojourn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (6/8/2012)
Classic Sojourn. Money. (92 points) - 2007 Sojourn Pinot Noir Alder Springs Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County (3/16/2012)
This is a great example of Sojourn's diverse style. Despite making some riper Pinot Noir, here they let the a more restrained site speak for itself. Silty raspberries, wet strawberry leaves, and wet clay on the nose. Ultra-silky tannins at this stage. Long finish but no harsh aftertaste. Pretty but not wimpy. I like it. (91 points) - 2009 Sojourn Pinot Noir Ridgetop Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (2/26/2012)
Just a fantastic offering from Sojourn here. A fine example of their typical style, but this one steps up and takes it to the next level. Raspberries, strawberries, violets and perfume on the nose which transition seamlessly to the palate. There's a bit of a edge to their '09s which has softened already since tasting them last fall. However, this edge give their wines a substantive punch that hits the spot when I'm in the mood for something between a light bodied Pinot Noir and a Napa Cab. Quite an accomplishment. Outstanding. (94 points) - 2009 Sojourn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (11/11/2011)
I was in the mood for a Cab tonight but I love domestic Pinot Noir so I thought this one would hit the spot. And it did. I've only had it about a month since it shipped cross-country. But immediately upon opening it was in good shape and ready to go. I'd tasted through their 09s previously and they struck me as a little rough around the edges. But this bottle was showing remarkably well. Red fruit, florals, perfume, and wet clay on the nose. On the palate it tastes like pure high quality CA Pinot Noir. Pure fruit, a little bramble, some acid. Love it. Really nice stuff. (93 points) - 2009 Sojourn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/20/2011)
So much good stuff going on here but a slightly herbal "off" note bit me on almost every sip. An otherwise pretty wine - would like to try other bottlings from this producer. (90 points)
They've got a tasting salon in Sonoma if you happen to be planning a visit. And it's hard to think of a more consumer-friendly high quality producer. Free shipping on 6 or more bottles and 10% off 12 bottles or more.
Click here to visit the Sojourn Cellars website and sign up for their mailing list
Question of the Day: Have you tried Sojourn's wines? If so, what do you think?
Would you like a Gold or Silver with that Red or White?
Guest blogger and wine judge Stacie Hunt offers some insight into being a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. Stacie is a commentator on wine for National Public Radio, a Certified Sommelier (AIS), an international wine judge, educator, journalist and blogger. Everyone has his or her own idea of spring. In the city, the [...]
Quick Trips to the Napa Valley and Carneros Wine Country
Perhaps you are on a business trip in San Francisco or Oakland. Your schedule gives you an afternoon off and you want to visit the Napa Valley or Carneros wine country. You want something that will make your trip useful and memorable. We have a few quick wine country getaway suggestions that will do just that. Continue reading
Wine-derful
Judges completed the first day of tasting the finest vintages the wine world has to offer at the 70th Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. Stepping into the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts, where judging is taking place, the aroma is musky, flowery, fruity, nutty. Pretty powerful! Judges gather around round tables comparing [...]
Tasting notes - Berlin Tasting
Here follows my tasting notes from The Berlin Tasting in Copenhagen.
No. 1 - 2005 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Bordeaux)
Dark colour with intense smell of pencil, cigar, currant and spicy wood. It’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated but also with an upfront softness. 96/100.
No. 2 - 2004 Sassicaia (Tuscany)
Not so intense in the nose - a little cherry. The [...]
No. 1 - 2005 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Bordeaux)
Dark colour with intense smell of pencil, cigar, currant and spicy wood. It’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated but also with an upfront softness. 96/100.
No. 2 - 2004 Sassicaia (Tuscany)
Not so intense in the nose - a little cherry. The [...]
Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/40/tasting-notes-berlin-tasting/
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Five Easy Winter Projects for Winery Marketers
It’s November, post-Harvest and going into slow season for winery marketers. Thought I would put together a short list of projects that may make your life easier in 2011 with a little time put in during the winter. 1. Claim your winery on location based services and review sites. Even if you don’t use the [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/11/21/five-easy-winter-projects-for-winery-marketers/
Field Notes from a Wine Life – Power Structure Edition
Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…
Naked Wine and Occupy Wall Street
It’s not hard to notice the parallels between the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street - both are valid causes sorely lacking coherence and a rallying point that would move them from fringe head-scratcher to mainstream momentum.
• Natural wine is about purity of wine expression—shepherding grapes grown without chemicals to the bottle with as little human manipulation as possible, representing the place where they came from in the process.
• Occupy Wall Street is about re-calibrating the world’s best economic system – capitalism—to preserve the middle-class, the labor force that has allowed the U.S. to create the most productive economy in the world.
Neither movement represents fringe radicalism as some would have you believe. I look at both as being valid inflection points and, at their core, about keeping a balance between big and small, allowing every man and woman an equal opportunity at pursuing success around their particular truth.
What reasonable person would deny the validity of either if not clouded by confusion?
One idea well-conceived and well-communicated can change the world, but, unfortunately, both the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street are prevaricating from their essential truth, rendering them both toothless and feckless.
No need to crib from Che Guevara, but appealing to base logic and the common denominator would do both movements some good.
Just one man’s opinion…
On the Aussies, Redux
A few weeks back, I noted how the Australian wine industry was poised for a rebound in public perception due in part to two things happening in concert – public backlash to Yellow Tail wine, what I call the, “Derision Decision,” and an unspoken coalition of influencers recognizing Australia’s artisanal wine production – the antithesis of Yellow Tail. I cited recent sympathetic mentions from Jay McInerney in the Wall Street Journal and Dan Berger, wine writing’s current patriarch, as proof points.
You can add to the list of sympathetic mentions about artisanal Australia with recent mentions from Jancis Robinson and James Suckling.
Don’t sleep on Australia. It’s making a comeback slowly, but surely in public perception.
Tim Mondavi and Wine Spectator
Thomas Matthews, the Executive Editor for Wine Spectator magazine (WS), has commented on my site a few times. Each of these instances has been to protect or project Wine Spectator around its editorial goals.
Good on Thomas for not being afraid to get in the ring. Certainly, WS takes its fair share of shots from the wine chatterati, mostly with grace and aplomb.
Lest I cast myself as anything but objective, I should note that James Laube’s article on Tim Mondavi and Continuum in the current issue of WS (November 15th issue) is everything right about what mainstream wine media can offer wine consumers that online wine writing (mostly) doesn’t –long-form, depth, first-person access and an effort that takes weeks and not hours.
Laube’s piece is excellent - well-written and balanced; acknowledgement thereof is in order.
Besides the Wine
Jordan winery has two wines – a Cabernet and Chardonnay, but they really have a triumvirate in terms of things to buy. Jordan focuses on food and wine as being partners at the table and, to that end, any purchase from Jordan should also include their olive oil. Wow!
The Jordan olive oil makes Trader Joe’s EVOO seem like Two Buck Chuck, comparatively speaking. A little whole wheat Barilla pasta, some homemade pesto using the Jordan olive oil and some artisan bread in five minutes a day and you’re assuredly living the good life. The rub is I wouldn’t pour the round Jordan Chard with the pesto, probably a Sauvignon Blanc, but don’t let that dissuade you from picking up their olive oil – it’s good stuff.
Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_power_structure_edition/
2007 Pomerol
In this post you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 Medoc 2. Grand Cru Classé. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.
Who are the RAW Wine Fair’s Natural Consumers?
Our first day at the RAW Fair in London, the artisan wine fair focused on organic, biodynamic and natural wines, was eye-opening in many ways. First, the space at the Truman Brewery at the top of Brick Lane, and its incongruous industrial past, seemed vast and empty when we arrived to see row upon row of [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/k7Cgiu-fzfc/
Social Media Quick Tip: Introduce Your Twitter Team
As you know, social media engagement is all about personal touches. Remember this when thinking through your social media presence, including Twitter. As much as possible, introduce and humanize your Twitter team. Here are a couple of great examples of brands who have added special touches to their Twitter strategies, going beyond a standard Twitter [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/social-media-quick-tip-introduce-your-twitter-team/
2007 Medoc 5. Grand Cru Classé
Here you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 Medoc 4. Grand Cru Classé. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.
Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/33/2007-medoc-5-grand-cru-classe/
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Joel Robuchon At The Mansion
Place of casinos and beautiful hotels and bargain buffet, Las Vegas homes one of the priciest restaurants of the world Joel Robuchon At The Mansion. To experience the 16-course extravaganza, food lovers need to shell out $360 that equals to the gambling in a casino. Joel Robuchon has redefined the fine dining in Las Vegas. [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/a3m32xKXYV8/
In South Africa for #CapeWine2012
I’m in South Africa right now, attending a biennial trade show called Cape Wine 2012. Although wine was first made in 1659, the industry has confronted numerous challenges from the weather, economic crisis, economic boycott, and phylloxera over the years. In the almost two decades since apartheid ended, the industry has changed a lot in [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/hz5PrujLC_Q/
Delaney Vineyard 1995 Cabernet Vintner’s Reserve
Delaney Vineyards 1995 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner’s Reserve A little over two years ago we first visited Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine, Texas. At that time who knew that we would end up with one bottle of this wine. At the end of our tasting experience our host offered everyone a taste and told us it [...]
Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2012/08/14/delaney-vineyard-1995-cabernet-vintners-reserve/
Stuart Weitzman “Retro Rose” Pumps – The Million Dollar Shoe
Do you know that the Stuart Weitzman “Retro Rose” pumps can cost you $1,000,000? The famous shoe designer Stuart Weitzman is well known for his expensive and beautiful designs that mesmerized many celebrities to pick his shoes for the glamorous events like Oscar red carpets and other premiere events or shows. This shoe has a [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/85wmyeRFp7g/
Blogging can’t die
Blogging can’t die. Take the original meaning of the word blog; it comes from the contraction of “web” as in the world wide web, and “log” as in to log ideas, or journaling. Today, and forever, there will be people logging what they think about all manner of subjects that they are passionate about. I recently [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/1q83xbmmM_0/
Spring 2012 WWP Wine Index: Who's Hot? Who's Cold?
HOT
- Kosta Browne
- Schrader
- Rhys
- Rochioli
- Dehlinger
- Saxum
- Carlisle
- Littorai
- Thomas Rivers Brown
- Bedrock
- Sojourn
- Rosé
- Radio-Coteau
- Kutch
- 2010 French Reds
- Peyrassol Rosé
- Scarecrow
- Pontet-Canet
- Ridge
- Moscato
- Rivers Marie
- Fontsainte Rosé
- 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Deals
- Pépière Muscadet Briords
- Sea Smoke
- US Postal Service Shipping Wine
- Cru Beaujolais
- 2010 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir
- 2009 Burgundy
- Honig
COLD
- Bordeaux
- Chardonnay
- 2008-2011 Napa Cabs
- 2010 California Zinfandel
- Sea Smoke
- Scarecrow
- Rhys
- 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Carlisle
- Malbec
A retweet I read the other day by @nvwineandcigar brought back some terrific memories of collecting baseball cards when I was a kid:
"1984 I immediately went up to our attic and got out two medium-sized boxes of baseball cards and other memorabilia that represented the best five percent I collected from 1988-1991. It's unfortunate my interest coincided with a time when a glut of cards flooded the market and the early days of the steroid scandal. These cards could have been worth something otherwise!#Reds rookie Eric Davis makes his #MLB debut and must wear a numberless jersey when Cincinnati forgets to pack an extra road uniforms."
Nevertheless we had a great time pouring over the cards.
The piece of memorabilia that brought back the most pleasant memories -- quite unexpectedly -- was an old issue of Beckett Baseball Card monthly. It was the one with the black and white photo of Bo Jackson on the cover in shoulder pads with a baseball bat over his shoulders. I saved that issue, I guess, because it was going to be valuable.
Leafing through the magazine, I was reminded of the many similarities between baseball cards and wine exploration. The price guide, as if anyone could fetch the prices they quoted, reminds me of the numerical ratings at the back of Spectator. The interest in catching cards from rising stars before they became too expensive is similar to discovering hot new producers before their mailing lists are full. The cards are produced each year, like vintages of wine. The list goes on and on.
But the single best page in the magazine, that I'd completely forgotten about, was the Weather Report. A completely arbitrary list of who and what was Hot and Cold. A combination of rising stars, reliable veterans, collectible sets, and disappointing players.
Readers loved to read and react to the list as it was updated each month. You were so savvy to have caught a player before he debuted on the list with a "NR" (not previously ranked). And you were indignant when your favorites fell from glory.
Like it or not, the list seemed to have its finger on the pulse of the hobby. So I thought it would be fun to create the same sort of list for wine.
Should outs to @AndyA3 @MoralBeast @wineduggery and @jmfran1 for sharing their thoughts already.
Methodology
My intent with this list is to capture wine producers/categories/regions/stories that are surging in popularity -or- falling out of favor for one reason or another. Wineries with mailing lists that are hard to crack. Winemakers who seem to have the magic touch. Categories that people are talking about this season. Reliable producers who never seem to fall out of fashion. Wineries who, if their wines were offered by a retailer, would cause you to stop what you're doing and take note. Wines you hardly ever see at retail.
Categories that are being ignored because they present a hard-to-like style or their value equation doesn't add up. Wineries that are popular with many but risk falling from their lofty perches if they can't continue to deliver.
The Bottom Line
I'll acknowledge: This list is biased towards my preferences and the categories I pay attention to. But I tried to include entries I hear people talking about that I don't care for myself.
Next time I update the list I'll provide commentary on the actual picks rather than taking a stroll down memory lane. I hope you enjoy this installment.
What do you think? What wines are hot lately? Which are cold?
Leave a comment or drop me an e-mail: wellesleywinepress@gmail.com
I'd love to hear from you.
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Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Three from PortoVino and more…
I’ll be the first to admit that I have not been posting here at blogs.gangofpour as much as I have in the past or should be at present, but I’d like to think I have a good excuse for not doing so. I have been devoting a LOT of time to singing, playing guitar and [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/FEhKJfw7VqA/three-from-portovino-and-more
Wine Word of the Week: Racking
This week’s Wine Word of the Week is racking. Official definition from Jancis Robinson’s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Racking is the wine-making operation of removing clear wine from the settled sediment or lees in the bottom of a container. The verb to rack has been used thus at least since the 14th century. Racking [...]
Wine Word of the Week: Racking was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/6umU3MyUqEA/
Wine Event Announces Winners
The winners of the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition were announced June 10 at a media roll-out in Los Angeles. Find the winners here.
The Top 10 Wines of 2010
I’m officially declaring 2010 the year of the rosé. Yes, I know that many wineries have been producing stellar rosés for years, but I felt that this year was the tipping point where the public started to get behind the … Continue reading
Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/the-top-10-wines-of-2010/
No Go on Massachusetts Direct Wine Shipment in 2012
An unfortunate but expected update from Free the Grapes: Massachusetts House Bill 1029 won't be passed this legislative session. First introduced in 2011, the bill provided a framework for the direct shipment of wine from out of state wineries direct to Massachusetts residents.
A 2010 federal court ruling determined the state's current laws were unconstitutional because they discriminated against large wineries. HB 1029 would have lifted this large winery restriction, established mechanisms for licensing out of state wineries, provided a means for excise tax collection, and perhaps most importantly, defined a reasonable fee structure for FedEx and UPS to ship wine within the state.
Also consider dropping Representative Theodore Speliotis an email expressing your displeasure with the fact that committee he chairs failed to act on this bill for two years. Ironically, the committee is named the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. As a consumer I hardly feel protected by the lack of passage of this bill. In fact I feel like my rights as a consumer are being trampled upon in favor of a few who want to keep Massachusetts in the dark ages of commerce.
Subscribe to the Wellesley Wine Press for updates on this issue
A 2010 federal court ruling determined the state's current laws were unconstitutional because they discriminated against large wineries. HB 1029 would have lifted this large winery restriction, established mechanisms for licensing out of state wineries, provided a means for excise tax collection, and perhaps most importantly, defined a reasonable fee structure for FedEx and UPS to ship wine within the state.
What Happens Now?
It's back to the drawing board. Expect a new bill to be introduced in 2013. The legislative session in Massachusetts runs for two years so let's hope a new bill can be introduced that provides not only for winery direct shipments but for retailer shipments as well.
What Can I Do To Help?
In talking with my state representative about this issue, I learned that they're not hearing from a lot of consumers about their support of direct shipment of wine. Send your representative a sincere email asking where they stand on the issue and ask them to help push the issue along at every opportunity. Don't know who your representative is? A list can be found here.
Also consider dropping Representative Theodore Speliotis an email expressing your displeasure with the fact that committee he chairs failed to act on this bill for two years. Ironically, the committee is named the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. As a consumer I hardly feel protected by the lack of passage of this bill. In fact I feel like my rights as a consumer are being trampled upon in favor of a few who want to keep Massachusetts in the dark ages of commerce.
Further Reading
Why every Massachusetts resident should be in favor of the direct shipment of wine
Subscribe to the Wellesley Wine Press for updates on this issue
Let’s Get Fizzacle!
Sure, bubbly is boss on New Years and even at celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, but why not add its charming sparkle to silly-sweet St. Valentine’s Day? I can’t think of a lustier toast … except for maybe Bedrock’s ravishing … Continue reading
Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/lets-get-fizzacle/
Monday, 1 October 2012
Wine Bloggers’ Wines from Oddbins
So, do wine bloggers have any idea what wines others should drink, or are they just good at telling us about the stuff they like? I have to admit to being very afraid of the idea of being responsible for choosing wines for other people I do not know. The idea of being a “Wine [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/0KjB-LdU1U0/
Bluff Dale Vineyards
The Winery at Bluff Dale Vineyards The Grapes around Texas ©2012 Half of every adventure is getting to your destination and our trip this year was no exception. We decided to take a different route to the Hill Country this time around to check out some places we have not had the time to see [...]
Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2012/06/02/bluff-dale-vineyards/
Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart
I’m sitting here in my new home office with a fresh perspective and a touch of the misties, as in misty-eyes. Rich and I have been moved into the place for just over a month and it has made a huge difference in how we feel about things. I now recognize that we were both [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/thank-you-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart/
Mr. Ridge Comes a-Knockin’
Master Sommelier Robert Jones came to Day-twah recently to promote the wines of Kysela Pere et Fils, LTD, for which he serves as National Sales Manager. Robert and I go back some years, and in that time, he’s noticed that we have a special place in our hearts for the wines of Ridge Vineyards, a [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/WWzzvAO7fIQ/mr-ridge-comes-a-knockin
Public Service Announcement: Passwords Protect All of Us
Hacked. All files lost. Computer hard drive wiped. Phone dead. Twitter account hijacked. Think it couldn’t happen? Think again. Listening to the frightening details on this podcast about being hacked that made me realize every niche community needs to hear a few basic facts on passwords. In a world where we all are supposed to remember details for [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/hcWq5-W4iDU/
Who are the RAW Wine Fair’s Natural Consumers?
Our first day at the RAW Fair in London, the artisan wine fair focused on organic, biodynamic and natural wines, was eye-opening in many ways. First, the space at the Truman Brewery at the top of Brick Lane, and its incongruous industrial past, seemed vast and empty when we arrived to see row upon row of [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/k7Cgiu-fzfc/
Tasting Leelanau 2012 – Tandem Ciders & Left Foot Charley
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE I first noticed Tandem Ciders on someone’s Facebook posting, and with just a little bit of investigation, realized that this would have to be must-visit for Kim and this taster. We’ve found that we have an affinity for artisanal ciders, and the scuttlebutt about this Suttons Bay producer was all positive, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/twGS3RjkOME/tandem-lfc
The wines from Pierre Usseglio I
Domaine Pierre Usseglio is first and foremost a maker of Chateauneuf-du-Pape but has also a couple of vineyards just outside the appellation. From these they make a good value Côtes-du-Rhône and a Vin de Table, where Merlot makes up 80 % og the blend. I gave the 2006 Côtes-du-Rhône 2006 88-89 p. which makes it a good value. It’s a sort [...]
Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/44/wines-from-pierre-usseglio-1/
Win Tickets to ZAP’s 2011 Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason!
You heard correctly. Beyond Napa Valley is giving away 4 tickets to ZAP’s Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason. All you have to do is write a Zinfandel-inspired Haiku. Click the link below for all of the details. We hope … Continue reading
Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/win-tickets-to-zaps-2011-grand-zinfandel-tasting-at-fort-mason/
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