2 Lads Winery - 2007 Pinot Grigio
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I picked up this wine last fall while at the vineyard and decided to open while hanging on the patio. If you are not familiar with 2 Lads, its a newer vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula up in Traverse City, MI. They have an amazing view of the bay from their tasting room which is up on a hill and very modern in design. They don't have many labels so far but the ones they do have are quite good. I wasn't as impressed with the Chardonnay last year but I am looking forward to the 2008 harvest and expect to snag a bottle when it is released next month. The 2007 Pinot Grigio is full of fruit, pear and green apple are present as well as some tight acid on the finish. This wine is not as crisp as some Italian Pinot Grigio's but for Michigan it's not bad. I am curious to see how this season turns out and hope to get up north at least once more this summer/fall.
http://www.2lwinery.com/
Posted by mardenhill 6/28/2009 09:57:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Forty-Five North
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
This weekend Erika and I went up to Traverse City to visit her brother, sister and some friends and while up there checked out the new vineyard Forty-Five North. They opened last year and the current winemaker Shawn Walters has done an amazing job with the wines. For only being on their 2nd year, Forty-Five North has an extensive lineup. We bought the 2008 Pinot Gris, 2008 Pinot Noir Rose and the 2008 Icebox Riesling. The Pinot Gris was crisp with lush fruit and a bit of oak. The Rose was dry with hints of strawberry. This was not overly sweet which is something I look for in a good Rose. The Icebox Riesling which comes in at $50 is well worth every penny. If you are a fan of Sauternes or TrockenBerenAuselese you will enjoy this wine. It is thick, vicious and full of nectar. Check out their website for more information and if you are heading up to TC definitely check out the vineyard.
http://www.fortyfivenorth.com/
Posted by mardenhill 6/09/2009 03:26:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Castelo do Papa Godello 2006
Monday, April 27, 2009
Just opened a bottle of Castelo do Papa Godello 2006 another Spanish white wine. The Godello grape is native to Galicia and over the last few years been planted in the Valdeorras DO. Wasn't pulling a ton off the nose but the taste was amazing. There is a nice acidity that hits you at the corners of your throat while the fresh and clean citrus flavors dance around your tongue. Lots of pineapple and pear and you must not be afraid of the acid otherwise this will will overwhelm you. This wine is thicker than I was expecting but its not rich and creamy. Its still clean and fresh and the finish goes on for days. No oak here just stainless steel fermentation and a 12.5% alcohol.
I have backed off the high acidic wines the last couple years but found myself back on them with my new love of Spanish whites. So far they are not killing me like Sauvignon Blancs have in the past so I will keep going until I need a break.
I couldn't find a website for the producer but you can check them out at the distributer's website.
http://www.oleimports.com/wines/ladera.htm
Posted by mardenhill 4/27/2009 09:37:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Latium Soave 2006
Monday, April 06, 2009
I went in blind with this wine, just took the bottle on recommendation from Scott at Cloverleaf. The producer is Latium, the region is Soave, the grape is Garganega and all is located in the north east area of Veneto, Italy. I am pretty clueless about Italian wines, they are my weak spot and every year I challenge myself to learn more about them. I promise I will sample more this year and keep you updated.
This wine is unique in that it's a white made from an unheard of grape. According to Wikipedia Garganega is Italy's 6th most planted white grape meaning that most people outside of Italy will know very little about it. The nose on the wine is nice but I'm not picking up a lot in regards to smells although it may be due to my constant stuffiness. The flavor is nice, there are hints of citrus with low acid and is quite creamy. There is no oak like a chard and has bits of a Gwertzaminer or Gavi. It's a short finish with a just a sliver of alcohol. Not complex but not bad for $10 either. Don't be expecting a dynamite wine here just enjoy it on a nice summer afternoon.
Would I buy again, maybe but I would rather sample a few more obscure Italian whites before circling back.
Posted by mardenhill 4/06/2009 09:42:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Wine Steward
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
I just found a new app for my iPhone and its called Wine Steward. It was only $1.99 and is much better than other programs that retail for more. I suspect this is an intro rate since the app should be selling for at least $4.99. The idea is simple, you can search for any food and it will give you a wine pairing based on your choice. It only gives you grapes not actual brands but its enough to help you narrow down your wine selection. The database is full of many types of food so you will find what you are looking for with just a few letters typed in.
Other features are your wine cellar and the use of Cover Flow. Unfortunately you need to manually type in your collection and while the database does some of the type ahead for you don't expect it to find everything. You have to build the wine profile with the name, region, grape etc but the one feature that stood up was the integration of the iPhone camera. You can take a picture of the label/bottle and when your iPod is turned sideways you can flip through your cellar like you do with albums. I really find this feature quite cool and one that I would definitely utilize. As with most wine apps you cannot take an existing wine cellar database and upload it into the app or even through a web interface. I don't have the time to sit down and type each bottle in, if I were able to upload a spreadsheet I wouldn't mind snapping photos and using this feature. Until then I will just use it for my pairings and wait for further application updates. You can check out the app at the website below. You can also play with the wine pairing portion on the web.
http://smartywine.com/
Posted by mardenhill 4/01/2009 07:14:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Technology, Wine
Riedel Vitis
Monday, December 29, 2008
Erika bought me a few more Riedel Vitis glasses for xmas to add to my current collection. At this time I have the Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Champagne. I would like to get the Chardonnay and Martini as well as multiples in all catagories. These are amazing glasses, the Cab stands over 10 inches and have huge bowls. They are not heavy and although not dishwasher safe are not fragile where you feel that you're going to break them by just looking or breathing. The design is very modern with the deepest curves and blowing away the Vinum Extreme series. You can find them on sale at Amazon.com.
http://www.riedel.com/
Posted by mardenhill 12/29/2008 02:27:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Anne Amie - 2003 Deux Vert Pinot Noir
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Anne Amie is one of my favorite Oregon Vineyards and if you are ever out west this is one you must visit. The view is amazing and rivals many places in Napa Valley. The tasting room overlooks a patch of vines on every side as well as beautiful rolling landscape in all directions. They specialize in Pinot Noir which is usual for many Oregon vineyards. Upon pouring the wine was a deep ruby red with a strong nose. The start was classic pinot with the plump fruit but it didn't end there. This wine was complex enough to stand up to many Burgundians with layers of oak, earth and hints of pepper. The finish lingered on your tongue while your brain begged for more. This isn't a cheap bottle either, you are looking at a $45 bottle but let me tell ya, its well worth it. When buying Oregon Pinots I tend to set my starting price point at $25. You can find some as low as $20 but the good ones are really at the $30+ level. Though these are not everyday wines, you should treat yourself to a great Oregon Pinot a few times a year.
http://www.anneamie.com/
Posted by mardenhill 12/21/2008 10:35:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Miner - Napa Valley 2003 Sauvignon Blanc
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Last night I opened a 2003 Sauvignon Blanc that had been in my wine fridge for years. I didn't know what to expect since this isn't really a wine you are supposed to age, instead you should drink early and enjoy. I was very suprised at what I had here, it was a Sauvignon Blanc that had mellowed on the acidity. The fruit came thru big time and was rich and warm not tight with mouthfuls of citrus. It wasn't as buttery as a Chard more like a Viognier which I found very interesting. I decided to conduct an experiment and search out older Sauv Blancs to see if I can duplicate the style. Finding older whites might be a problem but I have a few ideas where I can look. I don't know if my findings will be as good as Miner but you never know.
Posted by mardenhill 12/13/2008 09:52:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Three Saints - Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley 2005
Monday, December 08, 2008
I bought this wine about a year ago and left it the basement waiting for a good time to open. Tonight was that nite and I have to say it was worth the wait. The wine is a classic Cab from California, plenty of lush fruit followed by some oak and tannin. The nose isn't sweet though, tobacco and black current are present and dominate. The start is plump and juicy with a mouthful of fruit that is replaced with a smokey and dry finish. It is long and lingers on the back of your tongue with a hint of heat representing the alcohol at the back of your throat. I will be interested to see how this wine tastes tomorrow since it was pretty cold when I opened it. I will give it some time and return for a 2nd round.
http://www.threesaintsvineyard.com/about.html
Posted by mardenhill 12/08/2008 09:59:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Favorite New Podcast
Sunday, December 07, 2008
This weekend I discovered Gary Vanynerch's Wine Podcast while browsing the Apple TV and was blown away. Basically Gary rules, he knows his wine inside and out and does a great job at bringing it down to a level most people can comprehend. He is over the top with his sense of humor, his constant shout outs to his camera man, his love of the New York Jets and all things 80s, expecially He Man and wrestling. Gary has been doing the podcast for almost 2 years now with a new episode nearly daily. He will review wines as well as blind tastings which he tends to nail each and every time. You don't need the Apple TV to watch just check out the web site below for episodes. Definitely watch the 05 Bordeaux, its one of my favorites.
http://tv.winelibrary.com/
Posted by mardenhill 12/07/2008 06:43:00 PM 3 comments
Labels: Wine
Michigan Wine Shipping Ban
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Once again our jackass Michigan Legislature is screwing the state with late night bills that would ban shipments of wine from out of state wine retailers. Right now vineyards can ship wine, the Supreme Court gave them the right and this isn't be challenged. Instead its the out of state retailers as well as in state retailers who may have internet stores setup for shipments. The legislation that just passed the House Regulatory Reform Committee 6-0 would require that all beer and wine sold in Michigan by retailers go through the state supplier-to-wholesaler-to retailer distribution network. The fear mongering is back once again, "save the children", "don't let underage kids buy alcohol over the internet". The wholesalers are also talking about money lost as well, but they cloak it in taxes to the state instead of their profits. How many times do we need to go over this, underage kids are not interested in ordering bottles of wine over the net, they are not going to spend the money nor wait for a bottle to arrive. They are interested in getting drunk that night and for cheap.
I guess its time to contact my local representative, unfortunately Andy Meisner is on his way out and onto Oakland Country Treasurer. He was on my side with the legislation last time around, I just hope my new Rep Ellen Cogen Lipton will be as well.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081114/POLITICS/811140352/1423/LIFESTYLE10
Posted by mardenhill 11/15/2008 12:35:00 PM 1 comments
Kunin - Zinfandel Paso Robles 2006
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wow, and another Wow for the 2006 Kunin Wines Zinfandel. This wine comes from my favorite region for Zins and packs a punch with its flavor and body. Within the first 15 minutes the flavors came thru. It was by no means fully opened but enough was present to give you a heads up. The color was a deep plum with a black cherry nose but not too sweet. The body was balanced between the fruit and oak with a bit of spice at the end that followed down the back of your throat. This isn't a Norman Estates - Monster or Earthquake Zin which top out at 16%. Instead its a modest 14.4%, normal for zins and lets the wine speak instead of the alcohol.
I love the philosophy of Kunin Wines, small batches focused on quality not quantity and one that knows not to manipulate wines if you suffer a bad season. I tend not to buy the same bottles over and over since there are so many great vineyards out there to try but I would make an exception for this one. If you live Zins as much as I do, you should definitely scope this one out, you will not be disappointed.
http://www.kuninwines.com/index.html
Posted by mardenhill 10/23/2008 09:24:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
2005 BearBoat - Pinot Noir
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I just picked up this bottle yesterday over at Cloverleaf on recommendation. The Pinot Noir hails from the Russian River Valley and is aged in oak for 10 months. Its not a huge, meaty Oregon pinot but it has all the characteristics of a good California under $20. There is a great nose with plump and sweet fruit bursting thru. The first glass isn't that complex, its very ripe and juicy and I am willing to give it time to open.
Posted by mardenhill 10/19/2008 09:49:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Riedel Vitis
Friday, August 22, 2008
It's a late posting but I still wanted to get it done. I wanted to thank Erika for my anniversary present last weekend which was a set of Riedel Vitis Riesling glasses. The wine glasses are very cool and they are quite tall with a tight pull at the bottom. This is a new series for Riedel and my favorite so far. The Pinot Noir has a more pronounced V style which separates these glasses from others and you can see the whole line at the website below. I think the Pinot will be my next glass to get.
August 16th was our 5 year anniversary and this weekend we are going up to Traverse City for a couple days. We plan on checking out a few new vineyards as well as dinner at Stellas.
http://riedel.com/
http://galiantdemos.com/stellatc.php
Posted by mardenhill 8/22/2008 10:32:00 AM 0 comments
2006 C5 Stefani Vineyard Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Interesting back story here, the winemaker who has been in the business for 25 years ventures out on his own and to raise capital sells his prized C5 Corvette. He names his vineyard after the car and specializes in Zinfandel.
This wine is deep plum in color with long legs and a pleasant aroma. The first couple tastes were very jammy with lots of fruit up front and little oak or spice. About 45 minutes later the wine opened and impressed me with great body and a long and lingering finish. The plump and juicy flavors are still here but have merged with the rustic flavors of the barrel and the heat of the alcohol. Its another great zin and one that every zin lover should try. It's not an entry level wine and one that should be enjoyed drink by drink. According to the website it retails for $30 a bottle but I picked it up for $23 over at Cloverleaf in Royal Oak.
http://sidejobcellars.com/index.html
Posted by mardenhill 7/30/2008 10:32:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
2006 Francois Pinon - Vouvray Cuvee Tradition
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
One of my favorite white grapes is the Chenin Blanc and the best place to find this wine is France. The Chenin Blanc known as Vouvray (region in France) is full of sweet flavors, creamy texture and a hint of oak. This wine has a golden hue with a light and floral nose. If you are looking for a wine to pair with spicy food, this is one since the sweetness can calm the heat. This is not a dessert wine nor a simple and cheap white, it's complex with tropical flavors and a lingering finish.
You can find this bottle at Cloverleaf Fine Wines in Royal Oak. If you havn't been to the new location you need to check it out. The layout is very cool and the selection is one of the best for the price.
http://www.cloverleafwine.com/
Posted by mardenhill 7/29/2008 08:34:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
2005 Midnight Cellars - Estate Zinfandel
Friday, July 18, 2008
A few weeks ago I was at the Merchant's Wearhouse were I stumbled across this bottle of wine. I asked the guy how the bottle was but he didn't know since it was a customer's request who never came to pick up the wine. The customer's loss was my fortune since the wine originally sells for $29 a bottle. The store had it marked for $18.99 which wasn't bad and I decided to take a gamble.
The chance paid off since this is a great Zin, excellent flavor, body and finish. The nose is sweet but spicy upon taste. The body is full with a great balance of fruit and oak. The finish lingers on for days with the heat following all the way down your throat. At 15.9% this is a high alcohol Zin but well worth the taste. There are no candy flavors here and after breathing for about an hour this wine really opens up.
Unless I head back to the Merchant's Wearhouse I will probably never see this bottle again unless I special order it. The production is limited and none of my regulars carry this wine.
http://www.midnightcellars.com/index.html
Posted by mardenhill 7/18/2008 11:02:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
2007 Elk Cove - Pinot Noir Rose
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
For years I was afraid of Rose's, I equated them with White Zinfandel. Well a few years ago I was forced to drink one and really enjoyed it. Made correctly these wines are crisp, clean and not too sweet. Just a hint of strawberry with a tart finish that is fermented in steel rather than oak. These wines are great during the summer and go well with appetizers or just by themselves. France makes the best Rose's but you can find some outstanding bottles from Oregon and California. This one happens to be from one of my favorite Oregon vineyards, Elk Cove. Next time you are at the store, grab a bottle and give it a shot, its worth trying just once.
http://www.elkcove.com/index.php
Posted by mardenhill 7/16/2008 09:42:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Argyle 1999 Blanc de Blancs
Monday, June 16, 2008
Last year on one of our two trips to Oregon we hit a few vineyards and Argyle was one of them. Besides great chardonnay and pinot noir, Argyle makes some amazing sparklings. We picked up a bottle of their 1999 Blanc de Blancs and opened it the other nite. I forgot how good the wine was and it was great to drink it once again. Right away you had great tropical fruit flavors bursting thru followed by a rich and creamy body. The wine wasn't too sweet nor too bone dry. It was a perfect middle where people who prefer different styles could come together and agree. The yeast flavors were subtle and didn't overpower the fruit. At $40 a bottle its a bit on the pricey side but well worth it.
I would definitely drink again and will have to keep this on my short list when looking for sparklings.
http://argylewinery.com/store.php
Posted by mardenhill 6/16/2008 08:42:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Cline Bridgehead Zinfandel 2006
Saturday, June 07, 2008
If you are in the mood for an over the top, full bodied zin bursting with fruit and oak then the Cline Bridgehead Zin is for you. Its not hot like the Norman Estates Monster, it only comes in at 14.5% . This is fine tho because the flavors come thru instead of the alcohol.
This single vineyard showcases why California Zins are much more than some cheap grocery store wine and why this varietal is worth checking out. The wine starts off with fruit but isn't candy sweet like some low end zins. The oak provides a nice backbone and the finish is long and enjoyable. Its a great summer wine and one you should definitely check out.
If you are not familiar with Cline Vineyards, they are one of 1st ones on your way into Napa Valley and Sonoma. The people are friendly, the wine tasting is free and the wine itself is both inexpensive (Napa Standards) and great tasting. Cline has a number of wines that are in the sub $10 range while others climb upwards to $30.
http://www.clinecellars.com/
Posted by mardenhill 6/07/2008 09:56:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
