For all the ZinHeads out there, you do NOT want to miss this video or this deal! The 2007 Monte Rosso Zin from Charter Oak won a Bay Area Wine Tasting for Milennials (younger wine drinkers) coming in 1st place out of over 730 wines! We are tasting the 2006 in this video but it is no slouch to the 2007. You can check out the video by clicking the link below. They only make a couple hundred cases of this so if you’re thinking about pulling the trigger, do it soon as there won’t be much of this left. Cheers!
Everything Wine
My Kind of Town, Chicago is…
Last week Chicago hosted the NRA Trade Show… no not the gun guys. This NRA is the National Restaurant Association and I guarantee this show blows away anything the other NRA can come up with, no pun intended. On top of discovering a bunch of new products, services and companies in the market, I was able to once again experience all that Chicago has to offer an everyday foodie and wine geek like myself, and man is it a lot!!
Chicago is one of those All American cities filled with lots of history, beautiful architecture, warm and hospitable people and fantastic culinary venues. They have everything from your local burger joint (like the Weber Grill), to a wine a based restaurant offering various flights of wine and cheese (Bin 36) to some of the best Steakhouses in the world (Chicago Chop House and Gibson’s to name a couple). This trip we hit up a few gems hidden in the Windy City.
Fans of Spark’s Steakhouse in NYC are not going to want to miss Gene and Georgetti’s Steakhouse in Chitown. While there is an Italian fare option available here, it is a good old fashioned Steakhouse loaded with perfectly cooked cuts of beef, delicious sides and a very reasonably priced wine list filled with all the Napa Cabs you would hope to see. It also has that same Goodfellas vibe that adds just a hint of danger with your meal… so if someone asks you to take a walk outside don’t be so quick to get up.
The Brazilian Steakhouse chain Fogo de Chao delivers a wonderful dining experience on all levels. It all starts with high quality beef and poultry sliced and served right at your table, and plenty of it. Add a kick ass salad bar, huge wine list and a restaurant enclosed by a custom wine cellar and you come up with a winning culinary combination.
If steak is not your thing, make Shaw’s Crab House the first stop on your list. Here you’ll find some of the best and freshest fish in the city. Try starting out with the cold seafood/shellfish appetizer paired with the Feudo di San Gregorio Falanghina…killer combo!
One of the most fun and energetic places in town is right around the corner from the historic John Hancock building, Bistro 110. It’s got that French Bistro look, feel and menu but with all the energy of Chicago. The Short Rib entry makes a great table appetizer to kick things off, and the Shrimp and Scallops over polenta in their green peppercorn sauce may be the winning dish of the trip. Lots of local and international selections on the well priced wine list, especially from the Rhone area of France.
While these are a few of my favorites, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Chicago that it’s hard to go wrong. As a New Yorker, Chicago is really a city worth visiting as it has so much to offer people of all ages. Just tons of energy and style, but with the warmth and charm that NYC can sometimes lack. I’m already looking forward to going back!
A Tasting Video for Reynolds Family Winery!
Check out the Westchester Wine Guy along with Erika Strum in a tasting video for Wine Enthusiast’s Winery Club featuring the 2006 Persistence Blend from the Reynolds Family Winery. A really complex Bordeaux Blend at a great promotional introductory price! Just click on the link below and enjoy…
In The Aerator Age, Do You Need a Decanter?
Like it or not, The Aerator Age is upon us and it looks like it is here to stay. While the traditionalists may be inclined to fight this trend, there are some valid reasons why this new technology has become all the rage.
Aerators tend to open up wine faster than decanting, and if you are only going to have a glass or two you don’t have to decant the entire bottle. So it brings about the question, do I even need my decanter any longer?
The answer is… it depends. Products such as the Vinturi Red Wine Aerator, Nuance Wine Finer and theRabbit Aerating Pourer have revolutionized wine service. These devices create so much aeration for wine in such a small amount of time that it allows all the bouquet and flavors to come to life within seconds. Because they are either hand-held or fit in right in the neck of the bottle, they are extremely easy to use especially for single glass service. For this reason, you will now find one of these aerators in most tasting rooms. Wineries want you to get the full sensory experience of their top tier offerings, especially since young wines that are big and tannic benefit most from this method.
That being said, not everyone wants to speed up this process. There is certainly something almost sacred about slowly pouring a bottle into a beautifully crafted crystal decanter while holding a candle to it in order to check for sediment, particularly in those older wines that may be a bit more delicate. Better quality wines will also constantly change while in the decanter, an effect you lose when utilizing the ultra fast aerators. It can be quite revealing to smell and taste the wine at different points while it is opening up, as the aromas and flavors can grow deeper and more complex.
So if you are a bit impatient and find the prolonged wait time of decanting just a nuisance, or you like to enjoy your wine one glass at a time, then you are ready for all that The Aerator Age has to offer. But if you are from the school of thought that good things come to those who wait, and believe the process of decanting enhances the entire wine experience, then keep on decanting!
But don’t forget, there is no reason you can’t utilize both options and pour the wine through the aerator into the decanter. This can result in optimal pleasure for those really young, or older, wines that need an enormous exposure to air to exhibit all they have to offer.
As always you can find all of these wonderful Aerators and Decanters at www.wineenthusast.com
A Vintage for the Ages In Napa…
2007 has really been a tremendous vintage for California wines pretty much across the board. Some stellar Pinots have come out of the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, and the Zin and Rhone blends all over Cali have been pretty rockin’ as well. However no other wine has benefited from this glorious vintage like the illustrious Napa Cabs.
The vintages in CA are usually not as important as they can be in other parts of the world, like France for example, as the climate is pretty consistent. That is why in Bordeaux and Burgundy, the vintage makes such a big difference in price and aging capability. However there are certain years when Mother Nature is at her best and seems to shine upon all the vineyards…and 2007 is clearly one of them!
What makes this vintage so intriguing is that it encompasses all levels of these Napa Cabs, from the entry level $10-15 bottles all the way up to the ultra pricey, notorious Cult Cabs. In fact for under $15 you can find some Cabs that you may mistake for much higher priced wines. Archstone, Annabella, Avalon and Aquinas are a few labels to keep on your radar…and just a total coincidence that they all start with A.
As far as I can tell the real value in these 2007 Napa Cabs lies in the $15-30 price range. You could blind taste some of these against the real “big boys” and you may have a tough time determining which is which. This is evident in some of the high scores given to some of the top quality wines in this range.
For example the Louis Martini Napa scoring 91 Pts, Maroon’s Yountville Cab grabbing 92 Pts, and the Franciscan entry level Oakville Cab fetching 94 pts and retailing for around $25-30! My personal favorite at this level is the Beringer Knights Valley Cab. It has this beautiful black fruit and sweet vanilla spice combination that just knocks your socks off!
And then there are the “big boys”. Wow, are these some fantastic wines. They are big and lush now, but have an aging potential that not many vintages have produced in CA. It’s tough to go wrong with any of the better known brands, but some that stand out for me are from Far Niente, Stag’s Leap (Artemis), Newton (Unfiltered), Chimney Rock (Stag’s Leap) and my personal favorite is the Howell Mountain Cab from O’Shaughnessy. Cheap they are not, but if you are willing to splurge on some special bottles these are worth the dough.
Much mention has been made of some the fabulous recent vintages in Bordeaux (2000, 2005 and 2009). However I find that more people in this neck of the woods prefer their Napa Cabs to the Bordeaux wines. In comparison, this 2007 vintage is the best to come along since the 1997, 1999 and 2001 in Napa. So load up while you can, as these wines won’t be available forever.
Cheers!
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is Almost Over…So What Are You Waiting For?!?!
I almost have to apologize for writing this post so late as the HVRW is coming to an end. So not to get bogged down and overloaded with attempted wit, fairly obvious observations (Seinfeld reference) and a bit of wine geek talk I’ll get right to the point…go and take advantage while you still can!
It seems the down economy has given the local restaurants a real kick in the ass to up their game and stack the HVRW menus both in quality and quantity. The participating restaurants are offering a 3 course menu for $28 including an appetizer, entrée and desert. Not a bad deal considering some of the high end restaurants that are involved.
(See the link below)
http://www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com/home.php
A large group of us went to Restaurant 42 atop the Ritz Carlton in White Plains and it was a real treat. Not only are the views spectacular and the ambiance delightful, but the portions were pretty healthy all things considered. I went with a salmon tartar that was fresh and tasty followed by an 8-10 oz skirt steak that left me feeling nicely full and satisfied. That is not always the case with Restaurant Week as some places tend to cheap out since the customers are not paying full boat. Fantastic wine list as well.
I also ventured over the bridge into Rockland with my wife and friends to the Hudson House in Nyack. Much different atmosphere, but equally enjoyable. With about 4 or 5 selections of apps and entrees respectively, there is something for everyone. The potato gnocchi were soft and tender and the beef tenderloin (yes, I like red meat) was served with a delectable polenta. On top of having a very affordable wine list, their corkage fee is only $15 so it’s a nice opportunity to bring one of the nicer bottles from your own collection.
I have heard nothing but good things from people in the area who have ventured to other restaurants as well including Ruth’s Chris, Red Hat Bistro, Restaurant X and of course my friends at The TapHouse. HVRW goes through Sunday 3/27 so if you have the chance this weekend, try and get out and taste a little of the Hudson Valley at a price that is easier to swallow than usual. Salute!!
Some Green Wine Selections for St. Patty’s Day
I know, I know… who drinks wine on St. Patrick’s Day?!? No question that beer rules this day of parades, shamrocks, shenanigans, corned beef, ethnic confusion (drinking your face off and wearing green does not make you Irish) and the dreaded morning after regret. But for those who choose to take a more sophisticated route towards the debauchery, there are still ways to keep in the spirit of the holiday. While dying wine green is just not a real viable option, below are some ideas of how to drink Green Wine this St. Patty’s Day.
In Portugal, Vinho Verde is the white wine of choice for many reasons. It is a wine made from local grapes in a young and refreshing style with lots of citrus flavors and even a bit of effervescence… and it’s cheap! The literal translation of Vinho Verde is “Green Wine”, almost as if they named it on purpose for St. Patrick’s Day consumption. Plus it typically has a lower alcohol level than most wines (around 7-11%) so you can drink this stuff all day and still make it out to the bars after the parade.
Not feeling like the light whites are going to do the trick? How about reaching for some Organic options. While they may not look green in color or have it in the name, they are certainly green in the environmental sense of the word and get the approving nod from Mother Nature. Bonterra’s Cab from the North Coast of CA has to be one of the best values around. For about $15 this fruit driven, approachable wine is loaded with lots of tasty currant and berry flavors surrounded by cedar and spicy nuances.
If you’re looking for something a little more intense and upscale, then check out the wines from Hall Vineyards in Napa. Pound for pound they are producing some of the best wines to come out of the region, and are quite possibly the greenest winery in town.
Still not feeling like these wines have enough Irish in them? How about trying some actual Irish wine? Kidding… that is not a good idea. But trying some wines from the Green Valley of California is a great way to go! A sub appellation in the Russian River Valley, this area is producing some of the best Pinots and Chardonnays in all of Sonoma. Unfortunately because this is such an exclusive and fantastic growing area, these wines fetch a pretty penny. But St. Patty’s only comes once a year so live it up! Some of my favorite wines from the area are made by Dutton Goldfield, Sequana and Iron Horse.
Whatever Green drink you choose to indulge in this St. Patrick’s Day be sure to do it in good health, do it responsibly and to share it with some of your Irish brethren.
Sláinte!
Giving up Wine for Lent…well, maybe just some wines.
For those practicing Catholics out there, Lent is just around the corner. Without getting too theological, this period leading up to Easter is a time of prayer, penance and giving up something for 40 days that would be considered a sacrifice. Unlike my cousin who gives up white wine every year ( I have seen him drink white wine once in my entire life ), I am taking this opportunity to lay off some of my favorite wines. As a kicker, I am sick of this stinkin’ winter and making a move to some more Spring styled selections. If that Groundhog can’t bring in the warm weather, maybe the WWG can!
The first wine on the list… Napa Cabs. This is going to be tough but necessary if we are talking both about sacrifice as well as avoiding the wines that keep you warm on those cold winter nights. I will certainly miss the lush currant and black cherry flavors, as well as the sweet vanilla and cedar nuances. However I will try to fill the void with the wines of Chianti. While they may not be as big and bold as those Napa Cabs, they offer wonderful fruit and oak complexities that are a bit lighter in nature. Just what the doctor ordered for those warmer Spring days.
The next wines to give up will be the Rhone Reds. I know that’s pretty general, but I am a sucker for almost all the wines from that region (Cotes du Rhones, Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Crozes Hermitage, etc) These Grenache/Syrah based reds are meaty, hearty and fruit driven wines that can be both powerful and sophisticated at the same time. Instead I will try and venture into the lighter side of France and jump on the Beaujolais train.
While most people are only familiar with the simple and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau, there are some fantastic wines from the Beaujolais-Villages and Cru Beaujolais areas. These wines can be soft and supple with cherry pie, raspberry and smoky characteristics that cry for the warmer weather to commence. Also unlike the more basic Nouveau style, the finer crafted wines can be very food friendly and benefit from aging.
Lastly, it’s time to say goodbye to those big, buttery and oaky Chardonnays. While they are perfectly suited for those fireside evenings while watching the snow fall, they are not meant for the sun and fun that we are trying to evoke here. Nothing says Spring like a crisp and refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio, especially the ones from the Collio DOC. If all those floral and citrus aromas and flavors can’t lift us off into the Spring, I just don’t know what can.
Below are some suggestions for each of my “Lent” wines… and of course even if you don’t participate in Lent, these wines are a fun and enjoyable way to ring in the new season. Cheers!
CHIANTI
Under $15
2009 Querceto Chianti
2008 Banfi Chianti Classico
$16-30
2007 Vitticio Chianti Classico Riserva
2006 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva
$30 and Up
2005 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riseva Ducale Oro Gold Label
2006 Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio
BEAUJOLAIS
Under $15
2009 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
2009 Georges Duboeuf Morgon
$16-30
2009 Chateau des Jacques, Louis Jadot Moulin a Vent
2009 Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly
PINOT GRIGIO
Under $15
2009 Zenato
2009 Barone Fini Valdadige ( Half the price as Santa Margherita and just as good!)
$16-30
2009 Livio Felluga Collio
2009 Fiegl Collio
When is a Wine Worthy of Opening?
Have you or anyone you know ever suffered from Opener’s Remorse Syndrome? That’s the feeling of regret after opening a bottle that you wish you hadn’t or just ended up not being worthy of the situation. It can be felt immediately after opening or as late as the next morning, which is usually more common. Symptoms are a sinking feeling in your stomach, a general wonderment of “what the hell was I thinking?!?” and overall aggravation at your own stupidity.
Whether your wine collection consist of 12 or 1,200 bottles, everyone has those stellar bottles that they are saving for a special occasion. But the question is what occasions are worthy enough of opening up your most prized cellar selections?
I have gone through this conflict on more than one occasion. It makes me feel like Wayne and Garth have channeled into my inner soul and I should be bowing to those bottles screaming “We’re not worthy, we’re not worthy… we suck!” This is because there are a many factors and variables that go into the equation of cracking open something special. To add to the pressure, your guests are usually impatiently awaiting your decision…with just a bit of drool dangling from the side of their mouths.
It’s always tempting to open something fantastic when you are in the good company of family and friends, but then the wheels start turning as you examine the situation. Are there too many people to open this one bottle? Even though you may love the people that are surrounding you, are they REALLY going to appreciate what you are about to open? Does everyone already have a few glasses in them and may decide to just chug whatever booze you put in their glass whether it’s Opus One or Moonshine? These are the questions that need to be addressed and answered in a timely fashion as to avoid the dreaded ORS (Opener’s Remorse Syndrome).
Here are a few rules of thumb to adhere to that will help navigate those sticky situations and avoid ORS:
- The Smaller The Group, The Better. When there are too many people inevitably someone will not get a chance to taste what you opened and you may catch heat for it for the rest of the night… or longer! I would put the cap at 6-8 people.
- Know Your Audience. If 50% or more of the crew is going to really appreciate and enjoy something special, than open it up. Who knows, you may enlighten someone in the other 50% and give them their Epiphany wine experience.
- Make It The 1st or 2nd Bottle of the Night. While you can still enjoy great wine after that, the taste buds are a bit shot and it just won’t have the same effect.
- Go With Your Instinct. Sometimes you just want to open a kick ass wine because you feel like it. In those cases, I say go for it! Just be aware of the possibility of ORS before you do, and if you are able to deal with those consequences, then you can’t go wrong.
What Wines to Pair with Your… Snowstorm?!?!
Here in Westchester we have had one hell of a winter that seems to be neverending… hopefully that Groundhog has some actual forecasting ability. We have seen everything from whiteout blizzards, to freezing rain and sleet, to these hail and ice storms that leave our neighborhoods looking like a scene from one of those natural disaster movies. Since we all have had to become junior meteorologists to navigate through this nonsense, I have found that certain storms invoke cravings for different styles of wines depending on their characteristics. I know it sounds crazy, but have a look below and it will make a little more sense.
For the light snow and flurries, I prefer something easy drinking, a little lighter bodied and with low alcohol. Because let’s face it, with the amount of these we have had this winter if we were to drink the heavy stuff every time there was a little snow we would be wasted the entire winter. The 2007 Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley seem to be great across the board and at all price levels. In my growing years I am also finding wines from Beaujolais a frequent option. I used to find them tart and fruity, but lately I am really enjoying the simple fruit and pleasant softness most of them exhibit.
Whiteouts and Blizzards call for something a little more substantial as one can never tell how long you may be cooped up. Nothing beats curling up on the couch with a nice glass of Ribera del Duero, which are big and spicy Spanish wines made mostly from the Tempranillo grape. They are similar to the wines of Rioja, but the fruit is darker, the tannins are firmer and the alcohol is higher which will keep you nice and warm on those cold nights. It also makes a great pairing with beef dishes if you are so inclined to throw a steak on the grill.
When the Ice Storm Cometh, nothing seems more appropriate than a sweet and sticky Ice Wine. The grapes used to make these white dessert wines are picked off the vines while they are still frozen, so all the sugars are super concentrated. Flavors of honey, apricot and caramel are common and they are perfect for easy sippin’ or to enjoy with some Roquefort or other stinky cheese selections. The better ones from France (Sauternes), Hungary (Tokaji) and Canada can be a little steep. But there are some nice Late Harvest options from California, New Zealand and even the Finger Lakes region of New York that fall in the value price range and are pretty readily available.
So the next time you turn on the news and see a storm coming, there is no need for dismay. Sure you may have to load up the fridge, shovel the driveway and figure out what to do with the kids when school is closed. But at least you have that nice glass (or bottle!) of wine to look forward to at the end of the day.
Marshall Tilden III, DWS, CSW 