2500th post begins a seven year NHWM celebration.

2500th post begins a seven year NHWM celebration.

 

  Saluting and thanking my blogging and viewing friends for keeping me going with this project, which will be seven years young in July, is reward enough, cause people (dogs too) are what make blogging and wine fun. It's all about the 'teach thy self' concept which I've come to value, but along the way I've come to umami (savor) some very special friends and their help along the path to wine enlightenment; they know who they are!
  Since I began blogging with two Zinfandel wines (Green and Red, Frog's Leap), but now can only find Frog's leap in New Hampshire, I hope to post several reviews of Frog's leap wines in July as a sort of retrospective.
Frog's Leap Napa Valley, Why it's a "Go to Winery."
  My story (unfinished) can be found here: New Hampshire Wineman~An Old man's Trek Into "Wine Country".

 Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Lost Canyon Russian River Valley 'Trenton Station Vineyard' 2010 Syrah

Lost Canyon Russian River Valley 'Trenton Station Vineyard' 2010 Syrah, 92 points, was a birthday gift, but prices appear to be in the $30-$40 range.
Poured core black grading purple/red toward the clear wine ring and moderately leggy glass wall.
Aromatic violets, smoke, and blackberries were excellent.
Full-bodied with good acidity and mellow supportive tannins carried tasty black fruit flavors garnished with flowers and cooking herbs.
Finished long and intense on spice and oak notes, a hint of caramelized ham steak, and a well-balanced 14.4% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burgers.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Klinker Brick Lodi 2016 Rosé

Klinker Brick Lodi 2016 Rosé, $11.89-$13.99, 87 points, poured a preach rainbow color.
The nose was shy strawberry, earth, and watermelon.
Light-bodied with fair acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas went well with my spicy chili.
Finished fine on the trailing palate, a hint of mushrooms, mild spice notes, and an easy 12.8% alcohol.
Varietals were 38% Grenache, 30% Carignane, 24% Syrah, and 8% Mourvèdre.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Justin Central Coast 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

Justin Central Coast 2016 Sauvignon Blanc,
$12.74-$16.99, 91 points, poured the lightest brass colors.
Aromatic pome fruit and grass with a whisper of grapefruit were generous.
Light, crisp, refreshing, and appropriately acidic with complex evolving flavors of melon, tropical fruit, black pepper, and yes a hint of grass.
Finished on the trailing palate and a typically Justin-big 14.5% alcohol.
By far the best Justin Sauvignon Blanc I've tasted, and at less than $15, a great value.
Paired perfectly with my Canadian Halibut.


Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cali)
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Charles Smith 'Casasmith' Northridge Vineyard, Wahluke Slope 2015 Barbera

Charles Smith 'Casasmith' Northridge Vineyard, Wahluke Slope 2015 Barbera,
$19.99-$48.99, 88 points, was a purple/red color with a moderately broad clear wine ring and rather large tears.
Profuse aromas dominated by blueberry, and trimmed with red fruit, a floral note, and a hint of toast were okay.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, round supportive tannins, and a cornucopia of fruit flavors accented with red licorice, fennel, and sweet tobacco were satisfyingly interesting.
Finished long on oak notes, sweet tobacco, an easy spiciness, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Carrabba's lasagna.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Sparkling Rosé Wines

Sparkling Rosé Wines Reviewed

Campo Viejo NV Brut Cava Rosé, (Spain) $9.99-$12.99, 87 points
Castello Del Poggio Sweet Frizzante (NV) Rosé (Italy), $7.64-$11.99, 86 points
Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé Réserve, (France) $65.44-$79.99, 94 points
Dibon N/V Brut Cava Rosé (Spain), $10.19-$13.99, 90 points
Emeri De Bortoli Australian Sparkling Pink Moscato, $9.99, 89 points
Gruet Brut Bubbly Rosé, USA-NM) $12.23-$18.99, 89 points
Gruet NV Brut Sparkling Rosé, (USA-NM) $16.99-$18.99, 88 points

Gruet NV Brut Sparkling Rosé, (USA-NM) $15.29-$19.99, 90 points
HKG Russian River NV Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé Wine, (USA) $13.57-$27.99, 88 points
Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato Rosé, (Australia) $11.99-$14.99, 88 points
Llopart Reserva Brut 2011 Rose Cava, Spain, $22.99-$24.99, 92 points
Meinklang Frizzante 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé $17.96-$19.95, 86 points (Austria)
MUMM Napa Valley Brut Rosé, (USA-CA.) $16.99-$19.99, 92 points

Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne, $61.99-$69.99, 92 points
Sensi 18K NV Moscato (Sparkling Sweet Rosé Wine), (Italy) $19.99-$22.99, 91 points
Terlato 'Fizz 56' Piemonte DOC Brachetto NV Sprakling (frizzante) Red Wine, (Italy) $3.99-$12.99 (375ML), 86 points


Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé Réserve (The Crowd Pleaser)

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé Réserve,
$65.44-$79.99, 94 points, was more an apricot color than pink or rose colored; sufficient rather large bubbles camouflaged the dynamism residing in this bottle.
A soft floral strawberry aroma was delicate and lovely.
Light invigorating body of mouthwatering acids delivered a most amazing gestalt of inextricably pleasing floral-berry flavors.
Finished dry and very long on a hint of stem, a whisper of yeast, red cherry, and a well-integrated 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my grilled asparagus and honey roasted chicken wings.
Varietals were 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier, and 34% Chardonnay.



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Gruet "Savage" Blanc De Blancs NV Sparkling Wine

Gruet "Savage" Blanc De Blancs NV Sparkling Wine, $17.99-$19.99, 90 points, poured a deep glossy gold color with big a head of foam and a continuous eruption of medium-sized bubbles.
Smells of caramelized apples, toast, and yeast trailed nicely onto the juicy palate; mouthwatering acidity and a dry medium body carried flavors rightly reflective of the aromas.
Finished well on the balanced 12.5% alcohol and a hint of ginger and pear.
Paired perfectly with my chicken enchiladas.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2011 Barolo (DOCG)

Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2011 Barolo (DOCG), $21.24-$49.99, 91 points, poured a bright orange/red color with a moderately broad wine ring and light draping.
Smells of oak and caramel were strong, drowning out more subtle rose and fresh linen.
Medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity and grainy gripping tannins managed a rather straight forward spiced and alcohol (14%) inspirited black cherry trailing deep into the long finish accented with oak and plum.
Paired perfectly with our pepperoni pizza.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Mahu Maule Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Mahu Maule Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile), $11.69-$12.99, 87 points, poured a light gold color grading clear toward the glass shallows.
Soft aromas of pomelo and hay were delightful.
MAHU SB was very light and very acidic with a grapefruit flavor profile, and subtle lemon and grass accents added a satisfying complexity.
Finished okay on the lemon, hints of ginger, and an innocuous 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our broiled Icelandic Cod loins.
I bought this SB at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Clos Pegase Napa Valley Estate Bottled 2016 Rosé

Clos Pegase Napa Valley Estate Bottled 2016 Rosé, $16.14-$20.99, 88 points, poured a deep cranberry red with pink highlights.
Profuse strawberry and watermelon on the nose was richer than almost any other Rosé I've smelled, as was the overall wine; it was seemingly more of a hybrid Red/Rosé wine; the light-plus body, an undercurrent of tannin, and a heavier flavor profile, mostly strawberry/rhubarb, but earthy cherry flavors along with good acidity made for a complex and conflicted Rosé (JMO).
Finished on the trailing palate, a touch of white pepper, and a potent 13.7% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Buffalo-wings and nachos.
Varietals were 55% Zinfandel, 19% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Pinot Noir, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petite Sirah.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Tenute Silvio Nardi 2014 Rosso Di Montalcino

Tenute Silvio Nardi 2014 Rosso Di Montalcino, $18.69-$21.99, 92 points, poured an unusual orange/red color with a broad clear wine ring and a moderately leggy glass wall.
Aromatic flowers, evergreen, black olives, and citrus were remarkable.
Barely medium-bodied adorned with bright acidity and supported by fine grainy tannins carried an earthy flavor profile.
Finished dry and quite long on spearmint, plum, lingonberry, black tea, white pepper, and an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
A bit oaky, tight, lovely, and complex expression of the Sangiovese grape.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs in a marinara sauce.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Poggio Antico Altero 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino,

Poggio Antico Altero 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino, $63.74-$79.99, 94 points, poured a lovely archetypical red-wine color with a transparent wine ring and a heavily draped glass bowl.
Aromatic roses, tar, black cherry, truffle, and sea breezes were excellent.
This near full-bodied Brunello was supple, dense, and rich.
With good acidity and fine grainy tannins functioning as a master's paint brush plying the trade of flavor magic, Poggio Antico Altero climaxed in an extended burst of hot spices, plum, coffee, and truffle notes.
Alcohol was a spot on 14%.
Paired perfectly with my mushroom ravioli in an artichoke marinara sauce.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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St. Supéry Estates Vineyards Napa Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Supéry Estates Vineyards Napa Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.19-$38.99, 90 points, emerged opaque grading deep purple/red culminating in a broad clear wine ring and glass bowl of moderate sheeting.
The aromatic cedar/violets potpourri accented with black currant and blueberry was pleasant.
Medium-plus body with good acidity and firm comfortable tannins handled well the flavors of mild oak, black fruit, dried cooking herbs, and licorice.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a hint of tart pomegranate, plum, white pepper, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our burgers and chips.
Best St. Supery cab I've tasted.

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Russians love (used to) The New Hampshire Wine Blog!

 

 

Куда пропали все русские винные любители? *

Russians love (used to) The New Hampshire Wine Blog! 

Just a few weeks ago I was commenting that for nearly seven (7) years the NHWM blog was receiving thousands of page views from our wine-loving friends in Russia; three weeks ago and all of a sudden, and for the first time in all this time, not a single page view from Russia!
Anyone want to speculate?
In fact, I posted a thank you post to my Russian friends back in 2013:
Русские любители вина

Приветствую моих русских друзей!
Надеюсь, солнце не опустится на твои визиты!

Ура!

*Where have all the Russian wine lovers gone?

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Dylan's Ghost 'Hell Hollow' 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dylan's Ghost 'Hell Hollow' 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $42.49-$49.99, 93 points, was core black grading purple/red toward the clear wine ring and glass bowl with modest tears.
Aromatic black currant, coffee, and floral notes were outstanding.
Full-bodied with good acidity, gripping tannin, and complex flavors including tobacco, plum, mint, mushroom/loam, and black currant were surprisingly good.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spices, and a well-balanced 14.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs in a rich tomato sauce.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Groth Napa Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

Groth Napa Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $18.69-$21.99, 92 points, poured a light brass color trailing almost clear toward the glass wall.
Smells of lemongrass, a hint of vanilla, and honeydew melon were fresh.
Light, crisp, refreshing, a perennial favorite, Groth manages to produce a Sauvignon Blanc that excels in varietal specific character; I found a bounty of flavor notes, from tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, grassiness, and white pepper to watermelon rind.
Finished long on ginger, citrus, and a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my deep fried sea scallops and Maryland crab-cakes.
Last week we had a 2013 vintage, and to my surprise it tasted as good as this 2016.

Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cali)
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Alvear 2011 Pedro Ximenez de Anada Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia, Spain)

Alvear 2011 Pedro Ximenez de Anada Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia, Spain), $9.79-$154.00*, 95 points, was the color of Dark amber Maple syrup.
Powerful aromas of raisin, caramel, and bourbon quickened on the palate with fig and coffee flavors.
More than full-bodied with fair acidity and a round mellow underlayment of tannin took the palate into a long finish of a 17% alcohol inspirited sweet bourbon burn.
Paired okay with our dark chocolate cherry frosted cake, but I really enjoyed this wine all by itself.
*Believe it or not; google it!

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina)

Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina), $16.14-$22.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby trending burgundy purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and quite the leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic black currant, sandalwood, bright mint, and cedar were excellent.
Medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity and lean comfortable tannins carried one of the best expression of blueberry flavor I've tasted, but other flavors associated with the aromas were very good.
Finished long on tangy pomegranate, that amazing mint, oak, easy warm spices, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my hot and spicy beef chili.
Very high quality, price, ratio red wine (QPR), and though it is drinking just fine now, I'm guessing that in a few years it will be much better.

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Gruet NV Brut Sparkling Rosé

Gruet NV Brut Sparkling Rosé, $16.99-$18.99, 88 points, poured a rich pomegranate color.
Smells of strawberry, watermelon, and leather crisply carried onto the palate.
Light-plus body with a full head of foam and continuous small bubbles managed a quite dry refreshing Rosé.
Finished fine on the trailing palate and a 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Mexican cuisine.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Rosé Wines, The Big Domestic Push

Rosé Wines,

 the big domestic push that's satisfying America's love of wine and good food.

 

In the small State of New Hampshire the Rosé wines most often seen are usually French with a few from Italy, Spain, Argentina, even Austria and Portugal, a trickle from California, and few from the Finger Lakes, but this year the explosion of Rosé wines is coming from the West Coast Wineries, and though I've only opened, midway through the year, four domestic Rosé wines, this sample has impressed me.
Many imbibers haven't appreciated the niche that Rosé fills, but it's a wine hard-to-beat for that summertime heat tipple; Rosé is refreshing and with light strawberry, cherry, and nuanced floral flavors, lower alcohol, as well as spicy food pair-ability (my personal favorite), and comes bubbly spritzed as well; the choice of Rosé should be on your menu.
See i-winereview.com for Rosé's compatibility with almost everything.
Prices are usually very reasonable, even from great wineries ($5-$30), and it's not unusual to find a Rosé that competes favorably quality-wise with very expensive red wines (less intensive vinification).
I wished that I had explored Rosé sooner.

Rosé Wines (USA)

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Brick And Mortar Cougar Rock Vineyard Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay

Brick And Mortar Cougar Rock Vineyard Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay, $36.54-$42.99, 93 points, was a light brass color.
Smells of lemon, honey, and a whisper of vanilla were excellent.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and a wonderfully balanced blend of neutral Chardonnay typical fruit, lemon, honey, vanilla, caramel, and light lingering lime flavors made for a lasting impression.
Finished long on the trailing palate, noteworthy ginger, and an exceptionally restrained 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our steamed Maritime lobsters and New Jersey asparagus.

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