Sunday, July 31, 2016

Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc





Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.09-$25.99, 90 points, poured a silvery-brass color.
The aromas were shy fresh-cut hay with a subtle floral vibe.
Frog's Leap 2015 was more subtle, maybe more elegant, and definitely an easier drinking Cali Sauvignon Blanc white wine than most others I've tasted.
Though light-bodied with appropriate acidity, a remarkably low 12.9% alcohol, and a rather neutral straight-forward flavor profile of fresh-cut grass and hay, its lack of power were a trade-off to afore mentioned elegance, plus a profound minerality.
Finished long on the trailing palate and an easy white pepper.
Paired perfectly with my Sautéed Halibut.




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Vinsanity, The Wine Blog From Over-there To Over-here




 
 
  For those interested in wine and follow the NHWM blog, my emphasis has always been based on presenting wines tasted with an appropriate respect for the wine-lover's sensibilities, especially in the Great Granite State of New Hampshire, no matter if the wine-lover's wine is a five dollar bottle of Sutter Merlot or a two hundred dollar bottle of Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon; my goal from the beginning has been to encourage those interested in wine to explore and share their explorations, and after six years of stumbling through one wine review after another, I still consider myself a 'Newbie' wine taster and not such a great writer, but despite all of that, there are axioms which still hold true no matter who the wine writer/taster is: "In vino veritas", wine is subjective (maybe 50% subjective), and you usually get what you've paid for.
  Along the way I have noted several bloggers of importance to me, writers of diligence and writers of exceptional talent, both as wine tasters and writers, some more casual than others, but, and I'm awkwardly getting to the point of this post, there are those tasters/writers who become 'real' companions in the intangible cyber-world; they make wine blogging a very 'human' thing; it's hard to be 'human' in such a chaotic and busy world, it's hard to take the time to be part of other's lives and endeavors, cause it's like being in your car: you're insulated and separated; you're going somewhere and there's a goal, a destination of imperative which drowns-out other human-beings who are mutated into machines that just seem to get in the way of your goal.
  There's a financial aspect to all of this (oops, that seals the deal); anyone remember Bella Vino? This was always my favorite wine boutique, but alas Bella Vino fell by the wayside.
  New Hampshire is famous or infamous, depending on your role in the wine industry, but for those wine boutiques struggling to stay afloat in an anemic economy, marketing ideas have to come from somewhere; bloggers are a resource, a reservoir of ideas that ought to be heeded if trends are really relevant in marketing, from tiny cans of ready to drink wines to kegs of wines; think Italy where the local store has a barrel of wine and you bring your own bottle and fill it for the day, creative approaches to selling your wines, just might be in a wine blog.
Here's where a diamond in the ruff Vinsanity wine blog comes in: this "link away" creative resource brings together a homespun reservoir of ideas and humanity; yup, I said it: "humanity"; get real, treat people like they're important, and you, Mr./Mrs. Vintner, don't know everything about wine.
  Now, get real and don't forget to be a creative marketer.
 
Vinsanity's report on the frequent-filler-program is just that, a creative marketing idea.
 
And
 
 
 
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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Saint Helena-Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc




Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Saint Helena-Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.19-$17.99, 91 points, poured a glossy golden color.
Fresh cut hay and lemon-grass with a hint of gooseberry aromas were excellent.
Light, crisp, mouth-watering, and delicious with flavors of lemony citrus, watermelon-rind, and honeysuckle which excelled.
Finished long on ginger notes, hints of black pepper, and a perfect 13.6% alcohol.
Paired deftly with my Asian cuisine.
I bought this SB at the Bedford Hannaford's Super Market.
Yes, I have sought-out more Mondavi wines to celebrate Robert Mondavi's fifty year anniversary.




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Friday, July 29, 2016

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills 2015 Rosé of Pinot Noir





Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills 2015 Rosé of Pinot Noir, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, was the middle Salmon pink color.
Good aromas of strawberry with hints of red cherry and watermelon impressed.
Light-bodied with good acidity and flavors particular to the aromas accented by cream-soda were a bit tart with citrus notes.
Finished fair on hints of black pepper and the trailing palate with an innocuous 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with my buffalo wings and broccoli in cedar-cheese sauce.


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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Lincourt "Lindsay's" Sta. Rita Hills 2012 Pinot Noir








Lincourt "Lindsay's" Sta. Rita Hills 2012 Pinot Noir, $12.74-$29.99, 90 points, poured a lovely maroon trending bright red at the broad clear wine ring.
A shy spiced-cherry cordial and a hint of red currant on the nose were excellent.
Medium-bodied with appropriate acidity and a mellow underlayment of tannin managed good flavors of cherry, fresh mushrooms, red raspberry, and cola notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, plum, licorice, warm spices, and a perfect 14.1% alcohol.
Paired well with my cheese lasagna roll.
Comments: I like/love good PNs, and hate bad ones, which makes buying then difficult for me, and not only that, but I have friends that say things like: Can't buy a good PN for under $40. Well, every once in a while I take a chance, especially when it's a NHLS outlet's power-buy; I loved Lincourt and I loved the name Lindsay as well; for about $14, I was elated with this Pinot Noir, even on a hot summer evening.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Black Stallion Estate Winery Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc




Black Stallion Estate Winery Napa Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99-$18.99, 91 points, was a hardware brass color which transitioned clear at the glass shallows.
Aromatic honeysuckle, lemon-grass, and a hint of juniper were excellent.
Black Stallion Estate 2015 SB was light, crisp, refreshing, and delicious; I'm beginning to believe that the 2015 vintage is showing itself to be a grand vintage.
Flavors of fresh-cut grass, lemon zest, hints of Marshmallow Peanut Candy, and honeydew melon were outstanding if but a straight-forward Cali Sauvignon Blanc (not a derogatory comment).
Finished fair with a floral vibe, a hint of ginger, and a sweet-spot 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fresh fried Icelandic cod loin and garden salad.

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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Silverado Miller Ranch Napa Valley 2014 Sauvignon Blanc





Silverado Miller Ranch Napa Valley 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.44-$19.99, 91+ points, was an exceptionally light brass color and trailing clear at the glass edge.
Aromatically complex with good aromas of fresh-cut grass and hay, hints of gooseberry and cantaloupe, concluded with a whiff of citrus.
Typical of a Cali Sauvignon Blanc, but better; it was light-bodied, crisp, appropriately acidic, perfect with my comfort foods (Mac & cheese, chicken tenders in duck sauce, and fried brown rice), flavors reflective of the aromas, and finished long on white pepper, citrus, and a well-integrated 13.8% alcohol.



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Monday, July 25, 2016

Silverado Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon





Silverado Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $38.24-$56.99, 93 points, poured core black trending a rich burgundy purple/red toward the crystalline wine ring and leggy glass wall.
Aromatic black fruit with hints of mocha were outstanding.
Nearly full-bodied with good acidity complemented the layered, grainy, and firm tannin which deftly managed substantial depth in fruit, cola, and nuanced delicious flavors.
Finished long on a touch of Japanese plum wine, anise, warm spices, and a sweet-spot 14.6% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatballs and spaghetti.

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Binyamina (Israel) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon






Binyamina (Israel) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.99-$14.99, 85 points, poured core black transitioning to a bright reddish purple at the clear wine ring and tear-draped glass wall.
Early barnyard odors (flaw) dissipated leaving only okay red currant and cherry smells.
Medium bodied with fair-plus acidity and light grainy tannin managed an aroma-reflective flavor profile typical of a more simple red table wine.
Finished fair on a well-integrated 14% alcohol, easy spices, and a tad green.
Paired okay with our plain cheese pizza.



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Sunday, July 24, 2016

Chambers Rosewood Rutherglen Muscat (Australia)






Chambers Rosewood Rutherglen Muscat (Australia), $16.49 (375 ml), 87 points, is a 'sticky' having that beautiful copper color with an orange tint close to the leggy glass wall.
Lovely pungent aromas of rum and raisins with hints of caramel were outstanding.
Full-bodied to the point of viscous, with fair acidity and flavors that richly mirrored the aromas were all carried deep into the long finish of considerable heat from the 19% alcohol
Paired okay with my pecan pie and French vanilla ice-cream.




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CK Mondavi "Willow Springs" 2015 Sauvignon Blanc




CK Mondavi "Willow Springs" 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $7.19-$7.99, 86 points, was a hardware brass color.
Aroma of wheat grass rather than lemon or fresh-cut grass was accented by a lovely light floral note.
Light-plus body managed fair acidity with okay flavors of melon rind, a hint of kiwi, and a Necco Wafer vibe.
Finish a bit short on a blow-kiss of citrus, mild ginger notes, and an innocuous 12.6% alcohol.
It's been almost a year since I've had a Mondavi wine, even if it's under Marc Mondavi's control (complicated family and convoluted business), but since it's Robert Mondavi Winery's 50th anniversary, I thought I'd ambiguously end that fast.
Paired okay with my steamed Maine lobster in melted butter.





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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Honig Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon




Honig Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.19-$35.99, 92 points, poured a deep purple/red trending bright red toward the still broadly clear wine ring at the glass edge and leggy bowl.
Aromatic cedar and black fruit were excellent.
Full-bodied with good acidity and a mellow underlayment of tannin manage a well-balanced flavor profile of black fruits, violets, cedar, anise, truffle, clove, and cinnamon.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spices, and a sweet-spot 14.5% alcohol.
I paired and enjoyed this Cab with my smorgasbord of Mexican dishes.


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Friday, July 22, 2016

Tenute Silvio Nardi Vigneto Manachiara 2010 Brunello di Montalcino




Tenute Silvio Nardi Vigneto Manachiara 2010 Brunello Di Montalcino, $75.59-$83.99, 94 points (as of now), poured a sunburst orange/red with a broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass wall.
Aromatic presentation as the wine opened-up with sea-breezes, sandalwood, subtle floral notes, and red cherry.
Medium-plus body carried typically good acidity, but even more intense tannins than I'm accustomed to in a Brunello, and those tannins intensified throughout the finish; so, I'm thinking that this wine might be better tasted ten years from now.
The fact of the matter: the bottle was opened, poured, and we were drinking this knock you-over "drink alone" red wine, or pair with any food you might need help to digest, typical Italian cuisine (thank you), but bring out the steaks please.

Flavors began with black cherry and roses, but transitioned toward bourbon, black pepper, and dried herbs like cardamom.
Finished exceptionally long on those striking tannins, typical Brunello oak, warm spices with a borderline hot 14.5% alcohol. 
I bought this Brunello at the Whole foods of Bedford.



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Thursday, July 21, 2016

L'Ecole Columbia Valley No. 41 Old Vines 2014 Chenin Blanc






L'Ecole Columbia Valley No. 41 Old Vines 2014 Chenin Blanc, $16.99-$18.99, 90+ points, poured a bright brass color and clear at the glass shallows.
Early aromatic tangerine, lemon, and a hint of circus peanut candy were very good, but dissipated as the wine warmed.
Light, crisp, and stony with flavors that mirrored the early aromas, and adding a delightful apricot were clean and delicious.
Finished fine on the trailing palate, ginger notes, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Mandarin chicken and brown rice with peas.

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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Lindeman's Gentleman's N0 1 Collection 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon





Lindeman's Gentleman's N0 1 Collection 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.59-$18.99, 84 points, poured opaque trending maroon toward the clear wine ring at the leggy glass bowl.
Aromas of blueberry, coffee, and hints of sandalwood were okay.
Full-bodied with fair acidity and mildly soft tannin managed a somewhat syrupy red and black cherry flavor profile accented by blueberry, clove, and black licorice.
Finished on the trailing palate, an intensifying tannin, and a restrained 13.9% alcohol.
Paired okay with my pepperoni pizza.






2014 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Haraszthy Family Cellars "Beartage" Lodi 2015 Sauvignon Blanc




Haraszthy Family Cellars "Beartage" Lodi 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.39-$15.99, 88 points, poured a lovely glossy gold color.
Aromatic fresh-cut hay, mint, honeysuckle, and citrus notes were outstanding.
Slightly heavier bodied than most Cali Sauvignon Blanc wines I've tasted, but still crisp, appropriately acidic with aromas well translated onto the palate, flavors which were very good, and except for a slightly thin mid-palate, was a welcoming partner with my fried chicken, onion rings, and cucumber salad.
Finished well on the trailing palate with hints of black pepper and an expected higher alcohol (13.8%).
I bought this SB at the Hannaford's Super Market in Bedford.




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Monday, July 18, 2016

Baron Herzog Clarksburg 2015 Kosher Chenin Blanc






Baron Herzog Clarksburg 2015 Kosher Chenin Blanc, $9.99-$11.99, 87 points, was a light  brass color trending water clear toward the glass wall.
Shy apple/lemon smells were okay and transitioned onto the palate.
Light-plus and rather round body carried only fair acidity; I found this Chenin Blanc to be a tad sweet, but the flavors of apple/lemon, kiwi, and pear were delicious.
Finished unremarkable on the trailing palate, a hint of white pepper, and a soft 11.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Sautéed Sea scallops.




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Sunday, July 17, 2016

Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay




Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay, 
$25.49-$34.99,  90 points, was a light brass color trending clear toward the glass wall.
Aroma was rather typically Chardonnay grape neutral.
Surely this was a Cali Chardonnay marked by kisses of vanilla and caramel, but more a mineral flavor profile accented by soft floral notes.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and a borderline lean texture.
Finished long on hints of melon, vanilla, and a well-integrated 14.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Asian cuisine (stir-fried veggies and Crab Rangoon).



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Stags' Leap Napa Valley, Why it's a "Go to Winery."

 
 Stags' Leap Napa Valley,
 Why it's a "go to" Winery.
 
 
 
Though the whole spectrum of their wines are not found in
New Hampshire, the ten I've enjoyed were all 90 points or better! 

Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $42.49-$54.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99-$54.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $42.49-$59.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap Winery "The Leap" Estate Grown Stags Leap District 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $39.99-$53.99, 94 points


Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2012 Chardonnay, $29.99-$34.99, 93 points

Stags' Leap 2006 Petite Syrah, $31.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah, $33.99-$44.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap 2014 Petite Syrah, $37.10-$46.99, 92 points


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Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah






Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah, $33.99-$44.99, 93 points, poured inky-black up to the glass bowl (heavily sheeted) where a beautiful purple/red transitioned up to the crystalline wine ring.
Redolent bouquet was rich with ripe black fruit, flowers, and cedar.
Full-bodied and chewy with mouth-watering acidity and firm enveloping tannins all of which managed a meal in a glass experience; with a smorgasbord of fruit, especially wild blackberry, herbs, subtle and not so subtle descriptors like lavender, this wine will challenge you to cherry-pick from your memory to identify.
Finished long on mint, warm spices, a restrained 14.1% alcohol, and a never-ending blackberry cordial.

This is a very big dominant red wine and will need to be paired with venison, lamb, hearty stews, and the like.

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Saturday, July 16, 2016

Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve 2014 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch, So. Africa)



Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve 2014 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch, So. Africa), $13.49-$14.99, 88 points, poured a straw yellow with a coppery tint.
Aromatics were a bit shy, though smells of warm wet stones and a subtle floral aroma were good.
Light, leaning towards light-plus in body with good acidity, rather austere compared to Cali and North West Chenin Blanc wines I've tasted.
More a neutral flavor profile with steely qualities and hint of white pepper.
Finished long on an intensifying white pepper, a hint of cedar, and a substantial 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my Yellow-fin tuna salad on Boston lettuce.
I bought this Chenin Blanc at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

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Friday, July 15, 2016

Vinum Cellars 2014 Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg, Ca.)




Vinum Cellars 2014 Chenin Blanc, (Clarksburg, Ca.), $14.39-$15.99, 89+ points, is another excellent expression of this white wine more associated with South Africa than America.
Poured the slightest shades of gold colors.
Beautiful aromas of pome flowers, lemon, and Lychee were outstanding.
Light-bodied with great acidity, melon and citrus flavors with a hint of circus peanut candy and white pepper.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, lemon zest, and a sweet-spot 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my steamed soft-shell Maine lobster in melted butter. I bought this white wine at Whole Foods of Bedford.




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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Dry Creek Vineyard, why it's a "go to" winery.

Dry Creek Vineyard Wilson Ranch 2014 Chenin Blanc






Dry Creek Vineyard Wilson Ranch 2014 Chenin Blanc, $9.34-$13.99, 90 points, poured an exceptionally light brass color trending water clear at the glass bowl.
Lemon and honeysuckle on the nose were wonderful.
Light, crisp, lively, with good acidity managed well the dominant flavor of lemon accented by passion fruit, juniper, and a hint of circus peanut candy.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of white pepper, invigorating touch of tartness, wet stoniness, and a perfect 13% alcohol (delicious cold or warm).
The back label rightly advocates pairing this with oysters on the half-shell, but this 2014 Chenin Blanc paired perfectly with my roasted chicken.
Dry Creek wants you to know that this is a dry white wine, even including a note that residual sugar (RS) being at 0.6%; so, there it is.


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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Jed Steele's "Shooting Star" Lake County 2012 Barbera Red Wine




Jed Steele's "Shooting Star" Lake County 2012 Barbera Red Wine, $6.79-$13.99, 87 points, appeared ruby trending maroon toward the partly cloudy wine ring and heavily draped glass bowl.
Profuse aromas of red cherry, blueberry, coffee, and chocolate were good.
Nearly full-bodied with good acidity, supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas fed the fair finish of licorice, warm spices, and a hot compatible 14.5% alcohol.
Paired great with my loaded meatball sub.
Excellent choice with typical tomato-based Italian cuisine.




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