2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon
HALL Wines is the premier 21st century vineyard and winery and recently released its signature offering – the 2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall”
The 2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine for HALL Wines in Napa, California.
Stags Leap District – Appellation Collection 2011
Stags Leap District is known for producing some of the best Cabernets found anywhere in the world. The district has announced the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association (SLDWA) Appellation Collection 2011.
The Appellation Collection is the only offering in the U.S. comprised entirely of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a single appellation.
If you are a wine collector, then this very limited edition wine case collection would make for a nice addition. The collection will be limited to only 200 cases and will be available from October 15th through December 15th, 2011.
VOGA Italia
VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country that’s best known for producing some of the world’s best wine, in addition to its sense of style.
VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed wine bottle that even features a unique resealable cap.
Some believe a wine spritzer is past its prime and a cocktail that shouldn’t deserve much consideration. VOGA Italia is trying to change that trend.
VOGA Italia is reviving the spritzer with a grown-up twist, mixing up fizzing cocktails with sparkling wine, champagne, fresh fruits and exotic elixirs.
VOGA Italia’s Sparkling Pinot Grigio has a light golden color and fine perlage, which gives way to aromas of white blossoms and ripe citrus, lending itself perfectly to the grown-up spritzer.
Perfect for the warm, summer months – try a few modern spritzer recipes from VOGA Italia:
Oranginger Spritzer
2 oz. VOGA Italia Sparkling Pinot Grigio
1 oz. club soda
.5 oz. ginger vodka
Juice from ½ orange
Combine ginger vodka, club soda, fresh orange juice and stir. Top with VOGA Sparkling and garnish with a ginger candy chew.
Honey, You’re a Peach
2.5 oz VOGA Italia Sparkling Pinot Grigio
1 oz. club soda
1 fresh peach, quartered and peeled
1 tsp honey
Muddle or puree honey and one quarter peach. Add VOGA Sparkling and club soda and gently stir. Garnish with a slice of peach and serve immediately.
Strawberry Kiwi Fizz
2.5 oz. VOGA Italia Sparkling Pinot Grigio
1 oz. club soda
.5 oz. Kiwi Liqueur
2-3 Strawberries
1 kiwi, quartered
Muddle strawberries and one quarter kiwi with a small amount of sugar, and spoon into a champagne flute. Top with liqueur, club soda and VOGA Sparkling. Garnish with a strawberry and serve immediately.
The VOGA Italia wine collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, Quattro, Sparkling Pinot Grigio and Sparkling Pinot Grigio Chardonnay.
For additional information, please visit: www.VogaItalia.com
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2007
Cloudy Bay in New Zealand, has been the most famous source of Sauvignon Blanc since the late 1980s.
The Cloudy Bay winery continues to define iconic New Zealand wine and recently announced that its sourcing from eagerly awaited Barracks Block vineyard has come to fruition with the release of the 2007 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir.
Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 by Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Western Australia, and is today part of Estates & Wines, The Moët Hennessy Wine Division.
Barracks Block was planted in 2004 and is Cloudy Bay’s first vineyard dedicated entirely to pinot noir.
The Barracks Block vineyard is gently elevated with a north facing slope. Barracks Block is home to heavier soil than the famous Estate Vineyard and carries with it a promising new collection of Dijon clones.
Cloudy Bay was quickly ecognized as a benchmark producer of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – a position that has continued to expand through a track record of excellence with their critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir winemaker, Nick Lane was quoted, “The distinct advantage of the Marlborough region is the vast range of soil types and sub-climates it provides. This versatility, allowed us to tailor our plantings to suit the best site for each clone. Right now we are very excited about our promising Pinot Noir plantings in the southern valley areas of Ben Morven, Brancott and Omaka, as they provide more mid palate concentration and a richer mouth feel.”
The Cloudy Bay philosophy of ‘no second-labels’ and ‘no reserve wines’ is an important reason why the Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir is a true flag bearer for the Marlborough region, with its classical depth, character and balance.
The current release 2007 Pinot Noir (with its new Barracks Block fruit) is intensely fragrant with alluring aromas of dark plums, layered over spicy sandalwood and smoky bacon. The palate is succulent and flavorsome with dark fruits and toasty oak gently supported by plush tannins.
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $35.00
Importer: Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines
Lesont Group initiated a goal in 2007, to revitalize the wine, champagne, & spirits industry in Asia.
Located in Singapore, Lesont set out to obtain hidden, luxurious elixirs of pure decadence around the world, and successfully achieved their goal by locating quintessential concoctions fit for royalties.
The selection of wines & spirits available from Lesont Group’s portfolio, truly represents a class of pure lavishness.
Lesont has a dedicated staff worldwide constantly looking for the best wines, champagne and spirits.
As Lesont Group desires only the rarest treasures of this world, you will cherish the mark of quality and uniqueness goes into every bottle that leaves the company’s vast cellars.
As the company’s pursuit of the best wines, champagne and spirits continues, we want to introduce you to some of the finest choices available:
– GOLD Chardonnay and GOLD Rose – World’s 1st Chardonnay and Rose respectively peppered with a healthy dosage of 24k gold flakes
– Louis Royale XIV Champagne – World’s 1st Champagne with 24 gold flakes that dance amidst the bubbles
– Diadema Rosso 2007 IGT – Award-winning SuperTuscan in a stunning Swarovski studded bottle
– Caldirola La Cacciatora Collezione – A cornerstone House in Italian wine-making tradition that is a pioneer in Eco-friendly harvesting and wine-tours
For additional information about Lesont Group, please go to: http://www.lesont.com/
Bodega Numanthia 2008 Termanthia wine
In the 300th issue of Sobremesa magazine, Bodega Numanthia Termanthia was rated the “Best Red Wine.”
The Numanthia estate was founded in 1998 by the Eguren family, from the Rioja region. The estate is located near the small village of Valdefinjas, in the province of Zamora.
For the special 300th edition of the magazine, the editors of Sobremesa organized a blind tasting of Spain’s top wines, sherries and cavas for a panel of thirty-five judges.
As the emerging leader of Spanish iconic wines, Bodega Numanthia was proud to be named the #1 red wine.
Sobremesa is an influential Spanish wine magazine and established in 1984 by Spain’s most prestigious wine journalists, sommeliers and oenologists.
The name Sobremesa which means ‘dessert’ in Spanish is one of Spain’s most important wine and gastronomy publications alongside Guía Peñin.
By winning this award, 2008 Termanthia beat out other Spain wine rivals, including Aro, Aurus, Cirsion, Clos Mogador, Dalmau, Pesquera Janus, Pesus, Pingus, Unico Vega Sicilia and Valduero. including Unico Vega Sicilia and Pingus
Numanthia Termanthia 2008
– Suggested Retail Price: $200.00
– Release Date: May 2011
– Importer: Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines
San Luis Obispo coast
Just hours from the metro hubs of California, you can find the beautiful “Wine Coast Country”, located in scenic San Luis Obispo County.
Wine Coast Country stretches between San Simeon to Oceano. The area is well known as the home of one of the most vibrant butterflies found in North America, the Monarch.
Each year, Wine Coast Country hosts a migration of over 25,000 orange and black Monarch butterflies. The Monarch butterflies fill the blue sky and nestle in the mighty eucalyptus trees that line the scenic Pacific Coast.
The unique Wine Coast Country region provides a wide variety of lodging opportunities, in addition to wonderful fine dining restaurants, over 250 wineries, plus numerous outdoor activities up and down the coast.
Along with the winter months come thousands of nature’s migratory species to Wine Coast Country, who want to escape the harsh winters of the north.
An example of the natural wildlife that annually return to the Wine Coast Country region, include: Monarch Butterflies, Elephant Seals, 30 different species of whales and dolphins, plus over 300 species of birds.
Monarch Butterlies
Many of these creatures choose to settle in Wine Coast Country, where the weather is mild and the environment pristine.
This Mecca for migrating wildlife has also become the ideal eco-tour location for the winter months. Many visitors from across the nation and the world arrive in Wine Coast Country to see first hand, these migratory animals as they settle into their new habitats.
In addition, the scenic coastal bays team with the arrival of numerous marine mammals such as, Orcas, Pilot and Humpback Whales, that linger on their journey south to Baja, Mexico.
Visitors to Wine Coast Country can also experience the Annual Celebration of the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. This festival takes place each January and showcases the beauty of the estuary, where over 300 species can be observed.
As you drive further up the coast to beautiful San Simeon, you can find approximately 15,000 mammals, including the Northern Elephant Seal, Mirounga angustirostris.
The Piedras Blancas rookery along coast Hwy 1 has been a prime location for birthing, breeding, molting and rest from their eight months at sea. This particular area is open for viewing 365 days a year. There is no admission fee or reservation required.
For additional information on all Wine Coast Country activities, please visit www.WineCoastCountry.com
Sardine Factory – Captains Room
You can find over 175 unique vineyards, plus 85 vintners and growers in scenic Monterey County.
The Monterey area is one of the top producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the entire U.S.
Cannery Row is an oenophile’s playground. This top destination features five different tasting rooms and and variety of award-winning restaurants that serve world-class local wines.
Here a list of two of our favorite Monterey Bay restaurants on Cannery Row:
The world-famous Sardine Factory is a favorite among food and wine lovers. Its 32,000-bottle wine cellar is world renowned and is the recipient of the “Best Wine List in America” award from Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. The restaurant’s selection features both prestigious vintages, such as an 1870 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild Pauillac and many well-chosen, affordably priced domestic and imported wines. Try the Parmesan Crusted Calamari Steak, Diver Scallops & Wild Pacific Prawns Entrée paired with a delicious Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc. A “wine captain” will search the cellar for a palate-pleasing vintage.
Having spent years as executive chef for Wente Vineyards, Executive Chef Jerry Regester at the C restaurant at the new InterContinental The Clement Monterey focuses on using local organic ingredients to create seasonal fare with rustic elegance and refined flavors. The C restaurant and bar complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program and supports local, organic farming. The C bar offers a large selection of tasty appetizers and an extensive selection of local wines plus a delectable Champagne menu featuring sparkling wines from around the world.
Below is the list of our favorite Cannery Row wine tasting rooms:
Bargetto Wine Tasting Room http://www.bargetto.com/
A Taste of Monterey http://www.tastemonterey.com/
Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge http://www.scheidvineyards.com/
Baywood Cellars http://www.baywood-cellars.com/
Private Cellars Wine Club – Michael Mondavi
Renowned Napa Valley vintner Michael Mondavi, recently announced they have launched “Private Cellars by Michael Mondavi”, which is an exclusive luxury wine club.
Private Cellars by Michael Mondav members will be able to access some of the world’s most rare and unique wines.
Private Cellars is solely focused on bringing to its members – high-end wines, including small production and limited edition wines-direct to consumers.
Membership to Private Cellars will be limited. It’s members will choose between receiving monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly shipments.
Each wine shipment will include a minimum of three bottles of a rare and collectible wine, and a selection of others, as pricing allows.
If you join before the end of this year, members will also receive as a special welcome gift, a bottle of Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello – a four-time Wine Spectator “Top 100″ ranked wine.
Membership benefits of Private Cellars includes:
– Access to collectible and rare wines
– Personalized visits, VIP access and introductions to top wineries, their owners and winemakers around the world including Italy’s Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia, Spain’s Vall Llach, the Michael Mondavi Family Winery in Napa and many more.
– The chance to host your own private event with Michael (as available) and top wine producers from around the world
– Meet other wine enthusiasts to discover, share and compare the best wine and travel experiences
– First-hand involvement in the art of winemaking through “Blend Your Own Wine” experiences hosted by Michael and his team in Napa Valley
– Invitations to special wine and culinary events with Michael Mondavi and other top wine producers from around the world
– Shipping is included on all club shipments (where applicable by law)
– 10% discount on most club wines and reorders
Michael Mondavi was quoted, “For the past 40+ years, my wine career has brought me in contact with some of the greatest family-owned wineries all over the world. Through my personal relationships with these producers, I am able to give Private Cellars members access to special wines, visits to the estates and personalized introductions to the people behind the wines.”
Another advantage to the Private Cellars program is members also receive periodic access to older vintages, signed bottles, magnums and other exclusive wine items in addition to exclusive wine and culinary experiences.
For additional information about Private Cellars membership by Michael Mondavi and participating wine estates can be found at www.privatecellars.com
Observing the wine itself is a major part of the overall wine tasting experience. Although the expression wine tasting will imply to many the actual drinking of the wine. The key is to actually consider the whole wine tasting experience. We want to share Tips For Wine Tasting.
The longer a wine is aged and the greater flavor that it has, the stronger the color it will have. In the case of white wine, too much color is not a good factor. White wine is actually ruined or tarnished in flavor by the aging process. On the other hand, red wines improve with age. As red wines are aged, their color begins to lighten, as opposed to white wines which normally go darker with age. The lighter the color of a red wine the older it tends to be.
To discern the age of a wine with reference to its color, you should tilt the wine glass partially to one side. It will then be possible to get a clear view of the edge which is referred to as the rim color. If you observe a purple tint this shows that the wine is quite young. Should you observe a brown or orange tint this indicates that the wine is mature.
You should also give the wine a swirl which allows you to observe the body of the wine. If it appears thicker, this donates higher alcohol content along with a sweeter flavour. It is clear then that you can discern much about a wine merely by observing it. Are you enjoying these Tips For Wine Tasting?
Although the actual tasting of the wine is important, so is the aroma of the wine. As a component of the whole wine tasting experience you need to smell the wine in the correct manner. Indeed, the aroma of the wine will help you determine if you have a wine that you can truly appreciate. Many people take a short sniff of their wine, which does not allow one to take in the full scent of the wine
The molecules in the wine will allow you truly appreciate the aroma. Wine tasters refer to this as the nose or the bouquet of the wine. Numerous different bouquets are mentioned with the most common being: spices, herbs wood, fruit, earthy, or floral. Each of these aromas will result in their own distinctive tastes.
To smell wine correctly, firstly give the glass a swirl. This will help to release the wine molecules prior to taking a quick sniff. Now its time to take a deep inhale of the aroma. Now you should be able to smell the difference. Which one of the different bouquets comes to mind?
Author: Roger Gordon (www.enterprisewines.co.uk)
Snooth Wine Pro iPhone App
How many time have you looked at a wine bottle and wanted to purchase another but had no idea where to go?
Well Snooth.com has your answer. The company has introduced a new iPhone app titled, “Snooth Wine Pro.”
Snooth.com, is the world’s largest wine site. They have over one million monthly users who share their ratings, reviews, pictures, profiles, and interact in the social forums.
All you have to do now is literally snap a picture of a bottle of wine’s label, find the wine, and then view maps, directions, and inventory of the stores closest to you.
Snooth.com is proud to offer the first wine iPhone application with image recognition technology to help find that elusive bottle of wine.
Once you’ve taken a picture of the wine label, the iPhone app will automatically match it to Snooth’s extensive database of over a million wines.
Snooth Wine Pro iPhone App – Screenshot
When you do find a wine match, the iPhone app offers a variety of helpful features and next steps:
– View what stores are nearest to you that have that wine in stock
– Compare prices, plus view maps and store directions
– Buy the wine online via Snooth’s retail network
– Add the wine to your Wishlist or Virtual Cellar
– Read what experts have to say, in addition to user reviews, or just post your own comments
– Search for similar wines by winery, region, or varietal
You can find the Snooth Wine Pro iPhojne app in the iTunes App Store for only $4.99
For additional information about Snooth Wine Pro, please visit: http://www.snooth.com/iphone-app