Van The Wine Man's Most Popular - 2015
Here is a recap of my most popular posts of 2015:
Wine-O wall at Brian McClintic's Les Marchands
Brian McClintic, Master Sommelier And Much More
The SOMM star talked about managing his insane schedule, promoting winemaking in Santa Barbara, and his philosophy on wine service.
Wine Talk With Rajat Parr
The two-time James Beard Award winner and extraordinary wine taster discussed his four current winemaking projects and the importance of trying different wines to expand your palate.
Dave Danhi Thinks Grilled Cheese Needs Veterans, And Wine
The man behind The Grilled Cheese Truck has ambitious and creative plans for such a simple and delicious staple of life.
Sandhi and Domaine De La Cote - Santa Barbara Stars
Rajat Parr sat me up in his tasting room to try several examples of the excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir coming out of Santa Barbara County.
A Visit To Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello
Favorite memories from a drive up the mountain, with Paul Draper, Monte Bello assemblage, and pieces of Ridge history.
Are You Trying Different Wines?
If you simply like wine, should you feel the need to expand your tasting experiences? There are numerous practical reasons to do so. All your current favorites will eventually become unavailable, so you will need replacements! Then there is this advice from Rajat Parr:
Impromptu tasting at Coppia, Portland, OR
"The only way your palate will evolve is to taste different things. If you taste the same things every day, you’re not evolving your palate. Keep an open mind, try different things, that’s the most important thing."
If you think you only like a limited few wines, you may be surprised at how many more wines you could be liking. Get out and try something strange, intimidating, or pink. For each wine you are drinking today, there are dozens more that you will find equally pleasing and exciting to explore and share.
Wine From Unexpected Places
Wines often surprise with unheard of grapes, but unexpected stories also surround their points of origin. Check out this delicious tour across continents:
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 2013
Made from Nerello Mascalese, grown on the "northern slopes" of Mount Etna, Sicily, the largest active volcano in Europe. Dirty and stony, for sure! - $22
Domaine de Fontsainte La Demoiselle 2013
Not so surprising a place, (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) but with antique vines planted by the Romans, on a thermal spring. A tasty blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvedre. - $20
Campolargo Valdazar 2009
Trincadeira da Bairrada, Touriga Nacional, Baga, and Tinta Barroca grapes from Portugal. That sums it up. Ripe and earthy, with lasting length. - $20
Channing Daughters Rosato Di Cabernet Franc 2014
A Long Island, New York winery, with a reputation for experimentation. Like this Rosé made from 100% Cabernet Franc. Crispy citrus flavors and bone dry. - $20
Lieu Dit Pinot Noir Santa Ynez Valley 2013
Sommeliers like Eric Railsback flocking to make wine in the Santa Barbara area is no surprise. The volume of fantastic wines, and that they remain undiscovered by the mainstream, is another story. Bright red cherries, with acidity and a fantastic finish. - $40
Wine Stories - Paydirt, Paso Robles
Going For Broke label
Patrick McNeil always brings non-traditional artistic expression to the wines he works with. An entrepreneur on the business side of wine, he was previously behind the design and marketing of The Prisoner, among others. Now with winemaker McPrice Myers, he has his own memorable brand on the market, Paydirt. The label on the current Going For Broke blend is part of a larger work of art, with another piece of the puzzle appearing on a different bottling, Reckless Abandon. Perhaps there will be additional wild-eyed labels in the series, and exciting red blends to match!
Paydirt Going For Broke 2013 - A mouthful of a red blend, with Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. A juicy balance of dark berries, medium tannins, some peppery spice, a taste of The Dirt of Paydirt, and a pleasantly lingering finish. $30
Art on the wall of Paydirt
Elway's, Denver - Winning Wine And Service
Visits to two of John Elway's upscale steakhouses in Denver could not have been under more opposite circumstances, yet both yielded outstanding experiences worth repeating.
Elway's Downtown
First, my wife and I were thrilled with an anniversary dinner at Elway's Downtown, inside the Ritz-Carlton. Arriving for a reservation, we were recognized and seated immediately in a cozy, semi-private booth, complete with flowers. Several members of management and staff cared for us throughout the evening, with Executive Sommelier Gail Oversteg taking the lead. She gave excellent recommendations from the wine list and food menu. A pair of truly prime steaks were perfectly prepared, and we are now loyal users of Elway's steak seasoning. Gail continued to exceed expectations throughout the evening. After I inquired about the aerator she used to decant our Burgundy, she produced a new, boxed and gift-bagged version of the device that we gladly purchased at cost.
On another trip, we made a spontaneous drop-in to Elway's at the airport, on a game day no less. Anxious about a short layover, yet hungry for great food, we cautioned the hostess of our dilemma. She mentioned that the menu would be limited (no prime steak this trip) for such a brief meal, but assured us it could be done. Our waiter, Andrew, was aware of our time frame when he introduced himself, and reassured us we were in good shape. A strong list of wines by the glass included selections like Guigal Cotes du Rhone and Acacia Pinot Noir. The Spicy Steak Chili was exactly that, with chopped chunks of beef bringing serious heat. Andrew presented the check immediately after our meal. We were in, out, and fully satisfied in twenty-five minutes!
Completely different experiences in scope, with identical happiness. Elway's has a high-five recommendation for wine, food, and service.
Elway's Downtown - Ritz-Carlton 1881 Curtis St. Denver, CO 80202
Elway's at DIA - Denver International Airport, B Concourse
Missouri, The Show Me Wine State
You might not have Missouri at the top of your wine destination list, but it has much to be discovered. If you find yourself in the midwest, fall presents some of it's best wine experiences.
Missouri Is Full Of Wineries
September is Missouri Wine Month. Spread throughout the state are over one-hundred-twenty wineries, offering styles of wine to please any taste. My brother-in-law's family owns the DeLaney Vineyard and Winery in Nevada, where they produce wines from nine grape varietals, all planted and developed in a little over a decade. Ten wine trails connect the dots for day trips or weekends of tasting delight.
Grape Varietals Of Missouri
Missouri's grapes may be unfamiliar, with names like Catawba and Cayuga. There are no Cabernet or Chardonnay vineyards, but countless options emerge from the eleven grapes that excel in the state. My favorites are made from the Norton, which produces a bold, dry, red. It is the oldest native grape in the United States, with ties, like most U.S. wine subjects, back to Thomas Jefferson. Some of the best Nortons come out of Stone Hill Winery in Hermann. Historic itself, the winery has existed since 1847, and was once one of the largest winemaking operations in the country. Like many of the wineries, they offer regular tours, and host frequent special events that are open to the public.
If you need further motivation to taste and tour the wineries of Missouri, there is natural beauty to behold. Fall foliage will be breaking out in brilliant color in the coming weeks, adding to picturesque settings on rolling hills alongside rushing rivers across the state.
Missouri offers an experience with all the history, variety, and good wine as more well-known areas. You just have to imagine sipping your Seyval Blanc instead of Sauvignon Blanc while watching the sunset.
Quenching Your Wine Thirst - 2015
Standouts from a tasting of the current portfolio of Thirst Wine Merchants.
White Wines
- Blackbird Vineyards Arriviste Rose 2014 - A delightful dry Rose from French varietals. $16
- Sandhi Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 2013 - Becoming a regular favorite from Rajat Parr. $34
- SCRIBE Estate Chardonnay 2013 - Grapes from the corner of Carneros, Sonoma, and Napa, with a hint of pepper. $25
- SCRIBE Chardonnay Skin-Fermented 2014 - From a different clone in the same vineyards as #3, delivering a very unexpected punch. $34
- Gramercy Cellars Viognier 2014 - A field of daisies and baby powder. $22
Red Wines
- Leonetti Cellar Merlot 2013 - A Merlot leading the way?! Very dark, thick, and smooth. $84
- Figgins Family Estate Red 2012 - Herbaceous, then very dry and balanced. $87
- Chateau Angludet Margaux 2011 - The winemaker loves Petit Verdot, and this has 12%. Dark and earthy, with a hint of sweetness to finish. $45
- Blackbird Vineyards Arise 2012 - Dirty and chewy with strong spice. $52
- Owen Roe Syrah Ex Umbris 2012 - From hot and cool climate vineyards offering balance. Smooth with some spice. $19
- Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 - $18
- Boroli Barolo 2010 - $45
- Shaefer Vineyards Merlot 2013 - $53
- Casa Silva Carmenere 2013 - $15
- Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Vigneto Enrico Cialdini 2013 - Yes, Lambrusco. $18
Half-Price Wine On Sundays At Garozzo's, Kansas City
I am rarely in favor of discounting by full-service restaurants, but Garozzo's of Kansas City has a wine promotion that works splendidly: Half-Priced Wine Every Sunday
While enjoying your Chicken Spiedini on Sunday nights, you can take your pick of Garozzo's wines for half the listed prices. It is a sizable list, with numerous Italians to choose from, and is already reasonably priced. With the Sunday discount, your bottle may be less than retail, where you may have difficulty finding some of the selections. On my original Sunday trip, I found a 1998 Anselma Barolo for $40. Already brick in color, with classic tar and roses, and a sweet finish, this was the wine that solidified my Nebbiolo love.
Once you hit the one-hundred-dollar bottles, you get fifty-dollars off, but no wines are excluded from discounting, and Garozzo's has maintained Half-Priced Wine Sundays for many years. A great deal you can count on for wine, delicious food, and a "family" atmosphere...It is a combination that is difficult to top.
Garozzo's Ristorante - 526 Harrison St., Kansas City, MO 64106
A Visit To Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello
I visited Ridge Vineyards' Monte Bello Estate high atop the Santa Cruz Mountains during the final assemblage of their 2006 flagship wine. I recently happened upon a supply of the wine, and enjoyed recalling one of my best winery experiences.
Paul Draper - Legendary Winemaker
Anything Ridge begins with Paul Draper, the chief winemaker since 1969 and CEO since 1988. Draper is one of the most-decorated winemakers in the world, including the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits, which he won shortly before my visit in 2007. He is an advocate for quality and transparency in winemaking, and Ridge has listed all ingredients on their labels since 2012. It was intriguing to have a conversation with Paul at ease in his element. With one of wine's greatest resumes, he remains eagerly hospitable. When setting up my visit, I copied three Ridge employees on my request email, and who do you think replied first and most-graciously? That's right, Paul Draper.
Monte Bello Assemblage
Tasting the individual components of the 2006 Monte Bello was extremely interesting, with guidance from Ridge vice president of winemaking for Monte Bello, Eric Baugher. A Santa Cruz-area native who grew up farming before earning degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, Baugher has been with Ridge since 1994. During the tasting, he explained in depth the constantly-refined science of winemaking at Ridge. The Monte Bello is a Bordeaux-style blend is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, all grown on the Monte Bello Estate. Draper likes to say, "Wines make themselves", and the cool, mountain-top climate and terroir undoubtedly "make" this standout wine as much as the winemakers.
Ridge Vineyards and Wine History
2006 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the famed Judgement of Paris, where the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello placed fifth. It was celebrated with a re-tasting of the same wines from the seventies, and this time around, the Monte Bello lead the way for the now dominant American wines. The 2006 version is promoted as a "direct descendant" of the winning wine. But sentimental feelings for the 2006 aside, any year is likely to impress. At the assemblage tasting I also savored a couple of glasses of the 1978. Browned at the edges, yet bright and fresh, with a fantastic(!) taste of forest floor, this library selection was still very much alive. Always concentrated and complex, Ridge Monte Bello is built to please now or for the long-haul.
Along with the excellent wine and conversation, the humility and commitment to great wine at Ridge must be appreciated. During my visit, there was not a peep of the accolades from the thirty-year anniversary of the Judgement, nor Paul Draper's James Beard Award. All talk was about the current and future wines. If you have the opportunity, take the long, winding road up the mountain to Ridge, a unique and memorable wine experience.
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello - 17100 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
Italian Wine Food And Family - Jimmy's Food Store, Dallas
Jimmy's Food Store is a family-owned neighborhood market, situated in Old East Dallas between Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville. The history is what you would imagine of an Italian family business, passing from one generation to the next, and focusing more, then completely, on Italian food and wines. The tempo of the staff is fast-moving and straightforward, brief but complete with information and recommendations. There is a melting pot of customers roaming about at any given time, grocery shopping, picking up lunch, eating in the store, and drinking wine!
Italian Market, Butcher, and Deli
Hot Italian Sausage
The grocery and butcher stand are packed with imported Italian products and fresh foods. Pastas, gravy, bread, produce...Try a few cuts of Piemontese beef on your grill. And if you are not waiting until later, be sure to experience a sandwich from the deli. Hot Italian Sausage, with cheeses, sweet peppers, and onions is my pick. There is the Italian Stallion, Muffuletta, even a Cuban, all made fresh and delicious. You can find a seat at a table in front of the store, soak up the bustling activity and conversation going on around you, and savor your sandwich with a glass of wine.
Wine...Italian Wine
Yes, wine is served by the glass in the store. Very good wine, for a price of four dollars. It comes from a large-format bottle or box behind the counter. But the real wine fills several aisle of the market. Almost any Italian varietal is available, with a full-range but still at very reasonable prices. And there are only Italian wines. There will always be several bargain picks, perhaps a half-price table, and potentially significant discounts on some great Barolos, Brunellos, and Amarones. This is one of the reasons you want to subscribe to the newsletter below. Depending on timing, you might find autographed bottles in the racks from famous winemakers that have visited Jimmy's.
Winemaker Dinners
Jimmy's regularly hosts influential figures in Italian winemaking for dinners in the Circolo del Vino, the wine room. "Generous" is the best description of these events, which are open to the public. It is an opportunity to meet and learn from some of wine's big names, and socialize with a group of like-minded Italian wine lovers. Several food courses are accompanied by even more wine courses, in a festive atmosphere, at a steal of a price. There might be door prizes, or a bottle of wine to go for everyone. The email newsletter is the way in to these events.
You are not likely to simply run across Jimmy's unless you are looking for it. If you happen to be in or passing through Dallas, scout it out in advance. You will be pleased with the effort!
Sign up to receive email invitations to winemaker dinners, wine and food specials, and more from Jimmy's.
Jimmy's Food Store - 4901 Bryan Street, Dallas, TX 75206
Lessons With Wine Exploration
Always eager to try a different style of wine, I was excited when friends brought me straight from Germany a bottle of Schreieck Faszination Scheurebe Trocken 2014. The wine was a treat, but more, it made me think of all the lessons to be learned while exploring the background of just one bottle:
- Fun with Languages - There were a minuscule twelve-thousand search returns for "weingut schreieck", and almost none in English. Site translation proved helpful to an extent, and reasoning on a variety of unfamiliar German words and phrases proved challenging, but intriguing. The Faszination line appears to describe wines that are as elegant and "delightful as you are". Also the description might read "good for happy hours", and "especially at night".
- Underlying and Unexpected Flavors - I felt this particular bottle was dominated by a thick layer of grapefruit. This is apparently common with wines from the Scheurebe grape, a mysterious offshoot of Riesling. The winery promotes gooseberry and rhubarb notes. My tongue is not keen enough to recognize such specific flavors, but they made sense after I read the literature. Interestingly, a search finds everything from Pinterest boards to toiletry product lines of "grapefruit and gooseberry". Who knew?
- (More) Level Playing Field - Almost hidden in the description is the wine's Silberne, or Silver Kammerpreismunze, a German state's Chamber of Agriculture-awarded medal for wine quality. It appears Germany attempts to reward quality in the glass, rather than location, tradition, etc. It would be interesting to see how an overarching, state-run, wine ratings system would be received in America.
These are only a few of the interesting references available on the web about a somewhat obscure wine. Much like wine choices, information about wine has never been more available. And, I had as much fun reading up on the wine as drinking it. What do you like to learn while wine-ing around?
Subtle On-Screen Wine Appearances
My wine love leads to quirky activities, like identifying wines that are somewhat hidden on-screen. There are understandably increasing numbers of films that are based on wine, like my all-timer SOMM, or serious box office bonanzas like Sideways. But what about appearances where wine was not intentionally a star? Here are just a few not-so-subtle starring roles.
Anton Ego and Cheval Blanc '47 from Ratatouille
Bogie as booze master, via BoozeMovies.com
- Casablanca - Champagne and Cognac and Brandy, oh my! What would you expect from Rick's? There are so many scenes involving wine and service, it is difficult to pick the best. But the classic is not really about the drinks. Or is it?
- The Muppet Movie - Steve Martin hilarity with assistance from bottle-capped wine from Idaho. See the conversation here, via WineIntro.com.
- Sopranos - A specific reference to the season six, episode nine wine heist of a case of Chateau Pichon-Loungueville Comtesse de Lalande 1986. If I had a case, I would happily savor a bottle as soon as possible, even if I were to gulp it down in a parking lot, like Tony. Though I would take much better care of the rest!
- Ratatouille - Esteemed food villain Anton Ego enjoys Chateau Cheval Blanc 1947, another famed Bordeaux fetching up to five figures for a bottle. And there was this.
- Mad Men - Alongside the dominance of cocktails, wine had an increasing presence throughout the series. If only it could have carried further into the seventies to encompass the initial explosion of American wine. I like this article for a dive into the historical accuracy of the Mad wine culture, and there are several more articles on GrapeFriend.com.
With dozens more to choose from, what are your favorite on-screen wine moments?
A Great Wine Program - Ruth's Chris, Destin
I rarely find memorable experiences at chain restaurants, much less outstanding wine programs and service. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Destin, Florida delivered a completely unexpected pleasure on a recent visit.
Intriguing Diddle-Speak
My wife and I arrived early for a reservation and decided to have a cocktail at the bar. Beverage Director Skot Harville overheard my request for the wine list, which he delivered. After browsing, I asked which wines were drinking well that he would recommend to go with dinner. Without hesitation he suggested the Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2010, priced with a hefty markup at $150. Everything was proceeding as I would expect at an upscale chain restaurant, with somewhat impersonal exchanges building up to a high-dollar wine pitch.
But the conversation expanded as we enjoyed our cocktails and studied the list. Skot described the Brunello in depth, asked questions about our wine preferences, and we discussed various regions of Italy. Next, he surprised us when he began bringing out bottles for us to taste, each served in a new glass with a significant pour. First there was Southern Belle Precious Syrah 2011, a Spanish wine supposedly finished in old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels. It was full and spicy initially, then as promised, wood-charred and sweet on the finish. As interesting as the wine was, the back label verbiage might have been even better. He followed that with a new bottle of Cheval des Andes 2010, a joint project of Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. A Malbec-based Bordeaux blend, it was almost black, with floral and minerals heaped upon layers of dark berries. As he opened the bottle, he justified out loud that he would save the rest for a large group that evening. We would have enjoyed either of the other wines, but chose the big Brunello for dinner, which was opened at the bar for a quick gasp of air. We lingered several minutes after finishing our drinks enjoying the wine talk.
Our table had been ready for twenty minutes, but there was no pressure to be seated. "Whenever you are ready", said the hostess. Dinner was excellent, with solid team service. Skot checked at the table to confirm we agreed the Brunello drank well with our steaks. The pairing was very nice, although I saved most of the wine to savor after the meal. It was bold, but not too big, with burned edges, very dry, and long-lasting. I returned to the bar before we left to thank Skot and snap photos of the earlier wines. I mentioned my interest in the Cheval des Andes, and he allowed me to purchase a bottle for just above his cost, a nice discount from retail price.
This Ruth's Chris experience, dominated by the basics of great service, wine and steak, is my favorite from a large-scale steakhouse. It would have been better than average had I not been engaged by Skot at the bar, but his attention and interest put it over the top. When in Destin, be sure to look him up.
Ruth's Chris Steak House - 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Silver Shells Resort, Destin, FL 32541
Wine Stories - Allora Vineyards
Wines are always accompanied by stories. My friends gifted me two delightful wines from Allora Vineyards. I was not familiar, so I read up on their history. Owner Terry Klein spent his teenage years in Napa Valley, and dreamed making fine wine. Returning as an adult with his wife Nancy, they purchased a pasture in St. Helena in 1998, and commenced growing what would become Allora. In a short time, they have turned out a solid product line from their former pasture.
Allora Vineyards Lusso Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - With tannins smoothed out, a gentle giant emerged. Layers of complexity expressed themselves over time, with red berries, chocolate, and wood tones. A 100% Cabernet Reserve wine.
Allora Vineyards Cielo Red Proprietary Blend 2011 - A rustic, slightly spicy wine reflecting Italian style. Also very smooth, and dry at the end. The blend is 75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet.
Additional wines include a Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc.
Another story is on the Lusso label, which features the art of Margaret Keane, famous for her Big Eyes paintings and the 2014 film centered on her life story. In the poster the label is taken from, three young women sit contemplating over their wine. Looking closely, you can see a tiny Cielo bottle on the right side of the print.
Wine Tasting And Changing Tastes
Have you ever found a wine you really enjoyed, so you bought more, but when you tried it again you were really disappointed? While the wine could be different, it more likely could have been factors affecting your sense of taste that was responsible for the let down.
A multitude of signals are combined by our brains to tell us what we are tasting. The process is complicated by approximately everything around and about us. Consider just a few things that can have impact on taste:
- Air
- Weather
- Our and others' clothing
- Who sat at the table before us
- Fragrances, candles, and air fresheners
- What was used to clean the glass, table, or room
- What we ate or drank earlier
- Our mood
The influences on our individual tastes are limitless and confounding. And cause constant adapting, expanding or contracting, and changing of our tastes. If you have a disappointment with a wine you previously liked, give it another try later. Your tastes may be leveraged by something other than the wine!
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Seattle Wine Tasting
I visited the Seattle location of Purple Cafe & Wine Bar on a hot weekday afternoon, intent on trying the wine program. Upon entering, I was drawn to the unavoidable vision of the immense wine tower in the center of the restaurant and bar. Hundreds of bottles surrounded the cylindrical tower, wrapped by a spiral staircase leading to the upper level. Floor to ceiling windows brought full lighting and color to the centerpiece, making it even more spectacular.
The wine list, while close to one-hundred pages, is not your typical volume. A selection of aperitifs, and why you want to drink them, precedes "brewed liquids" and almost thirty wine flight options. From simple descriptions (Rose, Spain) to clever, (Acid Freaks, Earth) there is a trio of wines to please any taste. Next are in-depth sections on Madeira and Sherry, with accompanying flights. Sixty wines by the glass from all over the world (Slovenia?) are available, and they are happy to provide a taste of any of these. Then comes the long list of bottles, with explanations of style and particular wines that are both informational and entertaining. "We were going to wait until they were old enough to drive, but we figured most of us got our learner's permit around this age" says the introduction to the trio of E. Guigal Cote Rotie 2000s. There is not a corkage charge on the first bottle, and most of the bottles are available for "retail sale" at forty-percent off the list price.
I enjoyed two flights of reds from France and Spain, while snacking on Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates and Baked Brie. The pours were generous and full. Brief description cards helped identify the wines, but did not provide tasting notes that would affect my expectations of what I should taste. My server brought two additional red wines that she described as staff picks for the foods. This leads to another note on the wine list: "Every dish on our menu has been paired through a daily collaboration between our chefs and sommeliers." The staff was fully prepped and ready to recommend a wine for any dish on the menu.
Service was excellent throughout, and observant. At one point, the sun began to shine through the window on my table, immediately increasing heat and glare. No more than a moment later, the blinds to that window were being closed. My server checked on me and asked if I would be comfortable enough to remain at that table.
Purple is a different kind of wine bar, offering complete wine tasting experiences, for beginners to world explorers. I could easily see myself becoming a regular visitor, working my way round and around the globe, a glass at a time.
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar - 1225 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
New Orleans Wine And Food Experience
The Saturday Grand Tasting on Memorial Day weekend was a wine and dining circus. Although inside the New Orleans Convention Center, the layout and lighting gave it a giant tent-like feel, microphones blared tasting notes and cooking demonstrations from every angle, and a low, steady roar of the crowd (or was it lions and tigers?) carried on throughout. I enjoyed a fast-paced tasting tour, although the crowds slowed me considerably, preventing the volume I would have preferred. Several vendors ran out of product completely, and even packed up and left their areas, as early as halfway through the event. But these are the risks when attempting serious tasting in a large crowd. Standout wines included:
- Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2010 - Bright red berries with a rustic, dry finish. $17
- Chateau De Chantegrive Graves Blanc 2011 - Refreshing and light Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend, with honeysuckle. $22
- Clarksburg Wine Company Petite Sirah 2011 - Thick and inky, with dark berries, subtle spices, and a vanilla hint. $26
- Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2014 - Earthy, raspberry and spice. $22
- Canard Vineyard Adam's Blend 2012 - (link to 2011 notes) The second Canard wine that has caught my attention in as many months. Mostly Cabernet Franc, with red fruit to spare, woody, and chocolate notes. $65
Keep Tasting - For Wine Satisfaction
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Seattle's wine tower
I have regular conversations with people who have frustrations with finding wines they enjoy. Some even conclude that they do not really like wine! They are typically lighter wine drinkers, and have limited experience tasting different styles. I always ask if they have a favorite from the past, and what it was. If they have one, it becomes easy to recommend options. If not, then the answer is likely to try more wine.
At a recent tasting, I tried fourteen wines, seven each of whites and reds. While I would happily drink most of them, none were overly impressive to me, and I did not have a favorite. This is rare, but it was a small event, and when it does happen, the only course of action is to prepare for the next tasting.
If finding the right wine for you is a challenge, simply keep tasting. Take advantage of wine by the glass and sample pours when dining out, and make notes about your likes and dislikes. Ask advice from knowledgeable restaurant staff members, wine retailers, and friends. When you find a wine you like, buy a bottle of it, and a couple more from the same region and year for comparison.
There are too many good choices, literally thousands of wines, for you to not really love what you are drinking. But with this volume, the overwhelming majority of wines are not going to be something you love, so press on. Experiment often, and you will discover wines that you find to be satisfying.
Six Months Of Van The Wine Man
It has been a busy six months since I started Van The Wine Man, with wine and restaurant service experiences from coast to coast. Thank you for reading and connecting with me along the way, whether online or in-person. If this is the first time you have visited my blog, or if you want to look back with me, here are my most-popular posts to date:
Dave Danhi Thinks Grilled Cheese Needs Veterans, And Wine
The Total Guest Experience - Devin Zendel Of DB Brasserie
Wine Questions Asked: What Are Tannins?
This is a question I hear often, as tannins in wine are often referred too, but seldom explained. Tannins are responsible for the chemically induced reaction in our mouths that brings about the sensation of dryness, astringency, and sometimes bitterness. In short, wines heavy in tannin have spent more time with grape skins and stems, and likely in wooden barrels. When your tongue feels parched even though your mouth is full of red wine, or when the immediate reaction to taking a drink is to pucker your lips, those are tannins at work.
For a more complete explanation, here are two dynamically different links from great wine resources, explaining just what tannins are all about:
- Wine Folly - By Madeline Puckette, concise and colorful, listing wines both heavy and light in tannins
- WineAnorak - Here, Jamie Goode takes a deeper, scientific approach
I have a long friendship with tannic wines, having begun my wine journey on California Cabernet, and moving quickly to Barolos and other Italians made from Nebbiolo. Whether or not tannic wines are your preference, these articles will set you straight on the definition, and wines to avoid, or explore!