Chablis Vaulorent Premier Cru Domaine William Fevre 2008 (France)

This wine was a suggestion from whom I deem as my Wine Guru. We waited till Christmas to open this wine as it was $52 per bottle and very special occasion wine.

This is a French Chablis, Chardonnay Varietal and un-oaked of course so you really taste the grape. Chablis Premier Cru is a classification of the Chablis white wine appellation of Burgundy. As some of you may know Burgundy is a historic and highly respected wine-producing region of eastern France. Appellation encompasses the wine and labeling laws of a particular geographical area, including a defined regional boundary with specifications outlining vineyard and winery practices. In many traditional wine-growing countries, such as France, the appellation may also indicate the quality and style of wine. Wines made under the title Chablis Premier Cru are from vineyards identified as producing wines of higher quality than those classified simply as Chablis.

Now that we have a bit of French wine knowledge, on to the review. When we first opened this bottle we had all the anticipation of a $52 bottle of wine. The color was a delicate straw yellow. The nose was very tart, like grapefruit, lemons and a touch of persimmon. Perhaps a bit off-putting to some. I was unsure myself. The first thing you notice that is different from New World Chardonnay from California, Chile and other Wine Countries, is the amount of acidity on the palate. On the Palate this wine had a lot more acidity than other wines I have had and if your Palate is not used to French Chablis you will have to dig a bit deeper to understand this wine and allow it time to express itself to you. I took a moment, tasted and sniffed and swirled my glass a bit more and flavors of very fresh citrus, grapefruit and lemon and that of very tart oranges came forward. The finish is long and fairly acidic but never the less a very elegant wine and not for every palate.

Domaine William Fevre is a young wine and will continue to improve and become increasingly balanced over the next decade. Chablis are known for being food wines and the acidity would integrate well with seafood dishes, salads and several cheeses.

How to read a French Wine Label, not true with every bottle but perhaps this will help some.

   

Marco Felluga Pinot Grigio 2010 (Italy)

This wine was a recommendation and a great one! Italian Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy.

On the pour this wine was yellow in color and had an intense bouquet of acacia and jasmine on the nose with a hint of apple. On the palate this wine was elegantly fruity, full bodied with flavors of melon, citrus and white peach. Well structured with a velvety texture, which I love! This wine had a remarkably long luscious finish. I served this wine Christmas Day with Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Shrimp Scampi and an array of cheeses. The pairing was great and I think this wine would pair well with many light to medium light dishes.

The Marco Felluga family estate founded in 1950 by Marco Felluga in Gradisca d'Isonzo, a fortified citadel of the former Venetian Republic. Today Marco’s son Roberto heads the family’s Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore wineries. Felluga controls over 250 acres of vineyards, most of which are family owned and operated, within the Collio DOC. The vineyards are planted on layers of sandstone, limestone and clay at an elevation of 262 feet. Marco Felluga employs integrated pest management in the vineyards, working with nature to protect the environment. White wines are filtered before fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks. A percentage of white and red wines are refined in wooden casks. The winemaker Rafaella Bruno employs the latest technologies, while respecting tradition.

Sincero Tempranillo (Spain)

This wine is 100% Tempranillo and from Spain and hales from the Ribera del Duero region. Tempranillo is Spain's most planted grape and its most famous grape. This grape is known for making some of the best wines in Spain, the top (3) regions that make the best Tempranillo are: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro, where it is called "Tinta de Toro". It makes bold red wines that offer plenty of fruit, tobacco, leather and vanilla and is usually made to last many years in the cellar.

Tempranillo came from the word Temprano, which means early. Tempranillo grapes ripen about two weeks early than the other major grapes in Spain which include Grenache and Syrah.

I purchased this wine at an International wine shop where wine from every region is plentiful and at many price points. That day however there was a wine tent sale and I was able to get some really great wines at excellent prices and this wine happened to be one of them. I think I paid $7, what a steal but it was on sale.  

When I opened this wine the color was dark and rich, what I anticipate in a red wine. The aromas were cedar, spice, black cherry and a hint of leather. On the palate this wine was powerful and rich and had grit, just what I like in a red wine. It has intense flavors of dark fruits and spice with earthy/minerality. Just the right amount of tannins with good structure and a nice long finish.

Mark West 2010 Pinot Noir (California)

After trying the Mart West Chardonnay I thought I might as well try the Pinot Noir so I picked up a bottle for Christmas Eve, at $13 per bottle.

On the pour this wine was light bright red, I actually was taken back a bit as I expected a dark more rich color from a Pinot Noir, that is what I get for anticipating! On the nose, this Pinot is heavily perfumed exuding strong floral aromas that seem to overpower hints of black cherry or blackberry and even the smoky oak found in many Pinot Noirs. That is not a bad thing and actually it was quite a nice aroma. On the palate there is a lot of juice, ripe berry, maybe even some jamminess. The juice fades to a bit of tartness with medium acidity and mild tannins. There is allot of fruit on the finish some might find disappointing after such a forceful impression, however it was fairly nice if you want an easy drinking un-complicated Pinot Noir.

Mark West 2010 Chardonnay (California)

I had passed this Chardonnay over many times, I guess it just did not speak to me. I wanted an inexpensive Chardonnay to serve and so I picked up a bottle, cost was around $13 per bottle, not to bad.

The color was straw yellow, typical Chardonnay color. On the nose there were aromas of lemon grass, melon and a hint of vanilla. On the palate this wine was fruit forward, well balanced, fresh and clean with flavors of gooseberries, oak and a touch of citrus. Not bad for an everyday Chardonnay, easy drinking, perhaps even a bit more bold than a typical Chardonnay.

Eroica Riesling 2010 (Washington)

I am sure many of you are familiar with Chateau Ste Michelle winery in Washington. This is one of their Riesling wines, they have others but this is more dry, although it does not state Dry Riesling on the bottle the alcohol content is a good indication. The higher the alcohol the more dry the wine. I am not a sweet wine drinker and I was skeptical about this wine but it was pretty good and I would buy it again.


In this glass this wine was a pale yellow. The nose was crisp, floral and fruity. On the palate this wine was light body a bit tannic at first with notes of jasmine, melon, citrus such as lime and clementine orange. I served this wine with spicy tacos which was not to bad but would pair well with spicy tuna, goat cheese and sushi much better. Long fruity finish, easy to drink and after a bit of air it was smooth.

Interesting fact:  Eroica was named after one of Beethoven's Famous Symphonies by the same name, Eroica

Incognito Red Blend 2008 (California)

I had this wine at a Holiday Party, not too bad! It is a blend of 21% Syrah, 18% Carigan, 18% Cinsault, 13% Tannat, 11% Souzon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Mourvedre, 3% Petite Sirah......whew long list of reds and yes they mingle well. At around $15 to $20 per bottle depending on where you purchase it I think it is a great holiday wine and should satisfy the taste of any red wine drinker and will pair well with an array of foods.

On the pour this wine is a deep red, great indication this wine is a blend at least in my experience. On the nose it tends to open the more you swirl and as it warms, it has the spice as any Syrah and Petite Sirah, a bit of smoke and dried cranberry. On the palate this wine exhibits many layers from jammy fruit to spice and a bit of smoky clove. The finish is smooth and the tannins are soft. While I like a wine that is a bit more complex and makes you think all in all this wine was not to bad for an easy drinking red. You can't have a slap you in the face magnificent wine everyday!

Meet my good friends Rita and Ken, notice Rita has a glass of wine, Incognito Red Blend to be exact, and a cup of coffee, she made me laugh! Perhaps she will comment on this post and give us her opinion of the wine as well. It was a great party with friends and a bit of John Denver to sooth the soul.

Michael David winery located in Lodi California make several wines you might be familiar with such as 7 Deadly Zins, 6th Sense Syrah, Earthquake, 7 Heavenly Chards and many more. Check them out online at http://www.michaeldavidwinery.com/



Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California)

I have tried other Guenoc wines and really enjoyed them so I decided to try the Cabernet Sauvignon, not bad for $12.99.

In this glass this wine was dark red, which is always a good sign. On the nose, big blackberry, currents, black pepper and spice with a bit of vanilla.
On the palate this wine was wonderfully mouth filling with flavors of dark cherry, earth and spice. A bit tannic at first but with time to breath it opens up a bit and the tannins diminish. This was a surprisingly complex wine for it's price for under twenty dollars. Nice lingering finish with hints of mocha.

Guenoc wines are a trademark name of Langtry Estate and Vineyards which straddles both Lake and Napa Counties in the Guenoc Valley. Langtry has different wine families at different price points. Lake County Guenoc and Guenoc to name a couple. They are one of California's top producers of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Liberty School Cuvee 2007 (California)

The folks at Liberty School believe that the Central Coast of California is perfect for Rhone varietals. If their 2007 Cuvee is any indication, I say they’re right. A cuvee is a blend, and this wine is a blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier.

I tasted the wine at three intervals, right after I opened it, after 10 minutes of air and after 30 minutes of air. While it definitely opened and changed, it was fairly consistent throughout.

The wine was a dark inky purple, and the cork bottom was almost black. At first, the nose had a very meaty bouquet, with a note of cocoa and spices. It had a great lush mouth feel, and after 10-30 minutes there were dark berries balanced with some earth and nice leather notes on the palate. The wine was definitely dry, though not very tannic. Towards the end I started to taste secondary notes on the finish of spiced cherry pie and smoke, with a finish that lingered. At a price point of around $15 it is a definite wine to try!

We paired this wine with Rosemary Roasted Cornish Hens, we were thinking Pinot Noir but this wine paired quite well and I think would even pair well with hamburgers or other grilled meats!

What I enjoyed most about the wine was how it captured the essence of old world Rhone wines, with a touch of new world finesse and approachability.

Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo/Garnacha 2008 (Spain)

I am reluctant to even write a review on this wine, however when I started this blog I decided I would write the good, the bad and the ugly about wines I tried so here it goes.

I opened the bottle anticipating a nice Tempranillo/Garnacha blend  as I have had many that were less expensive and enjoyed them. This wine retailed around $14.99 per bottle.

The color was a light red. The aromas were horrible, smelled like a dirty locker-room or worse but I wont go there. Since smell is ninety percent of taste I was concerned to even tip my glass to sip this wine but I did. Now the taste was not as bad as the smell but the aromas were so offensive it was hard to get past, in fact I could not get past it. The palate was flat, no structure whatsoever and absolutely no redeeming qualities. Bad bottle? Perhaps, I suppose any number of things could have happened to make this wine smell as horrible as it does but I wont waste my money again on another vintage to find out.

I have read other reviews about this wine, same vintage that were nothing like my review and the writers seemed to enjoy the wine and gave it good press so try it for yourself and see what you think. Everyone tastes wine different and feel free to write your comments and your experience.

Laird Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California)

We purchased this wine on a recommendation from a friend and fellow wine lover. I have tasted many Laird wines and have never been disappointed so I was not afraid to try it! Laird Family Estates is in Napa California.

On the pour this wine was deep red with aromas of cocoa and spice on the nose and hints of vanilla pipe tobacco. Fruit forward palate with black cherry and current, subtle notes of blackberry jam, plum and chocolate with a bit of herb. Lingering finish with earthy notes. Full bodied, soft tannins and easy to drink!

I served this wine with maple glazed baked ribs and garlic mashed potatoes and it paired very well.

  http://lairdfamilyestate.com/

Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California)

I was really surprised by this one. If you read my blog you know I am not a Cabernet Sauvignon fan and it takes a pretty special Cab. to get my attention and this one did!   

In the glass this wine is deep purple, the aromas are bold and open with blackberry, coffee and cinnamon. On the palate this wine is full-bodied, flavorful with wild black current, coffee, chocolate and spices. You keep wanting to sip it. I really liked this Cabernet.

Earthquake is vinted by Michael & David Phillips

from Lodi California.

Cline Mourvedre 2010 (California)

I purchased this wine as I enjoy many of the Cline wines and I really wanted to try their Mourvedre. The pairing was not half bad either, nachos. I was working late and wanted to make a quick dinner but I wanted a nice wine and they seemed to work together quite well.

On the pour this wine was dark red. The aroma was very nice, black raspberry and plum. Continuing to swirl my glass there were some herbal notes and hints of cocoa. On the Palate this wine has great ripe and juicy fruits. Cherry, raspberry and plum but as it warms and opens the cherry really come forth and has definite plum. There is a hint of spice and chocolate in the middle and on the finish, followed by a slight bit of smokey oak.

Kimmel Merlot 2008 (California)

I opened this bottle with all the anticipation I had for the 2007 Kimmel Merlot and I was again amazed. Like a fine wine one would find stored in a old wine cellar awaiting it's debut. To describe this wine in one word, Stimulating.


Liquid ruby in a glass, all my senses came alive as I swirled and sniffed this gorgeous wine. The aromas were immense, leather, cedar and the faintest smell of a fine cigar. On the palate, many layers and depth with flavors of baked bing cherries, black current, fresh pepper, vanilla and raspberry. Soft tannins, good structure and well balanced. This is a big one and will age well for years to come. Out of all the Merlots I have tried and there have been many Kimmel does it best!

Kimmel Vineyard is located in Mendocino County in Potter Valley, approx 1100 acres of Vineyards. You can visit them on line at

http://kimmelvineyards.com/

or on Face Book at

https://www.facebook.com/#!/KimmelVineyards

  

Chilensis Reserva Chardonnay 2008 (Chile)

100% Chardonnay. From the Maule Valley in Chile. Ahh Chile, how I love their wines! Looking for a nice white, we picked this wine up and thought it sounded interesting and we were not wrong!

On the pour this wine was a vibrant gold color, on the nose fresh tropical fruits mingle with your sences. Guave, green apple and touch of apricot are present. On the palate this wine hums with a bit of butter, melon and vanilla. Medium bodied with a smooth creamy finish. I would purchase this wine again!