California Wine

A list by Wine Correspondent Ralph Del Rio of Great Red Wines to be on the lookout for $25 and under… with a few exceptions.

By in 2016 Top Wines, Argentina Wine, Australian Wine, California Wine, French Wine, Italian Wine, Spain Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine Chatter and Blather

By Ralph Del Rio, Wine Correspondent

I was asked by a friend to put together a list of red wines, short of notes, that I thought were a good buy to put in his wine cellar. The idea is to come up with some age-worthy wines under $25. So I took a crack at it and while I was putting the list together I realized that there were a lot of great wines on this list. These wines not only are great to drink today but could go 4-5 years and maybe a whole lot more. I hope you enjoy this shopping list. I have had the opportunity to taste all of these wines wines

It is 2016 and these are the wines to be on the lookout for. The majority are available for under $25 and under. There are a few exceptions because I wanted to get some very tasty French wines on this list…all wines are under $40

Good Luck, Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

2011 Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial Sardon de Duero, Ribera del Duero (750ml)

2014 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles (750ml)

2012 Bodega Norton Privada, Mendoza (750ml)

2010 Castello di Bossi Berardo Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti (750ml)

2013 M.Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem, Cotes du Roussillon Villages (750ml)

2013 Villacreces Pruno, Ribera del Duero (750ml)

2012 Montes Alpha Syrah, Colchagua Valley (750ml)

2012 Fattoria Poggiopiano Chianti Classico, Chianti (750ml)

2011 Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva, Chianti (750ml)

2012 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa (750ml) $32

2013 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa (750ml) $29

2013 Newton Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered, Napa (750ml) $34

2012 St. Clement Cabernet Sauvignon Oroppas, Napa (750ml) $39

2012 Chateau Haut Bergey Rouge, Pessac-Leognan (750ml)

2006 Chateau La Vieille Cure, Fronsac (750ml)

2012 La Fleur de Bouard, Lalande de Pomerol (750ml) $29

2012 Chateau La Tour Carnet, Haut-Medoc (750ml) $33

2012 Saint Damien Les Souteyrades, Gigondas (750ml) $29

2013 Saint Cosme, Gigondas (750ml) $34

2010 Domaine Pallieres Gigondas Les Terrasse du Diable, Gigondas (750ml) $36

2013 Chateau Saint Roch La Chapelle, Côtes du Roussillon (750ml) $29

2012 Ridge Zinfandel Three Valleys, Russian River (750ml)

2012 Condado de Haza Tinto, Ribera del Duero (750ml)

2011 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre, Veneto (750ml)

2012 Tikves Bela Voda, Tikves (750ml)

2014 Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel, California (750ml)

2013 Duorum Colheita, Douro (750ml)

2012 Zolo Reserve Malbec, Uco Valley (750ml)

Unlike water, wine always has an aftertaste, a finish – however long or short. ‘The Wine Finish’… Let’s try to explain a few things about it!

By in Argentina Wine, Australian Wine, California Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

Different people like different flavors in their red wines.

People like their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and their higher tannins seem to have much longer textures with the higher alcohol content.

Yet, there is an equal amount if not more folks liking lower tannin wines that do not elicit such an astringent mouthfeel such as Pinot Noir and Malbec.

When you drink wine and the aftertaste lingers. It is often a major indicator of a wines quality. There have been economic studies on this trying to find real conclusions and the debate goes on. Wine Finish really remains an understudied area in wine; but it is very related to the well-studied qualities of wine aroma and flavor. We know that.

Let’s try to explain a few things about it!

As much as wine lovers would love it to be socially acceptable to simply hold and swish wine in the mouth for hours on end…we know its unrealistic (okay, a little weird to the regular person too…).

But who wants to give up on all those great wine flavors? No one! That’s why a pleasant and memorable aftertaste is so important.

Unlike water, wine always has an aftertaste, a finish – however long or short. The wine components like sugars, acids, ethanol and tannin influence the perception of aroma and flavor in red wine and thus the ending of the wine.

The better the wine finish, the longer the wine’s flavor and tastes linger in your mouth and memory after swallowing a sip. So how do describe this sensation? How do you tell folks what the finish is like?
For me, a really great wine finish often stays on my mind for a while. Sometimes days or months even years later recalling the finish and remembering the exact moment you had the sensation and the wine. Probably because so many of the senses are engaged. That’s another story though…

In the same way; there is a very appropriate wine quote from Maynard A. Amerine who was one of the most significant wine scientists in the past century and it goes… “The fine wine leaves you with something pleasant; the ordinary wine just leaves.”  

Just what is it that you taste at the end? How do you explain it? You are already thinking about how to describe the aromas and the flavors you just picked up while you are smelling and tasting!
Which brings us to the finish line…Ha!  OK, let’s get into some descriptors for the Wine Finish

  • acidic
  • aftertaste
  • bitter
  • chocolate
  • clean
  • clipped at the end
  • crispy
  • dry
  • earthy
  • fruity
  • hot
  • lemon
 
  • lingering
  • long minerality
  • minty
  • oak
  • prolonged
  • persistent
  • short
  • sweet
  • tannic
  • vanilla
  • woody
  • Dusty

The World’s Premier Wine Executive Program is at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management

By in California Wine, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather


I recently attended and graduated from the UC Davis Wine Executive Program. The UC Davis Graduate School of Management is rated in the top 5 schools. It was a privilege to be one of these graduates. This year there was a large waiting list for the Wine Executive Program.


It is professionally run, very efficient and they provide exactly what they say they do. It’s rigorous as well. The lectures and lessons are provided by faculty in the Department of Viticulture and Enology and Graduate Management School including key wine industry executives. The Wine Executive Program began in 2001, it has drawn wine industry decision-makers from key wine making regions of the world, including 27 U.S. states, France, England, Italy, Hungary, Australia, China, Chile, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Indonesia and the Philippines. It now has just over 900 graduates. A solid networking experience.

The UC Davis Wine Executive Program is matchlessly designed to impart the details of winemaking and management skills necessary to be profitable in today’s challenging and dynamic wine industry. There is no other program like this program. It is the premier program. There really is no other as comprehensive and intense.


Importantly, the mission while you are there at UC Davis is receiving the knowledge from the faculty and trained professionals about the research efforts, research projects, understanding how the industry can invest in the developments and innovations. You get first hand exposure to this by the Department of Viticulture and Enology.

The sessions are custom-made to help industry leaders grow their businesses by intensifying on such topics as building one’s financial expertise and expanding a company’s current marketing and branding strategies including projects and legal case studies. Furthermore, as a student you are exposed to the latest state-of-the-art technologies and processes for making and selling wine as demonstrated in the worlds most advanced LEED platinum winery at the Department of Viticulture and Enology.


Explicitly designed to teach the skills necessary for middle and senior managers from wineries and vineyards of all sizes, financial institutions, service providers, industry suppliers, distributors, and affiliated businesses. It is very effective as a program for those interested in working with complex methods from different industries to bring back new innovative business ideas to your workplace.


Most importantly it has a focus on Investors, developers, entrepreneurs and those looking to cross the threshold of the wine business will also gain critical advantage from the program.

..and lets not forget the tastings. Many generous participants and sponsors help provide a sensational and diverse international experience.
 

If you are an experienced MBA and you have a strong wine education background; this program puts you in a position to lead and an organization in the industry. It also brings you into the family as an alumni of the UC Davis.
 

Visit the UC Davis Wine Executive Program web site at http://www.wineexecutiveprogram.comand you will find a lot of what I am echoing. I highly recommend it.

You are in the mood for Pizza. Who isn’t??? What wine matches best with Pizza? So many great options to try!

By in BBQ and Wine, California Wine, French Wine, Italian Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

The weekend is approaching. Or it’s late night hunger craves…You are in the mood for Pizza. Who isn’t???  What wine matches best with Pizza? So many great options!

It happens all the time you are waiting for pizza delivery… Of course you need to have some wine on hand.

Try a reasonably priced Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Gamay. A light body, low tannin wine with high acidity The acidity of these wines compliments the tomato sauce nicely and the mouthfeel allows the savory flavors of your Pizza to shine.

Also, lighter wines like Italian Barbera and Frappato are phenomenal with Neapolitan style pizza where and Nero d’Avola is rock solid with a meat lovers pizza.

If your pizza has mushrooms…the earthy style Pinot Noir, it’s especially delicious. A Mouvedre is another option too…Which might lead to a Rhone night of wine with your Pizza; trying something complimentary like a spicy Syrah or Grenache with a pepperoni pizza

I want to leave with a favorite! A total explosion. Red Lodi or Dry Creek Zinfandel. Tons of fruit, tons of power! Goes great with spicy sausage, grilled onions…Think the oven flavors that come with a toasted crust too. Just plain good.

Aglianico is probably the grape with the longest consumer history of all – the grape was the principal component of the world’s earliest first-growth wine! Drink it today!

By in Books - At a Glance, California Wine, French Wine, Italian Wine, Travel, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

I read an article recently in the New York times on wine made from the Aglianico grape. I am so glad that this grape and its region is being noted for the delicious wine it produces. Famous oenologist Denis Dubourdieu has said “Aglianico is probably the grape with the longest consumer history of all.”

What’s very cool is that Aglianico is thought to have first been cultivated in Greece by the Phoceans from an ancestral vine and was brought into Italy by settlers spread to various points in the regions of Campania and Basilicata. In ancient Rome, the grape was the principal component of the world’s earliest first-growth wine, a wine called Falernian. Gladiator wine!

In its youth, Aglianico is can be very tannic and concentrated and powerful requiring a few years of ageing before it can be totally approachable. It’s deep garnet in color with whiffs of chocolate, earth and plums.

But big wine is great; I like it and seek it. As Aglianico ages, the fruit becomes more pronounced and the tannins more composed with the rest of the wine. Think full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, providing them with good aging potential. It’s can be very not-aggressive. The rich flavors of the wine make it appropriate for pairing with rich meats such as lamb, beef or a rich pasta dish. The grape is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too.

So for you drinkers of Barolo, Bordeaux, Napa Cabernet and good Rhone. This is where it’s at.

…by the way the white grape is called as Greco di Tufo, the grape was commented on by influential Pliny the Elder, the maker of some of the highest-ranked wines in Roman times and also author, naturalist, and natural philosopher

There are write ups on all this in Hugh Johnson’s wine books as well as Oz Clarke’s which is always a great read. You can re-read those guys, good stuff. Good wine books to own for entertainment and research.

Anyways, in Basilicata, Aglianico is where the region’s only DOCG wine, Aglianico del Vulture, and is concentrated in the northern area of the province of Potenza. The most sought-after of Aglianico del Vulture come from the vineyards located in and around the extinct volcano Mount Vulture.

In Campania (the third-most-populous region of Italy…extremely historical), the area in and around the village of Taurasi produces Aglianico’s only DOCG wine, also called Taurasi.

There’s more great Aglianico to be had in the province of Benevento. In Campania, it is also in grape of Aglianico del Taburno and Falerno del Massico.

So Where are the best places? Aglianico seems to thrive in volcanic soils, especially at higher elevations on hillsides that also have some limestone mixed in. That’s a great scenario for a hearty wine.

It really all adds up to the profile for greatness. So seek it out. Ask for it.

The wines can be both powerful and restrained, they can age beautifully, and they can be both soulful and reflective, deep especially when grown in the best places and produced by dedicated wine makers.

The Answer is Yes! Great Australian Cabernet Sauvignon! So let’s get on with the Key Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Regions!

By in Australian Wine, BBQ and Wine, California Wine, French Wine, Travel, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

The kinship that Cabernet Sauvignon has with a maritime climate is understood due to history of Bordeaux’s Medoc region. Cabernet Sauvignon’s origins can be traced back to France’s Bordeaux region.
Over the past 15 years or so there have been many articles written by proponents of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon such as James Halladay, Oz Clarke, Robert Parker Jr and James Suckling and I agree that these wines are authentic, terrific and dynamic.

Cabernet Sauvignon reaches its highpoint (although Napa Valley may beg to differ these days) on the gravel soils of the Medoc, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary where it is widely blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. Within the Medoc are the famous communes, which produce some of the world’s best red wines.

Okay…so, it is fairly obvious that most (but not all) of Australia’s top quality cabernets come from regions with climates similar to Bordeaux (noticeably Coonawarra and Margaret River) which have a closeness to the sea and without any mountainous regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is a somewhat low yielding varietal, with small berries and thick skins, which give off high color, flavor and tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon ripens late, and has firm tannin structure that guarantees that it’s capable of producing wines with good potential to improve with cellaring.

Cabernet Sauvignon has been in Australia for a very long time. Early records show that by the end of the 19th century it had spread to South Australia’s Clare, Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra regions as well as in Victoria. Today Cabernet Sauvignon is really considered one of Australia’s great red wines and is widely grown all over the country, from the cool climate of Tasmania to some first-rate vineyards in Western Australia.

 
So let’s get on with the key Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Regions!

 

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The fine strip of red ‘terra rossa’ soil over a limestone base produces Cabernet Sauvignon of distinction and refined structure, with the best wines merging sophistication and power. There’s this chocolate intermingled with the fruit and cedary oak. Lingering flavors are focused by dusty fine tannins that jog my memory to Rutherford California …Coonawarra Estates has some fine Cabs as does Phoenix Estate. Penfold 169 is a high end…there is also Penfolds 407 which is a blend of several regions including a good dose of Coonawarra. 

 
Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Barossa Valley has been an important source of Cabernet Sauvignon, largely as a blending partner with Shiraz. The Barossa Valley makes terrific Shiraz. There are vines of Cabernet Sauvignon in the adjacent Eden Valley also but are of smaller quantity, but fit well with the warm Barossa material. Elderton Estate is one that I like as well as Peter Lehman’s wines.

 
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River has fashioned some of Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons over the past 25 years and is praiseworthy just like Coonawarra. Their best vintages are hardly ever green, and have ripe black fruits, earth and spicy characters. The majority of Margaret River and Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignons, totally benefits from the blending Merlot. The Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignons vintages of late have been outstanding. There have been last six have been good to excellent vintages from 2007 to ’10 decidedly so and ’11 and ’12 to showing well too.

 
Mt Barker Cabernet Sauvignon

This West Australian region is known for some outstanding red wines. The overall climate and terroir is restrained enough to foster Cabernet Sauvignon to full ripeness with abundant structure and the capacity to develop into great wines.

 
Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Some of Australia’s top Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds come from the Yarra Valley, from nicely situated vineyards with great terroir. These wines are low in extraction, supple in texture, with lean blackcurrant flavors backed by hints of Eucalyptus and Black Olives.

 
Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the mainstays for Cabernet Sauvignon many years, there are some of the oldest vines and areas of superior soil in Langhorne Creek that make very rich, substantial and earthy wine. That is offset by notes of cedar with hints of cardamom, tobacco and licorice spice.
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Clare Valley produces very deep, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon of power and elegance. This region should not be overlooked. These are wines that possess great aromatics that can have good structure that are medium to long-term propositions in the cellar.

 
Other Australian Cabernet Sauvignon regions

The above regions are the prime areas that produce Cabernet of renowned quality. Other notable Cabernet Sauvignon regions include Central Victoria, South Australia’s McLaren Vale region, the famous Mudgee and the Hilltops in New South Wales.

Some of my favorites are from Mclaren Vale…seek  Mitolo Jester, Two Hands and Kangarilla Road.

There is a wide range of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon styles and regional characters, from elegant, medium-bodied examples through to full-bodied reds full of intense black fruit flavors, with oak to match and firm tannins. Australian Cabernet Sauvignons are generally versatile, rich and well structured, and usually benefit from further age in bottle, so it’s also well worth cellaring them for a year or two.

Australian Cabs also can be decanted as an option! Use a nice big 750ml glass…

By the way…Grilled Steaks and Burgers with Dijon Mustard, Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce, BBQ Ribs in a spice rub or sauce are great place to start for food pairing as well.

How do I find a wine I like? How do I find the winners?.. because budget wines are hitting a quality level that is worth seeking!

By in Australian Wine, California Wine, Chile Wines, French Wine, German Wines, Italian Wine, New Zealand Wine, Spain Wine, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

Over the past 15 years at least a couple of major things have changed. A lot more people are enjoying wine and budget price wines have been improving over the years. Technology has a lot to do with it; but so does the fact that winemakers have been replanting vineyards with grapes that make better wine. Just like plant breeders go all-out to offer more robust, more fragrant roses for gardeners, grape scholars and scientists have helped winemakers improve their vines.

So basically winegrowers are learning how to get more flavor from the grapes they grow by careful timing of watering and pruning. Money matters too. When wines cost $7 or $8 a bottle and above, winemakers can afford to use the better-quality grapes than they used too.

These changes probably mean that today’s under $10 wines would have cost $15 five years ago. Or your $15 wines are hitting a quality level that is worth seeking.Then apply that to a $20 bottle and so on.

Just to think that the price for a high quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or French Bordeaux is roughly $50.

But we are talking the budget wines here… and their advancements!

When you walk down the wine aisle will you will see dozens upon dozens of sensibly priced wines on the shelves, yet picking one amongst the often-whacky labels—including everything from funky monkeys to long-tailed eagles—can be a royal pain. In regards to the style or the appeal of the wines in the bottle can be night and day.

So how in the heck do I find a wine I like?!? How do I find the winners?!?

Here are a few tips to follow to find a really decent wine of good quality.

Choose a grape you previously tasted but this time from a country you’ve never tried. For example some of the best budget or value wines have recently come from Argentina (try Chardonnay or a Malbec) , Chile (try its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay too). In Spain lower-priced wines from Rioja make good-value (usually the classic Tempranillo grape). Also, South Africa (Chenin Blanc, also known as ‘Steen’ sometimes) are a great opportunity to enjoy.

In the same way; try up-and-coming grapes and wine styles now before they take off in appreciation and reputation (and price). If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon style, try a Malbec—those again from Argentina are good values. Vinho Verde is a light, refreshing white wine from Portugal that’s famously inexpensive.

Also, just because it’s pink does not mean it is White Zinfandel.

Don’t pass over rows of massively unrecognized and underpriced rosé wines—many of that are enjoyably dry and crisp. Just so you know…this wine generally goes really great with lightly seasoned fish or chicken dishes.

Riesling, too, is so under-appreciated and that the price remains low for many of these well-designed and delicious wines. Riesling is very versatile. It can be bone dry, semi-sweet or very sweet. So have fun with that.  Remember hot and spicy food goes great with Riesling

By the way…A quick very basic food pairing hint…match ‘Power with Power’
You can’t really judge a quality of a wine by its label, but the label might tell you a bit about the style of wine inside If you see a wine label with a beautiful pastel collage of flowers on it, it’s not going to be a big, heavy concentrated red wine…but you never know… Likewise, a wine with a huge red or dirty old truck on it is unlikely to be anything too light-bodied or sweet.

Look, If you see the brand..Barefoot, Robert Mondavi, Jacob’s Creek, Lindeman’s, Beringer, Kendall Jackson, Echo Domani, Chateau St, Michelle, Yellow Tail, Concha Y Toro, Gallo…even Joseph Drouhin brand is in the budget price game now. Those wines are standardized uniform and consistent, regular- even unvarying.

While it’s tempting to stick to your “same old same old,” usual’s… it’s worth rolling the diceto find a new favorite at a low price. It’s great to know that with all the good wines out there at this price range, the odds are now better than ever that you’ll find winners.

 

Wines for the Thanksgiving season are Excellent with Turkey, Chicken and Fish dishes.

By in California Wine, French Wine, German Wines, New Zealand Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

The Thanksgiving reds are the reds of Beaujolais, France.  These consist of of fruity (not to be confused with sweet) light to medium-bodied reds made from the Gamay grape. Excellent with Turkey, Chicken and Fish dishes. While Beaujolais Nouveau is the most popular, there are actually much higher quality Beaujolais Cru wines from this region. For light-bodied sips:

•Brouilly

•Mouin-A-Vent

•Fleurie

 

In Beaujolais, France there are also delicious white wines that are made from the Chardonnay grape as well in a crisp lighter style. If you find one, make sure you pick it up.

 

Light-bodied and tangy whites are excellent for Thanksgiving as well.

 

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand can be great, but it’s got unflinching acidity.  he same grape bottled as Pouilly-Fume or Sancerre from France’s Loire Valley is much softer. These whites are still acidic, tangy and herbaceous just like you crave from S.B., but with a subtler sip full of fresh green apples.

 

Medium to full-bodied whites are great for the fall/winter holiday…

Grapes like Gerwurztraminer and Riesling are often perceived solely as sweet. Not so fast!

For drier versions of these two, head north to Alsace. Gewurztraminer is a spicy white, while Riesling is more floral. Riesling is actually among the most diverse grapes from bone dry to sugary sweet in styles.

For an eye-opening white wine experience:

•Trimbach

•Albrecht

•Hugel

 

Burgundy whites almost strictly made from Chardonnay grapes, but they will not be oaky or buttery whites – they’re leaner and elegant with hints of flint, chalk and minerality.

 

Here is America ‘Chablis’ lost its social status when it became the preferred name for jug wine in the U.S., however this classy white is far from a flat, bland bulk wine. Also made from 100% Chardonnay, it has little and most often no oak, boasting crisp, mineral-spiked sips.

Other whites from Burgundy include Pouilly-Fuisse and the lesser-known and thus less expensive Macon-Villages. Both are lighter than New World styles and show off Chardonnay’s subtleties without the interference of oak.

 

Another great one is Viognier which is often called Chardonnay’s sexy sister. They are similar in look and body but this glass of white from the Rhône region will surprise you. It’s very aromatic. Viogniers are not abundant, so drinking will cost you, but these striking floral whites are a really good pick for Thanksgiving time.

Some California Reds have provided Sheer Greatness in a relatively Short period of time!

By in California Wine, French Wine, Italian Wine, Spain Wine, Travel, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

California has an endless amount of excellent red wines and a lot of them are as either as good or more legendary than Old World French Bordeaux, Italian Chianti and Barolo’s and Spanish Tempranillo and Garnacha. In many cases the Old World knowledge has lent it’s ways to the California Terroir; but most of the time it’s been sheer greatness in a relatively short period of time.

Here are some of my California favorites…Including one from Washington State that is on my mind and fits the mold…

Dominus Estate Napa Valley Red (CA) Christian Moueix’s California legend shines by sheer density.

Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon  (CA)Big, dense, juicy raspberry-driven fruit

CADE Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (CA) familiar to Napa’s presitigious PlumpJack winery in Oakville full and intense

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (CA)Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon brings big, brawny flavors

Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon  (CA)  From Napa’s prestigious Stags Leap District, well-integrated intensity and opulence.

Col Solare (WA) Col Solare, Italian for “shining hill,” offers an amazing Cab-based blend sourced from some of (namely Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope and Horse Heaven Hills)

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (CA) This Grgich Hills Cab has got plenty of power, yet boasts both beautiful balance and richness

Signorello ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (CA) Napa Valley – If Italian Cabernet got lost on its way home

Robert Craig ‘Mt Veeder’ (CA) Cabernet Out of the Mt. Veeder wilderness comes this marvelous mountain wine

Blankiet Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard (CA) – Almost La Mission Haut-Brion-ish in its character

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 (CA) full-bodied and opulent personality is profound

Ramey – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (CA) from valley floor known for creating rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon

PlumpJack – Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (CA) Engaging red despite its richness and obvious size

Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains Red(CA) limestone, which is not found in Napa is unique and important
 
Seek these out, Try them…Cellar them. In fact these wines listed are good to lay down. But there’s one thing about great California wines…They can be hard to put down.
 
 

If it’s the most important task of a wine director…Why is creating and managing a restaurant’s wine list seem to be an afterthought?

By in California Wine, French Wine, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather, Wine Scores and Reviews, Wine Sensory Guide

I often get asked about Wine Lists and why some are better than others.

The general roundabout question always seems to be…

If it’s probably the most important tasks of a wine director; why is creating and managing a restaurant’s wine list seem to somehow be an afterthought?

Wow! It sure is a difficult question but it doesn’t have to be…

But just what sets apart a just-ok wine list from a great one? How does a Wine Director or Sommelier go about picking wines and making a great list? What’s most important?

My way of thinking is that there are folks who are interested in wine but may not know anything about wine.

Then, there are interested enthusiasts; who will be eyeing for particular names or styles. It’s key to try to build a list that appeals to everyone.

A great wine list starts with the proprietor(s) caring about wine and caring about profits. This must go hand in hand or the list is doomed.

Also, storing the wine in a hot closet just won’t work. Do it in the best cool environment if not a cellar. Make this happen. It speaks about the heart of the establishment.
Let’s get deep for a second…
Today, the new era of the Mixologist is on the rise; just like the new era Sommelier. Knowledge and creativity are in play.
The wine ‘is’ the driver that sells repeat menu diners; not the mixed drinks. The last thing a foodie wants consider is distillation. It’s a distinction that should be understood. Mixed drinks encompass the ‘establishment’ but truthfully not the meals…That’s not it’s purpose. But, the wine is both….and I say if you care about ‘sense of place’ in your wine; you are on the best path.

Then the first step in making a great wine list is talking to the chef about the food. The wine should go with the food. Period. That is crucial. This gives me hints and ideas to the types of wines that will pair remarkably well with the dishes. Wines with the right acidity, freshness, body, salinity, minerality most and notably—structure

The wine list is one that can pair up with multiple dishes and be able to criss-cross where several wines can address the dish. A guest needs to be able to sit with the menu at first glance along the wine list and determine whether he or she will or can return to your establishment and this is even before a bite of food is ever taken. Will it work with the meals? Will it work with Cheese? Will it work with dessert? Will it work on its own?

The list has to be fun and have some crowd pleasers as well the ones that make you think a bit. Like a white or a red that you wouldn’t expect. Or a varietal from a producer or a vineyard that is a curiosity. A great wine list can tell a story about history, geography and the combination of flavors that compel you to want more. They echo a Sommelier’s beliefs about wine. Not necessarily what are the Somm’s favorite wines or a who’s who greatest hits… but a diversity of taste. A diversity of value and some prized ones are important as well.

A list that is too small and cheap can tire you very quickly. So a small restaurant needs to be crafty and empathetic to its dishes; if they care about their patrons. Caring means to make sure all the information that is needed is displayed so the guest gets what they thought they were ordering and can make the right decision alone or with help from the Somm.

It’s not about whether the wine scored 90, 92 or 94 points. A great wine list is all about caring and listening your guest likes and providing them with your best options available, all while keeping it fun and enjoyable.
 

 

 
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