Volver Tempranillo 2007

Today's offering is from one of my favorite importers out of Spain, Jorge Ordonez. The Volver Tempranillo 2007 is a great example of the values coming out of Spain. Made from 100% Tempranillo and rated 90 pts by the Wine Advocate, this is just an amazing wine. Pouring a deep purple with smoke, blackberry, cherry and ceder on the nose. On the palate this provides a depth that is impressive, showing spice, full red fruit and dark berries. The length of the finish is impressive for a wine at this price and stands up to any of the great wines from Spain. Pick some up today to enjoy with steak, aged mancheo, Serrano Ham or let it breath for an hour and drink it alone!

Carlos Basso Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Today's wine is another South American gem! Grown in Mendoza, Argentina, the Carlos Basso Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is a fantastic summer wine. Pouring a golden straw, there is a ton of tropical fruit and herbal notes on the nose. On the palate it displays bright acidity, more tropical fruit, a hint of citrus and some grass. This is a bright wine that sees no oak and is perfect on a hot summer day. Pick some up and enjoy!

Santa Rita 120 Merlot 2006

Today's offering is another great value out of Chile. Coming from Santa Rita, the 120 line has been a best seller at the store, especially for weddings, banquets and the like. While searching the basement I found a few cases of the 2006 Merlot and decided to give it a try to see how it's holding up. Pouring a deep red even with the bottle age on it, it has plum, vanilla and a touch of herbs on the nose. On the palate this wine packs a surprising punch showing great red berry, some spice and nice tannin on the finish. We left the bottle open for an hour and tasted it again and it opened up nicely and softened on the finish. This is still a great wine at a great price and you should pick some up today! What would you like to see reviewed this week? Rose? White? Big Reds? Let me know!

Charles and Charles Volume II Rose 2009

Today's offering is another dry rose, this one from Washington State. A collaboration between Charles Smith of K Vintners and Charles Smith Wines and Charles Bieler of Three Thieves and BIELER Pere et Fils, it was founded in 2008. The previous vintage got 90 pts from Wine Spectator and the current has not yet been rated but I have to believe that it will at least match last year's number. It pours a deep pink with fresh strawberry, pomegranate, and raspberry on the nose. On the palate the dry acidity is balanced by great strawberry, a hint of peach and a nice minerality. This is a great wine for ham, turkey or light pasta dishes. Shipped with a bumper sticker in the case that states "You can drink rose and still be a badass!", what's not to like?

Twenty Bench Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Well another great Saturday behind us and more good wine to share with you. Today its the Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 coming from the Napa Valley in California. This is such a great value for a Napa Cab its almost funny! It pours a dark, almost black purple with great blackberry, currant and a touch of herbaciousness on the nose. On the palate this is silky smooth with the dark berries shining through followed by some strawberry and chocolate with a nice tannin structure to give it some punch. This is a wine that drinks great now and will continue to improve for a few years. While it isn't an every day wine, the Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 is a steal and really competes with wines that are twice as expensive. A great wine as a gift for a friend or yourself, pick up a few today and be ready if something comes up!

Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2009

Today was a great day at the store, lots of fun new products arrived, some I have been waiting almost a year for! One of those items was the 2009 vintage of Kung Fu Girl Riesling by Charles Smith. A wine that perennially sells out before the new vintage is available, its one that will knock your socks off. Pouring a beautiful gold, its has a powerful nose of asian pear, granny smith apple and tangerine. On the palate this is a nice semi dry example of Riesling with the apple shining through complemented by a nice minerality, acidity and tropical fruit. The acidity really provides a great balance to the fruit to provide a great wine that pairs with spicy Asian food, a summer picnic or with lawn chairs in the sun. Pick up this wine by the case and enjoy while you can!

Wine Fact of the day!

So today's wine fact is about American wine. Wine has been grown in the United States for over 300 years with the first commercial production in 1799 by John James Dufour near the Kentucky River. Currently wine is produced in all 50 state with California, New York, Oregon and Washington State being the leading producers. There are many wines from many states that are fantastic and I encourage you to try them today!

Peter Lehmann Layers 2008

So today's wine is another great wine for summer. Coming from Australia, the Peter Lehmann Layers 2008 is a fantastic blend of Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay that is aged in stainless steel to provide a bright, fresh wine. Pouring a golden color with citrus, pear and tropical fruit on the nose it brings new things with each inhale. On the palate it has bright acidity with great melon, peach, a hint of spice and a final sweetness that isn't cloying but refreshing. This is a complex wine that seamlessly integrates the five varietals that compose it without overwhelming the palate. A great wine for light meals such as grilled white meat, white sauce pasta and soft cheeses. This vintage might be gone soon and is drinking great right now, pick it up and we'll see how the 2009 drinks soon.

Wine Fact of the day! Whats up with rosé?

With all the rosé's being released in the upcoming weeks I would like to explain what rose is and how its made. Rose is any wine that has a pink hue, so things like Bandol Rosé and California White Zin are in that group. Made in three different ways, there are many styles of Rosé. The first method is skin contact, in which the grapes are crushed and left with the skins in contact with them as in fermentation of red wine, however after a short period of time (a few days usually) the skins are removed after imparting some tannin and color to the wine. The second method is called Saignée, in which during the process of making red wine some of the pink juice is bled off to increase the intensity and tannin. This left over juice can be fermented and become Rosé. The third way Rosé is produced is through blending red and white wine together, although this is not a common practice. While many people think of Rosé as light, sweet wines there is in fact a wide range of styles. The original style from France is a light, dry rosé, while here in the United States most are the White Zin style of sugary sweet pink wines. There are many dry Rosé's produced all over the world that serious wine drinkers find very enjoyable. I hope that this explained a few things and please let me know if there's anything I missed.

Vega Sindoa Rose 2009

Well the weather has been great for the past few days and finally the first of the 2009 Rose's are being released to me. The first I want to share with you is the Vega Sindoa Rose 2009. Coming from a producer in the Navarra region of Spain, the 2009 Rose is another hit from Vega Sindoa. Made from 100% grenache it pours a deep pink this wine has a very aromatic nose of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. On the palate this isn't a light or sweet offering for a rose with rich cherry blossom, red berry and some spice leading to an unexpected powerful punch on the finish. This is a perfect wine for ham, turkey, lamb or just chilled and enjoying. I hope to bring you many more rose's to brighten your summer days!

Wine Fact of the day! Syrah/Shiraz

So I just reviewed a Syrah from Washington State and it made me think of the confusion between Syrah and Shiraz. To address that issue, both Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape but referred to as Syrah in most countries but as Shiraz in Australia. Grown originally in the Rhone Valley in France, Syrah can be made into straight varietal or blended as it is in many Rhone wines. Its a grape that provides full bodied, dark, rich wines that have great dark berry flavor and usually a bit of black pepper. I hope this makes labels a bit easier for you to understand and helps you find the wines you're looking for. What would you like me to share tomorrow?

Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah 2007

Today's wine is another Syrah from Charles Smith in Washington State. While I rated the MCK a few weeks ago, this is a more affordable offering that can be an everyday wine and is the Boom Boom Syrah 2007. Like all of the stuff coming from Charles Smith, this is a huge, drinkable wine. It pours a deep purple, almost black with spice, blackberry and chocolate on the nose. On the palate there is great fruit (think cherry, raspberry and blueberry) followed by allspice, earth and a bit of oak. The finish is nice and dry with good acidity. This is just a great wine for anyone who wants big wines with a smooth finish. A great pairing for steak, aged cheese or spicy food. Pick up this or any other offering from Charles Smith and enjoy!

Wine Fact of the day!

Thanks to my brother I'm going to start a daily wine fact to help everyone who isn't sure what everything I talk about means. I hope to link it to each review to help you understand and if there is something you want explained please ask. Today's fact is about the Rapel Valley, the region the Rayun Wines are from. Located in central Chile, the Rapel Valley has warm days and cool nights which makes it ideal for growing most grapes. There are two sub-regions called the Cachapoal Valley and the Colchagua Valley. The most widely planted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. There are many producers in this region that make wine from the value level all the way to the ultra premium wines that get monster scores from international publications. What else would you like to know?

Rayun Carmenere 2008

Today I'm going to share with you another great value out of Chile. While there are many large producers from South America, the real values are found in the smaller houses that you don't find at every store. Today's offering comes from Rayun Winery in the Rapel Valley. Their Carmenere 2008 is a great example of the great value you can find when you really search. It pours a deep red with cherries, blackberry and creme brulee on the nose. On the palate this is a fruit bomb, lots of dark berry, currant, and fig. The finish has chocolate and soft tannin that lingers. This pairs great with grilled meat and red sauce pasta and is a perfect every day drinker. This is another great Carmenere from Chile that wont break the bank, pick some up today!

Frank Family Napa Zinfandel 2007

So last night was dinner with a few friends and a few bottles of Zinfandel. I brought some BBQ from the store and a bottle of Frank Family Napa Zinfandel 2007. It pours a dark purple with great color with fig, raspberry, black cherry and some spice on the nose. On the palate there is a lot going on, up front is a bunch of fruit, mostly dark berry. That is followed by chocolate, cinnamon and some fig leading to a lingering finish of spice and velvety tannin. This was a perfect pair for ribs (as were all the wines we had open) and would also work great for anything grilled, sharp aged cheese (think parmesan reggiano, aged mancheo, vella dry jack) or even food with a hint of spice. As the weather warms up this should be one of your go to wines for an afternoon barbecue! Pick a bottle (or 6) up today!

Foris Gewurztraminer 2007

Lately I've received many requests at the store for Gewurztraminer and have brought in a few great examples. Today's wine is one of those, Foris Gewurztraminer 2007. Its a dry version from Rouge Valley in Oregon, definitely reminiscent of Alsace. All estate grown, this is just a great wine from Foris. It pours a nice golden color and has beautiful rose, citrus and some spice on the nose. On the palate there is a crisp acidity and nice peach, green apple, tropical fruit and a hint of ginger. This is a phenomenal wine for spicy food! Pick up this new addition to the stock and you wont be disappointed!

Atteca Old Vine Grenache 2008

Today I want to share with you a wine that has been a great seller at the store for a few years, Bodegas Atteca Old Vine Grenache 2008. From the Calatayud region of Spain, this is 100% grenache and is a great value. When I first got this vintage in the store, I really didn't enjoy it much because it was very green and vegetal, which lead me to think they released the vintage with too little bottle age on it. After a few months in the bottle this has really come together and became the wine that it should be. It pours and inky black and has boysenberry, raspberry, and blueberry on the nose. On the palate it provides plum, spice, vanilla and a hint of smoke. The finish has simple tannin and slight chocolate notes. This wine really came together and has proved that it is a great buy year after year. Pick this up today and enjoy Old Vine Grenache at a great price!

Round Barn Lake Michigan Shore Merlot 2007

Well April is Michigan wine month, and in honor of that I will be bringing you a few of my favorite wines from our great state. The first is Round Barn Lake Michigan Shore Merlot 2007, grown in Baroda, MI this is one of the finest examples of dry red wine Michigan produces. Very true to its varietal, this Merlot pours a deep purple and has plum, blackberry and floral notes on the nose. On the palate there is black currant, raspberry and some spice leading to well integrated tannin and a lingering finish. Overall this is a great Merlot that just happens to come from Michigan. I've really been impressed with all the wines coming out of Round Barn (as well as their beers) and this is a shining example of what Michigan can produce. Pick some up and support our state!

Asunto de Vino Shiraz Carmenere 2008

Today's wine is one I just brought into the store and really have been impressed with. A blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Carmenere from Chile, this wine isn't as big as you think it would be. Pouring a nice dark purple it has lots of fruit on the nose, most notably cherry and plum with some pepper coming from the Shiraz. On the palate this is definitely fruit forward with a velvety mouth fell, the flavors tending towards chocolate covered cherries, black pepper and a bit of fig. This isn't a wine that blows people away but one that everyone can enjoy. It will pair well with barbecue, Hambergers or aged cheeses. Share it with someone tonight!

Domaine Du Pouy 2008 Cotes du Gascogne

Well today began as another beautiful day and with it comes more white wine! Today I want to share with you a perennial favorite at the store, Domaine du Pouy 2008 Cotes du Gascogne. Produced in the same area of France that provides us with Armingac in the southwest of the country. It pours a light straw color and has clover, herbs, grass, and pineapple on the nose. On the palate it is bright, pleasant and ripe. There is a great acidity that makes this wine perfect for light summer fare. Stop in and pick some up to refresh you while this weather is here!

Claude Val Rouge 2008

Alright, so after a weekend of huge wines lets get back to the every day stuff. Today's wine is the Claude Val Rouge 2008 produced by Domaine Paul Mas comes from the south of France. You can check out their website at www.paulmas.com and I will definitely bring you a few more of their wines soon but I wanted to start with an easy drinker. This is a wine that I first tasted at a trade show for one of my vendors in August and it struck me as a crowd pleaser. A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc this wine pours alight garnet color with beautiful raspberry and ripe plum on the nose. On the palate this is fairly light and fruity with clean red fruit and a balanced finish. Perfect for white meat, fish or medium flavored cheese such as young manchego, this wine is a great every day wine. Its certainly pleases most palates with enough going on to keep a regular wine drinker coming back but also approachable for people who think they don't like wine. Pick some up and just enjoy!

K Vintners Motor City Kity 2006

Today's wine is another huge one! Coming from Charles Smith's K Vintners, the 2006 Motor City Kitty Syrah blew me away. It pours almost black (and stains just about anything it touches, believe me) with a bright bouquet of smoke, herbs, and tons of fruit (blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and on and on and on). On the palate this is a huge fruit bomb up front with the same berry flavor dominating, that is followed by a spicy mid palate and a long soft finish. This wine goes on forever! I wish I could open a bottle of this every weekend, but there aren't many left and I don't want to be selfish. Pick one up and you wont be disappointed!

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2005 day 2

So its day 2 of my tasting of Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2005 and its just a phenomenal wine, rated 96 points by Wine Spectator and chosen as its #7 wine of 2009 but I wanted my own opinion. It pours a dark garnet and had a great nose of fig, red berry and a hint of vanilla. On the palate it was still a bit tight but displayed spice, almond and some licorice. The second day was very kind to this wine. It really opens up and the bouquet is much greater. You still smell the red berry and fig, but also softer cherry, floral notes, chocolate and some burnt wood. On the palate the flavors are much silkier and velvety than day one with more ripe berry and spice leading to well integrated tannin and a beautiful finish that lasts for a long time. This is a perfect wine for a big meal such as filet mignon, aged cheeses (such as Piave or Five year Gouda), or ossobuco. This is a wine that is really assessable even given its young bottle age but will certainly develop over the years to something even more delicious, stop in and pick up a few while you still can.

Renato Ratti Barolo 2005 preview

So I am currently drinking Renato Ratti Barolo 2005 and its amazing, I will post early tomorrow my thoughts and tasting notes, check back to see what I think.

Shafer One Point Five Cabernet 2005

So today is my birthday and with that comes great wine! Today I want to share with you a fantastic Stag's Leap Cabernet. Produced by Shafer winery, the One Point Five Cabernet 2005 is a fantastic wine, while it isn't Hillside, it still will blow you away. After decanting, the wine pours a deep, almost black purple with anise, black currant and raspberry on the nose. On the palate it has blueberry, spice, raspberry and a hint of floral undertones. The wine finishes extremely long with nice tannin and a final berry liqueur note. This is a wine that evolves over the course of an evening and gets better with every sip. Pick up a bottle of this or anything else made by Shafer and you wont be disappointed. I hope to bring you a few more high end wines this weekend while the celebration continues!

Felino Malbec 2008

Today's wine is Felino Malbec 2008, made by Paul Hobbs. Malbec is a grape that has become so incredibly popular these days that it seems there is a new one every week. The Felino Malbec is one that we've carried at the store through a few vintages and usually run out of before a new vintage is released. The 2008 is definitely still young but drinks really nice right now. Pouring a deep purple, it has dark berries, black cherry and spice on the nose. On the palate there is a huge amount of flavor, black raspberries, plum, white pepper and some minerality leading to ample tannin and great length on the finish. This wine is good young, but will be even better after a few years. Pick up a few and compare!

Lelle Prosecco by Fattoria Giuseppe Savini

Today I want to share with you a Prosecco. Grown in Italy, Prosecco is a DOC protected name and usually (and in this case) refers to sparkling wine made from the prosecco grape. There have been many articles in the press about this varietal in the past year and I've seen a marked increase in sales at the store. With French Champagne so expensive, Prosecco is a great alternative. The particular wine I want to share with you is the Lelle Prosecco bottled by Fattoria Giusepppe Savini and is imported by US Wine Imports in Ann Arbor MI. The wine pours a light straw with many small bubbles. The nose has citrus, peach and is a little herbaceous. On the palate there is nice pear, green apple and a fantastic freshness with a great mouth feel from the bubbles. The finish is quite long and the pear stays with you. As you keep drinking the wine really evolves, softening quite a bit to let the fruit really shine and because its Extra Dry the residual sugar makes it quite lush. This is a great wine for celebrating, drinking with light appetizers or just relaxing. Have you tried Prosecco? Whats your favorite Champagne substitute?

Primaterra Sangiovese 2008

With Easter tomorrow I've been getting a lot of questions about great wine for ham. There are so many options between Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Gewurztraminer and on and on. I want to share with you one that's not often mentioned, Sangiovese. Grown in Sicily, the Primaterra Sangiovese 2008 is a little lighter and softer than those grown in the central and northern parts of Italy. Pouring a ruby color, the nose has strawberries, cherries and a bit of vanilla. On the palate, the cherry is what really dominates followed by some spice. The finish is balanced and has a nice acidity that makes it perfect for lighter dishes, which brings me back to my point. This wine is perfect for Easter ham or Thanksgiving turkey as well as by it's self. How about trying something new today?

Bodegas Pirineos Mesache Blanco 2006

Its Friday and another great one so this will be a short post so I can make the most of it. Today's offering is Bodegas Pirineos Mesache Blanco 2006. This interesting blend of old vine Macabeo, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay still jumps out of the glass. It pours a golden straw color and has green apple and tropical aromas on the nose. A perfect wine for light food, it has beautiful citrus and apple on the palate and a refreshing acidity to finish. This wine will blow you away!!

Hayman and Hill Interchange White 2006

What a beautiful day here in Kalamazoo, almost 80 degrees on the first of April who would've thought? Days like this call for a nice crisp white. That brings me to the Hayman and Hill Interchange White 2006. Its a wine that I've had at the store for a while and haven't yet got around to trying or really researching at all. After a bit of research I finally found the blend, it's 47% Chardonnay, 34% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Muscat Canelli, 5% Malvasia Bianca, 4% Semillon, and 3% Gewürtztraminer and it pours a light straw color and has a lot of fruit on the nose, mostly pineapple and citrus from the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a fruit bomb, lots of apricot, melon and the pineapple shows up again. It has a bit of acidity and quite a bit of sweetness too which makes this a really interesting wine for a wide range of foods. It would pair nicely with slightly spicy Asian food or seafood. Pick some up and enjoy this beautiful weather while its here!