Fun Friday Wine Fact:
The History of Sonoma


"Wine is a living liquid..." Julia Child


Despite Napa Valley's slight eclipse over this region in proximity and reputation, Sonoma County is rich in history and significance to the world of wine. This Napa neighbor is nestled between 76 miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline to the west, and verdant landscapes of rolling hills and mountains to the east. Renowned with "Old California" character, this is one hotspot you'll want to explore on your next trip to wine country.

How did Sonoma begin its affair with wine?

Sonoma's wine heritage dates back to the early 1800’s as Russian colonists began to plant grapes along the coastline. The legacy of these vineyards blossomed in 1823 as Spanish Franciscan fathers planted several thousand grape vines at their northernmost California mission named San Francisco Solano. This effort was pioneered by Padre José Altimera who recognized Sonoma for its "fertile land, mineral springs, waterways, abundant game, and mild climate".



Sonoma’s role in California’s history does not solely exist because of its vineyards. In fact, not far from the San Francisco Solano mission rests the home of the town plaza where California first exhibited its independence from Mexico. Aptly named after the furry creature waving atop the flagpole, the Bear Flag revolt signified independence from Mexican rule and the birthplace of American California.



To look at the plethora of wineries that now exist in Sonoma will make you wonder how they all came to make this location home. The rich history of wine in Sonoma County is actually attributed to "The Father of California Wine Industry ", Count Agoston Haraszthy who is credited for promoting the notion that Sonoma County could be home to fine wines. To ignite his cause, he immigrated over 100,000 cuttings of prized grape varietals from France, Italy and Spain into California. With so many wines being recognized for greatness from this region, it is clear that Haraszthy's belief successfully grew into reality.

Tradition lives on as Sonoma County continues to produce over 130,000 tons of grapes from nearly 48,000 acres of vineyards. Every bottle produced is an expression of Sonoma and the generations of family history which have united with years of diligent work to create its existence. Every wine is a living liquid born from these grapes imprinted with DNA of this legacy for us all to enjoy.


Be sure to also check out last week's Wine Fact.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:
Friday Monkey South Eastern Australia Rose Wine 2008
Cost Score = 9/10 Points (Additional stats below)


The winner was chosen…

Thank you all for helping me decide which bottle to taste!

Seeing which wines get the highest votes is only part of the fun. For me, the opportunity to taste the wine virtually alongside you all via Twitter and Facebook is the greatest part of this interactive experience. I took immense pleasure in conversing with you all as we opened and tasted the winning wine you chose for me to drink.


Vintage Info:
"This light and fresh Rose has been produced from 100% Shiraz grape which is estate grown. It displays strawberry and cherry flavors with a hint of spice. This delicate flavors and natural acid combine to produce the perfect summer wine to be enjoyed with good friends. Drink now, this wine will live to be full and rich for at least the next 5 years." -Friday Monkey


Recommended Food Pairing:
When it comes to culinary accessories, be prepared to face the tart strength of this wine. While its luminous pink color may deceive you into expecting a frail or thin version of the Australian Shiraz you may have already come to love, you will be pleasantly surprised to find quite a bit of bite to this wine. It is loaded with fruit propped up with ample acidity for structure. Although I chose to taste this wine without any food, it would mingle perfectly with Jamaican jerk chicken, spicy curry, or even sushi (with copious amounts of wasabi of course!)


Stats:
Producer: Friday Monkey
Vintage: 2008
Varietal: 100% Shiraz Rose Wine
Appellation: South Eastern Australia
Residual Sugar: N/A
TA: N/A
pH: N/A
Production: N/A
Alcohol %: 14
Aging: N/A
Cost: < $10


Wine Whore Score:


If you are accustomed to the palate of the infamous White Zinfandel, this one will come as a surprise. The undeniable volume of fruit and acidity will change the way you look at Rose.

Its tart acidity will make your tongue sweat!

As the prickly pink acid of this funky Friday Monkey penetrates it brings with it a refreshing rush of saliva colliding with firmly gripping structure. Loads of acidity makes this deep pink wine tart yet refreshing. Packing all of this punch for such a low price tag (<$10) scores this wine a 9 for cost, a total score of 28.5 out of 40 points and an average score of 7.1 out of 10 points.

Make sure to give this punky Monkey time to unwind.

Given the chance to open up, it settles down into a relaxed and enjoyable demeanor. This allows the fruit to come forward, kick back, and relax as its angry hot pink fades to a soft rose revealing its bouquet of punchy qualities.

Overall this wine is crisp, refreshing, fruity, and in one word: fun.


Like this wine? Be sure to check out other Friday Monkey wines reviewed by The Wine Whore!


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

WWW Winner:

The best part of being The Wine Whore is meeting other people that enjoy life, living, and the pursuit of wine. This week, I hand the microphone off to one such wine lover who enjoyed an ABC Wine Tasting last week that unfortunately I was unable to attend.

Shay, why don't you tell everyone all about it?


"While I’m not a big fan of most of the Coppola wines (they seem a bit overrated to me), I really enjoyed the Sofia Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. (It’s the one in cellowrap in the Coppola photo.) I’m tired of all the brut-style champagnes/sparkling wines that are so prevalent these days; this one was a refreshing change of pace.



I was also very impressed with the Sauvignon Republic wines I tried at the last couple of ABC tastings. I loved (and bought) the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at the last Brandon tasting, and really enjoyed the Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc I tried this time.



I’ve attached two photos; one of Don (sorry; didn’t catch his last name) holding a bottle of the Russian River Valley, and another of the bottle displayed next to some of the other wines he was sampling. The Hess was also quite nice, but the Sauvignon Republic one was more flavorful.



I thoroughly enjoyed the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc at one of the tables. I’ve had it before, and I agree with your friend Britt that it is indeed “a stunning wine.” Very drinkable. The Seven Daughters white blend was quite interesting, but not one of my favorites. (I tend to gravitate toward Rieslings, Gewurztraminers, Sauvignon Blancs, and Moscatos.)



One of the last tables I tried featured a variety Peter Brum white wines from Germany – just my speed! They were all lovely, but my favorite was the Piesporter Michelsberg. Of course, I had to bring a bottle home with me."


Thank you Shay for sharing your story, amazing photographs, and love for great wine!


To all of my other 'Wine Whore' friends, don't forget to send in your pictures to be included in next week's post!



Cheers!


Be sure to check out all of the other wines that were previously tasted:
ABC Wine Tasting
Sample Bargain Wine - ABC Wine Tasting Part II


(Read more wine tasting events and info at The Wine Whore)

New Arrivals:
Grgich Hills Estate



Rarely does one get the opportunity to be a part of a tradition of royalty. I am proud to announce that as the 'Wine Whore' I have been awarded the prospect of tasting some of the same wine (albeit not the same vintage) that world leaders such as Presidents Reagan and Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand respectably served at state dinners over the years:

1981 - The Grgich Hills’ 1979 Chardonnay is served at a White House dinner for King Juan Carlos of Spain

1982 - President Reagan takes the 1979 Grgich Hills Chardonnay to the American Embassy in France for dinner with French President Mitterrand.

1983 - Queen Elizabeth II is served the 1978 Grgich Hills Chardonnay at the home of Stanford University President Donald Kennedy.

1991 - President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush are served the 1988 Chardonnay at The White House.

1993 - President Clinton and Vice President Gore are served the 1989 Grgich Hills Chardonnay during a dinner held at the California Café in Los Gatos, California.

1998 - The 1995 Grgich Hills Chardonnay is served at a dinner hosted by President and Mrs. Clinton at The White House.

These famed wines are not reserved for people of famous status. In fact, these gems are actually quite easily attainable. Aside from the royal settings listed above, "every single day discriminating wine drinkers count on Grgich Hills to turn their own dinners into special occasions."

The famous reputation is not the only reason why I am anxious to taste this new arrival. Known for utilizing Biodynamic farming techniques, I am curious to see how Grgich Hill's harmony with Nature affects the balance of the wine.

Over the next several weeks, I will be tasting the following selections, including their flagship Chardonnay, which have arrived for my review from Grgich Hills Estate:

Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006


Check back for winery and wine reviews of these selections!

Also, very special thank you to Ken and the folks from Grgich Hills Estate for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)
Photo of courtesy of Grgich Hills Estate

Wise Wine Review:
Graffigna Centenario San Juan Argentina Malbec 2006
Cost Score = 9/10 Points
Taste Score = 8/10 Points (Additional stats below)


Vintage Info:
“Deep red with purplish nuances. A very complex bouquet, with a reminiscence of very ripe blackberries and the appearance of black pepper. Presents smooth, ripe and well integrated tannins. Rounded and velvety. Its finish is complex, with notes of coffee, vanilla and toasted." –Graffigna Centenario


Recommended Food Pairing:
Winery’s Reccomendation- “Ideal match for barbecues, all types of food with pepper and onion based sauces.
-Lamb ossobuco, hot spicy pumpkin risotto and malbec reduction
- Stuffed fowl breast, potato, leek and bacon puree, red grape sauce”

My Reccomendation- I challenged this fruity but dry Malbec by tasting it alongside spicy Mexican food. The warm fruit held up well to the spicey fire and its dry acidity successfully cooled and refreshed the surface of my scorched tongue. Malbec has so much wonderful character, I usually prefer to enjoy it alone. Solitude is the best way to get to know the wine without any competition for the taste buds.


Stats:
Producer: Graffigna Centenario
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Appellation: Pedernal Valley - San Juan, Argentina
Residual Sugar: 3.20 grs/lt
pH: 3.6
Production: N/A
Alcohol %: 14
Aging: 50 % in oak (50% in French oak and 50% in American oak) for 12 months.


Wine Whore Score:


This deep ruby red Malbec is proudly tinted by the characteristic hints of inky purple that distinguish it from other grapes. Personally, I love Malbec because its exceptionally full, fruity, and unique bouquet. This particular one is no exception. Allow it to breathe and you will be lavishly rewarded as you bathe in its aroma. Each breath of seductive vapors reveals a new discovery.

Nice and dry but very enjoyable, this Malbec holds its burly fruit and gravel taste together by means of liberal amounts of acidity. Overall, this is a respectable example of the grape. With a price tag around $10/bottle, this Malbec scores a 9 for cost and a highly regarded 8 for taste and 8.5 for enjoyability giving it a total score of 33.5 out of 40 points and an average score of 8.4out of 10 points.

If you are looking for an inexpensive example of Argentina’s most popular grape, this Malbec is for you. Easy to find, great tasting, and enjoyable, Graffigna’s Melbec easily earns the title of Wise Wine of the Week.



(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

What do you think should be my next drink?


I need your help deciding which bottles to taste and review! Every week, I’ll post a new poll asking you to pick my next selection. The winning wine will be announced, tasted and featured in a review.

Wine Whore Review:


I am always amazed to discover the rich history of vineyards that have survived generations of life’s challenges. The stories that grow from these families truly demonstrate their dedication to their passion of life.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to share the story of one such vineyard that has produced distinctive Zinfandel from the hills of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley since 1904. I am proud to share the story of four generations and 100-years old vines that have called the soil of Puccioni Vineyards their home.

What lesson has this family learned from its years of dedication?

Generations of loyalty to the sweet purple fruit we all love has taught them one important lesson: “Always follow the Puccioni tradition of stubbornly doing things the right way!”

How does this translate into their wine?

One such newly released example of this pragmatic vineyard has arrived for me taste and share with the world:

Puccioni Dry Creek Valley Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2006

Stay tuned as I discuss the rich history behind this winery and review how this promising selection does it "the right way"!

Also, very special thank you to Glenn and the folks from Puccioni Vineyards for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)
Photo of courtesy of Puccioni Vineyards

Fun Friday Wine Fact:
The Zen of Wine: Part III


Understanding how to taste wine requires an understanding of the factors that contribute to its flavor. In Part II of 'The Zen of Wine', I discussed the astringent, tingling tang of acid in wine. This sensation is intensely detected by the receptors around the edges of the tongue near the front of the mouth. Every sip that washes wine over these receptors triggers this recognizable reply of tartness.



Sweetness is detected in much the same way but provides a completely different sensation. Aside from smell, which greatly contributes to taste, the sensors at the tip of the tongue are primarily responsible for triggering the cloying sensation most of us dessert lovers crave.

What makes sweetness so enjoyable?

The desire for sugar is one ingrained in human instinct psyche due to the caloric value attributed to sweets. The human body craves that which helps it survive. In the absence of other food, sweets present densely packed calories we can not live without.

How is this cloying contribution controlled within wine?

Sweetness is controlled in one of two ways. Sugar is either left after fermentation (residual sugar) or added to the wine to increase its relative concentration. Residual sugar as a natural fruit byproduct can also be dramatically increased by stressing the grapes through drought or leaving them on the vines for extended durations often referred to as ‘late harvest’. If you have never tried such a wine, you will want to check out this example of a Late Harvest Zinfandel.

Residual sugar can also be produced by stopping the fermentation process prematurely. Altering the duration of fermentation this way prevents all of the sugar from the fruit from being converted into alcohol by the yeast.

There are several ways to put the brakes on this process: killing the yeast by “fortifying” the wine through the addition of alcohol, or by cooling the wine down to the point where the yeast fall asleep. The later process requires the “sleeping” yeast to be removed or “fined” by straining the mixture before restoring it to normal temperature.

Although it plays a key role, sweetness is only one of several components in wine that contribute to the overall taste, feel, and balance. Over the next several weeks “The Zen of Wine” will address each component explaining how they contribute to the overall balance of wine. Understanding not only how these factors work, but also how they are perceived will aid in discerning them when tasting a bottle of wine.


To be continued…


Previous Zen of Wine posts:
The Zen of Wine: Part I
The Zen of Wine: Part II

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:
Abacela Southern Oregon Estate Tempranillo 2006
Taste Score = 9/10 Points
Enjoyability Score = 9/10 Points (Additional stats below)



The foundation for a successful wine relies on one key factor: location.

For every great wine, there is a combination of climate and terrier that combine to make extraordinary example of the varietal. The optimal location of which is entirely determined by the grape that will call it home.

One couple, after deciding to produce fine wines similar to those produced in Spain's Rioja and Ribera Del Duero regions, set out to find the perfect landscape in America. The challenge: finding a location capable of producing “wines that are a statement of the harmony between the grape variety and its terroir.”

Realizing the importance of
climate early on, Earl and Hilda Jones sought out a location that best mimicked the native region of the Tempranillo grape. The ideal climate for this foreign grape requires a cool spring, dry-hot summer and a cool early autumn. After much research, the couple discovered one particular area in Southern Oregon which presented the ideal location for production of fine Tempranillo.

With the right location picked out, the groundwork was set. The next step for Earl and Hilda was to guarantee that the ideally fashioned grapes were handled appropriately. They accomplished this through their minimal handling wine making philosophy. This philosophy incorporates optimally ripe hand picked estate fruit gently fermented and processed in a gravity flow winery to preserve quality. The quality is then matured through additional prolonged cellaring in small oak casks further enhances flavor and stabilizes the wines.

With the right location and proven techniques, a name for the product of their love was the final factor left to be determined. Based off of the word 'abacelar' which means "to plant a grape vine,” Abecela Wine and a legacy of great Spanish wines from America, was born.


Vintage Info:
"The 2006 vintage, the tenth release of our signature Tempranillo, is deeply colored and powerfully structured with intense aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits, savory spice, cassis, and smoke.

Experience suggests this wine will age easily for five to seven years and offer a long plateau of maturity. If patience fails aeration is recommended." -Abacela


Recommended Food Pairing:
Winery’s Recommendation - “We also suggest saffron and pimenton dusted lamb with chèvre and sun dried tomato-stuffed peppers.”

My Recommendation – I tasted this brilliant example of native Spanish wine with a pork roast, roasted potatoes, and mixed veggies. You can afford to be creative with this flexible, full bodied wine. The complexity is also hearty enough to knock out the kick of spicy meats and peppery foods.



Stats:
Producer: Abacela Winery
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Tempranillo
Appellation: Southern Oregon
Residual Sugar: nil
TA: 6.94 grams/liter
pH: 3.76
Production: 1035 cases
Alcohol %: 13.5
Aging: French (88%), American (12%) 11% new, 26% 2-yr old


Wine Whore Score:


Abacela is by far one of the best examples of Tempranillo I have tasted so far. I especially enjoy how this bright, deep, ruby cherry wine unwaveringly tastes brilliant until the last drop is emptied.

The nose is smeared with smoky leather rubbed in dirt, made tart with a cranberry kick and topped with a cherry for sweetness. In the mouth, this wine does not fizzle out in disappointment. The long consistent finish of this full, fruity, dry yet balanced wine confirms its scores of 9 for both taste and enjoyability.

It is pleasantly surprising to discover this prime example miles from its traditionally native home. With a reputable total score of 32 out of 40 points and an average score of 8 out of 10 points, this dry wine complexly filled with bold fruit, tannin and acid is capable of aging with grace and gracefully accompanying an assortment of delicious foods.



(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:



You may remember my great gift recommendations for Earth day... Well, I just came across a new gift item that pet lovers will not want to miss.

This pet bed is created using an authentic recycled wine barrel. It comes in two choices of stain color, is 100% safe for your pets, and even comes with a decorative paw pillow for your furry one to sleep on.

One word of caution...

It looks so comfortable, after a couple of bottles of vino, you may even find yourself curled up in it!


Be sure to stop by and check out this and all of the other great selections. After all, unlike a bottle of wine, it is okay to spoil your pets.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

WWW Winner:

Bern's Steakhouse is an attraction every wine lover or foodie must visit (after inviting me to join, of course) in Tampa, FL.

Home to a 6,500 label wine collection proudly earning the Wine Spectator Grand Award, Bern’s is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for an outstanding meal accompanied by a bottle (or ten) of wine. The above photo depicts the group enjoying everything "from 1992 Hanzell Chardonnay to 1980 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah to 1969 Souverain to 1910 Madeira to 1850 Madeira...life's rich pageant of food & wine pairing."




My advice: leave room for the dessert room.

It is a whole different dining experience. Literally! They actually move you to a completely separate section of the restaurant and seat you in a new table. It's like going out for two separate meals in one night. Between the eclectic atmosphere, extravagant wine list, and delectable culinary selection, Bern's is a dinning experience, or two, like none other. The photo above shows the crew from SUNBOX eleven Winery enjoying this magnificent dessert room.



This week's runner up:

Great minds think alike!

This week's second place comes from a couple from my home state of Florida with their wine loving friends on a "priceless" trip to Napa Valley. Main destination: the famous Sterling Vineyards. Here they tasted all of the various reds and whites but ultimately choose to take home a bottle of the Sterling Vineyards Reserve 2005 Chardonnay. The amusing part of this story for me is the fact that I made the same trip not too long ago and have the very same bottle stored in my wine fridge at home to prove it.




Don't forget to send in your pictures to be included in next week's post!

Thank you Sunny, Tom, and everyone else who participated by sharing your stories, amazing photographs, and love for great wine!


Also check out SUNBOX Eleven Winery and Tom's aptly titled frugal wine site, Frugal Wine Review.


Cheers!



(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:



Here's to you Robert Mondavi for sharing your:

Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fume Blanc 2007
Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006


Check back for winery and wine reviews of these selections!

Also, thank you to the folks at Icon Estates for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)
Photo of Robert Mondavi courtesy of Icon Estates

Wise Wine Review:
Cost Score = 9/10 Points
Taste Score = 7/10 Points (Additional stats below)




Life would be dull if everyone’s penchant for wine were identical. Like a knight setting out to slay the monstrous fire-breathing dragon, searching for wine that is agreeable to the masses and their wallets at the same time is a challenging quest.

Friday Monkey has come to the rescue.

By choosing quality fruit from South Eastern Australia, Friday Monkey is able to produce wine that tastes great yet also appeals to those with the strictest budget. As I always say, “you would have to look hard to find a bad Australian wine” and this monkey is no exception.


Vintage Info:
“Fresh citrus/melon and white peach fruit aromas in harmony with nutty, vanillin French oak overtones. Concentrated melon, citrus and stonefruit fruit flavours complemented by soft, creamy yeast autolysis and delicate nutty oak nuances. This wine has an excellent structure with great length of flavours that are complex, yet fresh. An easy drinking wine designed for immediate enjoyment." -Friday Monkey


Recommended Food Pairing:
Winery’s Reccomendation- “Serve nicely chilled. This wine is ideal with good food and would complement most seafood, chicken, game poultry and white meat dishes.”

My Reccomendation- Cool this one down before you set it beside your favorite white meat or seafood dish. This blonde monkey is quite friendly and amusing with a wide variety of food compliments or even just one on one.


Stats:
Producer: Friday Monkey
Vintage: 2008
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: South Eastern Australia
Residual Sugar: N/A
pH: N/A
Production: N/A
Alcohol %: 14
Aging: N/A


Wine Whore Score:



Pale golden straw in color, this wine is packed with great fruit included melon, peach, and tropical aroma with a hint of honey. This sweetness pairs with hefty acidity that presents itself as refreshing and fit to stand up to the palate of a variety of dishes. Hints of oak are positioned delicately like a cheery on top of a sundae weaving subtle woody overtones into the fruit.

Every wine has a place and this particular Chardonnay is fun, easygoing, and looking to party. It proudly earns the scores which depict this disposition in the areas of cost, taste, and enjoyability. With a price tag lower than $10/bottle this Chardonnay scores a 9 for cost and a respectable 7 for taste giving it a total score of 30 out of 40 points and an average score of 7.5 out of 10 points.

What better day is there for cracking open a nice refreshing bottle of wine with friends, and family? The next time you want to celebrate the end of a long week, kick back and relax with this loveable creature of a wine, Friday Monkey.



(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:


There is nothing better in life than enjoying food and wine while making a difference. I was privileged to have the chance to join hundreds of others last Friday night at the Celebration Exotic Car Festival. Already in its sixth year, the annual non-profit event has raised over $500,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Although it is still to early to tell, this year’s event expects to raise $200,000 which is enough to grant wishes for about 30 terminally ill children. After attending, I can succinctly sum it up in one word: awesome.


The highlights of the evening included:


A parking lot more magnificent than even Enzo could have ever dreamt. The place was filled with more Ferraris than I have ever seen grace the road over the course of my whole life, let alone in a single place at the same time.



Ferraris weren’t the only ponies at the corral. All kinds of other exotic cars were proudly flaunted including the Delorian from Back to the Future and the General Lee.



Before the sun went down, the sky was illuminated by awesome stunt planes performing choreographed tricks showing off their fine tuned skills. Among the pack were the infamous Blue Angels which gracefully soared through the clouds leaving only a trail of smoke in its path.



The walls of the hanger were lined with tables presenting a sea of wine bottles just waiting to be poured… a Wine Whore's dream. My favorite of the evening was the Belle Glos Pinot Noir. This amethyst nectar is by far one of the best Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted. Part of the Charles, Chuck, and Charlies family tree, this wine is packed with tight elegant fruit supported by adequate ample acidic structure.



There was also a ton of great food to sample and snack on. Having almost as much of a sweet tooth as a purple tooth, I was pleasantly satisfied by the plentiful food and treats there to be enjoyed. The best part of the entire event is that all of the vendors donated 100% of this to the event so none of the ticket cost was lost to cover the expense.



In addition to the food and wine, there was plentiful ‘people watching’ to enjoy. Everyone from Star Wars Storm Troopers to Gilbert Gottfried was in attendance and they were probably the least interesting people to bump into. When you weren’t making new friends, the fashion show provided a feast for the eyes as a wide array of designs were paraded on the center stage.



I would like to thank all of the compassionate vendors for donating their time and materials to this commendable charity. Also, thank you to Dawn from Cooking with a Whineaux and her husband Bill for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


Check out the complete list of vendors and sponsors here.

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:


Did you know that this guy:


Was also into this:


You may remember the famous television show in the middle 1950s "Perry Mason" but you may not be aware that the legendary actor from this show, Raymond Burr, paired with actor friend Robert Benevides to cultivate orchids and most importantly, wine.

Three brand new wine selections have arrived for my review from the legendary actor that not only played a defense attorney on television but also partnered to create Raymond Burr Vineyards:

Raymond Burr Sonoma California Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Raymond Burr Sonoma California Cabernet Franc 2006
Raymond Burr Sonoma California Chardonnay 2007


Check back for winery and wine reviews of these selections!

Also, very special thank you to the folks from Raymond Burr Vineyards for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)
Photo of courtesy of Raymond Burr Vineyards

Wine Whore News:



Thanks to all of your support, 'The Wine Whore' is a member of the century club: 100 bottles of wine received for review over the last three months. Make sure to pass on news of this awesome press about my 'cause':

During tough economic times, one website has the solution. In exchange for free wine samples, Randy Watson provides publicity for wineries and entertainment for wine drinkers. 100 bottles of free wine later, the site is getting massive attention.


Tampa, FL, April 11, 2009 --(PR.com)— When Randy Watson embarked on his creative wine venture, he never dreamed it would be possible to have too many bottles waiting for him to drink. Only three months after the release of his wine website “The Wine Whore” (www.winewhoreblog.com) he has received over 100 bottles of wine from 30 different wineries. “I never dreamed it would be this big” he says as he accepts delivery of another shipment, the eighth one in only five days.

Why are wineries voluntarily sending him free bottles of wine? In exchange for free bottles, his website features reviews of the wines he receives. This trade provides ultra-cheap publicity for wineries, retailers, and distributors, while also being informative and entertaining for other wine drinkers. This site is creating quite a buzz. Multitudes of wineries, wine lovers, and spectators are joining him in the ‘cause’.

Aside from the free wine, “The Wine Whore” is attempting to change the way people view websites dedicated to wine and marketing in general. The idea for the site was sparked as Randy became discouraged with his boring corporate job. After being passed over for a promotion, losing 401k benefits, and just being sick of the nine to five grind, he decided to channel his creative energy into something he really enjoys, drinking wine. Sick of the monotony, Randy just “wants to change the way people see the world.”

He promises to create fun and honest tasting experiences allowing others to gain a down to earth understanding of what to expect if they were to try it themselves. In addition to reading about Randy’s journey for free wine, the site also includes interesting articles on wineries, fun facts, wise wines of the week, and wine news. Randy believes that just “so many wine reviews are the same… pretentious blabbering of black currant, cherry, vanilla, and leather. The repetition equates to spinning a wheel of smells rather than a description of how the wine really tastes.” Instead, this website sets out not just to focus on the wine, but on how wine changes the perception of life and living things.


(Excerpt from the press release entitled Changing the World One Bottle at a Time)

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:
Cost Score = 9/10 Points (Additional stats below)





If you are like most people, the first (and only) name that comes to mind when you think of kosher wine is Manischewitz. Although this is arguably the most recognizable name of kosher wine, there are many others today that share this category of distinction. One such winery, Skalli Family Wines Americas produces high-quality mevushal kosher wines from selected soils in the South of France.

You may wonder why would anyone want to boil their wine? This is just one example of the strict kosher standards that still exist today. Since the 1980s, Skalli Family Wines Americas have worked closely in its own vineyards and with growers in the South of France to ensure that top quality and the strictest kosher standards are met at every stage of production from vine to bottle while also remaining committed to following a rigorous charter of ecological sustainability in the vineyard.

Thanks to their generosity, I have the opportunity to taste and review a bottle of Fortant Merlot produced by the Skalli Family for this edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday. Grab an empty glass, your favorite kosher dish, and get ready to share a glass of this holy Merlot with me.


Vintage Info:
“Fortant kosher wines are produced under the strict supervision of rabbinical authorities. They are also certified Yayin Mevushal (universally kosher), signifying the fermented wine has been flash pasteurized. The taste is not affected, and in fact this process helps stabilize the wine’s color, tannin and fruit. Mevushal signifies the wine can be poured by non-Jews and still remain kosher. Fortant’s winemaker has developed a specific style for his kosher line focusing on clear fruit and elegant notes making the wine easy to drink and eminently food friendly." -Fortant


Recommended Food Pairing:
Winery’s Recommendation - “Particularly suits white meats, grilled lamb and vegetable terrines. Delicious with chocolate and chocolate desserts.”

My Recommendation – This is a soft and food friendly wine. Stay away from dishes that may make the wine seem metallic. Chicken would pair best with this soft red wine. Fish and heavy red meats should be avoided.


Stats:
Producer: Skalli Family Wines Americas
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Appellation: South of France
Residual Sugar: N/A
pH: N/A
Production: N/A
Alcohol %: 13
Aging: N/A


Wine Whore Score:


Fortant’s winemaker is known for developing a specific style of kosher wine. This style is not intended to be full bodied, overpowering or capable of making your gums shrivel. Instead, this merlot focuses on elegance while remaining easy to drink and eminently food friendly.

On the nose, this bottle is packed with a great bouquet of fruit. I enjoyed inhaling the life emanating from my glass as my nose soaked in the aromas. The flavor is soft and quickly dissipates into a quiet finish with a hint of mineral and oak.

The affordable price tag of this shy, food friendly kosher wine awards it a high score of 9 for cost. Overall this Merlot scores a total of 29 out of 40 points and an average score of 7.3 out of 10 points. Unlike the overwhelmingly cloying sweetness of the well known Manischewitz alternative, the soft and delicate finish of this Merlot makes it a great option for a kosher wine everyone at the table can enjoy.


Read more about kosher wine.

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:



Want to help the environment?

If everyone in the US sent one less holiday card, we would save over 50,000 cubic yards of paper. Although it may be unreasonable to ask the world to stop sending much loved holiday cards, an acceptable and fun alternative to wasteful wine bags and the immediately discarded wrapping paper greeted me as I opened my mailbox just the other day.

Popptags are a fun and clever way to gift a bottle of wine with one of several witty messages. Want something unique? These clever little tags can be printed to say anything you can think up.

Before you resort to using another boring wine bag, order some of these tags and do your part to conserve wasted paper while giving the gift of wine (and even a laugh) at the same time.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wise Wine Review:
Taste Score = 9/10 Points
Cost Score = 9/10 Points
Enjoyability Score = 9/10 Points (Additional stats below)




Technology, efficiency, and delivery, allows X Winery to uncover what seems to be a metaphorical buried treasure. Employing innovative and often overlooked techniques from vine to consumer, this winery effectively maximizes quality while minimizing cost.

The Goal: Satisfy both the consumer and winery’s needs at the same time.

The Result: Success! Cost effective wines that offer a high degree of quality and enjoyment.


Vintage Info:
“2007 was one of the better vintages in recent history. There was a lighter crop and yields were down from the past few years, but quality was extremely good. Berry size was small and the fruit developed intense varietal flavors with rich, mouth filling tannins.

Lake County lies north of Napa Valley and east of Sonoma County. The earliest vines were planted after the Civil War. Today, it has become one of the most highly acclaimed growing areas in Northern California. What make’s Lake County so unique is its terroir and the largest natural fresh body of in the state of California - Clear Lake. This large lake acts almost as a natural temperature control allowing grapes to ripen at optimal levels." -X Winery


Recommended Food Pairing:
Winery’s Reccomendation- “This versatile wine plays well with a brown bag lunch, a romantic dinner, or just about anything in between.”

My Reccomendation- I tasted this tangy white wine with some spicy mexican food. I have a terrible habbit of burning down my sinuses through copious amounts of kickin' hot sauce and wasabi. This cooling Sauvignon Blanc refreshed the burn and complemented the acidity of my addiction to spice.


Stats:
Producer: X Winery
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: 100% Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Lake County ES Vineyard
Residual Sugar: <1 g/L
pH: 3.37
Production: 784 cases
Alcohol %: 13.4
Aging: 3 months in stainless steel drums.


Wine Whore Score:


The scores on this wine speak for themselves. Loads of elegant grapefruit, citrus, and even a hint of banana maintain a crisp entry, full bodied mid-palate, and tangy prolonged finish. The wonderful fruit, mouthfeel, and transition scores this Sauvignon Blanc a 9 for taste, cost AND enjoyability giving it a total score of 34 out of 40 points and an average score of 8.5 out of 10 points. For a wine to receive high marks for all three of these categories is a major accomplishment. Low cost wine that doesn’t sacrifice taste and enjoyability is hard to discover. X Winery deserves praise for hitting the mark with their Sauvignon Blanc.

Check out the complete explanation of how X Winery solves for the “Derivative of X”.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:


It takes a family with pride to create such a small lot of wine considered “simple yet careful.” This pride embraces their viticulture and winemaking with a personal touch that literally extends to every bottle born from these practices.

Don’t be surprised by the simplicity of this vineyard, the wines are complex and in a word, amazing. Today I have the chance to share a glass of wine with the family that dedicates their talent to the wine they produce. I am excited to taste the following acclaimed selections from the Matthiasson family winery:

Matthiasson Napa Valley Red Wine 2005
Matthiasson Napa Valley White Wine 2007

The white wine from Mattiasson is an intriguing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, and Semillon creating a “new-world conception of a mythical ideal old-world wine”. The red consists of 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 60 percent Merlot.

You'll want to stay tuned for winery and wine reviews of these selections!

Also, thank you to Jill and the Matthiasson family for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:
Taste Score = 9.5/10 Points
Enjoyability Score = 9.5/10 Points (Additional stats below)



Nothing reminds us more of the importance of family than the loss of a beloved member. As I popped the cork on this bottle of wine, my anxious smile turned awry as the terrible news of such a loss to my family tolled against the delicate membrane of my eardrums. Distraught, I morosely gazed at the opened bottle of wine entranced by the thought of losing a kin.

As if almost a distraction to the pain, my mind wandered to the story of three generations nestled in a particular vineyard from the famous Napa Valley. I pictured them struggling to produce grapes and wine since 1932 in the historic 26 acre St. Helena vineyard. After persevering through 76 harvests they created the very bottle of wine I was about to drink.

While loss in life brings sadness, there is still much greater delight. Like the combination of aggravatingly rich and complex soil, hardship creates life sweet with emotion and bursting of rich history. The culmination of which in a great bottle of this Salvestrin Family Cabernet, like the passing of a loved one, will not easily be forgotten.


Vintage Info:
“Our 2005 Cabernet tempts the senses with decadent, dark ripe fruit, dark chocolate and hints of toasty oak and spice. A seamless transition leads to a full rich mouth feel with ripe fruit flavors. The balanced structure definitely stands up to its bold introduction and elegantly coats the palate. Blackberry, chocolate and spice come back for an encore finish that lingers and entices. This wine drinks well now, and has the structure to age for years to come.” -Salvestrin


Recommended Food Pairing:
I enjoyed this wine with a 1.5" thick porterhouse which sat beside a bed of steak fries and a verdant pile of green beans. In my opinion, there is no better combination than a great steak to pay homage to the dominating characteristics of a bold, full bodied Cabernet.



Stats:
Producer: Salvestrin
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot
Appellation: Salvestrin Estate Vineyard St. Helena, Napa Valley
Residual Sugar: N/A
pH: N/A
Production: 1925 cases
Alcohol %: 14.8
Aging: 23 months in 50% New Oak - French (75%), American (20%), and Hungarian (5%)


Wine Whore Score:




With its grand palate of long firm tannins culminating in a complex tangy finish, this wine is an enjoyable example of the complexity of a good quality Cabernet. One note of caution: Allow this wine to breathe in order to reveal all of its beautiful personality. Allowing this wine to properly open up reveals its full and gripping taste which steadily transitions balanced throughout its visit.

The balance between alcohol and fruit stubbornly fades away with a long and dramatic finish that makes this wine a wonderful experience scoring 9.5 for taste and enjoyability. While there are many great Cabernets out there and choosing one’s favorite solely depends on personal taste, I rate this particular interpretation a total of 33 out of 40 points and an average score of 8.3 out of 10 points. Overall, this wine scores as strong as its bold taste and like the legacy of lost kin, this particular wine is memorable to all who enjoy its presence.



(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)

Wine Whore Review:


How many different kosher wines can you name?

If you are like most people, the first (and only) name that comes to mind is Manischewitz. Although this is arguably the most recognizable name of kosher wine, there are many others today that share this category of distinction.

What makes wine kosher?

The following strict rules must be followed for wine to be considered kosher and remain such once opened:

Wine Whore Review:
Taste Score = 9.5/10 Points
Enjoyability Score = 9.5/10 Points (Additional stats below)




All living things are a product of two factors: nature and nurture. Wine is no different. The nature of the soil and landscape create the foundation while the winemaking process nurtures the gapes into the final living product. Both factors combine to form one. The result is an experience that reminds us of the journey.

One vineyard features a canvas requiring modest nurturing or manipulation to be magnificent. The brilliant nature of this span of 383 contiguous acres creates wines natively intelligent. On 270 acres of this span which are planted grapes are sold to more than 20 premiere Napa Valley wineries. With 10 different grape varieties calling it their home, this is one of the most diverse estate vineyards in California.

What gives this terrain such an advantage?

A series of hills and valleys containing a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, volcanic rock and ash. The various combinations of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures provide unique winegrowing conditions. Because of the excellence and demand of this vineyard, only 20% of the grapes from this landscape are reserved for their wine. It is in this way that Truchard Vineyards creates “wines with a sense of place”.


Vintage Info:
“After record winter rains, a dry spring allowed for good berry set and an
average crop. Normal summer conditions slowly brought the fruit to
maturity. The 2006 vintage produced fruity wines with bright aromas,
intense flavors, and great structure.” -Truchard


Recommended Food Pairing:
To fully enjoy all of the character it contained, I tasted this wine entirely by itself. This Merlot is packed with fruit and just the right amount of gripping tannin for structure making it friendly to a range of pork, and beef dishes. Almost ‘Cabernet-like’ in personality, it is prepared to handle even the richest of meaty dishes.


Stats:
Producer: Truchard
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Carneros Napa Valley
Residual Sugar: 6.2 g/l TA
pH: 3.55
Production: 992 cases
Alcohol %: 14.2
Aging: 20 months in French oak barrels (35% new)


Wine Whore Score:



Excited to taste the newly released (February 1, 2009) Merlot from Truchard, I found this wine to be quite profound in nature. Fruity with balance and a long full finish makes it rather pleasurable to drink. Overall I was delighted to find the complex yet beautiful blend of body and tannin that I come to look for in a Cabernet confined within this Merlot.

This deep black cherry Merlot by Truchard is complex, sweet, plush, and well balanced giving it a score of 9.5 for taste and enjoyability. With a total of 34 out of 40 points and an average score of 8.5 out of 10 points you are sure to enjoy the fruity flavors wrapped in oak behind the label of this acclaimed vineyard. Spend some time with this wine and you will understand the quality of its nature and why it consistently garners much critical appreciation.


Want to see more pictures, check out the WWW Photo winner featuring this winery!

(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)