Pour me some of that "Steve" wine...

Our buddy Steve loves a good Zin. So much so that I've started calling (red) Zinfandel "Steve" - partly in honor, partly in jest. While I was at Moore Bros. Saturday, I made sure to pick up a bottle. We opened it last night. Yes, Steve was in attendance. It was a hit because the contents disappeared pretty quickly.


Three 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel - California, $18

What I sampled I liked: great berry aromas, full body, decently long finish, fruit-forward flavors, spice (but nothing nearly as spicy as Wilson's Tori) and easy drinking. A buy again. Produced by Cline (Matt Cline). Shhhh.

We also opened a great wine from last October's Finger Lakes trip: Ravines 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect with guacamole!

Currently sipping

Glazebrook Sauvignon Blanc - Great buy ($11) from Costco. Love it with guacamole; could be a favorite summer wine.
Ravines Meritage 2006 - a Finger Lakes trip wine, $25. Great on its own, but held up to prime rib and horseradish mashed potatoes thanks in part to the acidity and restrained fruit flavors.
Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - a "ready to drink" California trip wine. Not as good as I remembered, but that means nothing since I build up anything from that trip. Paired it with a nice tenderloin last night. (We are eating well lately.)
Goats do Roam Rose - tasty little $10 gem from South Africa. The weather was beautiful mid-week around the beginning of the month so we had an inspired, unplanned dinner of cured meat, cheeses, olives, bread and olive oil. I felt a rose was needed to celebrate the warming weather and unconventional dinner al fresco. Enjoyed it more than the French rose that was poured second.

Signs of Spring

Over the weekend, we grabbed an afternoon bite at Harry's Seafood Grill on the Riverfront. It was one of those days where I was craving seviche and a crisp, white wine. A glass of 2008 Buitenverwachting Beyond Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa was the perfect foil for the scallop and poblano seviche. Lunchmate/fiance felt it worked well with his oysters from Oregon and British Columbia. Pleasant, grassy aroma and fresh lemon and lime flavors dominate with glimpses of green pear and lemongrass to create a bright, clean wine with balanced acidity with a medium range finish. At $7.50 a glass, it is one of the less expensive white wine options on the menu and still delivers. (Wine Enthusiast gave the 2007 vintage 90 points.) It retails for around $11 so next time I'm out with my wine shopping list, you can bet it will be on the list.

Finger Lakes - Best of the Whites

Best Whites
1. Anthony Road
2. Atwater












Best Riesling
1. Ravines 2007 Dry
2. Wiemer 2007 Dry
3. Lamoreaux Landing 2008 Dry
4. Atwater 2008 Dry

Best Gewurztraminer
1. Anthony Road 2008
(Lamoreaux Landing 2007, Penguin Bay 2007)

Best Chardonnay
Ravines












Best Pinot Gris/Grigio
Anthony Road Pinot Gris 2007

Best Sauvignon Blanc
Ravines 2008













Best Sparkling
1. Swedish Hill (Penguin Bay) - "Blanc de Blanc"
2. Weimer - "Blanc de Noir 2003"

Best Dessert/Sweet
1. Anthony Road - "Sweet Dream"
(Standing Stone - "Vidal Ice" or "Chardonnay Ice", Wiemer - "Late Harvest Riesling 2008", Wagner - "Vidal Ice")

Best White: Other
Lamoreaux Landing - "Estate White"

Ravines

Keuka Lake (West - Hammondsport)
14630 State Route 54
Hammondsport, NY 14840

607-292-7007
ravines@citilink.net
ravineswine.com

Hours: 10am-5pm
Fee: $3 & $5, Reservations: not required

Ravines produces restrained, terroir-specific wines that follow the example of the fine Burgundian and Bordeaux wines. This was my favorite winery out of the 15+ we visited over the weekend. You have two options for wine tasting: with or without chocolate. It's never a question for me... so I enjoyed pairings of wine with the artisan chocolates from Hedonist, sharing nibbles with Brian. The chocolate pairing is well worth the nominal fee.









The second floor tasting room overlooks Keuka Lake. While the room buzzed with activity around our group, I was oblivious after my first sip of Chardonnay. The wines were so impressive that I think I did a happy dance more than once. Our host, Lisa, was super sweet and knowledgeable. After much effusive praise over the wine and chocolate (sesame seed and sea salt being my favorite), we found out we shared a common bond: Neuchatel chocolate. It was such a great whirlwind of an experience that my tasting notes were left behind.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2007 - $16.95. Elegant style with a great nose and lush tree fruit (apple & pear) flavors with a citrusy edge and minerally finish. Wonderful example of a well-made, truly dry Riesling. Bought three bottles!

Argetsinger Vineyards Dry Riesling 2007 - $24.95. I had heard great things (91 pts in Wine & Spirits) about this single vineyard Riesling and wanted to see how it compared to the regular Riesling, but it was not on the tasting menu. Lisa was kind enough to offer a bonus pour for comparison. It is a much more restrained style - elegant with lean fruit, good minerality and zingy acidity. While I can appreciate this elegant wine, the lush style and flavors of the Dry Riesling '07 were more appealing to my palate. (The Argetsinger vineyard on Seneca Lake is one of the the oldest vineyards in the area. Older vines typically produce wines with more personality.)

Ravines Chardonnay 2007 - $18.95. Color me impressed. This is not a varietal I usually reach for. I find the majority of Chardonnay to be heavy-handed and over-oaked. This wine was anything but. It is an elegant, balanced Bordeaux-style wine offering up pear, citrus, fig and hazelnut aromas. (The search to sniff out the fig particulary excited me.) Great acidity with just the right amount of oak. Ravines uses a traditional Italian drying technique, appassimento, to create rich, lush flavors from only the best Chardonnay grapes.

Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $17.95. An unusual and enjoyable example of Sauv Blanc! Bright aromas of lemon and wet stones. Bracing, but balanced acidity and strong Alsatian minerality create a tight framework for the lemon, lime and tropical fruit flavors. Crisp and intense with an extended finish. Elegant, reserved but with a laser-like focus. Best with food. Picked up two of these goodies.

Gewurztraminer 2008 - $24.95. The Finger Lakes region is an ideal growing area for this persnickety cool-climate grape. This happens to be one of the wines I don't have much memory for. Really wish I hadn't forgotten those notes.










Dry Pinot Rosé 2007 - $14.95. This wine gets its salmon hue from the amount of time the juice and skins of the Pinot Noir grape are in contact. Great for sipping with or without food, summertime is a great time to enjoy this dry, delicate wine.

Meritage 2006 - $24.95. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes aged in toasted French oak barrels, the Meritage is classic Bordeaux style wine bursting with fruit. Pleasant tannins. This was the favorite wine for a member of our group.

Cabernet Franc 2007 - $18.95. Another lusciously soft wine with beautiful fruit and spice with a solid finish. I preferred the style of this wine only slightly over the Meritage '06.

Pinot Noir 2007 - $22.95. Hands down the best Pinot Noir of the whole trip. Given the time to taste all of the area Pinot Noirs, I would bet this would still be the best example of the varietal and terroir. A fine example of a Burgundian style Pinot Noir! Light red color with violet and brown undertones. Aromas of rose and clove with raspberry, cherry and touch of vanilla. Earth and smoke aromas emerge as the wine breathes. Great nose! Elegant and soft flavors of cherry and Red Delicious apple peel; long berry finish. Tart and earthiness in background. Lush but moderated mouthfeel. Spice comes out toward the end. After the second day, the wine presents more soft fruit and earthiness. Lots of complexity! Light tannins with an almost imperceptably bitter finish. Loved it so much I bought three bottles.

Other wines on the tasting menu:
Dry Riesling 2006
Pinot Gris 2007
Keuka Village White 2007

White wines for Mexican food

Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde 2008
Lima, Portugal - $11
Light, herbal, crisp aromas dominated by lime and lemon. Light body with effervescence. Crisp lemon-lime and green apple flavors. Good acidity. Not fruity or floral - a pure, clean wine that doesn't overpower the food. Normally, I would drink this wine in the heat of summer with salad or seafood.

More info on this wine can be foundhere, on the importer's website.


Moulin de Gassac Guilhem 2006
Languedoc, France - $10
Vin de pays (table wine) with Sauvignon Blanc, Clairette and Grenache Blanc grapes. Producer is Moulin de Gassac; Guilhem is their name for the blended wine. Strong floral notes with slight petrol nose. Flavors are marked by minerality and lemon juice with balanced acidity. Much more floral and fruity than the Vinho Verde. Not my preference for chicken/shrimp tacos but enjoyed the petrol and minerality components.

Sauvignon Blanc Round-up

This list is an assortment of the Sauvignon Blanc wines I've sampled over the past few months. It's one of my favorite white varietals, simply because it is so food friendly. I have listed the wines with the higher rated ones at the top. The two at the bottom without ratings fall in the middle of the pack, but weren't assigned a value since they were consumed before I started to rate the wines.

Root1 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Colchagua, Chile - $9
Aromas of zesty citrus fruit: lemon, grapefruit, grassy, clean and fresh. Sparkling acidity. Flavors of lemon & grapefruit. Really interesting as it finishes. Pineapple at end. Grassy. Pairs well with scallops and avocado. Bright & lively citrus flavors & aromas. Strong acidity without food. 4.5/5

Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, New Zealand - $17
Part 1 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Very lush aromas & exotic tropical flavors. Impressive, strong aroma. Juicy vibrant palate with mouth-watering acidity. Better alone; food brings out more acidity and slight bitter finish. Would buy again. Initially overshadowed other wines in flight from CA & France. Delight for the senses. 4.5/5


Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Clarksburg, California - $9
Green apple and floral aromas dominate followed by grapefruit, grassy and light vanilla notes. Pale gold color. Surprising body with acidic citrus with pear and apple on the mid-palate. A little bitey. Balanced with a long finish. The 2006 vintage was rated 86 points by WS. Lovely nose with balanced palate of citrus, sparkling acidity and green tree fruits. Great value and easy to pair with summer food. 4/5

Ricard "Le Petiot" Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Loire Valley, France
Part 2 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Light nose dominated by mineral & wet stone. Restrained, sophisticated wine; light body but plush. Good acidity, doesn't overpower. Deeper yellow color. Complex aromas & flavors. Flavors sweeten as wine opens and is paired with food. Very long enjoyable finish. 4/5

Carl Roy Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $14
Part 3 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Lots of oak on nose (vanilla & cooking spices) compared to New Zealand and French companions in flight. Pineapple and other lush tropical flavors as it opens up. Balanced acidity, light body and light yellow color. 4/5

Sterling Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Napa County, California
Aromas of rich florals, lemon and a hint of melon. Crisp citrus and round fruit flavors. Lime and lemon with pleasant acidity. Not bitey. Melon flavors come out as wine opens. Paired it with Asian marinated beef and rice. Would go really well with sushi. 3.5/5

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc
Sonoma Co, California - $12
A Marc freebie; zingy & citrusy. Grapefruit, grass, refreshing and crisp. For the price, a good value party wine.

Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Loire Valley, France
A Marc freebie, very minerally, light & refreshing. Oysters would be an ideal pairing. Would like to find this again or a similar expression as the minerality was unusual.

Caymus

Caymus is another renowned winery with a strong presence in Napa Valley. The name Caymus comes from an Indian tribe and Rancho Caymus, an 1836 land grant which encompasses the town of Rutherford and beyond. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and kickstarted our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon day.

The private tasting appointment was the earliest of all our appointments - around 10am. It was unusual to drink wine so early but my palate was especially sharp at this hour. This day was our last full day of tastings and so it began with a more serious, reverent tone than the previous days' tastings.

Caymus Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Napa Valley, California
Love it. Grapefruit and lemon on nose and finish. Green apple flavors at first. Lemon verbena, cream finish. Cannot buy back home.

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California - $56
Cigar (tobacco) nose. Soft tannins and smooth, lingering flavor. Lovely nose, better value than other Cabs, dark purple-red color. Drink 2008-2011. Can get at home.



Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California - $160
Do not like nose - lots of smokiness. Opens up well but don’t prefer the style. Inky black-red color. Better when cellared 5-10 years, not one of the better Napa values. Can get at home.

Caymus Napa Valley Zinfandel 2005
Napa Valley, California
Like the style, lighter tannins. Soft fruit, smooth finish. Could lose something if cellared too long. Cannot get at home.



More at Caymus.com

Gary Farrell

A winemaker renowned for beautifully crafted Pinot Noirs, Gary Farrell Winery is an iconic name. The dramatic architecture of the hilltop tasting room enhances the amazing vistas of the Russian River Valley. It was a hike, but well worth it. This was our first stop on "Pinot Noir Day".



Gary Farrell Rochioli Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2012. Clean, flinty, melon and touch of oak with harmony and balance. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2011. Floral aromas, lots of depth and complexity. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Westside Farms Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Slightly tart, long finish with butter and oak. Brian likes this one. Drink now-2011. Fresh, snappy, elegant with long finish. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Cresta Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
This Chardonnay was my favorite. Picked up minerality immediately. More crispness and minerality than Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (below). From the winemaker: Bursts with aromas of orange blossom, citrus zest and hints of toffee. Luscious, fresh cut green melon, spiced pear, interesting mineral components.

Gary Farrell Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Sonoma County, California - $25
new French oak, very citrusy, not grassy. "Bright, forward aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, lime and melon. Generous flavors, richness on mid-palate, never strays from crisp refreshing acidity. Rated 91 points in WS.



Gary Farrell Sonoma County Merlot 2003
RRV, California - $32
Picked up the mint and cedar aromas. Very interesting. From the winemaker: Complex aromas of blackberry, chocolate-cherry, mint and cedar. Juicy expressions of wild berry fruit, cassis and green peppercorn.

Gary Farrell Collins Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
RRV, California - $40
Notable nose. Cranberry, very tart, really needs decanting for a few hours. Will be prime in 2011-2013.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California 2005
Very good, but needs more time to develop in bottle.

Gary Farrell Carneros Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California - $50
Very good. Beautiful now, but can age up to 12 years for greatness.

Gary Farrell Santa Barbara Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2005
Santa Barbara County, California - $50
Favorite Pinot from the tasting. Pretty aromas & silky, elegant tannins. Nose of raspberry, black cherry with hint of spice. Fine, rich and voluptuous textures. Decant, cellar up to 10 years. Rated 87 points in WS.



More at Gary Farrell wines.com

Clos Pegase

It was only a matter of happenstance that we visited Clos Pegase. Had we not been vacationing in Mexico two months prior, we wouldn't have met another wine-loving couple who gave Clos Pegase rave reviews for the wine, architecture and art collection. I'm never sure if someone else's glowing recommendation from memory will live up to expectations and assessments from our group, so I was hesitant to lobby for its inclusion on the winery tour. I can now say I was very relieved when our group was impressed with the quality of their wines and amazed at all the art.


Architect Michael Graves was commissioned to build a "temple to wine and art" and created a fantastic palette for the many art installations, large-scale paintings and sculpture. Everyone takes a picture of The Thumb sculpture. I don't know it's real name, but it's all over Flickr (go look, I'll wait) so I'll spare the internet the repetition of my photo.

Their Sauvignon Blanc blew us away, especially for the red drinkers who couldn't find a white to impress them. This one did it. I wish we would have bought more bottles of it and the sleeper-hit Cabernet Sauvignon.



Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $20
A great find and top value for 2008. One of our favorites that represents my favorite expression of Sauvignon Blanc: supple & bright with tropical & citrus aromas & flavors. Bright straw color. Juicy nose of pineapple & pear, brightness of lemon. Herbal & grassy. Very complex aroma. Spicy pear, gooseberry, pineapple flavors. Well balanced acidity, medium-heavy body. Holds its own against garlic! a buy again and again. Almost 2,000 cases produced. Rated 88 in WS, 90 in Wine Enthusiast. 5/5


Clos Pegase Pegase Circle Claret 2005
Napa Valley, California - $26
Every day food wine, but complex enough to keep your interest. From the winemaker: Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. Rich fruit tones, black currant, plums & cherries. Only available at the winery.

Clos Pegase Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $35
Very tannic, needs food and time to open. A fantastic value and sleeper-hit. From the winemaker: Ripe & luscious with density & elegance. Production is just under 5,000 cases. Rated 87 ("sweet black plum and mocha flavors... ends on a note of pencil lead... honeyed red for brisket").

Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot 2004
Napa Valley, California - $25
Plum, pomegranate, cherries, good, very dark purple. From the winemaker: Well composed with structure, balance, and vibrant fruit tones; soft, elegant and balanced. Only available at the winery.


More at Clos Pegase.com

Cakebread

First stop on the first day. Expectations were high, but reigned in. After all, I didn't know what to expect. The folks at Cakebread gave us a guided tour of the grounds and some of the winery facilities. They had just finished bottling the week prior so things were a lot quieter. We had our tasting in the cellar room, which was quite atmospheric (and chilly). Their French style Chardonnay made quite an impression as did the Syrah.



Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006
Napa Valley, California - $38
French style of Chardonnay. Loved minerality and flavor. My favorite white of the tasting. 5/5

Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Napa Valley, California - $54
Disliked, too oaky. American style. 3/5

Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $40
Unoaked, french style.



Cakebrea Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $23
Typical, nothing outstanding. From the winemaker: Crisp, full body; complex. Added small amounts of Sauvignon Musque to contribute lovely floral aromas & Semillon to soften acidity, add citrus tone and enrich mid-plate.

Cakebread Napa Valley Syrah 2005
Napa Valley, California - $50
Loved syrupy, very ripe fruit flavor. My style of syrah. From the winemaker: Seductive, varietally expressive aroma of ripe black fruit, violets, white pepper, roasted coffee and sweet vanilla. Full body; lush blackberry, plum and fig; savory spice. Supple tannins and long toasty finish. Best flavor 2011-2013.




More at Cakebread.com

Quivira

This winery was one of the last we visited during our Napa/Sonoma Spring 2008 trip. While we weren't wowwed by most of the wines, their focus on sustainable and biodynamic practices was interesting. Quivira started their biodynamic journey in 2002. You can see the solar panels on the tasting room's roof. These panels have been able to completely satisfy the winery's energy needs for several years. A biodynamic and organic garden is also available to visitors curious to learn more about sustainable farming.



Quivira Sauvignon Blanc Fig Tree Vineyard 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $18
Big pineapple nose & lemon finish. Sweetness, just a touch, lingers. Light and fruity. From the winemaker: "Generous pineapple, citrus blossom, and wet stones w/bright lemon & carambola fruit on palate."

Quivira Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $20
Cherry aroma, lots of spice. Berry on finish. Smooth, low tannins. From the winemaker: "Blended barrels with valley floor and hilltop sites. 10% petite syrah. Dark cherry & bramble fruit, med mouth feel, blackberries, hint of bakers chocolate. Unfiltered.

Quivira Anderson Ranch Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $34
Couldn't pick out individual components but great mouth feel and flavor. From the winemaker: "Lush aroma of blueberry tartlets, ripe blackberries, Szechuan pepper, vanilla soaked cranberry. Palate: black cherries, raspberry."

Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $30
Made from the oldest vines, 100% Zinfandel. Bigger and bolder nose than Anderson Ranch. Black cherry, cracked peppercorn, dark cocoa.

Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Petite Syrah 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $26
Black currant aroma, coriander seed on first sip - very cool flavor. Candied cherry on palate.

More at Quivira. Thanks to Christa for the suggestion!

Penns Wood Winery

The Whites
Penns Word Proprietor's Reserve 2006
Pennsylvania - $23
One of my favorites from this winery, enjoyable. Lovely nose; citrus on palate reminscent of Pinot Grigio, green apple & lemon, a little more viscosity than Sauvignon Blanc. From the winemaker: "Deep lemony gold in color. Blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio has warm nose packed w/generous armos of melon, tropical fruit, and citrus."

Penns Wood Chardonnay Reserve 2005
Pennsylvania - $33
Tangerine & spice on nose. Light body, thinner than what I'm used to but style typical of the terrior. Vanilla note on finish. Light oaking. From the winemaker: "Vibrancy on palate with aromas of juicy apple and tangerine, hint of vanilla."

Penns Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Pennsylvania - $32
Grapefruit pith on nose, light minerality. Prefer French style of minerality, which this has. A little thin. From the winemaker: "Deep golden with notes of green in color, complex w/hints of tangerine peel, grapefruit pith & traces of minerality."

The Reds
Penns Wood Proprietor's Reserve 2004
Pennsylvania - $23
Cedar, red & black berry, earthiness! Some florals, nice acidity; light, lingering flavor and light, supple tannins. From the winemaker: "Blend of Cabernet and Merlot, floral bouquet, dark red fruit."

Penns Wood Ameritage 2004
Pennsylvania - $46
Earthy, barnyard, some light pepper on center of tongue. Smooth & elegant, like it but not for price. Prefer bolder style. Less than 70 cases produced. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Carmine, Sangiovese, and Nebiolo grapes.

Penns Wood Chambourcin 2008
Pennsylvania - $28
Like the nose, not the palate. Bitter smack in beginning, sour palate, some barnyard & earthiness. Picked up on sage & pepper. Did not like; apparently this grape is not one of my favorites as I've learned from other tastings. From the winemaker: "Bouquet of pomegranate, black pepper, sage."

Penns Wood White Merlot 2006
Pennsylvania - $18
Merry Edwards Pinot Noir nose, carmelly pink color. Not a lot of complexity, good summer sipper. Really cool nose, mocha & light light tannins. From the winemaker: "Cassis, black raspberry, mocha and underlying minerality."

More at Penns Wood

Huia Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, New Zealand - $17.99
Great nose: bell pepper and herb opening up to complex floral and mineral aromas. Also green apple, lemongrass, exotic spice and boxwood. Full texture with zippy, lively acidity. Grapefruit finish. Pretty, well-balanced and elegant wine. Tasted at a Harry's Seafood wine event.

Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc SV 2008
Valle Central, Chile - $7.99
Tropical fruit nose with grassy and citrus flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Green apple acidity. Flavors of green apple, melon & lemon. Floral and mineral finish. Medium body. Liked it. Tasted at a Harry's Seafood wine event.