This week’s selection:
Winery: Chateau des Karantes
Varietal: Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre
Price Paid: By the glass or bottle at Leaf, Barley and Vine (link on the right) also for $18.99 Whole Foods
Vintage: 2007
Area: Languedoc, France
Alcohol: 14.6%
Purchased: First tried by the glass at Leaf, Barley and Vine. Go and try a glass you will not be disappointed. Also, for you non-Michiganders by the bottle at Whole Foods.
Overall: Wonderful nose, great flavors described well below, and overall just delicious. Want to escape? All you have to do is read the setting described below…
Reviews (Past Vintages -Nothing on the 2007 that I could find)
WINE SPECTATOR:
92 Château des Karantes Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape 2005 Very spicy and rich, with lively flavors of raspberry, red cherry, cream and mocha. Finely balanced, with a long, vibrant finish of spice and chocolate. Drink now through 2014. –K.M.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS: BRONZE MEDAL
CONCOURS 2008 DES VIGNERONS INDÉPENDANTS: GOLD MEDAL INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2008: BRONZE MEDAL
From the Chateau
Production: 5000 bottles
Location: Coteaux du Languedoc - La Clape
Soil: Clay and Limestone
Vinification: Hand harvested and sorted, the grapes are transferred by gravity to 60 hL oak vats. The fermentation and maceration lasts from 3 weeks to one month. The wine is aged in 300 Liter and 600 Liter French barrels and in oak tanks for 12 months.
Tasting Notes: This wine pairs well with light meats such as roasted pork, poultry, grilled meats as well as soft cheeses. A high class wine, ready to drink or to age.
This delicious wine presents notes of ripe plums and cherries. The nose portrays typical Grenache character with caramel, tobacco and toasted accents. Well balanced, round and supple.
THE SETTING
Château des Karantes is a magnificent vineyard situated in Languedoc-Roussillon. The domaine is in the heart of a small valley located two minutes away from the Mediterranean between the seaside resort towns of Narbonne Plage and St. Pierre sur Mer. The estate offers a beautiful panorama of the Mediterranean Sea with the Pyrenees Mountains visible in the distance. The vineyard is named after a former Bishop of Carcassonne, owner of the estate hundreds of years ago.
THE VINEYARD
The terroir of château des Karantes is distinguished by its proximity to the sea and its South-East/East exposition. The inland side of the vineyard is surrounded by the cliffs of La Clape which protects the grapes from the drying ‘Vent du Nord’ (North Winds) while the cool breeze from the sea assures the balance and freshness of our wines. The soil is predominately Clay and Limestone and allows the production of rich, powerful and aromatic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre based wines. At the entrance of the estate an area of sandy-silty soils produce delicate and elegant red and white wines.
The Vineyard is planted with the traditional varietals of La Clape, (17.8% Carignan, 29.3% Grenache, 32.2 % Syrah, and 16.6% Mourvedre) and a small one hectare parcel of a white varietal called Terret and Bourboulenc 4.1 %. The Terret are the oldest vines planted on the estate, dating back to 1927. There are Carignan vines that can be traced back to 1928. The vines are planted 5000 per hectare. In our goal to improve the vineyard, 5.7 hectares of Syrah were planted in 2005 and then 3.4 ha of Syrah and 1 ha of Mourvedre in 2006.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Estancia 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir
This week’s selection:
Winery: Estancia
Varietal: Reserve Pinot Noir
Price Paid: $24.99 on Sale
Vintage: 2006
Area: Santa Lucia Highlands, CA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Purchased: Meijer
Overall: Very nice Pinot Noir for $25. More substance than the Oyster Bay and drank well four days later. Classic cherry, cola and spice flavors.
Reviews
Wine of the week: 2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Published: February 12th, 2010 01:05 AM ADN.com, Alaska’s Newspaper
While the fruit coming out of Napa and Sonoma may command fame and fortune, Paul Masson knew long ago that the bench lands in Monterey were perfect for growing grapes. In the mid '80s, Augustian Huneeuns purchased the older vineyards and Estancia was born.
The 2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a clear bright red. The powerhouse nose is classic pinot noir velvet. Instantly apparent are the aromas of blueberry, cherry and spice. Medium full, the mouth has excellent sweetness of fruit and a mild tannic grip. Its layered finish runs from blueberry-cherry to raspberry-stem. This wine is continuously giving all it needs. Serve with lamb or duck to maximize its full potential. Costs about $25.
-- Michael McVittie reviews wines available locally
Read more: http://www.adn.com/
From www.PrinceofPinot.com
2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $24. • Sourced from the Stonewall Vineyard Estate. Moderately deep reddish-purple color. Bright black cherry and strawberry perfume. Earthy dark red fruits with a hint of raisin, tar and oak on the palate. Medium-weighted with respectable silkiness and easy drinkability.
Winery: Estancia
Varietal: Reserve Pinot Noir
Price Paid: $24.99 on Sale
Vintage: 2006
Area: Santa Lucia Highlands, CA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Purchased: Meijer
Overall: Very nice Pinot Noir for $25. More substance than the Oyster Bay and drank well four days later. Classic cherry, cola and spice flavors.
Reviews
Wine of the week: 2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Published: February 12th, 2010 01:05 AM ADN.com, Alaska’s Newspaper
While the fruit coming out of Napa and Sonoma may command fame and fortune, Paul Masson knew long ago that the bench lands in Monterey were perfect for growing grapes. In the mid '80s, Augustian Huneeuns purchased the older vineyards and Estancia was born.
The 2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a clear bright red. The powerhouse nose is classic pinot noir velvet. Instantly apparent are the aromas of blueberry, cherry and spice. Medium full, the mouth has excellent sweetness of fruit and a mild tannic grip. Its layered finish runs from blueberry-cherry to raspberry-stem. This wine is continuously giving all it needs. Serve with lamb or duck to maximize its full potential. Costs about $25.
-- Michael McVittie reviews wines available locally
Read more: http://www.adn.com/
From www.PrinceofPinot.com
2006 Estancia Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $24. • Sourced from the Stonewall Vineyard Estate. Moderately deep reddish-purple color. Bright black cherry and strawberry perfume. Earthy dark red fruits with a hint of raisin, tar and oak on the palate. Medium-weighted with respectable silkiness and easy drinkability.
Monday, June 14, 2010
This week’s selection:
Winery: Foxglove
Varietal: Zinfandel
Price Paid: $13.99
Vintage: 2007
Area: Paso Robles, CA
Alcohol: 14.2%
Purchased: Colasanti’s Market
Overall: Meets the flavor profile of a Zindandel, jammy and pepper, overall it wasn’t bad. Parker gave it 90 points. Personally would not buy again.
Reviews
K and L Wines
2007 Foxglove Paso Robles Zinfandel
90 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Fifty Super Domestic Wine Values:" "The outstanding 2007 Zinfandel (86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah) is another winner and phenomenal bargain. This is classic Zinfandel with loads of berry fruit, pepper, earth, and roasted Provencal herbs. The wine is pure, full-bodied, ripe, with not a hard edge to be found. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. These are absolutely spectacular bargains from the very high-quality Varner Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is their less expensive line-up of wines, and I encourage readers to try them-- they are true winners." (Sept. 2009)
Winery: Foxglove
Varietal: Zinfandel
Price Paid: $13.99
Vintage: 2007
Area: Paso Robles, CA
Alcohol: 14.2%
Purchased: Colasanti’s Market
Overall: Meets the flavor profile of a Zindandel, jammy and pepper, overall it wasn’t bad. Parker gave it 90 points. Personally would not buy again.
Reviews
K and L Wines
2007 Foxglove Paso Robles Zinfandel
90 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Fifty Super Domestic Wine Values:" "The outstanding 2007 Zinfandel (86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah) is another winner and phenomenal bargain. This is classic Zinfandel with loads of berry fruit, pepper, earth, and roasted Provencal herbs. The wine is pure, full-bodied, ripe, with not a hard edge to be found. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. These are absolutely spectacular bargains from the very high-quality Varner Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is their less expensive line-up of wines, and I encourage readers to try them-- they are true winners." (Sept. 2009)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
CUVAISON 2008 Chardonnay
This week’s selection:
Winery: CUVAISON
Varietal: Chardonnay
Price Paid: $21.59
Vintage: 2008
Area: Carneros, CA
Alcohol: 14.2%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wines
Overall: Delicious Chardonnay, not overly oaked, overly sweet or overly anything. I like drier, less oaky styles and this has a nice balance of fruit, oak and acidity to make this a wonderful wine to pair with food.
Reviews
Winemaker Comments:
Cuvaison's Carneros Chardonnay comes from the winery's own estate in the southern part of Napa Valley. This cool climate vineyard allows nearly perfect conditions year after year to produce world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. Controlling all farming aspects within their own vineyard gives Cuvaison an advantage in producing the best quality fruit therefore minimizing over manipulation at the winery. This 2008 offers an aroma of kiwi, clove spice, nectarine and lime zest with a hint of toasty oak. On the palate this exquisite Chardonnay is chock full of lush, mouth filling flavors of peach, apricot and papaya backed by vanilla and allspice.
Aging 8 months in small French oak barrels, 25% new French oak
Fermentation 14-28 days
Residual Sugar Dry
K and L Wines
2008 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay
By: Jim Barr | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 1/29/2010 | Send Email
One of my major complaints about most Chardonnays being produced in California is that they are way overdone with too much oak and alcohol, and too much creaminess. Moreover, many producers of that ilk also leave a bit of residual sugar in the finish wine to make it "bigger and richer." The theory, as it was expressed to me some years ago by one winemaker, is that the average American wine consumer will tell everyone that they like their white wines dry, but in reality they do not - or there wouldn't have been the off-dry to sweet White Zinfandel craze that took place nearly 30years ago. More importantly, it is almost impossible to match food (other than cheese) to that style of Chardonnay. That is why it is so refreshing to discover a Chardonnay that is dry, has good acidity and structure, and the emphasis is totally on the presentation of varietal fruit, as with the Cuvaison 2008 Carneros Charonnay. Eby has informed me that this Gem will be one of our house Chardonnays for the month. (Jim Barr)
By: Christie Cartwright | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 12/14/2009 | Send Email
This is a cool climate Carneros Chardonnay that is exploding with wonderful fruit and winter spice. On the nose are bright kiwi, peach and apricot flavors, followed by a mouthful of rich minerals and spice like nutmeg and cloves. It finishes with toasty oak and great acidity. Perfect for the winter season with its medium to full bodied expression, this is a for-sure hit for any occasion, party, or anyone you want to please, just pour them a glass and smiles will begin to shine.
By: Mike Parres | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 12/1/2009 | Send Email
Opens with appetizing oak flavors, then focuses its attention on its intensely wound core of vanilla, mineral, pear and fig-laced flavors, all of which are rich and concentrated. Draws you back for another sip.
Winery: CUVAISON
Varietal: Chardonnay
Price Paid: $21.59
Vintage: 2008
Area: Carneros, CA
Alcohol: 14.2%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wines
Overall: Delicious Chardonnay, not overly oaked, overly sweet or overly anything. I like drier, less oaky styles and this has a nice balance of fruit, oak and acidity to make this a wonderful wine to pair with food.
Reviews
Winemaker Comments:
Cuvaison's Carneros Chardonnay comes from the winery's own estate in the southern part of Napa Valley. This cool climate vineyard allows nearly perfect conditions year after year to produce world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. Controlling all farming aspects within their own vineyard gives Cuvaison an advantage in producing the best quality fruit therefore minimizing over manipulation at the winery. This 2008 offers an aroma of kiwi, clove spice, nectarine and lime zest with a hint of toasty oak. On the palate this exquisite Chardonnay is chock full of lush, mouth filling flavors of peach, apricot and papaya backed by vanilla and allspice.
Aging 8 months in small French oak barrels, 25% new French oak
Fermentation 14-28 days
Residual Sugar Dry
K and L Wines
2008 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay
By: Jim Barr | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 1/29/2010 | Send Email
One of my major complaints about most Chardonnays being produced in California is that they are way overdone with too much oak and alcohol, and too much creaminess. Moreover, many producers of that ilk also leave a bit of residual sugar in the finish wine to make it "bigger and richer." The theory, as it was expressed to me some years ago by one winemaker, is that the average American wine consumer will tell everyone that they like their white wines dry, but in reality they do not - or there wouldn't have been the off-dry to sweet White Zinfandel craze that took place nearly 30years ago. More importantly, it is almost impossible to match food (other than cheese) to that style of Chardonnay. That is why it is so refreshing to discover a Chardonnay that is dry, has good acidity and structure, and the emphasis is totally on the presentation of varietal fruit, as with the Cuvaison 2008 Carneros Charonnay. Eby has informed me that this Gem will be one of our house Chardonnays for the month. (Jim Barr)
By: Christie Cartwright | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 12/14/2009 | Send Email
This is a cool climate Carneros Chardonnay that is exploding with wonderful fruit and winter spice. On the nose are bright kiwi, peach and apricot flavors, followed by a mouthful of rich minerals and spice like nutmeg and cloves. It finishes with toasty oak and great acidity. Perfect for the winter season with its medium to full bodied expression, this is a for-sure hit for any occasion, party, or anyone you want to please, just pour them a glass and smiles will begin to shine.
By: Mike Parres | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 12/1/2009 | Send Email
Opens with appetizing oak flavors, then focuses its attention on its intensely wound core of vanilla, mineral, pear and fig-laced flavors, all of which are rich and concentrated. Draws you back for another sip.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Francis Coppola - Diamond Collection Claret 2007
This week’s selection:
Winery: Francis Coppola
Varietal: Cabernet-based Bordeaux Blend
Price Paid: $23.99 on sale for $18.99
Vintage: 2007
Area: Napa, Sonoma and Eldorado, CA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Meijer (even less at Costco or Sam’s Club)
Overall: Very good Cabernet blend for the price. It tasted even better the 2nd day and still drank well the 3rd day. Definitely taste the dark fruits: blackberry and dark cherry. It is an intense cab for the price. I have never been disappointed by this wine.
Reviews
Winemaker Comments:
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc.
The 2007 vintage got underway earlier than most years as a result of premature bud break. This occurred because of an unseasonably warm winter. The season lasted longer than normal as well because of prolonged moderate temperatures. These conditions were ideal for creating physiologically perfect fruit, which is why winemakers have declared this one of the best vintages of the decade. Our Claret is always elegant, but this year it's a true show stopper; lush with a beautiful tapestry of smooth tannins, intense flavor, and seductive aromas. With a deep crimson color, this wine gives way to aromas of blackberries, plums and vanilla cream while flavors of wild berries, cherries, spice and mocha dance on the palate.
When paired with classic dishes such as beef stroganoff, leg of lamb or potato gratin, you can create a sublime dining experience.
K and L Wines
2007 Francis Coppola Diamond Series Claret
What's claret, you ask? Don't be fooled. Claret is just the British word for Bordeaux style blend! And that's exactly what Coppola's Diamond Collection Claret is…a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot from Napa, Sonoma and El Dorado. Wrapped in a crimson-colored robe, this affordable blend has an evocative nose redolent of black fruit and vanilla, and an equally appealing raspberry, cherry and blackberry-filled palate with hints of coffee and chocolate on the finish!
Winery: Francis Coppola
Varietal: Cabernet-based Bordeaux Blend
Price Paid: $23.99 on sale for $18.99
Vintage: 2007
Area: Napa, Sonoma and Eldorado, CA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Meijer (even less at Costco or Sam’s Club)
Overall: Very good Cabernet blend for the price. It tasted even better the 2nd day and still drank well the 3rd day. Definitely taste the dark fruits: blackberry and dark cherry. It is an intense cab for the price. I have never been disappointed by this wine.
Reviews
Winemaker Comments:
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc.
The 2007 vintage got underway earlier than most years as a result of premature bud break. This occurred because of an unseasonably warm winter. The season lasted longer than normal as well because of prolonged moderate temperatures. These conditions were ideal for creating physiologically perfect fruit, which is why winemakers have declared this one of the best vintages of the decade. Our Claret is always elegant, but this year it's a true show stopper; lush with a beautiful tapestry of smooth tannins, intense flavor, and seductive aromas. With a deep crimson color, this wine gives way to aromas of blackberries, plums and vanilla cream while flavors of wild berries, cherries, spice and mocha dance on the palate.
When paired with classic dishes such as beef stroganoff, leg of lamb or potato gratin, you can create a sublime dining experience.
K and L Wines
2007 Francis Coppola Diamond Series Claret
What's claret, you ask? Don't be fooled. Claret is just the British word for Bordeaux style blend! And that's exactly what Coppola's Diamond Collection Claret is…a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot from Napa, Sonoma and El Dorado. Wrapped in a crimson-colored robe, this affordable blend has an evocative nose redolent of black fruit and vanilla, and an equally appealing raspberry, cherry and blackberry-filled palate with hints of coffee and chocolate on the finish!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sangria Blanca or Limonada
1 bottle of fruity white wine (Spanish Albarino for example)
1/2 cup thawed of frozen, undiluted,raspberry lemonade concentrate
1 lemon thinly sliced
1/2 cup of vodka (optional)
16 oz. club soda
1 cup raspberries
Ice for glasses
1 thinly sliced lemon for glasses
Additional raspberries for glasses
Chill all ingredients. combine white wine, raspberry lemonade, lemon slices and vodka in a pitcher. Add chilled club soda and raspberries just before serving and stir gently to combine. Place a few ice cubes in each tall glass and pour Limonada over ice. Place a lemon slice and a few extra raspberries in each glass.
Perfect for summertime. Looks great and gets rave reviews!
1/2 cup thawed of frozen, undiluted,raspberry lemonade concentrate
1 lemon thinly sliced
1/2 cup of vodka (optional)
16 oz. club soda
1 cup raspberries
Ice for glasses
1 thinly sliced lemon for glasses
Additional raspberries for glasses
Chill all ingredients. combine white wine, raspberry lemonade, lemon slices and vodka in a pitcher. Add chilled club soda and raspberries just before serving and stir gently to combine. Place a few ice cubes in each tall glass and pour Limonada over ice. Place a lemon slice and a few extra raspberries in each glass.
Perfect for summertime. Looks great and gets rave reviews!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Castle Rock 2008 California Cuvee Pinot Noir
This week’s selection:
Winery: Castle Rock
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Price Paid: $13.69
Vintage: 2008
Area: California Cuvee – Geyserville, CA
Alcohol: 13.8%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wine and Spirits, 12 Mile East of Orchard Lake Rd
Overall: Decent Pinot Noir for the price, simple, fruit forward, cherry and strawberry flavors. But, I would opt for the Oyster Bay Pinot Noir over this for the $5 more a bottle.
Reviews
Castle Rock Winery Comments:
Our Castle Rock Pinot Noir is produced from grapes grown in a carefully selected group of California vineyards, at which the climate and soil conditions provide excellent growing conditions for this Burgundian varietal. The wine is elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate it is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, giving flavors of black cherry, plum and spice, and finishing long and harmoniously, This versatile food wine pairs well with lamb, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.
Rated: 85 by Connoisseurs' Guide, Oct 09 Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines
Okay, it's direct, a little on the grapey side and fairly soft on the palate. No one is going to accuse it of challenging for a place in the cellar, but it is also tasty in an up-front way and comes with enough cherry character to suggest its varietal heritage. GOOD VALUE
Winery: Castle Rock
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Price Paid: $13.69
Vintage: 2008
Area: California Cuvee – Geyserville, CA
Alcohol: 13.8%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wine and Spirits, 12 Mile East of Orchard Lake Rd
Overall: Decent Pinot Noir for the price, simple, fruit forward, cherry and strawberry flavors. But, I would opt for the Oyster Bay Pinot Noir over this for the $5 more a bottle.
Reviews
Castle Rock Winery Comments:
Our Castle Rock Pinot Noir is produced from grapes grown in a carefully selected group of California vineyards, at which the climate and soil conditions provide excellent growing conditions for this Burgundian varietal. The wine is elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate it is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, giving flavors of black cherry, plum and spice, and finishing long and harmoniously, This versatile food wine pairs well with lamb, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.
Rated: 85 by Connoisseurs' Guide, Oct 09 Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines
Okay, it's direct, a little on the grapey side and fairly soft on the palate. No one is going to accuse it of challenging for a place in the cellar, but it is also tasty in an up-front way and comes with enough cherry character to suggest its varietal heritage. GOOD VALUE
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