World Wine Production to hit 50 Year Low!

The wine industry has been hit with yet another challenge.  New reports released say that global wine production is expected to drop to it's lowest in more than 50 years.  Italy (23% drop), France (19%) and Spain (15%) are the top 3 producers which all blame extreme weather conditions.  Not to mention, California's recent wild fires have not helped with an additional 1% drop in production for the USA.  This link shares more on the story:  World Wine Production Hits 50 Year Low    (Credit: BBC News)

If I had to offer my own recommendation to support wineries around the world...keep buying wines, try new ones and re-connect with the ones you love.  These challenges will undoubtably continue therefore the resiliency and talent these farmers, wine makers and supporting staff have which brings wine to our tables can only be supported by us, the buyer.

Cheers - Cin Cin - Salud - Prost

Pedroncelli, Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon ’12 $36

Sonoma, CA

From the Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley Estate Vineyard this Cab has got to be one of my current favorites.  It’s full of dark cherries, toasted oak and black pepper on the nose.  Ripe plums and currants stand out on the first sip with medium tannins to follow.  You can tell this wine has definite care in the making of it and I’d easily put this up against any $60 bottle.  The flavor profile isn’t too big yet not wimpy at all.  It’s subtle and easy drinking to pair with grilled meats, pasta with marinara and even chocolate cake.  You can find it at the winery and possibly in your local stores.  Lastly, if you’re planning a trip out to Sonoma, you must stop by this winery.  You won’t be disappointed with their many varietals. 

Caves D’ Esclans, Whispering Angel ’15 $18

Cotes De Provence, France

With spring moving quickly into summer, it’s rose time once again.  After my visit a few years ago to the Bandol region along the French Mediterranean coast, I found so many wonderful roses to try.  This one happens to be a favorite in our household. 

The aromas of citrus zest, pears, melon and apples blend together for a versatile wine to go with many food pairings, although it’s great on its own.  Its flavors represent a clean, refreshing mouth feel with light flavors of honeydew, strawberries and hints of lemon.  The characteristics resemble a smooth red blended with a refreshing white.  For a Provence rose, you’d think the mineral overtones would be predominant but they’re not.  This paired excellent with an olive oil & herb grilled shrimp over couscous.  With some sliced radishes on the side, dipped in olive oil and sea salt, this wine paired wonderful with everything.

Larson Family Winery, Pinot Noir 2011 - $38

Sonoma Coast

In preparation for a long awaited visit back to Sonoma later this week, I opened a bottle quite apt for this upcoming trip.  You might not find it on your local wine shop shelves however, if you’re in Sonoma, a visit to this wonderful winery is a must.  Years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a day with former wine maker Carolyn Craig to learn about the processes involved in wine making.  That experience forever influenced a genuine appreciation for the hard work which goes into the art and science of this industry.

Now, on to this amazing wine beginning with a medium ruby red color, aromas of rose petals, macerated strawberries, toasted oak and a hint of anise which brought on anticipation of the tastes in store.  Flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and subtle plums rounded out a true Pinot.  Medium tannins with a smooth, clean finish created an excellent paring for my grilled NY strip.

Current vintage for sale is 2014.  I love this winery’s motto.  "We drink what we can, and sell the rest!" www.larsonfamilywinery.com

Bogle “Essential Red” 2013 $11

Sonoma County

This red blend appealed to me during an in-store tasting at my local World Market.  I decided to buy a bottle and do my own evaluation and found it to be genuinely a pleasure.  I’ve been back since to buy a few more bottles to keep on hand as an “everyday” red.

The aroma makeup packed the glass with ripe strawberries, blackberry and traces of warm licorice.  Dark cherries on the first taste along with hints of cocoa balanced out medium tannins on the finish.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah come together for a great value priced and well blended wine.  Aged for 12 months in American & French oak, you won’t be disappointed especially for Red Zinfandel drinkers.  Current vintage available is 2014.

Pairings:  Barbecue, Steak, Burgers, Blue Cheese, Dark Chocolate

Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $15 (on sale $10)

California

(Napa, Monterey & Central Valley)

First of all, this was hard to pass up on a $10 sale.  I figured if it wasn’t to my liking, I could always use it in a marinade.  After the first sip, let’s just say there wasn’t any left for a marinade.  On the nose, this wine displayed black cherries, vanilla, white pepper and subtle oak.

With a full body, flavors of plums, currants along with hints of toffee and spice brought together an enjoyable, balanced blend. 

This Cabernet is a delicious, velvety wine with rich tannins and a long, smooth finish.  The complexity amazed me for this price point!  From the winemakers info., this vintage had a blend using 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remaining fruit undisclosed.

If you want a reasonable red to go with your next steak, burger or even pizza, this should be one you consider.  Originally, I found this at World Market.

Root:1 Heritage Red 2013 - $12

Maipo Valley, Chile

Dark berries accompanied with hints of black pepper and leather aromas filled my glass.  For $12 retail and $7 on sale, I might have said “woah.”  There may have been a slight musty hint at first but that went away quickly.  The flavors combine blackberries and dark cherry with a subtle spice.  On the finish, traces of vanilla complement firm tannins.  Drinks like a sophisticated old world red.  The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah and Petit Verdot.  Found this at World Market.  Amazing value with great flavors.

Prosecco for New Years

So you'd like an alternative to Champagne?  Why not try a Prosecco to ring in the new year.  The Italian's favorite bubbly is adored by many and in fact I prefer it over others...however I won't mention those.

Santi Nello is full of vibrant citrus notes with hints of vanilla and pears on the flavors.  The bubbles are small and furious giving you that amazing mouth feel with every sip.

My post is short tonight as I'm late for dinner yet I'll be taking a bottle of this with me for sharing later.

Happy New Years!

Why Are Some Wines So Expensive?

I've asked myself this question and thought I had the answers. This article makes for an even better understanding. 

Thanks to Vivino for posting. 

https://www.vivino.com/wine-news/why-are-some-wines-so-expensive

Cabernet Day is September 3rd!

From some great folks at Ridge Vineyards.

Click here to read >>  Cabernet Day 

Valserrano Reserva ’09 $20

Rioja (Spain)

I had opened a bottle of the ’05 Gran Reserva of this same wine for dinner with my family, which I felt was an outstanding selection.  My father shared his delight with it and proceeded to go out and buy another bottle a few days later.  Little did dad realize he bought the ’09 Reserva and gave it to me.  To keep things “simple”, the difference in these wines is obviously the vintage year and the Gran Reserva is aged longer in oak and in the bottle.

I decided to enjoy the ’09 Reserva with dinner a few weeks later and from the aromas alone, a balance of blackberries, crushed plums, black pepper and hints of toasted wood, gave me the impression there was something special about this wine.  On the first taste a flavor bomb of rich, ripe dark cherries, currants and toasted oak had me craving more.  My NY strip steak was grilling with a smoker box of mesquite chips and was about to be done.  This wine was sure to pair perfectly. Velvet tannins with tight fruit on a lingering finish had me hooked on this amazing new find.  Thanks dad!

The wine is made up of 90% Tempranillo which is a predominate varietal in the Rioja region of Spain.  10% Garnacha makes up the remaining grapes and aged in 50% American and 50% French oak provided for a very nice balance. Full body, robust and just plain awesome!

For the Reserva at this price point and overall taste structure, I’m making a return visit to the wine store to pick up more bottles before it runs out of stock.  For reference, the Gran Reserva is great as well and goes for about $29.

Honoro Vera Garnacha '13 $8

Calatayud, Spain

It's not often I think much of an in-store wine tasting on a Saturday afternoon in a  "big box" type store selling wine.  A few days ago I was on a errand to buy some spices and stumbled upon various wine distributors offering up samplings throughout the store, so I thought why not give a few new labels a try.  I must admit, I was striking out for wines I liked until this one, so I bought a bottle.  Given the affordable price point ($8) and a "like" with my tasting, I felt like this was a great find.

The wine varietal is Garnacha which is very popular for this region in Spain.  It opened up with aromas of dark cherries and black pepper spice.  On the first taste, flavors of ripe plums, blackberries and macerated strawberries gave way to a nicely balanced, fruit forward wine, yet not too sweet.  Medium body tannins with a slightly dry finish supported a flavor profile of what you'd expect in a much more mature vintage. 

This was an excellent wine for the price and my intentions are to go buy more before the price increases.  I'd recommend you check World Market or your local wine store and pick up a bottle for yourself.  Don't let the label scare you.

Anakena Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 $13

Chile, Cachapoal Valley

While shopping for a few new Cabs to try and write about the wine sales clerk voiced a definite “thumbs up” for this one.  For the price point, I figured why now.

It opened up with bold aromas of black cherries, dark chocolate, toasted wood and hints of earthy minerals.  I guess you could say it has some typical qualities on the nose for many cabernets.

With a steady swirl, dark red, heavy legs draped my glass awaiting a first taste.  Black currants, ripe cherries and mocha balanced nicely for a medium bodied flavor.  Soft tannins and a clean finish made for an easy drinking, great value wine.  This would pair well with beef, pork or a grilled portabella mushroom drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and cracked black pepper.

Bris Andes, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 $10

Colchagua Valley, Chille

First of all, if you find a Cab this good for $10, I want to know about it!

From the makers of some very high-end wines, Barons De Rothschild (Lafite), this is an incredible value with a high-end taste.  The aromas marry a balance of dark cherries, blackberries and a hint of fresh cracked pepper.  From the first sip to the end of the bottle this has a smooth mouth feel with a pleasant balance of fruit.  Ripe red berries with hints of toasted herbs followed by a subtle finish make for an excellent choice for dinner or pairing with your favorite cheeses and meats.  I paired this with an Ancho chili crusted pork tenderloin and with my final glass, some dark chocolate after dinner.

This was an amazing price point that will probably increase to $15/bottle in a year or so.  Found it at Total Wine.  It’s ready to drink now!