September Sip: Part 1

Hello Sippers!

I want to focus on accessible wines this fall and winter. With the election and the worries of the world, you should still be able to have some normalcy in your life and your days should be easy. So I am going to share a few wines that anyone should be able to find for your salads and light fishes at various price points.

If you need to find an item, click on Vinquire on the right side of the page...scroll down...and sip away.

2006 Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County
Explosive aromas brimming with lemon, lime and citrus blossom mingle with gooseberry and passionfruit and a little spice to proudly proclaim this wine’s varietal. A generous, fruit-forward palate shows juicy citrus flavors of lime, grapefruit and tangerine, balanced by bright, crisp acidity. The pleasant finish persists on the palate with great length of flavor. This is an easy-sipping, eminently drinkable wine making for a lively, distinctive white that doesn’t sacrifice complexity or varietal character in its quest to be flat-out enjoyable. The perfect apéritif, this wine also makes an ideal partner to oysters and nearly any shellfish, as well as salads and light fish and chicken dishes. Chill and pour. ($10-14)

2007 Rodney Strong Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home Vineyard Sonoma County
The 2007 vintage started off with a very dry spring, which tended to make for smaller clusters, smaller berries, and less canopy overall. The growing season was about as perfect as you would want, with warm afternoons and cool evenings, and a complete lack of hot or cold spells. With no weather problems at harvest time, few are surprised with the exceptional quality of this vintage, which will likely go down as one of the best in recent years. This pale straw, moderately light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with mild acidity of medium fruit is mildly oaked with herbs, flowers, and vanilla. An easy sipper with distinctive, sweet floral character and excellent mouthfeel. Moderately long and well focused.

2006 Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
Taking it a little further. Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate Alexander Valley fruit gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean cooled Russian River fruit offers citrus, mineral, and traditional herbaceous qualities. Together, the two valleys make a classic Sonoma County sauvignon blanc that is fresh, lively, and will drink beautifully over the next 1 to 2 years. ($10-14) 2006 Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Forty-eight percent is from our newest planting of a very special and rare clone, forty percent is from the original Sauvignon Blanc vineyard planted in 1959, and twelve percent is from our seventeen year old hillside vineyard. Twenty-five percent of this blend is barrel fermented, which gives this wine its complexity and round texture. The balance is tank fermented to preserve its intense varietal character and firm acidity. 2,950 cases were produced.

There is so much going on with this wine. So here are my short quips. Medium-light yellow color, very attractive, assertive, intense, herbal, fairly grassy, lemony, slightly tropical, distinct Sauvignon Blanc, aroma which developed with airing in the glass; medium-full body; fresh, clean, forward, rounded, herbal, grassy, lemony, intense flavors; well balanced; lingering aftertaste. ($33-36)

Send me a note and let me know how your September Sips experience is going.

Salut!

Recommended Maryland Wineries to Visit Fall 2008

For the summer there are some recommended wineries to visit.

Boordy Vineyards http://www.boordy.com/
Basignani Winery http://www.basignani.com/
Woodhall Wine Cellars woodhallwinecellars.com

Enjoy!

Virginia Wine Showcase Weekend

At the Virginia Wine Showcase last weekend, I only bought two wines. I am selective about the wines I buy from expos and fesitvals.

Petit Verdot
www.willowcroftwine.com
Personal Observation: This limited production red is wonderful with your red meats and weighty whites. This is an easy drinking wine. Wonderful flavors and a good sip for your cheeses and dried meats.

This classic Bordeaux varietal displays smooth berry flavors and a creamy finish with a wonderful dark grapey color. Great with all of your red meat dishes, hearty lasagna, and any full-bodied meal.

Kluge Estate Cru
www.klugeestateonline.com
Personal Observation: All I can say is, the journey this apertif traveled was quite an experience. The description below is exactly what you should expect, however, the palate was wooed by this sexy dessert wine. I would suggest serving very cold in the summer or with the Kluge Champagne or room temperature in the fall and definitely following the meal with dessert or in place of dessert. Absolutely dreamy!

This 100% Chardonnay, fortified apéritif is an original! Naturally sweet Chardonnay grapes are fortified with Virginia-distilled brandy, and then aged for six months in Jack Daniel’s® barrels to develop complex and unique spicy aromas that are truly all-American.

There are deep, fresh aromas and flavors of pear, white peach, and citrus, with notes of licorice, vanilla, and roasted almonds.

This refreshing and full-bodied apéritif is a wonderful match for rich appetizers such as foie gras, or paired with desserts such as chocolate fondue, ice cream, or sweet fruit pie. Best when served very cold or on the rocks.