Tyroleans Make Wine?

Lagrein heralds from the Northeast region of Italy known as Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, a sort of Italian, Austrian, German region depending on what time (year) it is. From Valley of the Lakes in Trentino, among the Dolomite Alps, land to produce this varietal is scarce and expensive. Therefore, the wine is relatively rare. Bottega Vinaia is now a property of high producer Cavit. However, this Lagrein is a smaller volume product.

An extremely pleasant smell full of the usual dark fruits (black cherry, blackberry, plum) is quicky abandoned upon the first sip. This wine invites with its dark claret, supple vanilla overtones, and big nose, then departs the rich fruits for a shock of citrus on the tongue - think lemons. However, it is this distinctive character that makes this otherwise balanced wine enjoyable. I'm reminded of From Dusk Till Dawn, the classic Tarantino movie Starring George Clooney and Harvey Keitel. What starts and proceeds as a "sympathy for the bad guy" fugitives on the run movie, turns into a vampire movie after all. So it is with the 2001 Bottega Vinaia Lagrein. It builds expectations for a lush mouthful of dark fruit, but delivers a bitter, high acid punch. Sometimes I don't mind being punched, though.

Montes Syrah

My favorite wine of the evening, the 2005 Montes Alpha Syrah was surprisingly big. Full of black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, with a hint of plum, this wine started out a bit hot but simply warmed me up. For $14 per bottle, I'd say this one is a steal. I'm sorry that I only picked up 3 - I will be going back for more. Delicious.

Australian Blend

After a long vacation, I dipped back into my cellar this evening. I wanted to pick a bottle to pair with a very strong flavored meal. I had veal and shrimp, normally bland, but mine was prepared with a heavy garlic and scallion sauce. Fantastic! Since it is five degrees Fahrenheit I needed something big and warm, like a fleece blanket on a comfy couch. Not looking for a cab to overpower the meal, I selected a 2002 Trumps Grenache Shiraz blend, by Charles Cimicky. Several hours later I'm still trying to figure it out. I'll start by noting that it is more pleasant than an $18 bottle is expected to be. Hit by spice immediately, it quickly tapers off to a smooth dark chocolate and light tannins, with luscious dark fruit. I'd call it plum before blackberry, but this may be from the nose. Then, by surprise, strawberry appears and hangs around for nearly ever. My wife mentioned the oak, which is there, but only as an enhancement. The last time I had a bottle, it was after a few cabs, and the consensus was negative. However, standing on its own, this wine is quite exquisite. The 14.5% alcohol is evident only with the spice, and the 65% grenache vs. 35% shiraz is an enjoyable mix. The bottle opened up nicely after one hour, was perfect at nearly two, then lost a bit of nose at three hours (or possibly my nose lost something). In any case, cozy, warm, and not overpowering, with gentle complexities. Mission accomplished.

Charles Cimicky winery is located in the Barossa valley, or Neu-Schlesien for the transplanted Germans. The bottles have a story about pioneers escaping the hot sun for a game of cards (Euchre) in the cellar of a vineyard cottage, but it appears contrived. However, as an avid Euchre player myself (yes, I'm from Michigan) Trumps with cards and friends will continue to be a winning trick.

Follow the title link. My fav is 283.

Nice Italian Barolo

Marchesi di Barolo's 1999 Barolo is a medium red wine, with less meaty fruit than a cab or merlot, and less spice than a chianti. Grown in the Italian Piedmont, traditional Barolo's take many years to soften up, and are full of tannins. This Barolo however seems more modern, with moderate tannins and a wonderful nose. The flavor is not big nor overpowering. We had the wine with Lasagna, which I believe was a nice match. I also prefer to indulge with sharp dry cheese. I have not had the Riserva, which is aged at least 5 years, and tends to be much more expensive. I don't recall what I paid, as I bought two cases at a wine tasting, but I'm assuming that it could be found for between $28 and $36 per bottle. The 1999 Marchesi di Barolo - Barolo is a nice red wine, but be prepared for a slightly different experience if you are new to Italian Piedmont reds.

Kunde Estate Cab - An Excellent Value

I bought my first bottle of Kunde Estate Cabernet Sauvignon on a whim. Continually in search of an enjoyable $12 bottle, I picked up a 2001 vintage Kunde Estate Cab at Sam's Club. I was extremely surprised by the mouthful of blackberry and black cherry flavors, with a hint of vanilla. A century old Sonoma vineyard and winery with original plantings from imported Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild cuttings, Kunde produces what I believe to be the best value Cab. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with oak barrel aging, Wine Enthusiast rates the 2001 Kunde Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at 90. The 2002 is also enjoyable and inexpensive. I've seen both vintages available for between $10 and $14 per bottle. I've returned several times for more, and have gone through at least four cases by now. Try this nice wine - I trust you will not be disappointed.

Red Wine for Parties

We went to a fund raiser last evening and the house Cabernet Sauvignon was Nathanson Creek. A brand of Centerra Wine Company, I gather these are mass produced wines for general consumption. Not very big, bold, or biting, this is a smooth red wine that is easy to drink. At $7.50 for a 1.5L bottle, or $50 for a case of 6 x 1.5L, this is a great value for party settings where the wine is not central.

Our table included several wine buffs with nice cellars of their own. Nobody scoffed at this wine, and all of us went back for more (and more). Compared to other party / banquet wines I've had, this is among the best. I will not be uncorking a bottle with my wife and a few friends, but for large gatherings on a budget, Nathanson Creek proves to be a nice wine.

Red Wine - Very Nice Cab

My first post must highlight my favorite bottle in the cellar: 2001 B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Beyond a nice wine, I highly recommend it. The winery, in Sonoma Valley, was founded by Bruce Cohn, manager of the Doobie Brothers, in 1984 - this tidbit adds some fun to the pouring. Wine Spectator gave it a 90, but based on other 90+ selections, I personally place it much higher, in the 94-95 range. I prefer a rich, fruitful flavor with moderate tannins, so this wine is right up my alley. For the experience, the price is moderate. You should be able to find a bottle for $50 or so. Although the Silver Label is OK for casual use, and much lower priced (I've purchased for $18 at Sam's Club), go with the Olive Hill Estate cab for a delightful experience.