Drew 2012 Albariño

I had the opportunity to purchase the 2012 Drew Albariño from the wine maker, and found it to be a wonderfully refreshing and clean wine.  It continues to impress me that wineries are expanding their wine making efforts to varietals not traditionally produced in California. 

Wine Makers Notes:

2012 Albariño   Anderson Valley

This wine has been our little secret for  the last three years with barely enough  to go around.  We offer it to our members and offer it for sale for a limited time during the Summer and early Fall in our tasting room in Philo.

 This clean and lively wine is loaded with crisp apple and citrus flavors with palate coating minerality.  It is lean and  vibrant and beautifully aromatic.  This white Spanish varietal is a favorite of winemaker Jason Drew.  He acquired some suitcase cuttings in 2006 from another California vineyard and then grafted to some older rootstock in the Valenti Vineyard located within both the Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Ridge appellations.   He also secured a small patch of Albariño in the organically farmed Wentzel Vineyard in Philo that we were unaware even existed.

 In 2012 we put both vineyards together to make this bottling which is surprisingly the only Albariño made in Mendocino County.  We have found this varietal to be both a joy to drink and to make, as it is perfectly suited to our coastal cuisine and our coastal climate.Traditionally paired with anything coming out of the ocean.  Oysters on the half shell anyone! 150 cases made.  

Airport Oasis

If you are ever passing through Minneapolis International Airport, a must visit is Surdyk's Flights.  Here you can sit down with a bottle of wine and order up some lovely meats and cheeses rather than typical fast food options.  The wine prices are comparable to retail liquor store pricing.  

A true oasis for a wine enthusiast.   

Friday Night Delight

Still thinking about the wine this morning.  This wine was fermented using native yeasts and barreled in 100% French oak for 18 months, wonderful. 

Abrente - Napa Valley Albariño

Another of Morgan Twain Peterson's efforts to push stylistic boundaries, bringing old world wine making traditions to his Napa Valley Albariño.
The citrus flavors, hint of mineral, and the burst of acidity on the finish was delightful.  This wine speaks to summer and a seafood meal.

Tasting Notes:
90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Light yellow. High-pitched scents and flavors of green apple, lime and white flowers. A mineral nuance comes up with air, along with a hint of white pepper. Dry and light on its feet, with impressive focus and finishing power. "

Wineries To Follow On Twitter

One of my favorite wineries to follow on Twitter is @RidgeVineyards.  Great information and videos, check it out.

Think Pink This Summer

Did you know that the French drink more rosé than either red or white wine.  So next time you are looking for a great warm weather wine, think pink!  Cheers

Classic Sangria

We gave this sangria recipe a try this past weekend, and found it to be very refreshing and enjoyable. 

1 bottle of red wine, I used merlot
1/4 cup triple sec
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange juice
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1/2 an orange, cut into wedges
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1 8 ounce can diced pineapples, with juice
2 cups ginger ale

1. Combine the wine, brandy, triple sec, and juice into a pitcher.
2. Add the fruit and refrigerate for 1 hour prior to serving.
3. Add the ginger ale just before serving.

Summers Warmth Perfect for Rosé

Over the years I have come to enjoy the qualities a rosé can impart.  This past weekend we tried the 2012 Shane Cellars Ma Fille Sonoma County Rosé.  This wine is a saignée of Syrah and Grenache.  In the warmth of the day the wine possesses bright pink tones accompanied by accents of light salmon.  The wine greets your palate with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, along with balanced acidity.  At $18 per bottle, this wine is a lovely accompaniment to a warm summer day.  

Lox Omelet

While I thoroughly enjoy lox and bagels, I really don't need the added calories from the bagel.  Therefore, I have come up with a delicious alternative for your consideration.  Along with the lox, the omelet contains goat cheese, capers, and red onion.  The capers provided enough saltiness that no addition salt was necessary.  To further control the calories, I used Costco's Kirkland Signature real egg product. 

Give it a try, I thought it was perfect.

2011 Calera Central Coast Viognier

The other night we had the opportunity to try one of the new wines from our spring shipments.  The 2011 Calera Central Coast Viognier was everything as advertised.  You should be aware that the Calera does not strip their wines through filtering or fining, which personally like.  So you may find some sediment in your glass.  Below you will find the tasting notes.

Tasting Notes:

2011 Calera Central Coast Viognier
Antonio Galloni 90 – Robert Parkers Wine Advocate
The 2011 Viognier (Central Coast) jumps from the glass with exotic white
flowers, spices, gingerbread, lychee and mango. There is no shortage of
varietal character in this bright, crystalline white. Clean, vibrant layers
of minerality give the wine its inner tension and weightless, crystalline
finish.

Harry's Oyster Bar & Seafood, Atlantic City, NJ

We found this little gem of an oyster bar while in Atlantic City. In the photo you will see the crabmeat cocktail, delicious!  We also enjoyed Chesapeake's, calamari, and a fantastic clam chowder.  We chose to take in some of the local draft beers rather than wine.  Unfortunately the price points were high, and not commensurate with the wine quality. 

Tripadvisor rated Harry's #10 out of 227 restaurants in Atlantic City.

2013 ECAC Hockey Tournament - Atlantic City, NJ

While my son is competing in the 2013 ECAC Hockey Tournament, I will also try to blog on some great food and wine destinations on the Boardwalk.

Marotta's Bar - Risto

The next time you are in Schenectady, NY Marotta's Bar-Risto is a must destination.  The calamari fritti is one of the best we have ever had.  You will absolutely need a reservation if you plan to go there for dinner. Therefore, we prefer to go there for a late lunch as we have always been seated quickly.  www.marottasbar-risto.com