d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz-Grenache 2002 Wine Review (NW)

Blueberry jam nose
Smooth, dry core of fruit and herbs
Finishes with a big pepper blast followed by a final fruity note

The Southern Rhone-style really comes through on this one. It has a lot of the dry herbal and pepper notes I associate with Grenache and Shiraz.

This is a classic example of a good food wine. While it wasn't a terrific wine on its own, it paired extremely well with a white bean cassoulet. It costs around $17. Raise a glass to wine and food pairing!

Tonight is the night!

At one past midnight “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!”
"The New Beaujolais has arrived!" It is one of the biggest celebrations of the wine world which is amusing since the wine itself is not really anything to write home about but it is certainly fun!

Over a million cases of Gamay based wine, are ready for consumption immediately and in fact, won’t last much beyond 9-12 months so DO NOT cellar this wine. Buy it, chill it and guzzle it! Last year was a banner year for this wine, one of the best I can remember, so this year’s wine will be hard to beat it.

The wine at its best is just plain simple, fruitiness, with strawberry flavors and light (relatively speaking) on the alcohol. It generally runs anywhere from $8-$12 a bottle.
NOTE--Make sure you’re not buying last year’s vintage!!!

From “intowine.com”
“Apart from the fanfare, what makes Beaujolais Nouveau so popular? And especially in the U.S. where consumption of red wine is less than 30%? Simply put, Beaujolais Nouveau is as about as close to white wine as a red wine can get. Due to the way it is made—the must is pressed early after only three days—the phenolic compounds, in particular the astringent tannins, normally found in red wines, isn't there, leaving an easy to drink, fruity wine. This, coupled with the fact that it tastes best when chilled, makes for a festive wine to be gulped rather than sipped, enjoyed in high spirits rather than critiqued. As a side note, it makes a great transitional wine for anyone wanting to move from white to red wines.”

So check back here in a few days and I am sure we’ll have some of the first releases in our areas reviewed. What ever you do, Raise a glass to this great celebration.

Castello Banfi Cum Laude 2002 Real Time Review (NW)

Notes of tar and dark berries on the nose
Prune and molasses taste on the palate
Medium length finish with some black licorice, falls somewhat flat

I gave it some time in the glass, but it may be from a bottle that's been open too long. I asked the server and he didn't know. He felt bad and brought me a tasting of two very high end wines just to be nice.

In the meantime, the wine never developed. It remained kind of flat. It had a little bit of the Sangiovese style but I didn't really like it. It's a super-Tuscan, so most likely a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

This might not be a fair assessment, so I'll have to look for another opportunity to review this wine. I paid $17 for the glass at a restaurant on Long Island.

Raise a glass to real-time, wireless wine reviews!

Lenz Merlot “Estate Selection” 2000 wine review by (PB)

Full disclosure--As is our custom, whenever our friends from various wineries around the country send us wine to review we are sure to let you know that. One reason is that it helps us remain objective! We do not believe it helps anyone to give an inflated review just to stay in the good graces of a winery in order to obtain samples.

The folks at Lenz Winery on long Island New York sent each of us at the wine cask 6 bottles to review. Founded in 1978, the winery has some of the most mature vineyards in the region with nearly 70 acres of their own. (Although some tasting notes were included, I have not looked at those notes to again, insure objectivity)

What will be fun is for you to see how each of us rate the same wines. Since we live in different parts of the country, they will appear at random so keep visiting with us often.

This is my first experience with this winery and to be honest I am skeptical of any red wines coming out of New York. But you must read on--
This wine is a nice black cherry in color with a purple rim showing its youthfulness even though nearly 7 years old. There is an under bouquet of gentle fruit with a hint of dill but as you go deeper into the nose there seems to be a rather disturbing tone of alcohol.

First taste on opening is a trace of toluene with some toast and not much flavor. I will let this breathe.

With 50 minutes of air—bing, bang, boom! Some wines you just HAVE to breathe and this is one. This is NOT your typical “new world” wine and reminds me much more of an old world creation that is more subtle and layered and nuanced and thrilling. This turns into something totally unexpected with the benefit of air.

There is still a touch of dill in the nose, which I love, with a fruity raspberry and cherry bouquet. In the mouth there are subtle vanilla notes, then another layer of fruit then another layer of mystery; I am bewildered by this wine—it is well made, mysterious and still young! The enclosure with the wine says to drink within three years but this wine still has more time to age on it and will benefit from additional maturity.

Okay, so I am blown away by what has totally destroyed my preconceived notions about New York red wine. The reference price on this wine is $23. Now I can’t wait to try the others. Raise a glass to “Lawn Gyland!”

Les Violettes 2004 wine review by (PB)

This Cotes Du Rhone has a cherry color and a firm peppery foundation. It is a bit tight, tart and tangy with a generally light body. Dried cherries are prominent and the finish is over and done quickly. This is a simple wine, but frankly I enjoyed it. It was $7 for a half bottle—over priced by a couple bucks but still a good vins de table wine. Raise a glass.

Luccarelli Primitvo 2003 wine review by (PB)

This wine from Puglia Italy is the genetic “father” of California’s Zinfandel. Benedictine monks named the grape “primitivo” because of its tendency toward early maturity. Puglia is warm and sunny so this grape is generally very fruity and kind of “in your face” juicy yet is unlike California Zinfandel. It shows clearly how different regions and styles of wine making can greatly affect the same grape. Probably more than you want to know so—
This wine is “guess what?” in your face and bold and full of blackberry and plum fruit with a nice garnet color with a purple touch.

In the mouth this wine is heavy with solid flavors and a touch of smoke. With a few minutes of air, it gives just more ripe fruit aromas and rich berry fruit. For $9, this is a nice wine and different enough to enjoy now and again. Raise a glass!

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Blue Label 2001 Wine Review (NW)

Ripe cherry nose, with sweet spice notes
Steely core of cherry and blueberry, with an underlying richness
Elegant, smooth finish

Blue label! Make sure it's the blue label! This Chianti Classico is very nicely made and often available around $12-13. I paid $12 for this bottle.

The blue label wine is aged nine months in oak barriques, which is different from the winery's yellow label that I find to be a little flat. The oak supplies some underlying richness and some sweet, baking spices to the bouquet. Don't worry, it still retains the steely Sangiovese base beneath it all.

It's now my house Chianti. Raise a glass!

Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexander Requinoa Vineyard Syrah 2003 Wine Review (NW)

Juicy nose of berries, chocolate, and cinnamon
Core of dense fruit and anise
Fruity finish with chewy tannins

The Cuvee Alexander wines from Casa Lapostolle are starting to get a little expensive. At least in my neck of the woods, I have a hard time trying to find them for under $20. I paid $22 for this bottle, which I wouldn't want to do on a regular basis.

Disregarding the price for a moment, the wine is good. It has that dark, inky color and rich berry juice that is associated with Chilean reds. Evidence of oak comes through with the touches of chocolate and cinnamon.

I find myself reaching for Syrah more often than I used to. I'm amazed at how much there is now from the new world regions. Obviously, Australia made it big on Syrah (Shiraz), but it's being produced everywhere now. Raise a glass!

Covey Run Sauvignon Blanc 2004 wine review by (PB)

This Washington State wine is pale straw with a guava bouquet and sweet tropical fruit nose with a touch of pineapple lifesavers.

The palate is a bit tart, thin and citrusy with peach notes. It is really dry and has a very short finish. I am a S. Blanc fan but really am partial to New Zealand’s style. This is an affordable and decent wine for the $9 and it made The Wine Spectator’s “Best Value” annotation. They liked it a lot more than I did. I think the wine is very average for the price and frankly, below the norm for this value winery, which seems to always excel in value wines. But as a caveat I would mention I have been battling a borderline cold which may totally invalidate this review due to the medicine I have been taking. So, raise a glass and try it for yourself.

Who’s reading the Wine Cask Blog?

We have a tracker that shows us where our readers are from. So today, purely at random, I thought I would check and let you all know. Just this morning we had wine enthusiasts from the following countries:

Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Finland, multiple hits from Spain, France and Italy and Germany; Denmark, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Canada and of course all over the United States.

So you see, you’re in good company! In the next few days we will be posting some suggestions for the holidays coming up. Be sure to keep checking and we will also have some exciting (and surprising) reviews out of New York State. We appreciate you stopping by and as always--raise a glass!

Lindemans Bin 99 Pinot Noir 2006 wine review by (PB)

The picky Pinot Noir grape is trying to make some headway in the land down under. This one is light cranberry/cherry color with a gentle bouquet of grape and strawberry that reminds me more of a Gamay.

The palate is fresh though a bit alcoholic with light flavors. After a half hour of air it is a fairly tasty wine though still out of balance with too much alcohol. The finish is actually nice and fruity. For the $8 I paid it is a drinkable wine and not offensive but as I so fond of writing, with so many other quality wines at value prices available why just settle. Raise a glass if this is on hand but don’t go searching for it.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2000 wine review by (PB)

This wine is another of the Columbia Crest creations that have been bargains every step of the way. This one is medium garnet on the pour with an earthy, smoky, green peppery bouquet.

In the mouth it has a toasty presence that has tight but solid flavors; it needs to be breathed!

After a half hour or so it has stern tannins, touch of cocoa, with a herbal note. This is another decent wine at $10 but is not of the caliber of the 2001 which was a top value pick of everyone including us at the WCB. Never-the-less, raise a glass!

Clos Du Bois Chardonnay 2004 wine review by (PB)

Chardonnay is growing on me more and more. It was always “O.K.” but I find myself looking more and more for it on my shopping/hunting adventures.

This one was a gift with a marvelous meal made for us by some friends. It is lightly golden in the glass with a beautiful caramel, apple nose. Really nice! It has a decent foundation with butter cream flavors. At a pirce point of around $14, raise a glass with Cornish game hens, baked Brie and the sides.

Niebaum-Copolla Diamond Series Red Label Zinfandel 2004 wine review by (PB)

This Zin is a classic presentation of the varietal. It is rich and deep purple in the glass with a lush blackberry bouquet. In the mouth this wine is gushing with fruit of ripe blackberries with a zippy touch of spice, baked bread,and chocolate.

This wine is well made with solid tannic structure finishing with some smoke and more dark fruit.

As it breathes, there is more of the peppery suggestion you expect with a Zinfandel and just more of what’s above. At $14, this is worth picking up especially if you wonder what Zinfandel should taste like. This is a classic, and value presentation. Raise a glass.

Mark West Pinot Noir 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Nose of red cherry and raspberry
Dry, fruity core with herbal tones
Steely finish with some faint spice notes

I wanted more from this wine, but it remained steely and austere. I like Pinot Noir to be more voluptuous. However, with this varietal more than any other, you get what you pay for.

This bottle was $11 on sale from $14. I haven't come across very many memorable Pinot Noir's for under $15. I'd love to find some. More often, I hear praise reserved only for wines $30 and up.

In my cellar, I've got a couple more in the $15 range that I'll have to try soon. Any recommendations out there in this price range? Let me know and I'll raise a glass!

Wildekrans Cabernet Franc- Merlot 2003 Wine Review (NW)

Nose of wild berries and lead-pencil shavings
Raspberry on the palate
Dry finish with raspberry, cranberry, and tobacco

This wine is an interesting change of pace. It's an estate wine from South Africa created with 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. I paid $14 at a local wine shop.

The Cabernet Franc dominates in flavor and texture. I can't imagine what this would taste like if there wasn't some Merlot there to soften everything. As the flavor profile develops in the glass, more and more tobacco emerges. It's really interesting, but you need to be ready for it.

As a change of pace, I always recommend Cabernet Franc. It's an entirely different wine from the other noble red grapes. Look for it in the "alternative red" section or in the French wine section under "Chinon". Raise a glass!

Swedish Hill Cayuga White Finger Lakes 2005 wine review by (PB)

Friends went to upstate New York and brought us back this gift. I opened it last night to try it with a bouillabaisse not knowing anything about the wine.

The Cayuga grape was designed at Cornell University for the cold-climate conditions of New York State's Finger Lakes region. It is a hybrid of the Seyval Blanc and Schuyler cultivars bred to endure the harsh winters of New York. I was skeptical of this wine but...

On opening I was overwhelmed with the scent of apples so much so that it smelled like apple juice. In the glass it has a pale golden hue with a slight tinge of green and this really nice bouquet of fresh apples, a hint of pear and cream.

In the mouth there are mineral notes with a steely quality; it is off dry with decent fruit flavors. The structure is a tad weak but not distracting and the finish is just more apples.

It paired really well with the seafood soup and was a nice treat of a wine. Raise a glass and “Thanks” to the “V’s” of Winslow, Maine!

Famiglia Anselma Barolo 2000 Wine Review (NW)

Nose opens to reveal cherry, sweet spices, and an herbal tone
Lively and racy on the palate
Finish lingers with cherry, mushrooms, and earth

I think this wine is too young to drink. It is slow to open up in the glass, and keeps improving until it's gone.

The wine is interesting and lively. It's not as rich as other Barolo's, but very enjoyable. It paired extremely well with my venison and gnocchi at Mario Batali's Del Posto in New York. I paid $24 for the privelege of just one glass as this wine retails for over $50 a bottle. Raise a glass!

Fratelli Pra Monte Grande Soave 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Nose of pears and floral aromas
Soapy on the palate, with a nice texture
Smooth finish, touches of honey and spices

I really like the texture of Soave; it's my favorite Italian white wine. A good Soave fills the mouth, has fruit and floral aromas, and maybe nuts and spices. It also has a "soapy" quality that I like.

This wine was enjoyed over multiple pasta courses at Mario Batali's Del Posto in New York. I paid $14 for the glass. It seems well made and very willing to compliment food. I'll be looking for Pra wines on my next trip down the Italian aisle. Raise a glass!

Rosenblum Zinfandel Eagle Point 2004 wine review by (PB)

After a trip out to Los Angeles to see our newest grandchild, my wife brought me back several bottles of goodies. This was one of them. Rosenblum has to be the king of Zins making over 20 different types.

This Zin from Mendocino is dark black cherry colored with a nice bouquet of cherry with a nose full of black berries and black cherries.

The texture of this wine is “thick” with a velvety feel and a big chocolate first impression. There is fruity cocoa throughout and a layer of espresso. The finish is woody but everything in balance.

With some air, everything is just accentuated with more blackberry, plumy fruit. This is a wine that is perfectly balanced in all ways and is at perfect maturity. At $24, it is luscious and of course was gone by the end of my fabulous Chingiale Paperadelle or Wild Boar with home made noodles which are about an inch and a half wide. The Boar was compliments of a friend who shot it recently hunting in South Carolina (I think).

It was wonderful! Raise a glass and say ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!