Wine Tasting: Rules of the Road

Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle. ~Robert Anthony

Rules, rules, rules they're everywhere and, just about anywhere one may look these days. But, if you're ever in doubt about what the rule is, then there's the always the good old "rule of thumb" or that old fashion notion of common sense. But as we all know, some folks just don't take the time to think about rules when it comes time to visit their favorite winery and/or wine tasting room.

So what about the "rules" for going wine-tasting? What are they? Should there be any? I think there should be and so do many other seasoned vino-sapiens.  So whether you're going wine-tasting for the weekend in Napa or Sonoma or you're planning to visit a wine-festival, a portfolio tasting, or just the average garden-variety wine tasting, it's important to understand a few rules before hitting the wine-trail. 

Seeing I've been to my share of tasting-rooms and wine-festivals, I thought this video would be a good idea to help the average vino-sapien understand the rules-of-engagement sort-a-speak and, more importantly the view-point from the other side of the tasting table/bar. Please remember while you're on the path to wine discovery, you're going to be wine-tasting not wine drinking. As we all know, life is short, so remember until next time sip long and prosper cheers!

Bordeaux Uncorked: 2009 La Croix de Beaucaillou, St-Julien

"A man will be eloquent if you give him good wine." --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

After a period of great mourning; an invitation can shine like a light in a dark place. That invitation, an opportunity to sample a wine from one of very best vintages of the eighties; in fact one of the best come along since the 1970. The Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 1982, which would be uncorked later that evening. I had no idea what a treat laid ahead, but I knew it was going to be wine-tastic evening full of firsts. 

But first-up would be the outstanding 2009 La Croix de Beaucaillou, St-Julien, a wonderfully approachable Bordeaux, that has enough structure [don't miss this point] to go the long haul in your cellar, but the way this wine is drinking at the very moment, why wait. And that is the point of this wine, made in a style that will appeal to the California "palate" fleshy, fun and flush with flavor. Personally I'd buy a half dozen and, drink one each over the next six years to see how they mature. 

Reportedly; a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot [pH 3.69] and rested in 60% new oak for what I’m guessing was some 12 months. This wine is a seamless beauty, very generous black and red fruit, subtle licorice, cedar, rich earth, which comes nicely wrapped in supple, well honed tannins. Now take a gander at the color in that glass, via the image below, gorgeous right? 

Just nosing the wine alone is amazing, a plume of rich Cabernet perfume runs to greet you right away, welcoming the first sip. A boat-load of head-turning aromas; cherry fruit intertwined with hints of wood smoke, sweet-vanilla and fresh earth. I scored this wine 93 points and highly recommend it to you. 

In light of the fact, that it does not have a first-growth chateau, it’s sometimes an unfairly overlooked region. But that lack of claim to first-growth fame can make for some tasty bargains. 

Reportedly, the owner Bruno Borie in speaking with Stephen Tanzer of International Wine Cellar fame said that "starting with our 2005 vintage, that the La Croix de Beaucaillou would become a wine of terroir." Now he [Mr. Tanzer] scored this wine 87-90 points, but he also said "this looks to be the best Croix ever" which seems to contradict the low score. 

"So rather than only including grapes from Ducru's youngest or less favorably situated vines [fruit that now goes into private labels], "the Croix is made only with the grapes of certain specific parcels.” ~ Stephen Tanzer

As you can see my low-light image of the bottle did not turn-out as well as I hoped it would, but this amazing wine was none-the-less a shining star of flavor and finesse, after some near 30 years in the bottle. 

You’ll find Saint-Julien, sandwiched in-between the more famous appellations of Pauillac and Margaux, but also nicely balanced. Many vino-sapiens know Saint-Julien as one of the smaller but still important appellation of the Haut-Medoc an area found in south-west Bordeaux. Sad to say, but the importers of this great wine  Woltner and Co. appear to have gone out of business. 

Hovering over the glass a moment; beautifully aged aromas escape slowly from the glass, filling the air just above with a sweet cedar box and forest floor aromas. Bumping up against the wall of the glass plum colors give away to garnet and brick colors and, sediment lies lazily in the glass. 

Meanwhile after the first slurp; spice box, more cedar, and dark licorice, dried dark plum and other red fruits entice you. What at time of bottling must have been a full-bodied, solidly structured wine has beautifully matured over the decades. Becoming a wine which easily shares it pure with sweet tannins. An amazing and unforgettable experience to say the least about a wine I’m scoring 94 points. 

I will leave you with the words of Mr. Leonard Cohen who said; "Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash." Until next time folks remember life is so short, sip long and prosper cheers!

Blast from the Past: 1963 Cockburn's Vintage Port

“Talents are best nurtured in solitude. Character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world.” - Von Goethe

It's not often you can jump into a time machine of sorts and go back to the year you were born, but I had the good fortune to do just that last Sunday. 

One of the funny things about vino-sapiens and just people in general is the fact that most folk’s historical context starts the day they were born. But with a quick look-back into the history books, you'll see that here in states 1963 was a tumultuous year to say the least. 

Many may recall it was JFK, who inspired his country to find its way to the moon and, who also tragically lost his life just two years after making that announcement. It was also the year when many folks heard MLK give his "I've a Dream" speech to hundreds of thousands of American's gathered at the national mall. 

Musically speaking; the Beatles were taking the UK by storm, while the Stones sang songs many fans probably would not recognize today. And the very first celebrity chef appears on TV, French Chef with Julia Child debuts via an educational-television program. 

The iconic cold-war era "red-phone" is established between DC and Moscow and it's also happens to be the year I was born. It was during these times, that Cockburn's was also pleased as punch to announce their decision to declare 1963 as a Vintage year. 

The Symington family who recently acquired Cockburn’s has now taken ownership of this once great port empire. They are well aware of what many had called “The golden age of Cockburn’s”. It was during this golden-age which produced many legendary wines, [ports] like 1896, 1908, 1927 and the 1963 which I recently sampled. 

They believe that by identifying that "style" from their hey-days, one which had brought them tremendous success in the past, that the family can [hopefully] recapture that essence for the future. I'd say that is a good bet, if they can pull it off. Their newest "declared" vintage is 2011, but I don't think I'll be around in 50 years to taste whether or not they have succeeded. 

The wine held up beautifully over the years and, the cork came out without a hitch. In the glass you can clearly see, the ruby color starting to fade and, starts picking up more garnet and brick edge colors. It was decanted for about an hour or so before dipping into what can only described as sheer delight. If you would like to grab a bottle of this for yourself, please stop by Bird Rock Fine Wine for your own amazing birth-year experience. This is my first time sipping of wine with this much bottle age and wow what a special treat it was, big-time thanks to Ken for the invite. 

Splashing down from the decanter to my glass, grabbing more air, the fruit gained a bit more plum-like character, while at the same time dialing up a bit more complex dried fruit characteristics. Bang-bang right out of the gate this port is nicely integrated, showing cherry, dark-plum, baking-spice, subtle choc-truffle, great depth and hints of fig on the nose and palate and perhaps surprisingly so, a nice verve of acid to carry the still abundant fruit. It was nothing but sheer drinking pleasure and paired ever so nicely with pecorino cheese. Until next folks please remember to sip long and prosper cheers!

Wine of the Week: 2007 Poggio Basso Chianti Classico Riserva

“Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” – Arnold Bennett 

Many times in the course of selling wine to the public; I find that the average vino-sapien is quite opposed to change. Far too many folks from my perspective seem to want/need the same "Wine-Experience" over and over. When I do offer an alternative; like the wine you see in the picture above, they run-away away shrieking in horror [just a slight bit of exaggeration, but you get the picture].

And why? Oh-because some folks simply can't not imagine taking a wine-risk. They run willy-nilly back to the comfort of the same formulaic brand they've become use to and know well. That fact is one of the saddest things I hear coming from the lips of folks who I know dig wine like I do; but they're just too scared or far too comfortable to venture through the door of discovery. 

Hell, they won't even dip a toe in the pool; especially if the price of the wine veers over their perception of the reasonable-range. For crying-out-loud people it's just a bottle of wine, not a life-time altering event. But maybe, just maybe it could be, hmm ponder the possibilities. 

I popped the cork on this rustic beauty just last night a delicious classic style of Chianti Classico; which went [paired] amazingly well with a gorgeous classic Margherita Pizza Mrs. Cuvee and I dined upon last night.

The wine was the perfect accompaniment, just playing some nice base tones in the background, while at the same time enhancing the epicurean experience. The wine sells most places for a SRP of $20 and I gave it a score of 90 points making it a QPR star.

It’s sad, but most folks have almost knee jerk reaction to Chianti. The first thought which comes to mind, is that of the wicker basket bottles. But don't let that false perception stop you. Because like we say about women here in America, "you've come along way baby" the same can be said about Chianti Classico. These wines have evolved far past the point of the simplistic table wines of the seventies. 

I'd anyone to just take the time to investigate what Chianti has to offer the average vino-sapien. Many will find many good to very-good producers; who I know if given the chance, will help change many minds and hearts about these very tasty, yet truly authentic Tuscan wines.

The Poggio Basso is a well executed wine with has "classic" written all over it, 100% Sangiovese goodness from the first splash in my glass to the very last drop. A stinky nose, which made me think rich dry earth, cracked, sun-beaten leather and fruit all, came together at some point. After the first splash, polished tannins and dried fruits reminding me of dark plums dark red-cherries and, yes you could taste the pit.

A small factoid about Italy’s most planted grape known as Sangiovese. It’s a small [smaller the better] dark-berried grape and, one that has really become synonymous with the majority of the red wines from the Tuscany region. But of course not everyone plants the same clone of Sangiovese, so that said never forget clones matter.

Weighing in at just 13% abv and nicely textured, this wine made for the perfect food pairing partner. While we chose pizza, I could imagine seeing this wine pair nicely with large variety Italian recipes. Okay I'm done pontificating so until next folks remember, life is short so sip long and prosper cheers!

Travel Tuesday: The Frugal Wine Taster

”The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. ~ Benjamin Franklin

The voyage of discovery is a fun experience in and of itself, but add to fact, the discovery of finding great new wines makes the trip all the merrier. But for many the cost of wine-discovery can add up quite quickly, so many opt to just stay home and drink the same wines they have always enjoyed. 

But what if I told, there was a way to get some complimentary wine-tastings in a great location known and loved by many, called Sonoma County. Would you hoot, would you holler or perhaps just load up the wine-wagon with friends and family and make your way out to wine-country for the weekend? 

I'm thinking that you in fact would find a-way to free-up sometime on that busy work-free weekend. So here's the good-news; Visa Signature and Sonoma County Vintners offer cardholders the following year-round benefits at over 60 select Sonoma wineries:* 

• Two unique complimentary tastings per cardholder
• Savings on wine purchased same day in Tasting Room and non-wine purchases
• Savings on Reserve tastings and special wine-and-food pairings.
• Complimentary tasting details and benefits vary by winery and you may wish to call ahead to confirm winery benefits.

So if you happen to have a Visa Signature Card* then you are luck; as any cardholder is going to be able to get a sip of the good life for free. Yep you heard me right "free", however see their website for complete details [because restrictions do apply]. 

 

To make this great offer, even easier there's a printable map which directs you to all the participating wineries. With over 60 included on the list; I'm pretty sure you'll find one that floats your boat. After quickly perusing the list; I see many of my favorites like Rodney Strong, Roth, Rued, Seghesio and Twomey Cellars to name a few.

Seems like a pretty good deal for the wandering wino and great way to kick-off what might otherwise be just a dull weekend. So your get your empty glass over to Sonoma and give those wines a swirl. 

The weather is perfect right now and again it's a great time to hang in Sonoma County. While you're there, I would recommend having lunch or dinner at the The Girl and the Fig a fun gastronomical experience not to be missed. So until next time sip long and prosper cheers!

Wine Enthusiast 4-Pc. Fusion Infinity Pinot Noir Wine Glass Set