Great Wine Source Wine Blog

Basic information about wine, wine education and wine business discussions

Wine Recommendations

Mar 2

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Love Zinfandel? Wine Spectator Recommendations

As you may know, I love Zinfandels. They are bold, spicy and sassy; kind of like me.

Wine Spectator has a couple of highly recommended, highly rated Zinfandels this month that I am posting and going to go out to purchase. I’ll post my thoughts and recommendations after I have the chance to give them a try myself.

Carlisle

The first recommendation is Carlisle, 2007 Russian River Valley Papera Ranch Zinfandel. Rating of 96 and priced at about $40, Wine Spectator notes (p. 83):

A real knockout. Bold and intense, yet complex, with ripe cherry fruit deftly balanced by vibrant acidity. Offers floral aromas with notes of black raspberry, pepper and lingering Asian spice that lead to full but fleshy tannins.(p. 83)

Only 651 cases were made and it is drinkable through 2015, but with such a short supply of cases, hopefully I will be able to find this treasure before it’s gone!

Adelaida

The second recommendation is Adelaida 2007 Paso Robles Michael’s Estate Vineyard Zinfandel. Rating 92 and priced at about $28, Wine Spectator writes:

This briary red is nicely focused and structured, with loamy clay and smoky berry aromas that lead to gutsy wild blackberry, cracked pepper and licorice flavors. Finishes with ripe tannins. (p. 83)

821 cases made and it is drinkable now through 2015 as well. If you find these wines and have had the opportunity to enjoy, please post your comments, thoughts and ratings too!

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Benefits of Wine

Feb 28

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Wine does a body good!

You’ve read and heard no doubt that red wine is good for the heart. The Mayo Clinic writes:

“[D]octors do agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart, though it’s unclear just exactly what that “something” is. Researchers think antioxidants, such as flavonoids or a substance called resveratrol, have promising heart-healthy benefits.

Antioxidants aren’t the only substances in red wine that look promising. The alcohol in red wine also appears to be heart healthy. Find out what’s known — and not known — about red wine and its possible heart-health benefits. “ — MayoClinic.com

Now, a study published by the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that Champagne or sparkling wine that is made with both red and white grapes will provide some heart-healthy benefits as well. Researchers found that drinking moderate amounts of Champagne daily appears to improve heart function. According to the research, Champagne increased levels of nitric oxide, which controls blood pressure.

The key to all this good news is … you got it … moderation. If you over-do it, then you are doing more harm than good. All the research recommends only one glass a day, not two or three. And for those weekend enthusiasts, unfortunately you can’t have seven glasses in one day and expect the same benefits.

Be sure if you’re drinking a glass a day, that you add some dark chocolate with it to add even more benefits (with the flavonoids), but be sure to exercise, because those extra calories can add up quickly.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wedding Destination

Feb 27

Posted by greatWineSource in Travel/trips | 2 Comments

Vineyard at Vino Bello/Meritage Resort in Napa


I recently read an article by Stephanie Cain in “Wine Spectator” magazine, see Napa May Ring Wedding Bells that except for a few wineries, county ordinances prevent weddings from being held on winery properties.

Grape Crusher at the head of Napa Valley

With a rule change possible in order for Napa Valley wineries to make more money, there’s so many options available. V. Sattui has been able to hold weddings and it is a beautiful location, so that’s a great option.

Vino Bello/Meritage Resort are able to hold conventions, educational event and weddings. If you’re a wine enthusiast, and looking to get married, think about Vino Bello. I’ve been to Vino Bello and with its beautiful vineyard hillside, the grape crusher statue at the head of Napa, a wine cave and a a open-air gazebo, it is breathtaking. Here’s some images from my convention there last year.

Estate Wine Cave

The resort itself is amazingly beautiful with an Old World Tuscan décor, located in the heart of wine country in the shadow of the Grape Crusher statue at the head of Napa Valley. Upscale accommodations with Jacuzzi’s, heated swimming pools, full kitchens or kitchenettes, fine dining and wine tasting bar. It’s only 10 minutes from downtown Napa, the Wine Train and Oxbow Marketplace. You can schedule wine tours, recreational activities and in-room services with the Resort concierge.

Golfing available at the Chardonnay Golf Course (three different nine-hole courses).

Choosing this location for your wedding or business meeting will impress, excite and satisfy.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Robert Mondavi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Feb 23

Posted by greatWineSource in Wine of the Day | Comments off

What is in a rating?

The other night I purchased a Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon for our Bunco game. The store indicated that Wine Enthusiast rated it a 91. Wine Advocate gives it a 90.

Wine Enthusiast’s rating scale indicates that 90-94 — Excellent. Extremely well made and highly recommended.
Wine Advocate’s rating scale indicates that 90-95 — Outstanding; exceptional complexity and character.

I tried the Mondavi 2006 and while it was good, it didn’t wow me. I expected for a rating of 90, 91 that it would be complex with a myriad of deep flavors and aromas.

According to the winemaker, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah.

“Dark and densely concentrated, expressive aromas of blackberry, currants and subtle notes of thyme and cinnamon lead to flavors of blackberry, black plum and a bit of black olive. Knit together with big, mouth-coating tannins, this is an engagingly well-structured, bold-statement wine.”

Wine Advocate notes that: “Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years.”

Maybe it does need to age more because for me (and another Bunco guest), it did not have the complexity and that we long for in Cabernets. The tannins were softer than preferred (I prefer very firm). I noted subtle hints of berries, and a medium finish, but there was very little expressive about this wine. It was only $19.99 at Festival Foods, so for a Cabernet in that price range it was very acceptable.

Would I buy it again? For $19.99, perhaps, but not for anything more than that.

Next up, Benziger 2006 Sonoma County Cabernet. Rated by Wine Enthusiast at 90 points, it will be interesting to see which wine I prefer.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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I’m so excited!

Feb 22

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Store is coming together!

My store is finally coming together. I have a few items posted (whew, this takes longer than you’d think). I’m in the process of updating more and more items, but please take a look, and if you like what you see, I’d love to have you as my very first online customer!

I’ll be adding wine magnets (which are so cool!), wine playing cards, wine totes, more aerators and more wine stoppers, so keep checking back for updates.

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