My weekly Taste a Quick Snapshot

It was Chile and Australia in the glass this past week. A 2010 Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere and a 2010 Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Riesling.

First up from Chile the Carmenere with its deep red/purple color and aromas of dark cherry, vanilla, pepper notes, blueberries and plum. Love the silky feel in the mouth. Creamy vanilla, dark ripe cherry, with hints of blueberry and oak. Perfect little pepper spice on the end. Big fan of this wine.

Up next the Australian Riesling which I will call the citrus queen. Aromas of lime zest, nectarine, fresh pear with hints of green apple. Light and crisp in the mouth with loads of lemon/lime, crisp green apple and melon. Paired perfect with chicken stir fry. One of my favorite Rieslings!


Cheers
Dan


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2011 Block Nine Caiden's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Ron's wine pick at First Avenue Wine House and my favorite varietal, it was a no-brainer purchase. Priced at $14, I'm always looking for that "steal" wine....great taste at a value price. Block Nine was produced by winemaker Larry Levin a veteran in the wine industry. His experience includes making wine in Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Dry Creek Vineyard and Icon Estates. Created out of the need for more economically priced pinots, the wine clocks in at 13.1% and captures some nice flavor.

On the nose cherry, dark tea, violets, cloves, with hints of leather and strawberry. In the mouth ripe cherry and strawberry with clove and a hint of vanilla. The finish is both juicy and spicy. Pretty good pinot for the price. I'm torn is the wine too young with it's tightness on the start of the taste but then on the finish it softens so will it age? I would ask my readers to try a bottle and let me know their thoughts.

Cheers
Dan

2013 Virginia Winery Guide Now Availble

2013 VIRGINIA WINERY GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION


Richmond, VA – January 15, 2013 – The 2013 Virginia Winery Guide, produced by the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, is now available and ready for distribution. The initial shipment has gone out to all the wineries and tourism centers in Virginia, as well as many wine shops, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants throughout the Commonwealth.
This year marks the third annual Virginia Winery Guide Photography Contest. Professional photographers and novices alike submitted more than 500 pictures statewide. This year’s winner is Christina Brewer of Northern VA. Her photograph was taken at Hume Vineyards. Her photograph was selected because it embodied the overall vision of Virginia wines: sophisticated yet approachable wines in picturesque countryside setting.
The 2013 cover image features the newly designated Middleburg AVA, and was photographed by James Hanna. For more information on James Hanna photography, please call (540) 668-7707 or visit www.jimhannaphotography.com.
The guide has been updated this year to feature 230 wineries, cideries and meaderies. Along with a detailed, topographic driving map of Virginia with the winery locations, the Virginia Winery Guide also has a comprehensive listing of all the wineries. This listing includes the location, hours, directions, and contact information for each winery.
If an individual is interested in receiving a copy of the 2013 Virginia Winery Guide, they can visit www.VirginiaWine.org/guide to submit their mailing address. Winery guides are sent at no cost and will arrive in 1-2 weeks in the mail after the request is made. Also, if individuals need a copy of the 2013 Virginia Winery Guide immediately, then they can download any of the regional maps at www.virginiawine.org/guide.
Businesses in Virginia or surrounding areas that would like to display the Virginia winery guide can either email MaryCatherine.Searson@Virginiawine.org or call our office at (804) 344-8200.

2010 Four Vines Naked Chardonnay Santa Barbara County

Unoaked Chardonnay was my latest purchase from my favorite Cedar Rapids Wine Shop First Avenue Wine House I had not stopped for awhile so I'm assuming Traci thought I was ill or something. This happened to be a staff pick so it caught my eye. Couple of my friends knew the winemaker Christian Tietje, so my guess this would be a nice wine was correct. Fermented in 100% stainless steel, I have become a fan of theses unoaked morsels of lively juice (so has my wife).

On the nose granny smith apple, peach, pineapple, melon, tons of citrus zest with a hint of vanilla and lemon. Definately crisp tropical fruit!

Did I just put fresh lime sherbert in my mouth? Lime with lemon citrus creme. Pineapple with a nice minerality on the finish. Simple yet full of flavor. Love finding these inexpensive gems.

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Cheers
Dan

2009 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Located on Washington Street in Yountville, you will find the quaint tasting room of Cornerstone Cellars loaded with exceptional wines. After a visit, there are several shops, an art gallery and many world class restaurants to complete your day.

Tonight's vino (sample received) is the 09 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Composed of 95% Cabernet and 5% Merlot (aged 22 months in french oak), Cornerstone produced 842 cases and the wine clocks in at 14.9% alcohol. I opened 2 hours before really getting after this wine but I also tasted just after opening and I highly suggest allowing this baby to open up with air. Evident right from the first swirl is the dark cherry and clove racing into your nose. Raspberry, vanilla with a kick of cinnamon followed by blackberry. Rich, complex aromas....yep it's definately time to taste.

Silky smooth and nice ripe fruit. Juicy cherry/raspberry combination with hints of plum/blackberry. On the finish the cherry and plum last long with a nice touch of cinnamon spice. As I continued to taste, I notice the layers of fruit and spice are so well balanced neither dominates. Drink by itself or pair with a nice hearty stew, I think you will agree it's one fine cabernet.

Schedule a visit, buy some wine or learn more about Cornerstone Napa by clicking the link. I hope you share the same thoughts about them as I do. Great people, exceptional wines it must be Cornerstone.

Cheers
Dan

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