Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007

Date: Mon, Dec 21, 2009 Wine Business

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. I found that the Syrah's produced here in the US were smoother and not as bold as the full bodied Shiraz I had become accustomed to. Then again maybe I just have to taste a few more and that's not a bad thing now, is it?
On a recent tour I found what I believe is the best (so far) Finger Lakes Syrah and it was just a short drive south of Damiani at the Atwater Estate Vineyards.


Winemakers Notes:
Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes, where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. Cool-climate Syrah produces elegant wines, brimming with dark fruit, spice and earth. With a velvety palate of mulberry, pepper and mocha, this dry Syrah will complement grilled meats, beef stew, and classic French cassoulet.

My notes:
I found a whole lot of dark plum in the aromas and the palate with a little earth. Very smooth feel and finish with a little white pepper and a bit of sweet raspberry added to the plum. Probably the mulberry, which I have no idea what that taste like, gave it that hint of sweetness in a very nice dry wine.

I enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili. Not quite a cassoulet, but as close as I'll get.
Would really like to try with my daughters beef bourguignon (ala, Julia Child).

Unfortunately, there were only 113 cases produced. The price is very competitive with other Finger Lakes Syrah at $32, but can only be found on-line at Atwater Estates Vineyards or at the winery, which has one of the most fantastic views of Seneca Lake.

• Acres: 0 - Saw Mill Creek Vineyards, Hector, NY
• Year first planted: n/a
  
• Residual Sugar: .1%
• Alcohol: 13%
• Acid: .66%
• pH: 3.41
• Cases produced: 113

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Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007

Date: Tue, Dec 15, 2009 Wine Business

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights.
Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany. In the Finger Lakes region it is very scarce, only two wineries grow Dornfelder and Fulkerson Winery is the only varietal wine producer.

Color is a dark garnet with light aromas of plum, cherry and a hint of spice. As noted by the wine maker, it is a Beaujolais style wine, dry and fruity with some blueberry on the palate.

I purchased the Dornfelder at the Fulkerson Winery while on the Deck the Halls tour last week.
Price was right at only $12 and during the event the second bottle was 1/2 priced. Of course, I brought home two and now think I should have purchased more. The first bottle was great just sipping with some cheese bits and some chocolate M&M's.
The second, I enjoyed with my daughter's roasted organic free range chicken and some fabulous roasted potato fingerlings.

Add one more new discovery for 2009 and a reason to be very optimistic for 2010. Just too many varieties of grapes yet to be tasted for a first time. It'll be fun! :)

Other Reviews:

Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)

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Joeshico Wine Review: Agent For Change Zinfandel 2006

Date: Tue, Dec 8, 2009 Wine Business

**Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wines

One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. Because I am not a wine critic, but write a more or less personnel blog and only post what I find in wines that I like, I am surprised, but feel honored that I was chosen to write my opinion on their wines. It can also be disappointing when the wine received is one that I don't normally drink or one that I have a hard time with. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines.

The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Now Cabs I have no problem with. They are one of the wines that I started with a long long time ago in a place far far away and still enjoy today. I believe this is my first from the Paso Robles' region of California. The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A full bodied wine that I would like with a grilled NY strip, but settled for bites of extra sharp cheddar while watching my Phillies lose the World Series this past October. The wine sells for $18, but can only be purchased on line from Big Hammer Wines.

The second bottle I had to wait a month to open for a couple of reasons. The first was a little stomach problem that still lingers and the second was a fear that this would be like any other Zinfandel I've tried. I don't know why I have a problem with Zin's, but for some reason I never did get into the very full body, high alcohol and very peppery taste I always got, until now.
The second bottle was an Agent for Change 2006 Zinfandel. Blackberry, black cherry and a little dark plum aromas, lower alcohol and smoother finish from this Paso Robles' wine. Not what I was expecting, but any wine that I can finish in one night just sipping while playing on the PC, makes for a good drink. The Zin was also only $15 and like the Cab can be purchased only from Big Hammer Wines.

But wait, or as Paul Harvey would say, "now the rest of the story."
"Agent for Change Wines (code name: A4C) seeks operatives for doing good works by drinking good wines. By drinking charitably, A4C donates a significant portion of the proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations."
"A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Fifty percent of the profits from these wines are donated to community-based organizations that deliver healthcare to uninsured and underinsured workers in the wine industry."

These are good wines at a good price that support a good cause. To help out, please place your order now with Big Hammer Wines.

Other Reviews:

Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)

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A Day In The Finger Lakes 3 - "Deck The Halls"

Date: Mon, Dec 7, 2009 Wine Business

Always nice to return to the Finger Lakes with Shirley and friends for a day of wine tasting and stocking up the wine fridge for the holidays.
This time it was our first visit to the "Deck the Halls" event on Seneca Lake. 30 participating wineries offering a food pairing and an ornament for a Xmas wreath made from grape vines.
We received the wreath at our first stop and then spent the next seven hours attempting to visit as many of the wineries as possible to try their special food pairing with one or two of their wines and also taste the new releases and some old favorites before heading onto the next stop.
Shirley acted as designated driver for me and two good friends and passed her time in the shops buying Xmas presents while we tasted, compared notes and bought wine.
We were able to visit 16 of the 30 participating wineries. On the downside, this really did not
give us a lot of time in each to meet the staff and talk wine. But, it was enough to come away with a trunk load of wine and gifts, enjoy the company of friends and make many new friends in the tasting rooms.

The day started when we arrived at Lamoreaux Landing at 10 a.m. to sign in and pick up our wreaths, first ornament and our first food and wine pairing. We tasted some of their reds and brought home a nice Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was here I decided that with winter now here I was only going to taste the red wines today. That did not last long and by days end I had a few good white wines in my bag.
From Lamoreaux we went on to visit Wagner Vineyards, Penquin Bay Winery, Red Newt Cellars and Atwater Estate Vineyards on the east side of Seneca Lake before heading up the west side.
It was at Atwater that I found the best wine of the day, the 2007 Syrah. I also got to meet and talk a bit with owner Ted Marks. It was a very busy day for Ted and I appreciate the fact that he took a little time to chat.
The rest of the day we traveled north on Rt. 14 (the west side).
The first two stops were at Casacata Winery at the Professors' Place and Lakewood Vineyards.
At Lakewood I found my new favorite Riesling and a nice recipe for a Christmas salad. From there we traveled to Fulkerson Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars and Villa Bellangelo. I am always looking for something new in wine and at Fulkerson I tasted a Dornfelder. A Beaujolais style German wine that is produced in the Finger Lakes by only Fulkerson Winery. A very nice wine and a 1/2 off price for second bottle. I took advantage of that offer and brought home two.
Still heading north we were able to stop at Torrey Ridge Winery and Prejean Winery before making a must stop at Anthony Road Wine Company. A fabulous swedish style meat ball over egg noodles was served with the Anthony Road 2008 semi-sweet Riesling. What a great pairing.
Best pairing of the day. Also very busy in the back and at the cash register was owner Ann Martini. Lovely lady, very gracious and very proud of her wines.
Again just a short chat and off we went to Fox Run Vineyards and White Springs Winery, two of my picks as best of the Finger Lakes wineries. I left Fox Run with a collection of their fine red wines and headed to White Springs for some of my favorite whites. But, at White Springs I got my surprise of the day! For those that know me, I usually will not try any wine that may even suggest sweetness. On the recommendation of tasting room manager Jan Van Allen, I tried a wild blend called Happenstance. Cab/Sauv, Cab/Franc, Merlot and Gewurztraminer produced a very elegant semi-sweet red wine with lots of very dark plum and black cherry and a velvety smooth finish. Thank you Jan for the recommendation.
Still early after leaving White Springs, we had time to head over to the north-east side and visit Ventosa Vineyards. A great way to finish our tour, at the most elegant structure on the Lake.
One of the newer wineries, Ventosa is producing some of the best wines in the region. I especially like the Tocai Friulano and the Saggio VI white blend and Saggio series 5 red blend.
What a great day on the Finger Lakes. Next year we hope to plan the entire weekend for this event. Until then I will just keep the wine fridge filled with with great wines and greater memories for our first "Deck The Halls."

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Back to Work!!!

Date: Sun, Nov 29, 2009 Wine Business

Been a couple of weeks, but I've been away enjoying and celebrating life with my four brothers.
I thought I knew everything about my dad, but when friends and relatives start reminiscing about the past, it's refreshing to know that he he enjoyed life (in his way) to the fullest. I know mom is waiting and this time around he's going to have to listen and obey. R.I.P. dad.

While in PA for Thanksgiving week, I did get to taste this years Beaujolais Nouveau. Reminded me of banana candy mixed in with a little finger nail polish. Gotta be the worst ever! I thought this was supposed to be a banner year! What Happened?

Also, finished a quite a few bottles of Malbec. My one brother is into the Malbec's right now.
Best of the lot was a Marcus James. Nice wine and fantastic price, $8 for 1.5L bottle. Stupid me would have probably passed on that one if wine shopping.

Got home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. I brought a '07 Damiani Meritage and an Anthony Road '08 Riesling to dinner. Had another Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing, but took that along with a few other Finger Lakes wines to PA for my brothers. Not so surprising was a phone call to my wife on Friday from her sister. She requested that I buy her an Anthony Road "08 semi-dry Riesling for Xmas. Just maybe, I gotta her off the "Red Cat."

Last evening I had a real nice Seyval from Hosmer Winery and tonight I opened an Agent for Change Paso Robles Zinfandel. I have a hard time with Zin's, but this one is a lighter bodied and smoother that what I have been tasting. Reviews on both are in the works.

To wrap up this post, I would like to have a rare "Joeshico Rant" (think I may use this again).
To those who like to comment on my blog for the purpose of just linking to your site without any comment on the article, or to give a negative comment, your comment will not be published.
For the anonymous a-hole who does not like my reviews. 1. I am not a wine critic. 2. My blog is more personal with reviews of wines I like and why I like them and 3. If your purpose in reading wine blogs is to get off and you just "don't get it," stick with Robert Parker and ejaculate all you want.

Now I feel better. Back to work!!!

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Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Lamoreaux Landing Dry Riesling, 2008

Date: Sun, Nov 15, 2009 Wine Business

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual "Deck the Halls" event on Dec. 6th. I have to say his timing was impeccable.
The food we were enjoying was a hodge-podge of different selections off the bar menu. A Mediterranean rotizza (cheese, roasted pepper and kalamata olives), a tangy crab-artichoke dip, juicy wings with a medium hot dip and crab cakes were shared by myself and two close friends.
The wine was a perfect match for the entire menu.
Lots of apricot, peach, citrus and a little floral aromas with lemon and apple on the palate and some mineral on a dry finish gave this wine everything I look for in a great Riesling. Nice fruit, smooth and balanced and now among one of my favorites. The suggested retail on this wine is $12-$14, but can be found on line for under $9.

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Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Banfi Chianti Classico Reserve 2005

Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 Wine Business

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The best wines always remain, while others are always changed out in order to keep the list fresh. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds. So, to satisfy our thirst for a nice red wine to pair with my Chicken Parmesan, Shirley's Cavatelli Aleta (a cream sauce with Asiago cheese, prosciutto, baby peas, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers) and my daughter Pam's Fettucini with Joey's fabulous marinara sauce, we chose a Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005. I have to give credit to Shirley for choosing the wine. As usual, she always gets it right.

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Storing Wine

Date: Tue, Nov 3, 2009 Wine Business

This is a re-post from a 5 article series in October 2008.
Ulcer problems are keeping me away from drinking wine at present.
Any one know of a good wine that will cure the problem, please let me know.

Whether you buy 10 bottles or a thousand bottles of wine, if you don’t drink the wine within 6 months, you should be aware of the proper method for storing the bottles correctly. Storing wine incorrectly can lead to spoilage or premature aging of the wine.

Correct method to store wine can be said in one sentence:

Store wine bottles tilted downward on a vibration free shelf, (so the wine is in complete contact with the cork), in a cool, dark, damp area, surrounded with odorless air at a temperature varying no more than 10 degrees between 40F to 65F, with 70% humidity.

In this series of six articles, we will discuss how your storage environment can affect the quality of the stored wine. The first and probably the most important item is the cork in the neck of the bottle and how humidity and the quality of the air can affect that cork. Proper lighting, correct temperature range, and stability of the shelving that your bottles rest on will also determine if the wine you so carefully chose will last for years or easily become very undrinkable in a very short time.

WET CORKS

While corks seem to be made of solid material, they are actually made up of hundreds of air pockets which allow air to pass through. If not kept moist, cork will dry out, shrink and become brittle. Cork is compressed into the neck of the wine bottle to make as tight a seal as possible against the glass, allowing little air to penetrate into the wine. Allowed to dry out, the cork will shrink, air will enter the wine and turn the wine sour or into vinegar – quite undrinkable.

Best Solutions:

1) Bottle Angle DO NOT STORE WINE BOTTLES UPRIGHT! An easy (and cheap) way to keep the cork wet is to lay the wine bottle on its side horizontally and slightly tip the bottle neck downward enough to completely cover the bottom of the cork in the wine bottle neck. This will keep the cork moist and air away from the wine.

2) Moisture Easiest done in a small enclosed environment, use a humidifier to keep the ideal humidity of 70%. If you can’t get it exactly at 70%, try to keep the humidity between 50% and 80%. This will keep corks moist and air away from the wine.

Since wet corks are full of air pockets and will absorb surrounding odors, you must be concerned about the odors in the air around the corks.

AIR QUALITY Keep the air clean and odorless to prevent the cork from absorbing any strong odors (such as fried onions or garlic from the kitchen) or musty smells (from a damp basement) and hence, tainting the wine.

Best Solution: Use a circulating fan.

MOVING WINE

Wine ages best when left undisturbed. This allows the sediment to settle to the bottom of the bottle and lets the wine develop a balanced taste. Correctly stored wine is lying horizontally, with the neck tilted slightly downward. If you need to read the label to decide which bottle you would like to open, keep the bottle horizontal as you remove it from the shelf. Read the label while the bottle is still horizontal. This way, if you don’t use that bottle, you can replace it on the shelf with very little shaking of the wine, and the sediment can continue to settle, aging the wine.

In some cabinet wine coolers, the starting and stopping of some motors used to run the lights, fans and humidifiers, can cause excessive shelf vibrations.

Best Solution: Check manufacturer’s specs and get the lowest vibration motor possible for what you need and don’t move wine bottles more than necessary.

LIGHTING

Wine ages by fermentation. Fermentation needs a cool, dark and damp environment. If your storage area is always lit with strong light, or windows allow sunlight to touch the wine bottles, the wine may age faster than normal. The acid, tannins and sugars that define the characteristics of the wine, will not have enough time to fully balance.

Best solution: Store in a dark room or cabinet and use only dim light when necessary to view your selection of stored wine. If using a glass door, get the glass tinted dark.

TEMPERATURE

A slow change of 10 degrees per year will not adversely affect stored wine. A change of 10 degrees per day or week will cause the wine to age prematurely.

Best Solution: Keep the wine between the following temperatures:

Red Wine: 55⁰F to 65⁰F

White Wine: 50⁰F to 56⁰F

Rose Wine: 49⁰F to 51⁰F

Champagne: 53⁰F to 59⁰F

Sparkling Wine: around 40⁰F

If using one compartment for multiple types of wine: around 60⁰F

CONCLUSION

It’s a beautiful sight to see one hundred or more bottles of wine being stored properly. But, it does take a few dollars and some time and effort on your part, to do it right. For most of us, a collection of 5 to 10 bottles will suffice for all our needs. There are beautiful wine bottle stands, that sit on counters or floors that can keep your bottles safe until you use them. Obviously, if you use stands, you will not be concerned with what this article is about. The only suggestion we would make is that in the summer months, move the stand to the coolest place available and enjoy a great bottle of wine…SALUD!

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Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 Wine Business

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way. Much of this change or palate expansion, if there is such a term, is directly related to the wines from the Finger Lakes region on New York. Not only the white wines that they have always excelled with, but also the great accomplishments that they have achieved lately in producing quality red wines.
Tonight, Shirley baked trout with Cajun spices, cole slaw, corn and Cajun fries. Two years ago I would have never had a Riesling in the fridge, let alone think of opening one for any reason. Now I have a few and tonight I chose a 2008 Reserve Reisling from Fox Run Vineyards.
Thankfully for me, a no sugar guy, the 2008 vintage is a dry Riesling, 1.0% RS. In 30+ years as a wine drinker, I would have never believed a Riesling could be this good.
Wild aromas of topical fruits, raspberry, peach and lemon on the nose. You feel and taste all of these aromas on the palate and the finish is dry and very long. Even with a nice light Tiramisu for dessert, this wine was fantastic.
The downside of this Riesling is the price. At $30 this may be a little high for Rieslings, but this is a Reserve that is not produced every year. Only in years when ripening conditions are outstanding will this wine be produced and the 2008 is well worth it.
I'll be back to Fox Run for the annual Deck the Halls event and will definitely bring home some more.

Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)

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Regional Wine Week: Day 6 and 7 plus 1

Date: Sun, Oct 18, 2009 Wine Business

Well, Regional Wine Week ended on Saturday for most all those participating, except me.
It was my goal, living near the Finger Lakes region, to have a different Finger Lakes wine every night for seven days. I also wanted only wines that I have not had before. For the latter reason, I had to add a day.
I recently wrote about my son's lounge and the fact that he has finally added New York wines, in particular, Finger Lakes wine, to his wine list. However, on Friday when I made my weekly appearance ( every Fri. and Sat.) the only one on hand was one that I just recently reviewed.
A Glenora Gewurztraminer. It was good, it was Finger Lakes, but it was not a new wine for me. So, I added Sunday to my week!

Saturday, I decided that I would take a bottle to the Lounge, pay the corkage and fulfill my goal.
I choose a wine from Anthony Road Winery, Red Newt Cellars and Fox Run Vineyards. Yes, all three, one wine! One fabulous wine.
This Dry Riesling represents a unique collaborative effort of all three wineries. This wine pulls together not only the unique vineyard expressions of Seneca Lake, but also the philosophies of the participating winemakers.
Three vineyards, three winemakers, one wine. Peter Bell(Fox Run), Johannes Reinhardt(Anthony Road) and David Whiting(Red Newt) have peered through the mystique of terroir to produce "Tierce"
A lot of citrus and floral aromas with sweet grapefruit and lime filling the mouth. The finish was long and dry.
Enjoyed the wine with crab-artichoke dip and crab cakes. A real enjoyable wine to end the week, but that made only six new wines I tried, so I extended my week one more day!

Sunday is the first day of my week-end. It was going to be a busy day doing some home repairs, many of them caused by me, some shopping and putting some finishing touches on our newly renovated basement. Shirley was visiting her dad all day, so I was able to take my time and open a wine to sip while working and have with left over Chili. I grabbed a small wine glass and opened a dry Cab/Franc Rose' from Anthony Road.
A very berry aroma. Lots of red raspberry and strawberry on the nose. Almost like a good homemade strawberry/rhubarb jam or pie. Add a little spice to the mouth with a dry fruity and lingering finish. Didn't do well with the Chili, but the rest of the day was great!
This, maybe, wasn't the best wine I had this past week but it certainly was the most enjoyable.
I finished the day and my Regional Wine Week with a nice Finger Lakes Rose' along with some Tostitos and Fritos jalapeno and cheddar dip. Much better than the Chili.

"Regional Wine Week is the genius of WineCurmudgeon.com’s Jeff Siegel and and WineLine‘’s David McIntyre (also of the Washington Post) who gathered a few wine writers to talk about their respective regions’ wines at the same time. With 40 participants talking about their local juice, it was a great success and spawned the DrinkLocalWine.com website,"*** which organized the week a year ago. This week was Regional Wine Week #2
***LusciousLushes.com

I enjoyed the week and the wines and will likely do it all over again. I am already trying to develop a goal for the next Regional Wine Week. I think that maybe I should define what is regional or that it may not be a bad idea to try wines from other lesser known regions during that week. In the meantime I'll continue to practice :)

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Regional Wine Week: Day 5

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009 Wine Business

Day 5 (Thurs) of Regional Wine Week.
Today I turned 62 years of age. On a recent wine tour, a very good friend of mine, purchased a $50 bottle of wine and gave it to me as a early birthday present. I promised that I would open on that day. The wine was a Fox Run Pinot Noir Reserve 2007. After an evening with some friends and a few Crown Royal Manhattans I came home early enough to fulfill that promise.
The Manhattans are keeping me from finishing this wine in one night and that is my mistake.
Some day I will make a list of all of the best wines by varietal that I have ever had. This one
will definitely be in the running for my best Pinot Noir.
Lots of cherry with currant, sweet plum and a bit of pomegranate filled the glass. I was a little
surprised by how light and fruit forward this wine felt in the mouth (very earthy) and how smooth and long the finish.
Maybe it's good I leave a 1/2 bottle for later. I can just fantasize this with Shirley's Tuna casserole or maybe one of her thick Turkey burgers.
I don't normally buy any wine for $50, but this one may just be one that will be put away
for a special occasion or a special meal. Thank you Donna for the gift. I owe you one.

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Regional Wine Week: Days 3 and 4

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2009 Wine Business

As promised, day 3 (Tues) of Regional Wine Week I chose a dry Riesling from Billsboro Winery.
I just recently reviewed a Billsboro Sauvignon Blanc and remembered from a recent visit to the winery that the dry Riesling was one of the best I tasted that day.
Lots of tropical aromas with some tangerine on the nose. Very velvety with a hint of lime in the mouth. The finish is very smooth, but also very short.
Enjoyed with a baked chicken breast stuffed with baby artichoke hearts then covered with bruschetta and mozzarella.


Wednesday, got home from work to a just finished baked trout. Nothing fancy, just a whole trout baked with a little butter. Served with roasted potatoes and string beans. This meal calls for a nicely chilled Riesling, but I had a Riesling last night and figured I'd experiment tonight with a bottle of Tocai Friulano 2008 from the Ventosa Vineyards. Sounds like a nice Italian wine from my wife's birthplace of Trieste in NE Italy, but this Italian grape is estate grown at the Ventosa Vineyards on the east side of Seneca Lake in Geneva NY.
Lots of floral aromas of honeysuckle and apple blossom in the glass. In the mouth, a thick and velvety feel and a flavor of a sweet grapefruit. The finish was smooth and dry with a touch of sweetness. Definitely a very nice wine, but a bit overpowering for trout. Would love to try this with Salmon or a pork roast.
Three more days and three more Finger Lakes wines. Next post will cover days 5, 6 and 7.

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Regional Wine Week: Days 1 and 2

Date: Mon, Oct 12, 2009 Wine Business

Regional Wine Week was organized by DrinkLocalWine.com. It runs from Sunday Oct. 11 thru Saturday Oct. 17.
For me, that means seven days of Finger Lakes wine. With plenty enough in the wine fridge, it won't be to difficult to do, but what choices do I make may pose a problem. Shirley's meal plans have to consider that I work till 10 pm. When I get home it's usually a light meal and a glass or two or three of something I can enjoy while on the PC catching up reading my favorite blogs.

Sunday, was lead off with a nice white wine from White Springs Winery. A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Grigio. Floral aromas with some citrus on the nose and fresh grapefruit in the mouth. Although there's a bit more chardonnay in the blend, this was more dominated by the Pinot Grigio, but balanced out very well. Suggested pairing is shrimp or cream based soups.
I had with a little peppery homemade chicken soup and enjoyed the pairing very much.

Tonight, which is my day off, Shirley broiled me a juicy 12 oz. New York Strip steak. I had my choice of six different reds and had to decide between a Damiani Meritage or a Fox Run Merlot.
The Meritage is one of my favorite Finger Lakes wines and this was my last bottle and I wanted to save it, so I went with the Merlot. Turned out to be a great choice.

On the nose was a not quite ripe yet blackberry with a little nutmeg and raw ginger. More fruity on the tongue with a mild peppery finish. This went well with the steak and even better with Shirley's roasted veggies (carrot, brussel sprouts, squash, zucchini) roasted with an Italian basting oil. I also enjoyed sipping the Merlot while writing this post.

Well, Regional Wine Week has started out pretty darn good. Looking forward now to the rest of this week and the wines I'll be enjoying.
Tomorrow, Riesling! Can't do a Finger Lakes week with out a good Riesling. Also on tap for the week are a Pinot Noir from Fox Run which was a gift from a friend for my birthday! So that night is taken. The other three nights, mmmmm! going to be a good week.

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Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Date: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 Wine Business

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again. That happened this week. But, halllelujah, tonight was a bit more successful.

Tonight I got home a little after 10 pm and went searching the fridge for a nice white wine to relax with. I pulled every bottle of white wine I had (about 20). I passed over many of my favorites before keeping out a Billsboro Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008.

Billsboro Winery was opened as Geneva's first winery in the spring of 2000 by Bob Pool and Jennifer Morris and is home to 26 acres of rolling hills, vineyards and forest. It is now owned by local winemaker, Vincent ("Vinny") Aliperti, and his wife Kim who plan to continue the Pool-Morris vision of a small, friendly, family-run vinifera winery.

I remembered commenting on an older post that this was may be the best Sauvignon Blanc I tasted outside of my favorites from New Zealand. As a friend of mine always says, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it." But, there are many differences.

The color is not like my NZ wines, which show a greenish tint. This one is a more golden in color.
The aromas are not tropical or grassy, but more of dry grapefruit with a little melon. There is no floral on the nose or palate, but a very nice grapfruit, lemon and mineral. The finish is not long, but not really short and very, very smooth. I think this would even be better with a shrimp cocktail, but for just sipping and relaxing, this wine is excellent.

I find many good Sauvignon Blanc's from New Zealand and Chile between $9 and $12. Some of the better ones between $12 and $20. Billsboro Sauvignon Blanc can be ordered from the winery for $16. Not a great buy, but...

Take it from an amateur wine lover.....Good Buy!

Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)

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