Rick’s Grape Skinny
March 2012
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” Benjamin Franklin

American Grand Cru Society
What a Grand Idea!

Every now and again, we all stumble upon something in the wonderful world of wine that not only piques our interest…but makes us say, “Wow…what a great idea. Wish I’d thought of that!” Well, the American Grand Cru Society is just such an idea – and though it’s not my idea, I I am no less excited to have become a member during its formative stages…and I look forward to helping the AGCS achieve its noble goals.

Founded by long time wine aficionado and professional wine consultant, Greg Poirier, the not-for-profit AGCS was principally conceived from the depths of Greg’s wine-related passion and his drive to better serve all who might buy or produce wine in America. Having become a Certified Sommelier in 1995 (through the renowned Court of Master Sommeliers), Greg also owns and operates a travel and wine education business, Wine Guy Tours, that offers tailored, instructional travel and training experiences to the world’s major wine regions. http://www.wineguytours.com/ Greg also earned an MBA from the acclaimed School of Business in Bordeaux, France this past year! And oh by the way, when Greg isn’t engaged in his wine related passions, he also holds a full time job!

At the risk of putting words in Founder Greg’s mouth, it’s at least my sensing that the AGCS was born in large part from the universal knowledge that the best wines are made in the vineyards…and that through identifying America’s best vineyards…we might also derive an evolving list of America’s best wines and wine producers. To be sure, the concept of identifying and classifying the best vineyards and the best terroir for growing grapes is not new, and indeed the “Grand Cru” terminology is taken from the highly regulated French system of categorizing and classifying their wines.

There’s certainly no reason to try and replicate the complex French approach, but as US wine consumption grows and marketing techniques and approaches become more clever and aggressive, it is important, I think, to do all we can to protect consumers through achieving and ensuring common usage and understanding of key wine terms…especially those that are used to market and promote wine consumption. Among those terms are Grand Cru and American Grand Cru – especially when referring to and inferring something about American vineyards.

With that thought in mind, Greg registered the terminology American Grand Cru® with the US Patent and Trade Office. As a result, only the AGCS now has the legal basis and authority to designate Grand Cru and American Grand Cru Vineyards — and to authorize the use of that terminology on labels and marketing materials. To date, only two vineyards have earned American Grand Cru status — Napa Valley’s famed Robert Mondavi Kalon Vineyard and the equally regarded Pisoni Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Isn’t it also about time we recognized those who grow the grapes and who farm and provide stewardship of some of our nation’s best and most precious terroir!?

This is an endeavour whose time has come and whose merits will benefit consumers, growers, winemakers, producers, and the entire industry of wine professionals in and outside of America. Now in its infancy, I hope you will consider joining the AGCS and become a part of helping it grow, prosper and bear fruit. Prosit!
http://www.americangrandcrusociety.com/

Toast of the Month
“May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, and may the word of God direct us.” St. Patrick

The Monthly Cluster!
Red
Carménère (Chile’s Signature Grape)
Viña Maquis 2009 Deep, Dark and Delicious!
(Colchagua Valley, Chile)/$12-$14 – For nearly 60 years, the Hurtado family grew some of Chile’s best grapes and sold them to some of Chile’s finest wineries. Twelve years ago however, under the visionary leadership of Ricardo Hurtado, the family decided to make its own wines…an endeavor that took years of dedicated hard work. So in 2002, with a new state-of-the-art winery, the help of Xavier Choné overseeing the vineyards and the magic of Chief Winemaker, Juan Jofré, this 100% Carmenere brilliantly showcases the Hurtados’ extraordinary success. Key to making this classically expressive wine was aging only half of the wine in second and third use French oak barristas for a year…an approach that yields a fruit-forward and mouth watering wine! http://www.vinamaquis.com/

Red Blend
Toro de Piedra 2009 Carménère – Cabernet
Rich, Succulent and Smooth as Silk!
(Maule Valley, Chile)/$11-$13 – From the prestigious Viña Requingua family and their Puerto Viejo portfolio of wines, this scrumptious blend of 60% Carménère and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of superb. Aged for a full year in an unspecified apportionment of new French and American oak, the result is a highly aromatic wine whose delight lasts and lingers for several lip-smacking minutes. Reminiscent of Left Bank Bordeaux blends of a hundred or so years ago, one can only imagine and wonder how this splendid blend might stack up against its more ancient French ancestors. For what it’s worth, I’d stand this up against many contemporary Bordeaux blends! And lest there be doubt, this wine is a great value! http://www.requingua.cl/english/index.php

Domaine Houchart 2007 Cotes de Provence
(Provence, France)/$11-13 – From one of France’s most venerable and prolific wine producers, the Quiot family, this exceptional red blend is indeed a taste of the South of France! La Famille Quiot has been making wine since 1748…and for all those years, they have uniquely specialized in making wines from the Rhone and Provence Regions. All to say that they know what they’re doing…and each of us has the good fortune of being able to benefit from their exceptional winemaking prowess. The 2007 Rouge is comprised of mostly Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon and it was aged-to-taste — in new oak for 10 to 12 months. The finished product is a splendid medium-bodied quaff that is soft and fruit-forward. It’s also among the most versatile wines you’ll ever find.
http://www.famillequiot.com/

White
Cortese
SANT’ EVASIO 2010 Gavi di Gavi
(Gavi DOCG — Piemonte, Italy)/$15-$17
Cantina Sant’ Evasio was born from the ruins of World War II. With nothing much more than a destroyed chapel and fallowed vines to be found, Carlo and Anna Lacqua bought the land 50 years ago and began making wine for their friends. Over the span of many years, Carlo’s winemaking knowledge, skill and passion grew and today…aided by son Pier and daughter Andrea…the Lacqua family is not only making astonishingly excellent and notable wines…but wines that leave warm fuzzies and indelible memories! Off-dry, floral and impactful, this sinfully delicious Gavi di Gavi expression is one of the best I’ve tasted…and all for a price point that’s a rare find indeed.
http://www.santevasiovini.com/

 

 

Wines of the Month

 

Pinotage (The Signature Grape of South Africa)

 

Diemersfontein  2009

 

Sultry, Heady & Tantalizingly Delicious!

 

(Wellington, South Africa.)/$18-$22

 

The Pinotage grape is a cross between the Pinot Noir and the Hermitage (aka Cinsault) grapes – and it was created by a Stellenbosch University Professor of Enology, A. I. Perold, in 1925.  This hallmark expression of Pinotage is characterized by not-so-subtle hints of roasted coffee and dark chocolate…and it has earned so much praise and achieved so much popularity that a number of cognoscenti attribute this highly distinctive version of Pinotage from David Sonnenberg with having saved and lifted Pinotage from longstanding commercial obscurity.  Folks, not all Pinotage will taste like this…or be this amazingly wonderful…so seek this one out and give it a whirl.  Once you do…I’m certain of two things – 1) you too will be singing its praise — and 2) it won’t be your last bottle.  http://www.diemersfontein.co.za/

 

 

 

Petite Sirah   

 

Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery 2009

 

Rich, Intense, Sensuous, & Succulent

 

(Paso Robles, CA)/$9-$12

 

Believe it or not, this amazing winery is the brainchild of Simon Lythgoe (of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance fame) and his business partner Ken Warwick.  After a few early years of trials and tribulations (all documented in the TV Reality Show Corkscrewed: The Wrath of Grapes), VSJ is now producing a collection of stunning wines…with this luscious Petite Sirah heading up my list of favorites!  Nigel and Ken had the insight and wisdom to simply hire the best.  And that’s exactly what they did in landing “Mr. California Winemaker” himself…the incomparable Adam LaZarre.  Indeed, after a near decade of heading up winemaking at the hugely successful Hahn Estates, Adam has found a new home “and piece of heaven” on the 168 acres that define

 

 

 

Villa San-Juliette. This intensely flavored vintage – that LaZarre affectionately refers to as Blueberry Motor Oil — is 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and it was aged for 16 months in a combination of new and neutral French oak.  For the money…around $10 everywhere…it’s literally one of the best varietal wines I’ve had — period!

 

http://www.villasanjuliette.com/

 

 

 

Carménère (Chile’s Signature Grape)

 

Alma de Chile   Private Reserve  2008

 

Deep, Dark and Devilishly Delectable!

 

(Aconcagua Valley, Chile)/$12-$14

 

From vineyards nestled amongst the rich and fertile foothills of the Andes Mountains, this 100% Carménère is a meticulously crafted exemplar of Chile’s Signature grape.  With fruit grown on small family vineyards by descendants of the acclaimed Don Francisco de Rojas winemaking family, this delightfully sultry and spicy rendition was produced in partnership with the Vincente family and Viña San Esteban.  With nine months of attended aging in a 50/50 combination of new French and American oak, the result is an award-winning Carménère that will tickle and tantalize the most refined and demanding of palates!  http://www.almadechile.com/newsite/aboutus.html

 

 

 

Shiraz   (The Signature Grape of Australia — known typically as Syrah in most other countries)

 

hazyblur  Kangaroo Island  2006

 

Luscious, Succulent & Simply Stupendous!

 

(Virginia, South Australia)/$30–$35 — Inspired by the sight of a blurry haze, “hazyblur” Shiraz was born, and suddenly — the world was a better place!  As a boutique winery with limited production, owners and founders, Ross and Robyne Trimboli, specialize in crafting artisanal wines that bear their personal attention…from vine to vessel. This spectacular 100% Shiraz — which was aged for 16 months in an 80% used combination of American and French oak — is no exception…and it serves up “sinfully delicious!”  This one’s a keeper that you might not want to share!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wake County Realtors need to pay attention to the new choice-based student assignment plan and how it may affect a homebuyers decision. The new plan goes into effect in 2012 and does away with automatic assignments to a specific school based on home address. Application’s begin Jan 17th/12 and the second round March 19th/12 for new arrivals, those who forget to apply and whom are not happy with their first assignment.  After April 9th/12 walk-in registration will be taken. Those relocating to the Wake County area of North Carolina should go to the Wake County Public School website for further details about the new plan.

If your relocating to Wake County and searching for Raleigh Real estate, or
Wake Forest Homes. Please contact us at Jeff Dicks Real Estate– Keller Williams

Two weeks until Christmas!  The end of the year is here and of course there is a
lot of talk of what the new year brings.  Here is a quick update of some of the
changes that could come about:

1) Once again the talk about increasing fees for FHA back loans.  If you
remember FHA is require to hold a certain amount in reserves and for the last
few years they have been well short of that amount.  Even though the recent
increase in fees has helped replenish the reserve fund, the forecast for more
defaults and costs has FHA saying they might have to raise the fees again.  The
rumors are that people with lower credit scores will be getting hit with most of
the increase. Borrowers know this could be on the way!! So make a move
now before costs increase even more.

2) After numerous attempts to lower the VA upfront fee, it now has been
restored to their original amounts until 2016.  So no decreases for VA
borrowers.  This program still remains one of the best programs available.

3) Is Fannie and Freddie on their way out?  The Mortgage Finance Act of
2011 if passed would create a new FDIC-like guarantee facility and once it
establishes value will be privatized.  This is one of the better plans that has
been introduced because this will allow a QRM (Qualified Residential Mortgage)
to only have 5% down payment.  The current QRM part of the Dodd/Frank Bill calls
for a 20% down payment for a QRM which will obviously hurt a already fragile
housing market if Freddie and Fannie are eliminated.  There is a lot involved in
order to eliminate Freddie and Fannies so we will see how all this plays
out.

4) Finally the major market mover…how will EU leaders handle their
financial mess and what affect will it have on the rest of the world.

Have a great week!

Chris Blount

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate Keller Williams Realty

Search Raleigh Real Estate or Heritage Wake Forest Homes

 

The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners has approved a smoking ban in all Town parks and greenways, except in specifically designated areas.

The board adopted the ordinance last month during it sregular monthly meeting, joining a growing number of communities that have forbidden smoking in public parks. The smoking ban is designed to help reduce curb exposure to secondhand smoke and reduce litter.

The ban takes place immediately and includes a possible $50 fine. Signage will be posted throughout the Town’s parks and greenways informing visitors of the new ordinance.

Enforcement will take the form of requesting voluntary compliance. However, if a smoker does not extinguish a smoking product, park staff will remind them of the new policy and could request exiting the property if they choose to continue smoking. For more information about the smoking ban, contact Parks and Recreation Director Ruben Wall at 919-435-9561.

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate

Wake Forest Homes For Sale

Heritage Wake Forest Homes

Very rarely do I have something at the tip of my tongue not be thankful for. The years continue to roll along and my kids continue to get taller as I shrink. I’m often reminded by my lovely wife Christine that we are very fortunate and as I like to say life gives you lemons if you continue to complain of life’s challenges.

I came across a snippet of Jon Gordon’s work today that I couldn’t help but share.

They are two words that have the power to transform our health, happiness, athletic performance and success. Research shows that grateful people are happier and more likely to maintain good friendships. A state of gratitude, according to research by the Institute of HeartMath, also improves the heart’s rhythmic functioning, which helps us to reduce stress, think more clearly under pressure and heal physically. It’s actually physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. When you are grateful you flood your body and brain with emotions and endorphins that uplift and energize you rather than the stress hormones that drain you.

Gratitude and appreciation are also essential for a healthy work environment. In fact, the number one reason why people leave their jobs is because they don’t feel appreciated. A simple thank you and a show of appreciation can make all the difference.

Gratitude is like muscle. The more we do with it the stronger it gets- Jon Gordon

Take note and you may just survive the holidays…….and beyond

 

Jeff Dicks

Jeff Dicks Real Estate

 

The Wake Forest Planning Board/Town of Wake Forest commissioners will hold a joint public hearing at 7:30 P.M., September 6, 2011, at the Wake Forest Town Hall to consider the request of Mr. James Gerhart on behelf of Sheetz, Inc. for a Special Use Permit to allow a convenience store with gasoline sales located at the intersection of Rogers Road and South Franklin Street.

All interested homeowners are welcome to attend the hearing. Additionally, this is your opportunity to address the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners regarding this matter should you so desire. Following the hearing, the Planning Board shall make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 20, at 7:00 P.M., will consider the petition and recommendation of the Planning Board and, may at its discretion choose to modify it.

Heritage Wake Forest Homeowners Association

Heritage Wake Forest Homes

Courtesy of  Jeff Dicks Real Estate

 

 

 

Not too many golf communities grab your attention in the Triangle area as standout’s. Of course the residents of any Raleigh Golf community may argue their neighborhoods merits, and who are we to challenge them.

I have touted Heritage Wake Forest on many occasions as well as the former TPC Wakefield Plantation. The Wakefield property was recently changed ownership and many are looking forward to what the McConnell Group can accomplish as they add to their list of fine country clubs.

North Raleigh, and Wake Forest continue to grow and with it the many amenities for all. If your looking for more detailed information on Heritage Wake Forest or Wakefield Plantation don’t hesitate to contact The Jeff Dicks Real Estate Group

 

Heritage Wake Forest is continuing its winning ways early into 2011. To date Heritage has put over 77 new homes under contract. This a far contrast from 2010 where the market was sluggish. Hammers and saws are a frequent sound and sight. To the custom builders team in Heritage this a welcome sound. With the latest release in Heritage Valley public excitement is abound with the surrounding area and the continued commitment from the developer to allow for plenty of green space, walking trails and more the community will continue to prosper.

Heritage Wake Forest Homes is a great place to start your search in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Heritage Wake Forest NC is a great location for those relocating to North Carolina and locals alike. For further information on Heritage or other community please contact

Jeff Dicks of Keller Williams Realty at 919-793-4730 or visit Heritage Wake Forest Homes