Ricks Grape Skinny- October 2013 Heritage Wake Forest

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Hey everyone!

Hope everyone’s Fall is off to a cool and dry start like we’ve been experiencing here in NC…but…judging from the number of weather-related horror stories that have been dominating the news lately, I’m certain that’s not the case for everyone. I would love to think that none of you has been negatively affected by the floods and fires etc….but if you have been, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. For those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to have escaped being impacted by such, I trust you’re opening your hearts and your wallets to help those in need! For not having had a single hurricane make landfall this year, it’s otherwise been a year of major devastation for many areas of our country…and for tens of thousands of families and people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, so much for watching my usual Monday night television line-up! We happen to have Dish Satellite Service — and they’ve not been able to “agree” with our local NBC Affiliate…so no NBC programming all of a sudden. For me…it’s mostly a big “so what”…but hey, it just seems to me that this kind of impasse amongst the various players in entertainment is beginning to occur far too often. To the extent it continues to happen, it just accelerates the likelihood that we’ll all be watching our favorite television programming over the internet…and a lot sooner than later!! Are we ready for that…he posed…with his tongue not in his cheek!!??

And someone told me the Government shut down!! Really?! Well, you couldn’t prove it by me!! Not to diminish the significance or impact of what’s going on…because truly, there are serious consequences associated with this “shut down.” Plus, I can only imagine that a good number of you are deriving your incomes in some way , shape or form from the Federal sector. But…with all that said…I’m pretty certain there’ll be a silver lining amongst all this dysfufnction and quagmire of political head-butting.

That’s my story…my hope…and my prayer…and I’m stickin’ to it!!

Meanwhile, Rick’s Grape Skinny remains open for business…and as always, I have no subscription fees and my advice is free. Just remember what you paid for it …in case my counsel doesn’t always pan out! On the bright side, I now have an amplified reason to inspect and sample my modest collection of cellared wines…so I’ll see you next month…maybe! :o)

As for my annual Happy Halloween wishes…

Boo!

Wine Snob – EPS Format Rick
Rick Davis
1320 Heritage Hills Way
Wake Forest, NC 27587
(pers. email) rick.davis.nc@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/rick.davis.nc
(h) 919-453-1844
(c) 919-623-8786
Rick’s Grape Skinny…a Free Monthly Newsletter for Those Who Enjoy Learning About All Things Wine!”

Rick’s Grape Skinny
ricksgrapeskinny@gmail.com
2013
“If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul!”
(Clifton Fadiman)

Taste the World of Wine in One Year!
The notion might seem simple enough…but trust me, taking on the challenge of tasting the world of wine in a single year is a seriously ambitious task! To boot, regardless of the nature and scope of the wine world chosen, there will be plenty of Wine Wizards offering a litany of wouldas, couldas and shouldas! But, if you’re game…let’s take on that task and taste a range of vino from around the world of wine. And trust me, if you do this…you’ll know more than about 90% of those who buy and drink wine!!

Where are we Headed?
Great question! I had no idea you were so quick and ready to sip away! We’re headed for a world of wine that’s comprised of 11 countries. Here they are arranged in descending order…beginning with the largest wine producer. For the nosy ones who are wondering why not 12 countries…so we could take on one country a month…it’s because France will consume two months all by itself! OK…off we go!

1. France
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. United States
5. Argentina
6. Australia
7. Germany
8. South Africa
9. Chile
10. Portugal
11. New Zealand

In the spirit of full disclosure, you should know that China is actually the 4th largest producer of wine in the world…but…it doesn’t yet have any iconic wines.

So What Should we Taste?
Wow…another great question! So here are my suggestions – being mindful that these are not all
of the grapes or wines. Rather, it’s a list of those I
feel will enable you to enjoy a representative mix of

each country’s key varietals and/or most noted wines. Be sure to enlist the help of your preferred “wine shop(s)”…and don’t hesitate to assign a price range!

France — The first month, seek to taste the wines of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, Jura-Savoy, and the Rhone Valley. The second month, select wines from Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, and Southwest France.

Italy – (Red) Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Brunello, Amarone, Chianti, a Super Tuscan, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, and Lambrusco. (White) Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Fiano, Malvasia, Moscato, Cortese, Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Franciacorta, Spumante, and Prosecco.

Spain – (Red) Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, wines from Rioja, Priorat, and Montsant. (White) Albariño, Macabeo, Xarel•lo, Cava sparkling wine, and at least two different types of Sherry .

United States – (Red) Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (White) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Try California expressions from Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast…then from Washington, Oregon, and New York.

Argentina – (Red) Malbec and Bonarda (White) Torrontes. Try several expressions of each.

Australia – (Red) Shiraz – Try several expressions.

Germany – (White) Riesling and Liebfraumilch. Try several expressions. (Red) Dornfelder –Eiswein

South Africa – (Red) Pinotage (White) Chenin Blanc

Chile – (Red) Carménère – Try several expressions!

Portugal – Vinho Verde (which can be red, white or blush), a Ruby and Tawny Porto and a Madiera.

New Zealand – (White) Sauvignon Blanc – Try several expressions.
Toast of the Month
“Here’s to wine — to wash me clean
From the weather-stains of care.”
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The Monthly Bunch!
Spooky Wines

White
Chardonnay
Old North State Bare Bones NV
Clean, Crisp and Ghoulishly Good!
(Yadkin Valley — Mount Airy, NC)/$8-$10
From the little town in North Carolina that served as the basis for the mythical Mayberry — home of Sheriff Andy Taylor and his sidekick Deputy, Barney Fife, this simple, straightforward and stripped down 100% Chardonnay is the real deal. Don’t be afraid to try this devilishly delicious potion. It’s a very well crafted award-winning wine amongst its Mid-Atlantic peers…and it’s a very good vino value to boot! http://www.oldnorthstatewinery.com/

Vidal Blanc
Gray Ghost Vineyards — 2012
Casper’s Fave…and Ghostly Great!
(Amissville, VA)/$12-$15 One of Virginia’s most rewarded wineries, it’s named after the famous Confederate Colonel – John Mosby – who was affectionately called The Gray Ghost…for his ability to slip through enemy lines undetected. And, there is ample evidence that The Gray Ghost did indeed haunt the area where these grapes were grown…so forewarned is forearmed! The cold-hardy Vidal Blanc – a hybrid of Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano) and another hybrid grape known as Rayon d’Or — was the first wine produced by the owners, Al and Cheryl Kellert, in 1994. The 11.5% residual sugar “Adieu” version of this succulent wine was declared The Best Dessert Wine in the Country a few years back. This is a wine that you’ll hold in memory for a very long time!
http://www.grayghostvineyards.com

Red
Petite Sirah
Spellbound 2011
So Delicious You’ll Be Howling!
(Lodi, CA)/$13-$16 From 4th generation Mondavi family winemaker, Rob Mondavi Jr., this intensely rich and supple wine is beyond delicious! Made from 100% Petite Sirah this vintage was aged in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak…an approach that preserves the character and soul of the fruit. While this difficult-to-grow-and-tame varietal is normally used as a blending grape, leave it to a Mondavi to break with convention and masterfully craft such a splendid varietal wine. Rob’s objective and focus is to produce the highest quality affordable wines that people will love…and love to drink every day. Certainly for my palate and wallet, his Spellbound Petite Sirah fills that bill completely! http://www.spellboundwines.com/

Merlot
Vampire Vineyards Dracula 2010
Suck-u-lent and Bloody Good!
(Central Coast – Paso Robles, CA)/$13-$16
Talk about a wine into which one can sink their teeth…look no further. In fact, this 100% Merlot is so fruit-forward and yummy…it just may drive you “batty!” With a name that begs the question, “Are you for real?” and a history that is steeped in the blood of many a rock and roll legend – the answer is a definite yes! Vampire Vineyards is indeed for real and they make some seriously good wines. Founder and owner Michael Machat parlayed his world of connections as an entertainment attorney into a brand that today enjoys worldwide recognition and respect. Let a little of this “blood of the vine” trickle down the back of your throat…and you’ll be respectful as well!
http://www.vampirevineyards.com/

Blend
Bogle Phantom 2010
Eerily Rich and Scary Good!
(Clarksburg, CA/)/$15-$18 – A limited-release and fairly unique blend of 51% Zinfandel, 47% Petite Sirah and 2% Mourvêdre, this jewel of a wine is known as “black magic!” The word bogle means goblin, specter, phantom, bogy, boggart, or bugbear…and is arguably of Scottish or Welsh origin. The 2010 Vintage was aged for 2 years in 100% American oak. It’s fairly hard to find each year…so when you see it, get it! You’ll not be disappointed. www.boglewinery.com

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Heritage Wake Forest, Ricks Grape Skinny, Wake County Real Estate | No Comments »

Ricks Grape Skinny Heritage Wake Forest

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

Greetings Dear Oenophiles!

What?  You didn’t know you were one of “those!?”  Well — if you’re reading Rick’s Grape Skinny, you are definitely an Oenophile by golly! And what’s more…you should be proud of it! That said, I must admit…it is one of those weird words which — if spoken too loudly in the wrong places and amongst the “unknowing” — especially if there’s any accusatory finger-pointing going on — just might get you arrested at a PTA meeting!  Soooo, just to be safe…whenever you find yourself in the company of juvies…speak softly if you have to refer to someone as a…you know…one of those oenophiles!  And if being quiet and discrete are not in your wheelhouse, just make sure you have a Thesaurus App on your Smart Phone!  Otherwise, you could find yourself being cuffed by Deputy Dunce and locked up overnight with Big Bad Bubba or Lusty Lucy as your bunk mate!
Such is the reason that I — being the sensitive person that I am — tend to use less mysterious and less questionable vernacular when referring to those who enjoy pouring copious volumes of purple and straw-colored vinified alcohol down their gullets…at almost every opportunity!  Indeed, I prefer aficionado, enthusiast and devotee…as they almost sound like they refer to someone who’s official and important.  And then of course, there’s the ridiculous, totally fabricated and over-used etymological contrivance — wineau — which I must admit to using every now and again…but only because it sounds like it legitimizes the art and practice of guzzling wine. And God only knows, we all seek legitimacy do we not!?
And what about the also-ran terms like — friend of wine, lush bucket, vine addict, grape head, wine habitué, wine buff, wine bum, wine freak, wine lover, wine nut, wine zealot, wineaholic, wine maniac, wine worshiper, and gurgling gutter grabber?   Don’t know about you…but after careful consideration of the above terms, bein’ called an Oenophile ain’t sounding all that bad right about now!  Ya think?!   
OK friends-and-acquaintances-who-enjoy-wine-and-who-also-enjoy-reading-about-wine-stuff — I guess that’s enough tom-foolery for this month.  Besides, I’m busy preparing for my two week trip to Italy…and I have a lot to do before flaps-up on October 5th.  I cannot remember when I was more excited about taking a trip!
I’ll probably not be attending to my email accounts very often while I’m gone…but for those who are my FaceBook friends, I will be making updates and posting pictures as and when I can.  I’ll also make some posts to my new Rick’s Grape Skinny Facebook Page…which all of you who have FaceBook Accounts are welcome to view and to use as a resource…in any way you choose.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ricks-Grape-Skinny/501129173250148  It’s something I started about a month ago…which I’m testing as an alternative to distributing Rick’s Grape Skinny by email only.  Hope you might enjoy it.
OK…that’s it for this month…and I’ll meet you right back here on November 1st!
Ciao!

                                            Rick’s Grape Skinny

ricksgrapeskinny@gmail.com

2012

“Beer is made by man…wine by God!”

(Martin Luther)


 

The Wine of Kings…

And the King of Wines!

I’m pretty sure that some of you know the wine to which this well-deserved sobriquet refers, but for those who might not have a clue…would it surprise you to know that this “royal” wine does not hail from France…or the USA!?   Rather, the very regal wine to which I’m referring is none other than the great red wine from Italy’s Piemonte (aka Piedmont) Region…Barolo!

 

Barolo’s Beginnings…Briefly

Going back in time, Barolo wines prior to the mid 1800s were on the sweet side and rather non-descript…until that is, some combination of the Marchesa Falletti of Turin and the Count of Cavour, Camillo Benso, decided to change that.  And did they ever!  Seeking a more distinguished red wine, French winemaker Louis Oudart was hired to create a new red wine that was more worthy of and befitting the Barolo name. The new, and dry, Barolo crafted by Oudart not only pleased the Marchesa, the Count of Cavour and the masses…but it was especially well received by the aristocrats in Turin, and particularly amongst the nobles in the House of Savoy.  And so it was that Barolo came to be called the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines.  

 

Modern Day Barolo

First, you should know that Barolo is a DOCG wine (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) which means “controlled designation of origin guaranteed.”  That distinction aside, to be labeled a DOCG Barolo, the wine must also be made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and aged a minimum of three years.  Barolos designated as Riserva must be aged 5 years or longer – three in oak and two in bottle. For the longest time, Barolo wines were characterized by their high

 

 

 

tannic structure along with the reality that they had to be aged for a very long time before they would soften and become enjoyable — some for as long as ten years…or more.  Barolos also have been known for their complexity and their expansive range of exotic aromas and constantly evolving flavors once their “noble spirit” has been released from the bottle. And to this day, those attributes continue to define the classic, most coveted and most expensive Barolos.  For a classic Barolo, expect to pay $100 or more.

 

The Barolo Wars

With the passage of time, new winemaking techniques were introduced to produce Barolos that were softer, fruitier, more approachable sooner, and more affordable than were the “classic” Barolos.” And so began the so-called Barolo Wars – that pitted Traditionalist winemakers against Modernists or Reformers who thought they were making better, friendlier and more popular Barolos.  And for what it’s worth, the “wars” rage on but they are mostly wars of words…for each style of Barolo remains definitively distinctive and distinguished…and each can still claim fame as the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines!  To be sure, Barolo is one of those wines to add to one’s “Barrel List!” Nuovo Barolos can be yours for $30 to $50.

 

Barolo’s Baby Brother

There’s another “100% Nebbiolo” based wine from the Langhe area of Piemonte…and it’s known as Barbaresco.  It too is a DOCG wine, and to many aficionados it’s just as good as or better than many Barolos. Barbaresco wines must be aged two years – one in oak and one in bottle — and while the sibling can’t claim to be King, it’s certainly a fitting Crown Prince!  For a really good Barbaresco, expect to pay $40 – $50.

   Toast of the Month

“To the grandest nation earth can boast;
I love each state from coast to coast;
I love thee for thy freedom most;
My Country ‘Tis of Thee I toast.”

 (Fred Emerson Brooks)

Cluster of the Month!

Red

Blend

Tuck Beckstoffer’s   75 Wine Company   

The SUM    2010    In Sum…Symmetry Personified… Refined, Elegant and Luscious!

(Napa Valley, St. Helena, CA)/$20-$25 – Talk about your basic jewel of a wine…look no further!  Without question, this is one of the best $20 wines you’ll ever experience.  For years, I’ve been a huge fan of Tuck Beckstoffer’s Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon…and though “technically”, this new blend from Tuck – with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon — could also be labeled a Cab, I think that would be an injustice, because what he’s crafted in this incredible expression of the winemaker’s art is a magical blend and mingling of flavors that defy the character of a single varietal.  Bolstered and artistically accented with 15% Petite Sirah and 10% Syrah, this vintage of The SUM was aged in 100% French oak and meticulously tended for 12 months. With floral aromas that can fill a room within 30 seconds of opening the bottle…and  legs that dance all night long… this kinda-hard-to-find gem never lasts very long on the shelves of any retailer…so get it if and when you see it!  You might even want to “tuck” a few bottles away for a few of those occasions when only a very special wine will fill the bill!  http://www.75wine.com/

 

Alicante Bouschet    (One of the few red varietals that have “red flesh!”) 

Francis Ford Coppola   Alicante Bouschet   2008   Fragrant, Fruity, Rich, and Supple!

 (Napa Valley — Oakville, CA)/$15-$17 — Coppola Winemaker of renown, Corey Beck, has really proven his mettle with this splendid rendition of a grape and single varietal wine that are almost unknown to most aficionados and enthusiasts.   Aside from its incredibly vibrant red hue…it’s also distinguished as one of only a handful of red grapes whose flesh is also red!  The German Dunkelfelder and the Georgian Saperav are two others…and they belong to a unique fraternity of

 

varietals known as Teinturier.    Another quite interesting dimension of this wonderful little grape’s

vibrant red color is its association with the US Prohibition period.  Winemakers discovered that they could dilute Alicante Bouschet wine by an amazing 50% without consumers noticing…and voila…twice the normal volume of wine, instantly!  There simply cannot be a better testament to the intensity of both color or flavor of the little red grape that could!  And now you know the rest of the story!  A true taste of American History awaits you!  Oh…as to its pronunciation, in France, it’s “Ah-lee-KAHNT Boo-SHAY”; and in Spain, it’s “Ah-lee-kahnt-TAY Boo-SHAY.

http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/

 

Nebbiolo (The King of Grapes and the Grape of Kings)

Terre di Bo Barolo    2000    Sinfully Spectacular!

(Piemonte Region — Castiglione Falletto, Italy) $30-$40 – Barolo, which is typically referred to as the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines…is always made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes…and is a trademark wine from the Langa Hills outside the town of Alba in the famed Piemonte (Piedmont) wine growing region of Northern Italy.  I acquired my very first Barolo from the Wine Exchange in New York City during a visit I made to New York in 2005.  This is a wine that everyone wants and only a few can get…and when they do…they tend to hoard it.  If I can muster the willpower, I think I’ll sit on my remaining bottle for a few more years…as this is a wine that gets better with age and it can be cellared easily for 15 or more years.  By law, Barolo must be aged for a minimum of 3 years, 2 of which must be in wood (typically oak but Chestnut is also used by some Vintners on occasion).

http://www.albeisa.org/

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Elizabeth Spencer  Napa Cuvée    2008    Rich, Complex, Beautifully Balanced, and Succulent!

(Napa Valley — Rutherford, CA)/$35-$40 – While it would be logical to think that Elizabeth Spencer is either the owner and/or winemaker…it would be wrong since there is no such person!  The name is actually contrived…and derived from the first names of Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham who are husband and wife and also partners in making one of the single best Cabernet Sauvignons to come out of California…or anywhere else for that matter.  The O8 vintage is a perfect union of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.  Aged for 26 months in new 60 gallon French oak barrels, this is one of those “ultra premium” wines that one reads a lot about but can hardly find.  So, while you might not see this vintage on the get any one you can…because this one Cab that is always astounding!  http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate in Heritage Wake Forest

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Heritage Wake Forest, Raleigh Golf Communities, Ricks Grape Skinny, Wake County Real Estate | No Comments »

Ricks Grape Skinny – Heritage Wake Forest NC

Monday, January 2nd, 2012
This month’s Skinny suggests a half-dozen wine-related resolutions for those of you who are serious about wanting to learn more about wines — and the broader world of wine.  More important than taking on all six resolutions however is just taking on one or two that are “totally accomplishable”…for each of them will contribute incrementally to your growth as a more knowledgeable enthusiast — regardless of your current experience.  If any of you need — or would like — assistance in generating a list of some new and exciting alternatives to your normal, everyday wines — or some new varietal wines to try as you might “taste the world”…just let me know.  I’d be happy to tailor a “2012 resolution wine list” for anyone who asks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK…that’s it for this month…except to remind you all that despite the hoopla I made about the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq this past December…which is most assuredly wonderful news and reason to celebrate…another 160 or so US Service members (including a dear Army LTC friend of ours) remain in Iraq…for an uncertain duration.  Please keep them…all of our Men and Women in Uniform…and all of their families and loved ones back home in the forefront of your thoughts and prayers! 
Godspeed and Best Wishes for the year ahead…and here’s hoping that you and yours have a happy, healthy and financially positive 2012!!!
—
Wine Snob - EPS Format   Rick

 

 

Rick’s Grape Skinny                         

January 2012

“As soon as we make the decision to try to understand more about wine, all that is demanded is that we exercise our senses of smell and taste…this is the essence of wine tasting.”

(Oz Clarke)

 


Be It Resolved for 2012…

 

Let’s just cut to the chase and forget all those resolutions about losing weight, eating less and exercising more, etc., etc..  Borrr-ing!  Been there done that…and blew it every time!  So…let’s just resolve to do something else…like something that’s fun, and interesting, and educational, and totally enjoyable…like drinking some mighty fine wine!   Got your attention!?  Well…here’s the skinny!

 

Six Easy-to-Keep Resolutions

 

  1. Think      Outside the Box!  

No…I’m not talking about box wines!  I’m talking about “our personal wine box”…you know, that subconscious mindset that tends to define the wines you and I routinely buy.  Be enthusiastic about trying new wineries and different versions of the wines you typically prefer (i.e. a Washington vs. Cali Cab or a non-oaked Chard vs. your usual big ole butter bomb, etc.).  12 new versions of your usual suspects over the next year will truly open your eyes and expand your palate! 

 

  1. Commit      to Taking Notes!

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I hear, “I had this great wine the other night but I’ll be darned if I can remember what it was!”  I carry a small notepad…but hey, even a napkin will work!  So get with it wineaux!  Get serious about recording notes and observations about the wines you drink. Capturing the name, vintage and “what naturally comes to mind” about the wine in a small journal is a great way to start.  Just keep it simple…but keep a record…and then, make the effort to reflect and remember! 

 

  1. Visit      2 Vineyards and Wineries!  

As I’ve said many times, there is no wine experience that remotely comes close to generating the amount of knowledge and joy one gains from visiting a Winery.  Meeting those salt-of-the-earth farmers and artisans who grow the grapes and make the wines – all while sampling their wares of course — is not only educational…it gets those curiosity juices flowin’ and it amplifies your desire to learn more and experience more.  Visit one winery every 6 months – or more if you can — and you’ll be talking about those visits for years…along with planning more trips! 

 

  1. Attend      One “Wine Dinner!”

Now these can be a tad expensive…like $75-$100 per person or thereabouts, so I’m suggesting that you just go to one Wine Dinner this coming year.  It’s important to do some research to ensure you make the best choice possible, and you can start by contacting some of your area’s top restaurants and by speaking with the Sommeliers or Executive Chefs. 

 

  1. Read      More and Learn More!

There is no substitute for reading when it comes to learning more about wines.  So, go buy a top quality wine book (from an independent book store!!) or subscribe to a wine magazine and start reading more…and more often.  Oz Clarke’s New Wine Atlas and Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion are two world class resources that can dramatically expand your knowledge of all things wine!

 

  1. Taste      the world!

Commit to buying and trying wines from 12 different countries in 2012.  Alternatively, you might also consider trying wines from 12 of the world’s most famous and most widely respected Wine Regions (i.e. Bordeaux and Champagne from France, Chianti and Piemonte from Italy, etc.) And take the time to discover the various national Signature Grapes (i.e. Carménère from Chile, Pinotage from South Africa, etc.) so you optimize the experience.   So many wines…so little time!

 


    Toast of the Month  

“May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, and never in want!”

(Traditional Irish Toast)


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!

 

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate

 

 

Search Heritage Wake Forest Homes

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Heritage Wake Forest, North Carolina Golf Communities, Ricks Grape Skinny | 1 Comment »