I have to say, the Byron Tasting Room up in Los Olivos always treats me really well, and luckily they happen to also have awesome wines. Convenient, huh? It also helps that they have mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are my favorites. Coincidence? Yea, actually. Cool.
This is their top-of-the-line Pinot Noir and at 60 bucks, it is a splurge for me. But you can clearly taste where the money is going. The W.U’s stats:
CHARACTER: BYRON 2006 MONUMENT PINOT NOIR
Vintage: 2006
Varietal Component: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Aging: 16 Months in 100% French Oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest Date: September 27, 2006
Bottling Date: February 12, 2008
Release Date: October 15, 2008
Case Production: 474 (6 – 750 ml cases)
DM : Drinkmaker JONATHAN NAGY. His notes: “These Pinot Noir grapes come in during the cool morning hours. Then they are hand-sorted and sent to cold soak for three to five days prior to fermentation to develop fruit character, color and body. During fermentation, a combination of punch-downs and pump-overs is used to circulate the skins and juice, ensuring maximum extraction. The Monument Pinot Noir is produced from Swan, Pommard 115 and Wadenswil 2A clones. Each of these clones adds a distinct component to the wine, making this the finest red wine we produce. The 2006 Monument Pinot Noir displays aromas of dark cherry and rose petal with hints of perfume, tobacco, mineral and brown spice. Flavors of dark cherry, blueberry jam and a smoky finish give way to an elegant and silky texture that expands beautifully over the palate”.
CRAFT SYSTEM:
Color: Glossy Rosewood.
Richness: Medium Body.
Aroma: Earthy Spices, Rose, Blueberry pie.
Flavor: Viscous and ripe red berry fruit, hint of spice, slight smoke and tobacco finish.
Texture: Smooth as heck. Lush and medium-long finish.
ABILITIES
STRENGTH: It is without a doubt, a middleweight. It seems to want to tip the scale over to a big red, but it is so luscious yet delicate that it can’t and I’m very glad. But make no mistake, there is no flab here.
DEXTERITY: Supremely balanced. Super flexible for any cuisine, but it is so good you may not even want food interrupting its taste and texture.
CONSTITUTION: Holds on tight for hours. And keeps getting better and better.
CHARISMA: Elegant and upstanding. A very well made Pinot Noir, at its best. It likes to take its time, so get ready for an evening with this bottle.
EXPERIENCE POINTS: Medium. A 2006 wine that is in its element and ready to go. But can easily be put down for a bit of time.
ARMOR CLASS: Unknown. I can’t even imagine finding out its lasting behavior. Too good for leftovers.
HIT POINTS: You probably have no more than 3 days. But what wine does?
Ahh, if only you thought of movies when you think of Oscar night. Oh, you mean one or two of you still do? I thought all anyone thought of these days was red carpets, diamonds, dresses and celebrity gift bags. Okay, so I do like that part too. But the Oscars don’t hold as much joy for me as they did when I was say, 17. That’s probably because I hadn’t moved to Los Angeles yet and half of the actors weren’t my actual neighbors. When you see what every celebrity gets handed to them from 3000 miles away in a different world … it’s glamorous. When it’s next door and they shop at your supermarket, it sucks.
Too real? Sour grapes? Probably. But speaking of grapes, sour or otherwise, my subtle (NOT!) yet, affordable pick for the 2010 Academy Awards is something you can afford to get at that celeb-ridden supermarket and glows as ruby as the red carpet itself. Appropriately, Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Diamond Collection 2008 Pinot Noir, Silver Label.
You can find this wine for as high as $19.99 at Gelsons or as low as $9- $13 at Costco.
SPECS:
Appellation Monterey County
Blend 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol 13.4%
Total Acid .60
pH 3.57
Barrel Regimen New and used French oak
Released May 2008
Retail $18.00
I am sipping as I write this and torturing myself watching E!’s horrendous broadcast. Okay, I just changed the channel.
It’s nice to have a Pinot Noir actually taste like a Pinot…not a faux drama queen Meritage or a Pinot overacting like a Bordeaux. Then again nothing is real in Hollywood. But your wine can be. It’s reasonably priced. It’s a beautiful bright, ruby red garnet hue and the label is a shining silver-blue diamond. Very festive.
Hints of brown spice, minor mushroom, young plum and strawberry. Clean finish. The more it opens up the better it is. But make no mistake, it is simple. Simple, straightforward, light and a little lovely. Unlike Hollywood.
Okay, okay I’m done with the Hollywood jabs, because truthfully, I love it here in Hollywood. I knew I was always meant to be here since I was 12, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
This week, I brought in a wine I felt the group really should taste. The Shannon Ridge 2008 Chardonnay. You can take a look at my more thorough review here.
Prime Directive:
A little test to see if the group could guess the price point.
Specification Query:
Retail Price: $19.00
Average BevMo price: $12-$15
BevMo 5 cent sale: 2 for $12.99
Alcohol:
14.3%
Total Acidity:
0.62 g/mL
pH:
3.64
Residual Sugar:
0.50%
Composition/Blend:
90% Chardonnay
Appellation:
Lake County
Barrels:
American oak
Time in Barrels:
6 months
Cases Produced:
8,000
Analysis and Response:
-Kevin thought it tasted like a $30 Napa Chardonnay and was going to immediately buy a quarter case.
- I already loved it and more so with the St. Andre cheese and rice crackers.
- A general yummy reaction. An even better one since it is 2 for $13 right now at BevMo!
I love Shannon Ridge Wines. And the only reason I happened to chance upon their existence is due to a tasting with a Shannon Ridge rep present. We just couldn’t believe the value you got for the price, as I call them “VP Wines”. I have been pretty disenchanted with BevMo lately, but I do thank them for carrying two lines I love that are hard to find elsewhere: Shannon Vineyards and the Concha y Toro Trio Line.
Here is one of the Shannon Wines on the 5 cent deal that has not been jacked up in price for the sale. It is a supreme bargain. That is, if you like new world style Chardonnay. And I do. But like I always say “Tasting is Personal”, so what I love you may hate. The W.U’s stats:
DM : Drinkmaker Mike Wood. His notes: The grapes used to produce our 2008 Shannon Ridge Lake County Chardonnay were picked from several different blocks to help create an elegant multi-layered wine with great complexity. The wine was barrel fermented in American oak to help create the creamy vanilla flavors and rich mouth feel.
CRAFT SYSTEM:
Color: Light gold.
Richness: Medium to Full Body.
Aroma: Green Apple, Oak and Vanilla.
Flavor: Oak, Creme Brule, Tropical Fruit, Hints of Fresh Tart Fall Fruit.
Texture: Lush yet crisp, round, lengthy finish.
ABILITIES
STRENGTH: Tons of muscle. A big creamy California style wine with enough of an acidic backbone.
DEXTERITY: Decently balanced fruit and acidity. Maybe a -1 for a little too much butter in the balance. But a flexible wine for many occasions and food. I stocked up on a half-case as a weeknight wine.
CONSTITUTION: Quaffable and something you want to keep drinking again and again. A lot of bang for the buck. But wait too long and it may go over the top and malolactic flavor the heck out of itself.
CHARISMA: A very viscous and beautifully aromatic wine in my opinion. +1 for a strong personality and smelling expensive. It definitely lets you know its in the room, it’s in your glass, and it’s a California girl.
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EXPERIENCE POINTS: Low. This is a fresh new 2008 wine. No cellaring needed. Open and go. Yum.
ARMOR CLASS: Low. Its structure won’t last long in the fridge, due to it’s rich and dry nature.
HIT POINTS: You have 1 day.
SAVING THROW: It’s a screw top, so you can get a nice tight seal to ward off oxidation as long as you can.
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CAMPAIGN SETTING: Pair with Modern Family and Cougartown, (ABC Wednesdays, 8pm.)
This week, Rich Magallanes brought in two Summerland wines that Samantha didn’t get a chance to try up at their tasting room. Between Oscar movie talk and how writers probably shouldn’t go see Avatar for the writing, we tried:
Here is a very good point from W.U. contributor and all around wine enthusiast Rich Magallanes. Yes, it’s a controversial issue, but no matter what, one thing is for certain. This topic in the wine community will probably never go away. – Jennifer.
I love wine tasting and the wine country but I don’t like what it does to my wallet. I go for the experience, the grounds, the people, the relaxation and most of all, the ability to taste and choose some of my favorite (or new) wines. It’s so exciting and refreshing, yet relaxing. It’s on your time and most certainly, your dime. From Santa Barbara to Napa, the coastal vineyards and rolling hills all the up to Northern California, you simply can’t go wrong. I recently went to Paris, France and spent considerable time tasting their fine wines. They were good, but if truth be told, it only reiterated my devotion to California wines. I’m such a poster boy for “Bottle Shock” and “Sideways.” For all the fanfare and hype of those movies, the truth is in the bottle. After my Paris trip, I was in need of real palate satisfaction, so I ventured on a road trip from Los Angeles to Calistoga. I stopped many a time at familiar and some unfamiliar wineries and came home fully stocked with a nice variety of hand-picked selections. I was so excited to share with my friends, family or drink solo by the fireplace. But first I needed some cheeses and that’s where the trouble began…
I went to my local WholeFoods – a grocery store not known for being inexpensive – and what I found was a giant selection of wines. Having my wine quota full, I thought I’d just quickly browse to see what they offered. I was quickly stunned to see they had almost all of my favorites from both SB and Napa. Even better – their prices were about $4-5 cheaper than what I paid! WholeFoods! The grocery store that I only do “selective” shopping due to their over-priced items, has great prices on great wines!?! I was excited and my blood started to boil all at the same time. First, I realized I no longer need to savor that special wine thinking I’d have to make another trip up North to get the next bottle, or order online. I can come right here and choose from their “Buy Local” selections. “Hell yeah!,” I thought. Then the blood-curdling started… “Wait a minute – I’ve been had!” Not by WholeFoods, but by these wineries.
Chart from winebusiness.com
Sure, it’s nice to get the full experience visiting a winery, but at what price? It’s not just the tasting fees, but what gets me are the grandiose tasting fees at most wineries. Especially during this time of economic struggle for most folks. It’s a further dig when you purchase bottles and then the tasting fee is still tacked on to your bill. Why? I tasted so I could buy, which I’m doing now and you want to charge me anyway? I understand if you don’t buy, then you pay, but if you buy, you shouldn’t have to pay. Simple business, right? Some wineries charge up to $20 or more and that really kills the opportunity to visit more vineyards. Don’t they see these fees take away from purchases? There are some ways around fees but these routes can be a bit bogus too – joining their wine club or purchasing a specific amount (usually more than you intended) before the fee is waived. It all feels like trickery.
My wife and I were recently at a famous winery in the Napa area which charged $20 per person (there’s a good $40 bottle down the drain). Anyway, their rule was “purchase $100 and get one tasting free.” Oh boy, what a deal! It is a bit insulting, isn’t it? Regretfully, we did it anyway because we spent the money driving up there, paying for the hotel and feeding ourselves at the local hot spots in order to have a good time. The irony of it all was the billionaire owner standing next to us like a celebrity shaking hands and saying “hello” to folks. After purchasing my $100 of goods to avoid one fee (fell for that hook, line and sinker – sort of), we walked around the grounds a bit. There was a giant lake with all the fancy winery trimmings. It was, indeed, very nice and peaceful. But I couldn’t help thinking, “it better be, I just helped pay for it all.”
I could go on and on, but have confidence that connoisseurs and consumers know all too well what I am saying. It’s time to fight back and demand a break – we buy, you don’t charge for tasting! Simple as that. Give us, wine enthusiasts, a break to enjoy more of your goods - we will, it’s true!
A very nice person representing Bouchaine Vineyards and Long Island Wine Council was kind enough to offer some wines for me to try, and see if we could not get the stigma of L.I. wines out of the sticks and onto the map. Well, it’s already on the map big time, but not here in California. Believe you me, I wish I could get more Long Island wines out here in Los Angeles. That’s a lie actually. I wish I could get ANY Long Island wines out here in Los Angeles. The offerings:
As the bottle description indicated, there were indeed clear hints of banana and flowers, but also definite Macintosh and Granny Smith apple flavors. Nice.
Sweet tropical fruit and citrus, vanilla and pear. This Chardonnay is definitely on the sweeter side, but I enjoyed this with hot and spicy homemade shrimp Pad Thai and it worked well in this case. I would not say say it is as viscous as a Viognier or anything, but if you are looking for a Chablis, keep looking.
12.5% alcohol. Low tannin, dust, chai tea and cardamom, odd aftertaste. I’m curious what the 2003 Merlot tasted like, let’s say in ‘06 or ‘07, because to me at this point, there was an excess of rubber and strong random essences. But that doesn’t mean that there is not a more recent vintage that is worth a look. Because there probably is. The low alcohol is always appreciated.
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And I was lucky enough to also try some Carneros area wines, known for their Pinot Noir and Chards:
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the non-estate Pinot Noir better. Maybe my taste in Pinots are changing, but I preferred the definite rose, orange peel, pencil lead and balsamic aromas over the dark, juicier estate fruit.
A fantastic band of merry drinkers and I have decided to start a little wine club called Thursty Thursdays, where we try 1 or 2 bottles and see what we can learn. Okay, maybe 3 bottles sometimes. But that’s only because our awesome pourer is generous! We try and keep a reasonable sized group, but we are full of the love-age so the number of peeps change depending on the week. But a few things are always certain:
1) It will be hot as hell in the room.
2) There will be a cheese of some kind.
3) We eventually have a clunker vino in the midst.
4) We have damn good taste and always will have a winner wine too.
5) There will be mega laughter.
6) The next Thursday can never come fast enough.
Here is a recording of the ‘60 Second Sip’ with our Thursty Thursday tasting group.
