Wine Store Blog

There are many great things about being in the wine business. We get to meet interesting people, travel and taste great wines with the focus on making them accessible to our customers.

Yesterday was one of those great wine days, because we had the opportunity to taste the new releases from the great Tuscan and Piedmont portfolios of importer Neil Empson. Oh, and did I mention as well the lovely sparkling wines from Franciacorta in Lombardy? The focus was on the 2003 Brunello di Montalcino wines, 2004 Barolos, 2005 and 2006 Dolcettos and Barberas.

WOW, was all I kept thinking, when the amazingly expressive aromas and beautifully harmonious fruit hit my palate with each and every sip.

We also got to briefly chat with a few of the winemakers to get their take on the vintages and their experiences. We started with the Franciacorta sparkling wines from the great producer Bellavista. We spoke with Mattia Vezzola, who is the winemaker. One of the things to which he attributes the greatness of Bellavista sparkling wines is the hands-on approach, which they take, including the hand harvesting of their terroir-driven grapes. He also blends the best wines from different vintages to achieve the final cuvee, which is then bottled and goes through its second fermentation in the bottle.

The Bellavista, Franciacorta Brut N/V and the Bellavista, Gran Cuvee Brut, 2003 are terrific, alive and very inviting. We then went on to Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines.

CONTI COSTANTI, MONTALCINO, ITALY

We chatted with Andrea Conti, wine maker, who noted that he did not produce a Brunello di Montalcino in 2005. However, the Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino, 2003 is rich and spicy with classic tar, cherry and tobacco on the nose and palate. Terrifically balanced with a long lush finish. We recommend grabbing this up since we’ll be waiting quite a long time for the release of another vintage of their Brunello.

FUGLINI

This is another terrific Montalcino producer. The wines are made from twelve to thirty year old vines, which is apparent in their concentration on the palate. Both the 2005 Rosso and 2003 Brunello are rich and beautifully balanced.

LISSINI

This estate has been in the Lissini-Clementi family since Renaissance days and is comprised of only 44.5 acres, which is relatively small in comparison with other properties. The 2005 Lissini, Rosso di Montalcino is beautifully structured, full- bodied with softly gripping tannins. The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is also well structured, rich and silky.

POGGIO ANTICO

Winemaker Paola Gloder explained the reason why her wines have the exquisite balance and finesse, which were quite apparent when tasting them. Her vineyards are at the highest elevation in Montalcino, and the fact that they receive welcomed coolness at night to develop their acid levels and warmth during the day due to their location north of Montalcino, makes for a perfect balance. Both the Brunello di Montalcino 2003 and the deep, rich Brunello Altero, 2003, are perfectly harmonious. SPECTACULAR!

PIEDMONT

CONTERNO FANTINO

The Barbera and Dolcetto’s from this producer are really lovely.

The Barbera, “Vignota” 2006, is classically tart and lively. A good, tasty bang for the buck!

The Barolo “Vigna del Gris,” 2004, is huge and earthy, filled with perfumed violets and finishing with satiny tannins.

The Barolo, “Sori Ginestra” 2004, which is their most historic cru, dating back to the 1800’s, is powerful and yet elegant. Dark fruit and berries mingle with sage and tar, lending themselves to a long and lush finish.

EINAUDI

Dogliani is the oldest wine area in Dolcetto country, and the Einaudi’s are combining both tradition and modern technique to achieve the greatness, which they clearly reach with their Dolcetto and Barolo wines.

Their Dolcettto Dogliani, 2006 is a pretty wine, with cherry and spicy aromatics. It is well structured and touched by just enough oak to obtain its balance.

The 2006 Dolcetto “Vigna Tecc” is the gutsiest Dolcetto I’ve ever tasted. This wine is made from seventy-year-old vines, which explains its concentrated palate. I’ve had many vintages of this wine and it is always a standout!

All of the Einaudi Barolos were totally WOWING!

The Barolo, 2004 is robust, and everything that classic Barolo exhibits.

The Barolo “Costa Grimaldi” 2004 is huge, violet and tar scented, finishing silky and long. 20% of the grapes in this wine come from forty five year old vines.

The Barolo “Cannubi”, 2004 is a huge and expressive wine, intensely powerful and yet elegant at the same time. The grapes come from vines that are approximately sixty-two years of age.

MARCARINI

This is a consistently stellar producer.

Their wines are always remarkable, and these current releases are no exception.

The Dolcetto d’Alba “Fontanazza” 2006 is made in the traditional method, but without oak. It is a huge wine with black cherry and a gripping long finish.

Barbera d’Alba “Ciabot Camarano”, 2005 is an incredibly rich wine with bright fruit entwined in rich earthiness. It is a gorgeous representation of that, which Barbera can do!

Barolo “La Serra,” 2004, has a lovely rose petal and minty nose, and is rich and powerful, yet delicate at the same time. To attain both of these qualities, simply put, is that the balance here is superb.

The Barolo Brunate, 2004, has distinctive hints of licorice and herbs, and a beautiful earthiness. Brunate is just spectacular.

And so now it is up to you to try these for yourselves and give us your opinions!

Enjoy!

Wine Legend Team

EXCEPTIONAL WINES SERVED AT OUR VIP WINE DINNER
NOW HERE FOR ENJOYMENT AT YOUR TABLE

As many of you know, Wine Legend held its Grand Tasting at The Manor on October 18. We had a tremendous turnout to sample the over three hundred wines and spirits being poured. We also offered the option for people to attend a special wine dinner, which was held in The Manor’s Wine Cellar.

The dinner consisted of three courses, each paired with exceptional wines.

We’d like for you to have the opportunity to try these wines for yourself as we feel that they were all amazing. Carol Berman of Wine Legend, who is a sommelier, presented the wines.

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With the first course, which consisted of scallops and lobster plated in a very creative, Multi-faceted flavor and textured presentation, we served the following wines:

Pieropan, Soave Classico, La Rocca, 2003, Veneto, Italy
This wine is wonderfully classy and refined, with beautiful minerality lacing through in every sip. It is a stellar representation of the Garganega grape, which is this family’s specialty. CB

Chateau de la Matroye, Chassagne Montrachet, 2005, Burgundy, France
This is terrific white Burgundy from a great vintage. Lush, medium to full-bodied. And balanced on the palate, this wine is drinking beautifully right now. CB

Chapoutier, Condrieu Blanc, 2005, Rhone, France
Made 100% from the Viognier grape. Can be vinified anywhere from bone dry to a luscious mouth filling wine with considerable sweetness. This one is off dry displaying much elegance and finesse. CB

The main course was a superbly prepared short rib dish, in which the meat was cooked to perfection and its simple pure flavor worked perfectly with each of the following wines:

Chateau de Pommard, Pommard, 2005, Burgundy, France
Well structured and nicely balanced with classic cherry and soft pepper notes.
Drinking very well now. CB

Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Le Rocche Del Falletto, 2003, Piedmont, Italy
What can be said of the great wines from Giacosa? The wines speak for
Themselves. This Barolo from the very hot 2003 vintage displayed a lovely dried fruit perfume and ripeness on the palate. It is concentrated, lush and indeed, Giacosa special. CB

Hundred Acre, Ancient Way, Shiraz, 2004, Napa, California
This is a California winery that happens to source and make wine with major hands-on attention in the Barossa Valley in Australia. This is an exceptional Australian wine made from very old vines that grow in rare “terra rossa” and fractured limestone soils, hence its concentration. You can cut it with a knife and fork and call it dinner! CB

Dessert was laden with rich chocolate, which is the perfect compliment to Port Wines:

Charbay, Syrah Port 1997, California
This is small batch port made in California. The wine has an interesting hint of brandy on the nose and palate, due to the fact that the family uses their own brandy in the fermentation production.

Graham’s Port, 1994, Portugal
This is a great vintage port from this very old Port house. The very stylish1994 is clean and refined, displaying both great balance and harmony. CB

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Beaujolais is one heck of a misunderstood wine.

It is misunderstood because of its association with “Nouveau, which happens to be a “far cry” from the quality of village and Cru Beaujolais wines.

Beaujolais is made from the juicy, cherry-laden Gamay grape, which can be vinified anywhere from light to full bodied.

The simple Beaujolais wines can be lack-luster, but for a few great producers, while many of the Beaujolais Villages wines have a bit more meat on their bones.

The Cru Beaujolais wines, such as Morgon, Moulin a Vent, Julienas, Chiroubles, can be wonderfully complex and almost Pinot Noir-esque. These come from the specific towns or Crus which bear their names, making them reflective of their given environments or micro climates. Beaujolais is a wonderful choice for sipping throughout the autumn months as well as with Thanksgiving dinner, although we are getting way ahead of ourselves here on that note!

Here a few of our Beaujolais recommendations for this season:

1. Michel Tête, Julienas, Domaine de Clos de Fief, 2005
2. Louis Claude Desvignes, Javernieres, Morgon, 2005
3. Chateau de Pizay, Morgon, 2005
4. Chateau de la Chaize, Brouilly, 2005
5. Domaine Diachon, Moulin-a-Vent, 2006
6. Chateau de Raousett, Fleurie, 2005

The thought that the summer is over… well this in itself could drive you to drink! And as the season slips away, we have a selection of delicious wines to get you through September in sipping style!

After you have tried these, we’d love to hear what you have to say about them. If you have any favorite September picks, please feel free to share. That’s what blogging is all about!

Wine Legend’s Top Ten Picks:

1. Sitios de Bodega, CONCLASS, 2006, Rueda, Spain
2. KeeSha, Pinot Grigio, 2005, Hungary
3. Castelvero, Cortese, 2006, Piedmont, Italy
4. Leth, Gruner Veltliner, 2006, Austria
5. Cava, l’Hereau de Raventos i Blanc, Brut, Penedes, Spain
6. Rosso di Collalbrigo, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, Veneto, Italy
7. Terre Andina, Carmenere, 2005, Chile
8. Michel Tete, Domaine du Clos du Fief, Julienas, 2005, France
9. Podere Il Palazzino, Chianti Classico, 2004, Tuscany, Italy
10. Altos de la Hoya, Monastrell, 2005, Jumilla, Spain

Garage wine project from Andy Erikson and Anie Favia

Screaming Eagle’s wine maker is at it again, proving that great things do come from out of a garage!

Made by the incredible husband and wife team of Andy Erickson, (Staglin, Hartwell, Favia, Ovid, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle and Arietta), and Anie Favia (viticulturist for Abreu and Screaming Eagle).

This decadent blend of Syrah (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (15%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) is definitely influenced by the Syrah in the blend. Black fruit and spice with very little new oak make it really pleasant right out of the gate!

Leviathan isn’t meant to be a long-aging wine, it is meant instead to be drunk within the next few years. This is a different approach for Erikson, whose past wine creations are definitely made for cellaring.

This exciting wine is destined to become another “cult wine.”

Get it while you can. Buy Leviathan California Red 2005.

The time has come to begin taking that pink juice in the wine bottle seriously.

For those who still find themselves shaking in their shoes at the thought of bringing to their lips a glass of pink wine, GET OVER IT!

Rosé wines are for all practical purposes, red wines that have had less skin and juice contact after crush.

The coloration in wine really comes from the skins. The longer that the juice stays in contact with the grape skins, the darker the wine will be.

There is nothing insipid about true rosé wines.

Many years ago when white zinfandel wine was first introduced into the marketplace it became the first wine to which non-wine drinkers gravitated. Why was this?

Because, it was really nothing like drier wines, which people were not used to and therefore their palates didn’t quite understand. White Zinfandel wines were, and still are, really soft, fruity, and quite simple.

When you try a rosé wine from the Provence region in France made from a blend of the Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes (plus, maybe even a couple more in the blend), you are drinking a spicy and berry-laden wine. This is to say, a wine with lots of character and even complexity.

Italian rosato wines are another good bet when seeking out wonderful pink wines.

The thing to do is to open your minds and a bottle of a good pink wine and decide for yourselves…is it going to be a heavy red wine or a crisp and flavorful pink, in the heat and humidity of the summer? When you realize that these may be drunk with any meal at which you would drink a rich red wine, you just may find yourselves a new seasonal favorite.

Recommended wines:

- Mas de Gourgonnier, 2006, Les Baux, Provence, France
- Cantalupo, Il Mimo, 2006, Piedmont, italy
- Vin Gris de Cigare, 2006, California
- Chateau de Trinquevede, 2006, Tavel, France
- Muga, 2006, Rioja, Spain

ROME (Reuters) - Italian vineyards long ago turned their dank cellars into germ-free high tech vaults, but to compete on the wine tasting circuit they are now hiring world renowned architects to design avant-garde wineries.

“Nowadays producing good wine is not enough,” says Lea Fiorentini, an oenologist with Tuscany’s Rocca di Frassinello, which is one of largest wineries in Europe. Rocca di Frassinello will unveil new premises in June designed by architect Renzo Piano, one of the creators of the Pompidou Center in Paris. It was commissioned by French winemaker Baron de Rothschild and Italian media tycoon Paolo Panerai.

“We hope the new complex, that includes an inverted open pyramid for aging the wine, a restaurant and an auditorium for public events, will be a strong communication and marketing move,” Fiorentini told Reuters.

Rocca Di Frassinello Poggio Alla Guardia 2004
IGT Maremma Toscana
Grapes: 15% Sangioveto, 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification in stainless steel. Aged for 6 months in steel and bottle.

Notes: This is their entry level wine, but still a wine of outstanding personality.
Deep ruby red in color, with pleasant notes of cassis and lots of fruit flavors. Spicy but very drinkable, with a medium body, lively tannins and a light finish. It is the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of pasta and white meat dishes.

Regular Price: $18.99 | Sale Price: $15.19
Click to buy Rocca Di Frassinello Poggio Alla Guardia 2004

Rocca Di Frassinello Le Sughere 2004
IGT Maremma Toscana
Grapes: 50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification in steel. Aged for 12 months in barriques (50% new)

Tasting notes: A wine of great character. Deep ruby red in color, with good berry fruit and floral notes, hints of minerals, and nice elegant spicy tones. Medium-bodied, with fine, velvety tannins and a medium to-long finish. Wine suitable for ageing, but so very pleasant due to the soft tannins that it can also be drunk young. It pairs well with all red meat dishes and mature cheeses.

Regular Price: $31.99 | Sale Price: $26.39
Click to buy Rocca Di Frassinello Le Sughere 2004

Rocca Di Frassinello 2004
IGT Maremma Toscana
Grapes: 60% Sangioveto, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification: In steel. Aged for 14 months in new barriques

Tasting notes: The top label, le grand vin of the French-Italian project. Intense ruby red, soft, silky with lots of floral flavors (typical of Sangiovese), nice hints of red berries and cherries and elegant notes of vanilla and milk chocolate. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a round, medium finish. It pairs well with all red meat dishes and mature cheeses.

Regular Price: $59.99 | Sale Price: $47.99
Click to buy Rocca Di Frassinello 2004

Wine Legend’s Vine Video Live will be back for another live web cast on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 3:00PM. We will be interviewing adult film star, turned wine producer, Savanna Samson who will be discussing her second release Sogno Due, 2004.

Sogno Due, which was made by Roberto Cipresso is from the southern Italian wine region of Campania and is made from the Falanghina grape.

As part of our web cast we will be having a blind tasting contest. (No one will be blindfolded, don’t worry! That is, unless you want to be!)

We will be selecting two contestants to join us on camera in a blind tasting of Sogno Due as well as two other Falanghina wines made by other producers.

Our contestants, after observing Carol Berman, Savanna and Mahesh Lekkala taste all three wines and discuss their characteristics, will be asked to taste the wines and see if they can guess which one is actually Sogno Due.

Each contestant who correctly guesses her wine, will receive a (non-alcoholic) gift from Savanna.

Any one who is interested in becoming a contestant, please E-mail us at legend@winelegend.com. We will be selecting two contestants at 2:30PM the day of the show. We will also be taking questions from our in-store audience, so please E-mail us your questions in advance, and we’ll randomly select a few!

Those who pre-order their Sogno Due on-line at www.winelegend.com, will be able to have Savanna sign their bottle the day of the show.

Please come by, meet Savanna and join us here at Wine Legend for Our next edition of Vine Video Live.

There’ll be a hot time, in this old town, on April 21!

Years ago, sitting at the Passover Seder table with family and friends meant sipping wine throughout the meal which was usually very sweet, or painfully dry.

Thankfully those less than pleasant wine days are gone, due to modern winemaking technology, and the belief that Kosher wine is really only different than all other wines by the method of being flash heated to be considered (mevushal). The use of kosher yeasts in the fermentation process is another difference in their production. Other than that the wines are produced in the same way, but with respect to the observance of Jewish law.

Today, whichever type of wine you enjoy on a regular basis, whether it be a crisp sauvignon blanc, full bodied cabernet sauvignon or gutsy syrah, You can find a really good kosher representation which will surely please.
If you are looking for a nice sauvignon blanc with which to begin your meal, Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 from New Zealand or Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc 2005 from California are great choices!

Israel has also become a very successful wine producing country.
If you are a fan of Pinot Noir, you can try Yarden Pinot Noir 2002.
Segal’s Cellar Select Cabernet/Merlot, 2003 and Galil Mountain Merlot 2004 are good choices in big red category, and Barkan Petite Syrah is a pleasant springtime sip.
A truly exceptional wine is Israel’s Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin, 2004.
It is a truly elegant Bordeaux blend, and proof along with the above-mentioned wines, that these are simply terrific wines, which just happen to be Kosher.
You can see our extensive kosher wine selection by going to www.winelegend.com and clicking on the Kosher Wine link!

Are you in search of a little excitement? Take a peek at this second wine made by Roberto Cipresso (winemaker of Fattoria La Fiorita Brunello & Achaval ferrer) in collaboration with American adult-film actress Savanna Samson (Frequent guest on Howard Stern’s show)

Sogno Due, a 100 percent Falanghina from 70 - 85 year old vines planted on their own roots in Naples is only a 400 case production.

If you think Porn-star can’t make serious wine, you will be surprised to know that the red wine which was released last year(Sogno Uno 2004) recieved accolades from Robert Parker and we were sold out instantaneously.

The wine is expected to arrive the end of this week. But don’t wait on this wine too long as lot of party goers drinking this wine on rocks. No Kidding!!!!

Producer: Savanna Samson

Grape: Falanghina
Region: Campania
Wine Type: White
Vintage: 2004

Quantity: 750 ml
Regular Price: $38.99
Sale Price: $29.99
Robert Parker’s Rating for Sogno Uno 2004: 91 Points

Buy Sogno Due 2004 (buy it before its sold out)