Keep warm by trying new wines
We need to burn more fossil fuels. I’m freezing! I am doing my part if the Delmarva Power and heating oil bills are any indication. Thank god for fracking and drilling or those bills would be astronomical. The good news: Sampling wine to research definitely has a lovely warming effect. I’m seated by the fireplace sampling wine as I type. The only problem I foresee is dozing off. Fortunately, the advent of the keyboard obviated one of my other “tells,” sloppy handwriting.
For Melba, here’s a trade secret. A good place to research wine awards is: www.internationalwinechallenge.com/. Go to right-hand column, fill in the blanks, get results.
Frank Family Napa Zin 2013 just hit my sample table. I am a fan of this Napa Zin. It is a consistent winner, usually rating 89-94 points, depending on vintage and who’s reviewing. It first came on my screen in 2007 when it kicked butt everywhere. Couldn’t find a bottle in Delaware when point-stingy Steven Tanzer awarded a 90 in 2008 and WS gave the vintage a 92. I brought in Dominique Yeu to smuggle some to the Maryland border, then took the back roads down and picked it up. The 2013 is much easier to acquire. The 2013 spent 18 months in new and twice-used French oak. It is blended of 79 percent Zin, 18 percent Petit Sirah and 3 percent Cab. I was surprised how bright the wine was. Usually PS adds a lot of color and tannin, but winemaker Todd Graff shows his discreet hand once again. The wine is scarlet-colored, and the oak is immediately discernible in its nose. Herbs, pencil lead, licorice and pepper with some earthen hints rise with a swirl. On the palate, a balanced frame of acid, tannin, and spice supports a mouthful of cherry, plum and vanilla flavors. Medium-long, clean finish, repeats fruit and vanilla. Took gold at San Fran Chronicle competition, $37, 91 McD points.
The 2013 Carneros Chardonnay from Frank was also well made; WA awarded 89 points. This wine was barrel fermented in a range of oak from new to twice-filled. Then it was left on lees and stirred over nine months according to winemaker notes.
Tropical fruits and honeysuckle nose; citrus, peach, and vanilla flavors riding a creamy mouthfeel, finishes clean with good acid balance and a pleasing green apple lingering finish. My only problem is that in Delaware it is too darn expensive at $37. Careful shoppers and full-case buyers can locate some for $27.89. At that price point, it gets two McD extra points to 91.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2011 that was 95 points, $89, No. 5 on WS list is overpriced. Leeuwins was rated mid-90s for several years. Smart shoppers can find 94-point 2008, 2009 and the 95-point 2010 priced under $70. Made to age, their window just opened. Some writers, myself included, believe they will improve through a minimum of 10 years. Be a smart shopper. Buy a mixed case 2008-2010 if it fits your budget. The 2011 will continue to come down in price.
Informative article on Madeira by Christie’s Charles Antin www.snooth.com/articles/madeira-wine/.
When I saw the label Longtables, Forks on the Left, Red Wine 2012, from Mt. Veeder, which was subheaded, “In answer to the age-old table-setting question: Where do the forks go?” with a second subhead: “The truth, we think: It really doesn’t matter as long as you have a good glass of wine,” I immediately thought of “youse guys” and the search began. Fortunately I located a bottle. Produced by Charles Thomas, winemaker of Quintessa, by way of Rudd, Forks is a blend of several dark varietal wines, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache, with a little bit of Counoise, Mourvedre, and Viognier. Forks is a boutique’s boutique wine and a bit pricey at $43, but I’m happy I tried it for the label and the story of its naming.
