March Premium Wine Club

Posted on February 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

Belle Glos
2021 Eulenloch
Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark ruby red, with aromas of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry and cedar. A rich opulent wine, offering flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa, black licorice and dried herbs. This wine is bold and well-balanced with lively acidity and refined tannins.

VINEYARD NOTES:
The Eulenloch Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley and its predominantly comprised of clay soils which retain water but are remarkably shallow. When combined with the cool coastal breeze, these characteristics provide ripe fruit that is complex and nuanced. Eulenloch Pinot Noir offers structure, suppleness, length, and depth.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner/winemaker, Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Beaulieu Vineyard
2019 Tapestry Reserve
Red Blend
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Blending five Bordeaux-heritage grape varieties grown within the Napa Valley, this blend came together seamlessly, offering nuance, complexity and balance. The Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits a bounty of dark bramble berry fruits, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry cobbler, wild black cherry and red currant, alongside notes of root spice, ginger, and musky perfume. The Merlot adds vibrancy and riper notes of black raspberry and dark plum, while also softening the tannins, contributing to a velvety-rich, supple mouthfeel. Malbec adds fresh raspberry notes, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend with darker berry fruits and savory spices, alongside delicate floral and woodsy nuances of black pepper, cedar, forest floor and wild sage. Well integrated notes of mocha and caramel, having been aged in new French oak barrels, heighten the overall aromatic expression, and lengthen the spiced multi-layered finish. The firm, grippy tannins lead to a sense of depth, and will ensure the wine’s ability to age for many years to come. A classic example uniting old world techniques with new world winemaking, all while showcasing the true elegance, generosity and allure of Napa Valley.

WINE DETAILS:

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
pH: 3.72
Oak Treatment: 19 months of agin in French Oak (60% new barrels)
Critical Acclaim:
- 93 Pointes – JamesSuckling.com
- 92 Points – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
The team at Beaulieu Vineyard tailored the winemaking for each varietal to best capture the personality of both the vintage and specific vineyard blocks. Optical sorting, cold soaking and gentle pumpovers along with in-barrel malolactic fermentation all contributed to this wine’s richly textured and complex flavors. Aging in roughly 60% new French oak barrels for 19 months complimented the wine’s impressive depth and freshness. Beaulieu Vineyard’s Winemaker, Trevor Durling, presides as only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s 119-year history. A native Californian, Trevor was raised in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. With a love of agriculture, science and cuisine, Trevor pursued his studies at the University of California Davis in the Viticulture and Enology program. As winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor incorporates his passion for creating fine wines, while preserving the heritage and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard.

VINEYARD:
Since its inception in 1990, their Tapestry Reserve has always been a tribute to their French heritage and a nod to the classic Bordeaux blends and Clarets that are world-renowned. Varietals are always sourced from a selection of specific vineyard blocks of top-quality grapes that give Tapestry the combined attributes of terroir expression and a round, approachable tannin structure. Roughly half of the Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on the famous western benchland of the Rutherford American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the balance from the Calistoga, Oakville, and St Helena AVAs. The Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec are sourced exclusively from their estate vineyards in Rutherford. Two styles of Cabernet Franc lend complexity and intrigue: one from cooler Sonoma Valley providing fresh acidity and a slight herbal character; the other from warmer Calistoga adding ripe and expressive red fruit notes.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
One of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, Beaulieu Vineyard came to be in 1900, when Georges de Latour’s wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on that land that would later become the Rutherford vineyard. She said, “Quelle beau lieu!”, or “What a beautiful place!” Shortly thereafter, de Latour sold his thriving cream of tartar business, bought the four-acre ranch, and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France. Learn more here.

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January Premium Wine Club

Posted on December 22, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Cortonesi
Lèonus Toscana IGT
Tuscany, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

A pleasant red with berry, light chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium body, firm tannins and fresh finish. This wine is a perfect accompaniment for caprese salad, pizza, salumi, burgers and aged cheeses.

WINE DETAILS:

Analysis: 13.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Montalcino, Tuscany (IGT), Italy
pH: 3.55
Total Acidity: 6.10 g/L
RS: .8 g/L
Critical Acclaim: “Attractive nose of hazelnuts, praline, cherries, peaches and vanilla. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and supple, juicy palate. Drink now or hold.” – 91 pts. James Suckling

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Lèonus vineyards are nested in the northeast part of Montalcino—an area where great Brunello di Montalcino crus are born. Like all great Super Tuscan wines, Lèonus captures the essence of Tuscany. This artisan Super Tuscan wine is a rigorous hand selection of the finest grapes of Sangiovese from Montalcino blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This hand-crafted blend gives birth to a Super Tuscan or as Cortonesi describes it as Super Montalcino Lèonus.

The vineyards are 20 to 25 years old—at the fullest of their qualitative potential. The harvest took place slightly earlier than the harvest of the Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino grapes. This slightly earlier harvest is to preserve the finesse and elegance of the wine and not to over extract body and structure. Lèonus is a soft tannin wine with silky smooth characteristics, capable of being versatile in its consumption, but always maintaining the amazing characteristics of Sangiovese di Montalcino.

Cortonesi
La Mannella
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

A luscious Brunello with bountiful aromas of dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny vintage with an open and food-friend personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Appellation: DOCG Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
pH: 3.4
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
RS: 0 g/L
Critical Acclaim:
- “The Cortonesi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella is similar to the Poggiarelli in terms of brightness and fruit wealth, yet this wine is perhaps more savory, spicy and accessible…” – 93 pts. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
- “…Full-bodied, its ample fruit is evenly balanced through the palate, with ripe tannins and a fresh mineral texture. It offers notes of fresh leather, ripe cherry, cedar, and warming spices throughout…” – 93 pts. Jeb Dunnuck
- 95 pts. Wine Enthusiast Magazine

VITICULTURE:
The grapes for this wine come from the heart of Montalcino, on 19 acres of family-owned vines situated both on a 984 foot hill on the north side of the city (near the Montosoli Zone) and on the southeast side (in the East Zone). One of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 382.8 yards (350 meters) above sea level. The soil on the north side is rocky clay, with excellent exposure to the sun and a large number of stones, while the soil on the south side is clay with sandy soil of good drainage.

VINIFICATION:
After careful selection of the hand-picked grapes, fermentation takes place with maceration for 20 days in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures between 78.8° F – 86° F. The wine then spends 36 months in 3000-liter Slavonian oak casks. The combination of great passion for winemaking of the Cortonesi family, the high altitude, diversity of soils, and traditional winemaking process gives to the La Mannella Brunello di Montalcino great finesse, elegance, and immense aging potential.

FAMILY:
Brunello di Montalcino of Tuscany has been called “The King of Wines” and this “king” is what Cortonesi specializes in. The Cortonesis established La Mannella in the 1970s, covering 138 acres in one of the most storied areas of the entire region of Montalcino, but only 19 of those acres are dedicated to producing a world-class Brunello. They started commercially selling their wine in 1985. Today, the wines are in the more-than-capable hands of Tommaso Cortonesi, a third-generation winemaker. The first vintage of Cortonesi’s Brunello arrived in 1990, which took advantage of the rocky, well-drained soils of the vineyard site, ensuring a long-aging wine. Likewise, modern technological advances go a long way in producing outstanding wine.

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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on December 21, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Buccella
Merlot 2020
Carneros, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Elegant, silky and layered; this Merlot has aromas of ripe plum, strawberry, raspberry jam and black cherry jump out of the glass and mingle with hints of cedar, clove, graphite and vanilla bean. An alluring, mid-palate is round and balanced by sweet red fruit, cocoa and a luscious savory finish. Soft, plush, juicy tannins create a textured palate, which will have you yearning for another sip. This is a definite “Cab lovers” Merlot that is approachable now and will lay down for 15 to 20 years.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 18 months in 70% new French Oak
Appellation: Carneros, California
Bottled: Unfiltered and unfined
Produced: 188 cases

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“Our Merlot fruit comes from two blocks atop a knoll in the acclaimed Carneros appellation, where harvests typically yield less than two tons per acre. Influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, Carneros is an ideal spot for growing our distinctive Merlot. It’s a youthful wine that’s invitingly approachable, while still offering the richness and decadence we love.” – Buccella

ABOUT BUCCELLA:
Founded in 2002 by Bill Deem and his wife, Alicia; the couple discovered their mutual love for the wine industry over a bottle of 1990 Gaja, shared on their very first date. They chose the name “Buccella,” meaning “mouthful” in Latin, to highlight the big, bold, concentrated flavors that make their wines so luxurious. Their goal is to create wines that bring people together, initiate new relationships and celebrate life’s most monumental moments. Learn more about their story here.

Kokomo Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon is full of black fruit flavors with hints of cassis, clove, dusty soil, and anise. The tannins are supportive and integrated showing a silky character that finishes with just a touch of acidity, making this Cabernet an elegant food pairing wine.

Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Harvest: October 2021
Fermentation: Tank fermented
Barrel Aging: 11 months in French Oak, 20% new

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION:
This explosive Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from Kokomo’s 100-acre Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard in Alexander Valley, Ruth’s Vineyard, with 20% coming from their home vineyard in Dry Creek Valley.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“The goal in making this Cabernet Sauvignon was to make it powerful yet graceful, food-friendly yet delicious on its own, and most importantly, balanced. After harvesting the grapes, we sorted them and gently de-stemmed them without crushing or bruising the fruit. We cold soak the grapes for 3-5 days and let fermentation begin naturally using the native yeast that comes in on the grapes from the vineyard. When we are satisfied with the fermentation and the quality of the juice, we gently press the wine so it can rest in 100% oak barrels for one year. We tend to use more neutral oak on this wine to showcase the fruit.” – Kokomo Winery Team

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner and Winemaker Erik Miller started the winery in 2004 naming it after his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, and decided on a Coastal Cypress Tree as a logo to signify his move out west. Kokomo currently produces over a dozen different varietals and several single vineyard designates which are farmed by his partner in the winery, grower, Randy Peters. Kokomo Winery has been making its mark in Sonoma County, unfailingly earning 90+ ratings, Best of Class, and Gold Medals across all of their varietals since the beginning. The team takes pride in being a family winery; they have created a place for visitors to enjoy a comfortable and laid back wine tasting experience immersed in their cellar and surrounded by wine barrels. Learn more here.

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Heron Hill Winery Eclipse Red

Posted on August 28, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Tangy Tomato Pot Roast

INGREDIENTS:

6 medium yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and halved
6-8 carrots, peeled and halved if thick or left whole if thinner
1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
3 lb. boneless beef roast, inside or outside round, blade or cross-rib works well
2 cups tomato sauce, or passata
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2-3 fresh thyme sprigs, or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste
freshly ground pepper

To thicken:

1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water

To serve:

Fresh parsley, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

For Oven Method: Sear meat in an oven safe pot with lid or Dutch oven. Lift out briefly and place vegetables underneath the roast. Add sauce, cover and place into a 325°F oven for 3-4 hours or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
For Slow Cooker: Scatter the prepared potatoes, carrots, and onions in the bottom of a slow cooker.
On the stove top, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef roast on both sides until well browned, about 3 minutes per side. Place beef on top of vegetables in slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over the roast. Scatter the fresh thyme sprigs over-top.
Place cover on slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until beef is fall-apart tender.
Remove roast to a cutting board and cut in to slices. Meanwhile, combine cornstarch with water and stir in to gravy with vegetables and let cook for a few minutes until gravy thickens a bit. Taste gravy and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed. Return meat to slow cooker. Gently stir to coat with gravy. Allow to cook a few minutes to re-warm the meat, then remove all to a large platter or bowl to serve. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Heron Hill Winery
Eclipse Red
Finger Lakes, New York

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This medium ruby colored wine shows the beauty of what the Bordeaux varieties can do around New York State in warm vintages. Medium to full intensity on the nose shows a great combination of black and red fruit with blackberry, cassis and raspberry all made more complex with some herbal mint tones and slight cedar notes. The palate is medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and refined, silky tannins with great length.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 44% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: New York – grapes sourced from growers in Finger Lakes and Long Island
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.69
Total Acid: 5.85 g/L – 0.585%
Residual Sugar: 0 – Dry
Aging: 15 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels
Malo-Lactic Fermentation: 100%
Free SO2 at Bottling: 32ppm
Production: 1312 Cases of 12 Bottles
Winemaker: Jordan Harris

FOOD PAIRING:
This wine would make a wonderful accompaniment to pot roast with roasted seasonal root vegetables in a tomato base. Also great with those steaks and chickens coming off the grill in summer!

WINEMAKER – JORDAN HARRIS

Jordan Harris is best described by three words: passionate, determined and focused. Jordan has always had an incredible passion for all things food and wine. From his education in culinary arts to studying Enology and Viticulture at The Niagara College of Canada, Jordan’s passion has lead him to many successes. He has achieved numerous awards and accolades for his wines. He placed first at the Inter-Rhone Sommelier Challenge, third at the International Challenge in Avignon, France, and was featured in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. Jordan joined the team at Heron Hill in 2020 to be closer to his family and embrace the opportunity to work with cool climate fruit in the Finger Lakes.

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May Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on April 25, 2023 by mcginnessalex

French Blue
Crémant de Bordeaux Brut
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut wine is pale gold in color with an elegant stream of fine bubbles. It is complex on the nose, with white flowers, sweet almonds and a touch of wild strawberry. It has a creamy mousse with brioche notes on the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Merlot, 13% Sémillon, 7% Muscadelle
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
TA: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (AOC)
Growing Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine/Bordeaux
Winemaking Style: Méthode Traditionnelle
Winemaker: Stephanie Rivin

French Blue
Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink in color with elegant bubbles. There are aromas of raspberry, red currants and a fresh hint of mint. Perfectly balanced mousse with hints of vanilla on the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 99% Merlot, 1% Malbec
Residual Sugar: 9 g/L
TA: 5.8 g/L
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (AOC)
Growing Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine/Bordeaux
Winemaking Style: Méthode Traditionnelle
Winemaker: Stephanie Rivin

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“The Bordeaux region of France is highly renowned for producing the best wines in the world. A much lesser known fact is that since 1990 the same region has been producing sparkling wines (Crémant de Bordeaux) “Méthode Traditionnelle” which are the equal, if not superior, to many champagnes and at a fraction of the cost. A huge advantage in this region is that along the banks of the rivers Garonne and Dordogne exist natural caves and grottos, which are high in humidity perfectly ideal for the stockage of sparkling wines. At harvest time the grapes are picked by hand and transported to the cellars to start the vinification process. Here the grapes are pressed and undergo a first fermentation. Once bottled a second fermentation occurs. The wine is then aged sur lie for at least 12 months in order to develop depth of flavors and complexity. While on laths the horizontal bottles are subjected daily to “riddling”, a process of turning each bottle a quarter of a turn. The bottles are then degorged of any residue to leave a perfectly clear and limpid wine ready forfinal preparation” – Stephanie Rivin, Winemaker

ABOUT FRENCH BLUE WINE:
In creating French Blue Wine, Winemaker Stephanie Rivin set out to do something new: put an American twist on French wines. As a result, French Blue wines are ideal for a drawn-out lunch, a gathering of friends, or reading by the water on a hot day. It provides the best drinking experience – relaxed, bright and cheerful.

Learn more about our Bubbly Club >

May Premium Wine Club

Posted on April 25, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Pomar Junction
2014 Cab Forward
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Bordeaux blend is an opulent wine that delivers notes of licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, blackberry, and spice, combined with incredibly silky tannins.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Merlot
pH: 3.60
Residual Sugar: 0.26%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Paso Robles
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 30% New Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 158
Accolades: Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; 94pts The Somm Journal.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Cab Forward is a Reserve blend of our best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. This wine honors the railroad heritage of the Merrill family. Excellent aging potential.” – Jim Shumate

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography

Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate

Christina W Photo_Pomar Junction Vineyard

Pomar Junction
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Everything you desire in a Cabernet Sauvignon! Ripe blackberry and black currant flavors with a hint of pencil and cigar box in the mid-palate. It pairs perfectly with a peppercorn New York steak.

Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: El Pomar District AVA
Vineyard: Pomar Junction Vineyard
pH: 3.62
Residual Sugar: 0.33%
Total Acidity: 7.1%
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 35% new oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 164
Accolades: Double Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made entirely from Estate Grown grapes. It was handpicked from the hillside portion of the vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. Yields were limited to produce an intensely dark-hued wine. As is typical from this vineyard, the wines maintain complexity while remaining a soft mouthfeel. As always, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon features our favorite barrels from the cellar. The ripening for previous vintages carried well into the late fall, typical of this vineyard which experiences the afternoon breezes and climate effects of the Templeton Gap Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Jim Shumate, Winemaker

VINEYARDS:
Made entirely from hand-picked, estate-grown grapes, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the hillsides of their vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. It takes patience to grown this varietal on their ranch as it often is not picked until late October, nearly a month later than a typical Eastside Paso Robles vineyard. The cooling Templeton Gap breezes moderate the summer temperatures and combine with their Linne Calado soils for idea Cabernet growing conditions.

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011. Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here >

Join our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on April 24, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Braised Red Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:

1 onion
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 apples
½ whole cinnamon
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ cup good red cooking wine
2 pounds red cabbage
½ cup water

DIRECTIONS:

COOK THE ONION AND THE APPLES – Dice the onion. Add the olive oil, onion, and sugar to a large pan. Place over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the sugar caramelizes. Clean the apples and cut them into wedges. Add to the pan along with cinnamon. Cook for another minute.
COOK THE RED CABBAGE – Add the apple cider vinegar and wine. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate. Clean the red cabbage and cut it into thin slices. Add to a pan along with water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 35 – 50 minutes or until the cabbage is soft and cooked.
SERVING IDEA – Serve the braised red cabbage with your favorite main dish. Before serving, add 2 – 3 tablespoons of fat from pork roast, roasted duck, or roasted chicken or 2 – 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir to combine. Remove the whole cinnamon before serving.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Pomar Junction
Sidetrack Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Sidetrack is a delicious proprietary blend created to highlight the El Pomar District of Paso Robles. It’s brilliant, deep, and rich in color. Wonderful aromas of plums, blueberries, dark red roses and caramel. Flavors of luscious berries, dark chocolate, spices and the perfect amount of oak make this fantastic, food-friendly wine.

Varietal: 44% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 1% Grenache Noir
Analysis: 14.08% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Paso Robles, El Pomar District, California
Vineyard: Various
pH: 3.54
Total Acidity: 0.66 g/L
Residual Sugars: 0.40%
Aging: 9 Months
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Pairing: Roast beef, cabernet braised cabbage, gouda, & cheddar cheeses
Cases Produced: 1235
Critical Acclaim: Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Vineyards:
Pomar Junction Vineyards has a unique terroir, as their limestone soils, cooling Templeton Gap breezes and expert sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified Vineyards) combine to produce their outstanding wines. The El Pomar District is at the center of the greater Paso Robles AVA. Its name is derived from “pomum”, latin for edible fruit and commonly referred to as “orchard” in Spanish. As early as 1886, nut orchards were the most common in the area and by 1968 there were over 1300 acres of almonds and 36 acres of walnuts. Today, many of the aged orchards are being replaced by vineyards. Learn more >

About the Winemaker:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011. Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARDS & WINERY:
Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on March 28, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Hertelendy Vineyards
Audēre Red Blend 2018
(glow-in-the-dark label)
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

In Latin, Audēre means to dare or to risk. This unique Bordeaux blend is a risk-taker as it defies conventional winemaking methods and boldly stands out. This blend hails from ultra premium, volcanic Napa areas, such as Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Hertelendy’s very own Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard (planted in 1993 at 1365 feet, 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). Enjoy a burst of flavor, serious tannins, and a full-bodied mouth feel… plus, the label glows in the dark!

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 39% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 26, 2018 – October 30, 2018
Release Date: October 10, 2022
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2018 was an extraordinary year with the most predictable weather conditions and no heat spikes, which resulted in the longest hang-time on the vines. Vintner, Ralph Hertelendy believes it was the best vintage of the decade.
Cases Produced: 329
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:
“The 2018 ‘Audere’ is another fantastic wine from Hertelendy in this vintage and similar to last years release, this is the most accessible wine from this outstanding lineup. It begins with seductive aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries currants which are joined by exotic spices, violets, wet gravel, tobacco and hints of earthy nuances all developing in the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied and well-structured with beautifully polished tannins. It displays outstanding concentration and overall balance with a long seamless finish leaving behind flavors of black fruits, tobacco, violets and spices all leave a lasting impression. This is already fantastic, however it also has the structure to take on additional bottle age and evolve gracefully for years to come.” — 95 Points, International Wine Report

Hertelendy Vineyards
Signature Mountain Blend 2017
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this limited case production (6 barrels) is the closest wine in Hertelendy Vineyard’s program that could be called an “Estate Wine”, as most of the blend comes from their very own Rockwell Ridge Estate Vineyard (located 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). It is a delectable representation of what their Estate Rockwell Ridge Vineyard (blended with Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill & Atlas Peak fruit (can produce).

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 49% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 7, 2017 – October 7, 2017
Release Date: February 22, 2021
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% new French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2017 was a great vintage overall where record-setting winter rains ended their five year drought. A lengthy, moderately warm summer created idyllic conditions for density, ripeness, and concentration. However, the winery lost 50% of their total yield to the fires.
Cases Produced: 150 (6 barrels)
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:

96 Points & Double Gold Medal in the Sunset International Wine Competition
“The 2017 Signature Mountain Blend is another stellar wine from Hertelendy in this vintage. This instantly begins to impress as it displays wonderful purity and freshness, releasing gorgeous nuances of ripe cassis, dark cherries and blueberries, which are followed by exotic spices, dark florals, licorice, fresh sage and underlying hints of espresso all taking shape. On the palate this is full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with outstanding concentration and a layered mouthfeel that continues seamlessly through the finish. This is a simply sensational wine that is drinking incredibly well now, but should also hold up beautifully for decades and become even more compelling over time. “— 95 Points, International Wine Report
“Coming from the estate property on Howell Mountain, the Bordeaux blend 2017 Signature Mountain Blend has a perfumed, floral, incense, vanilla, and violets tinged bouquet that’s supported by plenty of blue fruits. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has good acidity, a firm, tight, compact feel on the palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.” — 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Hertelendy Vineyards is a luxurious, boutique winery that specializes in producing Bordeaux blends from the most ultra premium terroirs that Napa Valley has to offer. Their ancestors have been making wines in Hungary since the 1700’s, and mountainous, volcanic terroir has always been a Hertelendy winemaking tradition. In 2013, Hertelendy Vineyards was founded by Ralph Hertelendy, who acquired this 4 acre vineyard on the slopes of Howell Mountain. Today, Ralph, and Winemaking Consultant, Phillip Corallo-Titus continuously work together to create wines that meet in the middle of their styles – creating beautiful, compromising expressions that otherwise wouldn’t have been made. Learn more about their story here.

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March Premium Wine Club

Posted on February 24, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Andes Plateau
Red Blend
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine has concentration with spicy and herbal notes. It has a firm structure with fine, but persistent tannins. The palate feels fresh with ripe berries and sweet spices. A wine that will age very well in the next 5 years.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot
pH: 3.49
Residual Sugar: 1.63
Total Acidity: 5.45
Appellation: Valle del Maipo, Cajón Maipo, Chile
Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
Planted Surface: 3 hectares
Bottle Aging: One year of bottle aging before releasing
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe

SOILS:
Mix of Alluvial Soils from Maipo River with colluvial soils from the Andes Mountains, making it very rocky. This is extremely important for roots to grow deep and secure to ensure a long life for the vines.

CLIMATE:
Towards the end of the season, the grapes ripe slowly and balanced. The altitude allows for fresher climate (average of 39.2ºF) than the lower parts of the valley. Also, the diurnal range is more ample, allowing the plants to have some resting every day.

HARVEST & VINIFICATION:
Harvest was the third and fourth week of March. The grapes are hand selected at the winery and fermentation happens in Concrete vats. Fermentation occurs naturally with native yeast only. The pump overs are very gentle and determined by daily tastings.

AGING AND STORAGE:
Aged in large Austrian wooden vats (foudre) that hold 3,000 liters of wine. The aging time is determined by tasting – in this case, it was 10 months.

Andes Plateau
Vitrea Red Blend
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Elegant wine with red fruits, graphite and spices. The palate shows freshness, intensity and deepness. Thanks to its acidity, it becomes a versatile wine that can be combined with a wide variety of flavors and foods.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot
pH: 3.59
Residual Sugar: 1.63
Total Acidity: 5.45
Appellation: Maipo Valley, Cajón del Maipo, Chile
Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
Planted Surface: 3 hectares
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe

SOILS:
Both terroirs share similar characteristics: Alluvial soils, near riverbeds and Colluvial soils, caused by mountain rock falls.

CLIMATE:
While growing, the temperatures are lower, allowing the wines to achieve lower alcohol levels, lower pH and higher acidity.

HARVEST AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are tasted and selected carefully. An early hand-harvest allowed the wines to achieve freshness and acidity. The winery uses pure native yeasts. The Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks, white the Syrah, the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc are fermented in open tanks to facilitate “pigéage” (punch-down or tamping with feet). This process is an essential part of their wine production. They limit the minimum of their pump-over process and taste their wines daily until they get their desired results.

AGING AND STORAGE:
The wines are aged for 15 months in neutral oak barrels. Additionally, they are aged in an un-toasted French oak foudre (large wooden vat holding 3000 liters of wine). Afterwards, the wine is stored for 6 months before being released to the market.

Valle del Maipo_Chile

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Andes Plateau is a family run winery with a drive to showcase wines from the Andes Mountains. Altitude determines the identity of their wines; not many producers are in the mountains due to a high risk of frost, yet the Andes Plateau winery believes the risk is worth the reward. They produce elegant and energetic expressions of each varietal, working with the complex geology of their vineyard locations. Learn more about the winery here.

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Domaine De Lilotte Bordeaux

Posted on December 21, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Best Ever (Easy) Baked Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup onion finely chopped
¼ cup dried bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves minced
1 egg
¼ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
3 Tbsp. ketchup
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. parsley minced (or about 1/2 Tbsp. dried)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
Mix together onion, bread crumbs, garlic, egg, cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
Add in ground beef and mix gently until combined. Do not overwork. Form into 1-inch balls and place on prepared cookie sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are browned and cooked through.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Domaine de Lilotte
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Bordeaux, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Aged in vats, this dry, red wine expresses balance and spicy aromas when very young. Its freshness charms lovers of young wine who above all seek conviviality among friends. Drink now or lay down for 2 or 3 more years.

Varietal: 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 13.00% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Appellation: Bordeaux
Winemaker: Hugues Mallet is in charge of the production in the vineyard and in the cellar
Pairing: Great with pork chops and a nice honey mustard sauce

WINERY NOTES:

In the Vineyard: The Domaine de Lilotte is located in the village of Tauriac, in Côtes de Bourg wine region, to the north of Bordeaux. Produced by a 4th generation family, the estate was added to the Haut-Maco family business in the 1970s. Domaine de Lilotte is a clos of just 13 hectares on a clay, alluvium, and sand soil located near the river. The average age of the vines is 25 years old and grass is grown between the rows to create competition for the plants. Vines are de-leafed on the east side in July. Since 2018, the farm has been Certified HVE 3 (“Haute Valeur Environnementale Niveau” 3 or “High Environmental Value” Level 3) – the highest level possible in this French environmental certification.

About the Harvest: To limit the yield, the winery will green harvest when it is necessary. The grapes are picked by a mechanical harvester with a de-stemmer integrated on the machine. The berries are sorted manually on a sorting table.

In the Cellar: Traditional vinification is used. The alcoholic fermentation is done in stainless steel vats with control of temperature and the Malolactic Fermentation. Maceration is for about 10 to 15 days. Aging is completed in vats and bottled frequently to keep its freshness.

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Tag Archives: merlot

March Premium Wine Club

Belle Glos
2021 Eulenloch
Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California

Beaulieu Vineyard
2019 Tapestry Reserve
Red Blend
Napa Valley, California

January Premium Wine Club

Cortonesi
Lèonus Toscana IGT
Tuscany, Italy

Cortonesi
La Mannella
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy

January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Buccella
Merlot 2020
Carneros, California

Kokomo Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Sonoma County, California

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