Those Kind of People

Hello Everyone! I would like to begin this blog by telling you all that I love my husband! He is my soul mate,and my best friend. I want everyone to know this before share my insight into wine with you. I love to drink wine! I enjoy all types of wines. Of course I have my favorites, but my love of wine is primarily attributable to the taste, and the experience. The sweetness or dryness of the grape, to the lingering smooth finish. I am not thinking of where this grape was grown, or whether or not the soil from which it was grown was acidic or alkaline. I’m not considering the way the vine was trimmed to allow for maximum sun exposure.....I just love to drink and experience the wine. There are those people who not only taste and smell and experience the wine, but those who bask in the knowledge of the grape they are experiencing. For those kind of people, to just drink the wine isn’t enough. Those kind of people believe to truly experience a wine, you should know what region, what temperature, what winemaker crafted the wine they drink. The kind of person I am speaking of needs to know why that winemaker chose an oak barrel over a steel barrel. Why they chose to use real cork or plastic cork. They believe that the true experience of wine is a total education on the production of that bottle from seed to harvest. I just like to drink the wine. So many of us fall into my category. Those of us who love to experience the taste of the wine and don’t feel the need to study it. However, having that knowledge at hand makes the entire experience all the more enjoyable. I am not one for memorizing facts. I am lucky, however, to have someone that remembers and shares the knowledge with me. It makes every bottle we share, just a little more interesting and just a little more enjoyable. That said, I am the luckiest person in the world to know and love one of these kind of people. I love my husband, as I told you when I began, but listening to all the minute details of every bottle of wine we share can be tiring when you just want to drink the wine. A blessing and a curse. The blessing is I have this information at my disposal without the task of memorizing and retaining it. The curse is that most of the time my husband can’t contain his enthusiasm and information for the amazing bottles of wine we share. The solution? He shares his knowledge with others so that I may….just drink the wine!

Remember Fresh Food?

Have you ever eaten food that was harvested the same day? or picked vegetables from your home garden, prepared and ate them? If so....you know how much difference "Fresh" makes. A few new restauranters have taken this "Field to Table" concept to the benefit of the lucky diners that find their restaurants. After a glowing recommendation from a fellow wine and food lover, I made a reservation at Amani's in Downingtown. I have to admitt that the falling snow, and freezing temperatures preculded Chef Jonathan Amann and Sous Chef, Michael Derham, from serving local produce, he did manage freshly prepared local beef and pork. The meat was sourced from a local farm in Honeybrook. Our meal was beautifully prepared, proptly served with attentive, informative service. Chef Jon's wife, Jeanine, manages the restaurant and has converted the facility to welcoming, comfortable venue. Amani's features an open kitchen. Diners are able to watch their food being prepared and even speak with the chef. The Amann's have taken their BYO to a new level by offering mixers, glassware and ingredients for cocktails. This is a welcome addition to diners who prefer a Martini or Cosmo before dinner. After dinner, Carol and I met Jon and Jeanine, and suggested we team up to offer a wine pairing dinner. We are very excited to be able to offer a five course paried dinner on Sunday, April 11th. Please join us for a great dining and wine experience. The menu is as follows:

Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup, Brioche Crouton, Locally Made Goat Cheese

Montes 2008 Cherub Rose of Syrah - Colchagua Valley, Chile

Lump Crab Crepes - Saffron Cream Sauce, Hand Dipped Ricotta, Fresh Mozzarella, Boursin Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper Puree

Robert Craig 2006 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay - Sonoma, California

Wild Striped Bass - Tomato Confit, Caramelized Shallots, Banana Leaf Basket, Coriander Broth

Jean Pabiot 2007 Pouilly Fume - Loire Valley, France

Roasted Long Island Duck - Foie Gras Demi Glaze, Wild Mushrooms, Cipollini Onions, Fingerling Potatoes

Domaine de la Charbonnier 2003 Cuvee Mourre de Perdrix Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Rhone Valley, France.

Chocolate Pecan Praline Cake, Genoise, Caramelized Pecans, Dark Chocolate Icing

Ficklin Vineyards 1991 Vintage Port - Madera, California

$85.00 for 5 courses

Two Seatings Available, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Please Call (484) 237-8179

For Reservations

Age Matters

I always look forward to our monthly wine club tastings. Our February tasting, held last night, was especially noteworthy. The varietal theme was Amarone. Each member of the group brings what they feel to be a great bottle, representative of the varietal theme. I was quite happy to bring a '97 Ca' de Rocchi La Bastia. Others brought great bottles from the 2000, 2005 vintages. Much to everyone's great surprise the following wines were presented: '62 Bertani,'78 Villa Spada, '85 Remo Farina, '90 Acinum. Needless to say, I was quite anxious to try these "old timers." The 48 year old, 1962 Bertani was fantastic. Still showing vibrant red fruit, with fully integrated fine tannins, with almond on the balanced finish. I marveled at how good this wine was, considering it's age. The '78, '85 and '90 continued to amaze the group. The newer vintages, were very different in style. They were dark, full flavored and delicious.....but the undisputed winners were the "Vintage group." With age comes wisdom, and in the case of great Italian Amarone...a fabulous experience.

More for less

As I have written in other blogs, I am a big fan of great Chardonnay. A really good chardonnay is not only refreshing and light, it is complex and layered. I suppose there are chardonnays for the "occasion." The wine you are served when you walk up to a bar and ask for a glass of their "house" selection....OK..... but over chilled, dull and dripping with Oak. And of course you have the ubiquitous Yellow Tail, served in great volume at parties or cocktail hours. The rise in popularity of chardonnay in the U.S. saw winemakers who would hide many sins behind Oak. This continued until the consumer rebelled, and sought out better Chards with far less oak. It got to the point where any indication of Oak, was rejected. Tastes turned to lighter, fresher Sauvignon Blanc, fermented in Stainless steel. The only oak this wine ever sees is the surface of the bar or table on which it is served. The trend has continued and gave rise to "naked" or "unoaked" Chardonnay, such as 4 vines, or Mer Soliet Silver.

Happily, the developing palates of consumers, and the skills of great wine makers, have come together. Simply great Chardonnays are being made all over California, each reflective of its unique home or "terrior." Russian River, Sonoma, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Anderson Valley and of course, Napa..... are challenging the best Frence Montrachet and Chablis. I have written of the best.....Aubert, Kistler, Kongsgaard....but these are mailing list only, and if you find them at auction, you pay $100 plus per bottle.....Pretty expensive for California Chardonnay. I have always contended that anyone can find and pay for great wine. The challenge if finding great wine at a great price. Well....I have found one that you need to find and buy....If you can. This wine is the 2006. Mount Eden Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay. Featured in this month's Wine Spectator, their review is as follows.

MOUNT EDEN

Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2006
Personal Wine List
Score: 96
Release Price: $48
Country: California
Region: Bay Area/Central Coast
Issue: Feb 28, 2010
Designation: Highly Recommended

Simply delicious, a rich, buttery style, delivering ripe, vivid and delicate peach, pear and honeydew melon fruit that's complex, concentrated and full-bodied Offers excellent length and depth. Creamy oak adds a touch of smoke and vanilla. The texture is silky. Drink now through 2016. 2,387 cases made. –JL

I have had two bottles, and can tell you that for $48.00, this wine is every bit the equal of the bottles that are more that twice the price. From the incredibly floral nose, to the beautifully balanced use of oak with ripe sweet fruit, this wine has it all. The sparkling acidity and long, layered finish tell you that this wine is meant to be enjoyed and savored by itself, or with your favorite seafood.......I know that $50. is still a ton to pay for a bottle of wine.....but, treat yourself. Prices will only go up from here.....Cheers

PS: If you cannot find this wine thru your local channel, contact Frank at Frank@frankswine,com (302) 429-1978

Red vs. White

It seems that most wine drinkers are divided into two camps.....Red and White. As a rule, a "White" wine drinker will not order or even try a red wine. They contend that red wine "gives me a headache," or that red wine is too tannic. Those in the opposing camp, feel that the only wine worth serious consideration is red. As in most things, neither extreme is correct. For those who sing the praises of whites, try a 2007 Cote du Rhone, or a Russian River Pinot Noir. The soft, smooth tannins, and bright red fruit bring an entirely new experience, but the familiar crisp acidity echoes Chardonnay, or the ubiquitous Pinot Gris. Those "Only Red" people, might sample a Viongier, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, or a Santa Barbara Chardonnay. These wines are not only very refreshing, but provide layers of fruit and complexity with coating mouthfeel that normally comes only with Cabs or Zins. I continue to encourage everyone to get outside their normal "Box" and experience the vast diversity of wine. We are ready to publish our new webpage, so be on the lookout for us. Remember, "The enjoyment of wine is not found in what we already know, but in what we have yet to learn." Cheers!

Let the search begin

I continue to urge you to take advantage of the tremendous bargin this poor economy is forcing. All you need do is to sign up for a email list or two, and pay attention. One of my favorites is J.J. Buckley, out of San Francisco. I recently received an offer for Mondavi Oakville Cab. Normally selling for around $45. The wine is very good, sourced from mostly To Kalon vineyard grapes, a very special vineyard that made Mondavi famous. Buckley offered this 90 point plus wine for $16.23 per bottle! Obviously, I was very anxious to try this "Bargin," The nose was very bright, sweet red fruit with the famous Rutherford dusty notes. The tannis were structured and very fine, with none of the normal overoaked mask that many Napa Cabs wear while they are young. The mid palate revealed notes of green pepper and mint, with a distinct chocolate note on the long, smooth finish. Tasted blind, I would have guessed this to be a $80. bottle of Napa Cab. At under $20. this is a real bargin. The wine will continue to evolve and drink well for the next 7 to 10 years.

This wine is but one of many that are competing for the shirking wine dollar. Look for Russian River Pinot Noirs that sold for $45. now available for $20. t0 $25. Australian Shiraz and Grenache for under $15. Whatever your taste, spend some time and effort to find and drink these bargins.....better buy case lots......just like the price of homes, cars and most everything else.......they will go up quickly as the economy imporves........Cheers

The Age of Discovery

For those of us who really enjoy the culture, diverse flavors and complexity of wines, this is a golden time. This is also true for those of us who are just discovering the great enjoyment wine provides. "The enjoyment of wine is not gained from what we already know, but from what we have yet to learn." This sage sentiment is the new motto of Shades of Bacchus. I am always thrilled when I discover a new wine that expands the "Comfort Zone" of my palate. The turn down in the economy is providing a very unique opportunity to sample great wines, not in the main line of your normal experience. People often overlook and dismiss these delicious wines in favor of the ubiquitous Chardonnay or Cabernet. Look for a German Riesling from J.J.Prum (from the Mosel) or Grand Cru Chablis instead of a California Chardonnay. Look for a 2007 Northern Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, such as Black Kite, Flowers or Hirsh. These Anderson Valley Pinots are spectacular, and demonstrate the height that Cali Pinots can reach. The Cabernets from Margaret River in Western Australia rival California's best. Open your mind, try wines that are new to your experience, and continue your journey of discovery.