May 30, 2008 - Ashland
Chateau De La Vieille Tour 2007
The wine has a fine, light straw color with pale gold highlights and a refined fresh nose on which distinctive floral combine with highly elegant notes of Sauvignon and a hint of toast. Sauvignon brings refinement and texture, while Semillon gives substance and the impression of roundness in the mouth. The long finish is expressive and harmonious with ripe fruit and a slightly mineral tinge
Allyson’s Pairing: Galet Normand
A to Z Pinot Gris 2007
"Smooth, polished and appealing for its pear and nectarine aromas and flavors, remaining delicately balanced and refreshing through the open-textured finish. Drink now through 2009.
89 Points Wine Spectator
Allyson’s Pairing: Soigon Bucherondin
Farnese Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
Hugh Johnson called it our fabulous Farnese - “the hearty, ripe, really warming wine that Chianti so often fails to be” while US supremo Robert Parker hailed it “one to buy by the car-load” say what you want but this a great wine Vibrant purple with satin-textured bramble, black cherry and wild berry flavors. Delicious with roasts and meaty pasta
Allyson’s Pairing: Mt. Townsend Trailhead Tomme
Abacela Umpqua Cuvee Syrah 2004
2004 They were again successful in crafting a subtle, quite fruit forward style Syrah. This wine exhibits black and blue fruit aromas and flavors with the requisite medium-bodied balance of acidity and tannin structure to make it enjoyable now without the need for additional bottle aging. If desired, however, it will cellar well in the near term for three to four years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Pyrenees Vache with Peppercorns
Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Rich ruby in color with dark cherry, black current, toffee and mocha notes. Silky tannins and good structure lead to a long and complex finish accented with vanilla notes. 90 points Robert Parker
Allyson’s Pairing: Old Amsterdam Aged Gouda
Big Ass Zinfandel 2006
A powerhouse red! Enjoy the Big Ass for its ample and full-flavored style. Ripe blueberry and blackberry aromas are layered with a complex range of black olive, fig, and other spicy and savory characters. On the palate, ripe red fruit flavors are integrated with flavors of chocolate and vanilla. 91 points Wine Enthusiast
Allyson’s Pairing: Valdeon
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Southern Oregon Showcase!
May 23, 2008
Eden Vale Viognier 2006
This wine demonstrates the classic Rhone-styled Viognier that people love. The rich viscosity accentuates forward notes of apricot and peach together with melon, drawing into a lingering finish of lemon flower and citrus notes. This wine’s popularity is won because of its full front to back palate experience.
Allyson’s Pairing: Humboldt Fog on Deux Chats Crakers w/ Golden Rasberry Jam
Devitt Chardonnay 2006
Once again Layne Vineyards is the source of grapes. They whole cluster pressed the grape juice into small oak casks for fermentation. This wine is heavy bodied, with tropical fruit flavors and a hint of oak. The wine is un-fined and un-filtered and will throw a sediment in the bottle with time.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
The Academy Pinot Noir 2005
From their Applegate vineyard and winery, Betty and Barney Smith grow and produce this exceptional Pinot Noir…although not what you might expect. The wine is dark, juicy and extracted, showing tons of berry upfront. It finishes long and clean and will pair with a wide range of grilled meats or poultry
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Raw Milk Cheddar
Abacela Merlot 2005
A cool ripening period preserved the grapes’ natural acidity and delicate aromas. You’ll find deep ripe currant, blackberry, and slightly jammy blueberry aromas with herbal, spice, and toasty hints. This wine will age gracefully over the next three to five years and be ideal with pan roasted pork medallions and herbed compound butter.
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Oregonzola
Valley View Syrah 2003
Syrah is Southern Oregon's Pinot Noir: a grape that always shows terrior (the soils and area where it is grown) and the specifics variation of that vintage. The 2003 vintage was perfect for a "Rhone" style Syrah. Generally this means that this wine is more balanced and less "jammy," more Earthy, meaty flavors and the fruit is not as sweet. This is a serious wine that is destined to win you over.
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue
Velo Red Wine 2004
The name is a nod to the bicycle Gus uses to make his frequent vineyard rounds. Plummy garnet color with lively reflection, pink rim. Bright, sophisticated aromas of plum-skin and black cherry play off the perfume of fresh raspberries, with notes of cocoa, vanilla bean and baking spices. Generous in themouth as the flavor fans across the palate: dark, rich and smooth. Finishes full of lively fruit with a food-friendly structure and balance that invites another sip.
Allyson’s Pairing: Dagoba Mon Cherri
Eden Vale Viognier 2006
This wine demonstrates the classic Rhone-styled Viognier that people love. The rich viscosity accentuates forward notes of apricot and peach together with melon, drawing into a lingering finish of lemon flower and citrus notes. This wine’s popularity is won because of its full front to back palate experience.
Allyson’s Pairing: Humboldt Fog on Deux Chats Crakers w/ Golden Rasberry Jam
Devitt Chardonnay 2006
Once again Layne Vineyards is the source of grapes. They whole cluster pressed the grape juice into small oak casks for fermentation. This wine is heavy bodied, with tropical fruit flavors and a hint of oak. The wine is un-fined and un-filtered and will throw a sediment in the bottle with time.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
The Academy Pinot Noir 2005
From their Applegate vineyard and winery, Betty and Barney Smith grow and produce this exceptional Pinot Noir…although not what you might expect. The wine is dark, juicy and extracted, showing tons of berry upfront. It finishes long and clean and will pair with a wide range of grilled meats or poultry
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Raw Milk Cheddar
Abacela Merlot 2005
A cool ripening period preserved the grapes’ natural acidity and delicate aromas. You’ll find deep ripe currant, blackberry, and slightly jammy blueberry aromas with herbal, spice, and toasty hints. This wine will age gracefully over the next three to five years and be ideal with pan roasted pork medallions and herbed compound butter.
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Oregonzola
Valley View Syrah 2003
Syrah is Southern Oregon's Pinot Noir: a grape that always shows terrior (the soils and area where it is grown) and the specifics variation of that vintage. The 2003 vintage was perfect for a "Rhone" style Syrah. Generally this means that this wine is more balanced and less "jammy," more Earthy, meaty flavors and the fruit is not as sweet. This is a serious wine that is destined to win you over.
Allyson’s Pairing: Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue
Velo Red Wine 2004
The name is a nod to the bicycle Gus uses to make his frequent vineyard rounds. Plummy garnet color with lively reflection, pink rim. Bright, sophisticated aromas of plum-skin and black cherry play off the perfume of fresh raspberries, with notes of cocoa, vanilla bean and baking spices. Generous in themouth as the flavor fans across the palate: dark, rich and smooth. Finishes full of lively fruit with a food-friendly structure and balance that invites another sip.
Allyson’s Pairing: Dagoba Mon Cherri
Southern Oregon Wine History!
The Southern Oregon AVA exists in the southwest portion of the state, stretching 125 miles from south of Eugene to the California border, and 60 miles at its widest between the Cascade Mountain Range to the east and the Coast Range to the west. It encompasses Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, Red Hill Douglas County, and Applegate Valley appellations.Southern Oregon has the oldest history of grape growing in the state. It dates back to 1852 with an early area settler named Peter Britt, who operated a winery in Jacksonville. Post-prohibition winemaking started in 1961 when vintner Richard Sommers migrated from University of California at Davis and founded Hillcrest Vineyards in the Umpqua Valley. Impressed with the diversity of growing conditions in this area, other winemakers began planting roots in the 1970s, resulting in a patchwork of vineyards growing both cool- and warm-climate varieties. Today, this winegrowing region continues to grow and turn out a great variety of high-quality wines. The appellation became official in 2004.
Throughout the vast region of Southern Oregon, there is a creative spirit that spreads beyond incredible winemaking. There is a thriving arts community that includes galleries, museums and a pair of award-winning festivals celebrating music and art: The Britt Festival in Jacksonville and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. The area is ripe with culinary endeavors, from artisan chocolate making (and the Ashland Chocolate Festival), to chef-owned restaurants serving wine-friendly food that highlights the area's bounty, including line-caught salmon, winter pears and award-winning cheeses. Southern Oregon is also home to North America's deepest lake, Crater Lake, Oregon Caves National Monument, mountains to ski and hike, beautiful public courses to golf, wilderness to explore and legendary rivers to fish and raft.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Wines Of The Gold Country!
May 16, 2008
Stevenot Persuasion 2006
Aromas of orange blossom, fleshy mango and passion fruit are vivid and bright, with a beguiling minerality and spiciness. On the palate, ripe citrus and pineapple notes combine rich and lively fruit with a creamy vanilla core. The finish is long and seamless, showing excellent acid balance and abundant flavor.
Allyson’s Pairing: Soignon Bucherondin
Amador Foot Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2006
This winery often turns up real jewels. Fans of dry Sauvignon Blancs need to stock up on this one by the case. It has New Zealand-like gooseberries and citrus flavors and a long, rich spicy finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Morbier
Renwood Barbera 2005
This Barbera is a deep red color. The aromas are rich with cooked berry and new oak. Typical of Barbera is a tangy tartness, smooth finish and lots of fresh fruit flavors. Scents of vanilla and caramel from the small oak barrel aging complement the fruit aromas and flavors. Approachable now, this is a very nice wine to drink young.
Allyson’s Pairing: Willamette Valley Boorenkass
Terre Rouge Tete A Tete 2005
Tête-à-Tête is a fun easy drinking assemblage of Mediterranean varietals ( 56% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre & 16% Grenache) sappy, spicy, fabulous flavor, and great texture. It is an eminently enjoyable everyday bottle. The 2005 has a deep boysenberry fruit suggestions, smoky/meaty/gamey complex flavor components that emphasize our terroir, and a lengthy creamy texture. This is a great California wine value !
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
Sierra Vista Syrah 2004
In the glass, this is a dark purple wine with rich hues of garnet and plum. The aromas are of spices and leather with hints of black fruits and clove. In the mouth, the tannins open to layers of rich spice and bold fruit.
Allyson’s Pairing: Duck Pate With Black Truffles
Karly Pokerville Zinfandel 2006
Karly Pokerville Zinfandel is bone dry. The body and color are a little on the light side (such is life with young vines), but there is no shortage of bouquet or flavor. The aromas are spicy; cinnamon and briar. How this happened without some French oak is beyond me... The flavors are cinnamon and raspberry with a light, dry finish. All in all, a pretty dang cool bottle of wine. 2,813 cases produced.
Allyson’s Pairing: Roaring Forties Blue
Stevenot Persuasion 2006
Aromas of orange blossom, fleshy mango and passion fruit are vivid and bright, with a beguiling minerality and spiciness. On the palate, ripe citrus and pineapple notes combine rich and lively fruit with a creamy vanilla core. The finish is long and seamless, showing excellent acid balance and abundant flavor.
Allyson’s Pairing: Soignon Bucherondin
Amador Foot Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2006
This winery often turns up real jewels. Fans of dry Sauvignon Blancs need to stock up on this one by the case. It has New Zealand-like gooseberries and citrus flavors and a long, rich spicy finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Morbier
Renwood Barbera 2005
This Barbera is a deep red color. The aromas are rich with cooked berry and new oak. Typical of Barbera is a tangy tartness, smooth finish and lots of fresh fruit flavors. Scents of vanilla and caramel from the small oak barrel aging complement the fruit aromas and flavors. Approachable now, this is a very nice wine to drink young.
Allyson’s Pairing: Willamette Valley Boorenkass
Terre Rouge Tete A Tete 2005
Tête-à-Tête is a fun easy drinking assemblage of Mediterranean varietals ( 56% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre & 16% Grenache) sappy, spicy, fabulous flavor, and great texture. It is an eminently enjoyable everyday bottle. The 2005 has a deep boysenberry fruit suggestions, smoky/meaty/gamey complex flavor components that emphasize our terroir, and a lengthy creamy texture. This is a great California wine value !
Allyson’s Pairing: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon
Sierra Vista Syrah 2004
In the glass, this is a dark purple wine with rich hues of garnet and plum. The aromas are of spices and leather with hints of black fruits and clove. In the mouth, the tannins open to layers of rich spice and bold fruit.
Allyson’s Pairing: Duck Pate With Black Truffles
Karly Pokerville Zinfandel 2006
Karly Pokerville Zinfandel is bone dry. The body and color are a little on the light side (such is life with young vines), but there is no shortage of bouquet or flavor. The aromas are spicy; cinnamon and briar. How this happened without some French oak is beyond me... The flavors are cinnamon and raspberry with a light, dry finish. All in all, a pretty dang cool bottle of wine. 2,813 cases produced.
Allyson’s Pairing: Roaring Forties Blue
What is Gold Country Wine?
A Golden Heritage
California's nascent wine industry took flight during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, amid the rugged western foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. As fortune seekers, many of them European, flocked to the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help slake their thirst. Within a few decades, there were more wineries in the area known as the Mother Lode than in any other region of California. Some of the vineyards planted during that era survive to this day.
Regrettably, the decline of gold mining at the end of the 19th-century, followed by the advent of Prohibition in 1920, devastated the Sierras' frontier wine community, which lay dormant until the late 1960s. Then, a new generation of pioneers began migrating to the Gold Country, this time drawn by the region's rolling, sun-drenched hillsides, warm climate, and volcanic, decomposed granite soils ideal conditions for producing quality wine grapes. When their robustly flavored Red wines, especially zinfandel, began attracting the attention of wine lovers throughout California and the U.S., the historic Sierra foothill wine region was reborn.
Today, where gold once reigned, wineries produce a new treasure: the superb wines which have earned Gold Country international recognition again.
California's nascent wine industry took flight during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, amid the rugged western foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. As fortune seekers, many of them European, flocked to the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help slake their thirst. Within a few decades, there were more wineries in the area known as the Mother Lode than in any other region of California. Some of the vineyards planted during that era survive to this day.Regrettably, the decline of gold mining at the end of the 19th-century, followed by the advent of Prohibition in 1920, devastated the Sierras' frontier wine community, which lay dormant until the late 1960s. Then, a new generation of pioneers began migrating to the Gold Country, this time drawn by the region's rolling, sun-drenched hillsides, warm climate, and volcanic, decomposed granite soils ideal conditions for producing quality wine grapes. When their robustly flavored Red wines, especially zinfandel, began attracting the attention of wine lovers throughout California and the U.S., the historic Sierra foothill wine region was reborn.
Today, where gold once reigned, wineries produce a new treasure: the superb wines which have earned Gold Country international recognition again.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Value Cabs From Napa!
May 9, 2008
Big Ass Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Fruit-driven and full-bodied with lush aromas of cassis, blackberry and candied cherry, our Big Ass Cab is a perfect complement to any rich or savory meal. The palate exhibits concentrated blackcurrant and ripe cherry flavors that are layered with some minerality in the mid-palate.
Allyson’s Pairing: Brillant Savarin
Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows dark fruit notes of blackberries and cherries with earth tones. A touch of merlot adds softness and complexity imparting spicy vanilla nuances. This wine is great with steak, meatloaf, pork loin and other red meats.
Allyson’s Pairing: Vella Dry Jack
Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Strong Cabernet aromas of black cherry, anise and dark cocoa are enhanced by a hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied flavors show fully ripe, earthy Cabernet fruit with a hint of dusty minerals. Moderate acidity, medium tannins and a touch of new oak highlight the fruit beautifully. Flavors show fine depth and structure thanks to the year's long growing season and outstanding fall weather.
Allyson’s Pairing: Galet Normand
Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $12.97
This elegant full-bodied wine has a deep ruby color. With aromas of dark cherry and molasses it is loaded with nuance and flavor. On the palate it gives flavors of black cherry, ripe plum and spice with hints of light oak. These flavors unite to form a long, smooth and harmonious finish. This wine makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison,
Allyson’s Pairing: Raw Milk Manchego
Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This classic Cabernet has a great nose filled with aromas of blackberries, fresh figs, cedar oak, and hints of minerals and earthy notes. From the first sip, this wine reveals enveloping flavors of currant, more blackberries, black olives, tobacco, and toasted walnuts, finishing with rich French oak and subtle cloves.
Allyson’s Pairing: Parmesan Reggiano
Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Two primary sources for the Educated Guess Cabernet are Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, and the Napa Wine Company in Yountville-whose grapes are 100% organically grown. It’s rich, ripe and focused with juicy blackberry, and boysenberry fruit, all tied together with a creamy smooth french vanilla middle and a long finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: English Stilton
Big Ass Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Fruit-driven and full-bodied with lush aromas of cassis, blackberry and candied cherry, our Big Ass Cab is a perfect complement to any rich or savory meal. The palate exhibits concentrated blackcurrant and ripe cherry flavors that are layered with some minerality in the mid-palate.
Allyson’s Pairing: Brillant Savarin
Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows dark fruit notes of blackberries and cherries with earth tones. A touch of merlot adds softness and complexity imparting spicy vanilla nuances. This wine is great with steak, meatloaf, pork loin and other red meats.
Allyson’s Pairing: Vella Dry Jack
Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Strong Cabernet aromas of black cherry, anise and dark cocoa are enhanced by a hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied flavors show fully ripe, earthy Cabernet fruit with a hint of dusty minerals. Moderate acidity, medium tannins and a touch of new oak highlight the fruit beautifully. Flavors show fine depth and structure thanks to the year's long growing season and outstanding fall weather.
Allyson’s Pairing: Galet Normand
Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $12.97
This elegant full-bodied wine has a deep ruby color. With aromas of dark cherry and molasses it is loaded with nuance and flavor. On the palate it gives flavors of black cherry, ripe plum and spice with hints of light oak. These flavors unite to form a long, smooth and harmonious finish. This wine makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison,
Allyson’s Pairing: Raw Milk Manchego
Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This classic Cabernet has a great nose filled with aromas of blackberries, fresh figs, cedar oak, and hints of minerals and earthy notes. From the first sip, this wine reveals enveloping flavors of currant, more blackberries, black olives, tobacco, and toasted walnuts, finishing with rich French oak and subtle cloves.
Allyson’s Pairing: Parmesan Reggiano
Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Two primary sources for the Educated Guess Cabernet are Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, and the Napa Wine Company in Yountville-whose grapes are 100% organically grown. It’s rich, ripe and focused with juicy blackberry, and boysenberry fruit, all tied together with a creamy smooth french vanilla middle and a long finish.
Allyson’s Pairing: English Stilton
Whats The Big Deal With Napa Cab?
The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 or the "Judgment of Paris" was a wine competition organized in Paris in 1976 by Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant, in which French judges did blind tasting of top-quality chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon wines from France and from California. California wines rated best in each category, which caused surprise as France was generally regarded as being the foremost producer of the world's best wines. Spurrier sold only French wine and believed that the California wines would not win.
White wines (Chardonnay)
1. United States - Chateau Montelena 1973 (winemaker Mike Grgich)
2. France - Meursault Charmes Roulot 1973
3. United States - Chalone Vineyard 1974
4. United States - Spring Mountain Vineyard 1973
5. France - Beaune Clos des Mouches Joseph Drouhin 1973
6. United States - Freemark Abbey Winery 1972
7. France - Batard-Montrachet Ramonet-Prudhon 1973
8. France - Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1972
9. United States - Veedercrest Vineyards 1972
10. United States - David Bruce Winery 1973
*All 11 judges awarded their top scores to either Chalone Vineyard or Chateau Montelena, both of California.
Red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Rank – Country – Wine – Average grade (out of 20)
1. United States - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 – 14.14
2. France - Château Mouton-Rothschild 1970 – 14.09
3. France - Château Montrose 1970 – 13.64
4. France - Château Haut-Brion 1970 – 13.23
5. United States - Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 1971 – 12.14
6. France - Château Leoville Las Cases 1971 – 11.18
7. United States - Heitz Wine Cellars 'Martha's Vineyard' 1970 – 10.36
8. United States - Clos Du Val Winery 1972 – 10.14
9. United States - Mayacamas Vineyards 1971 – 9.77
10. United States - Freemark Abbey Winery 1967 – 9.64
"The wine that one judge said bespoke 'the magnificence of France' turned out to be a Napa Cabernet." Similarly, "'That is definitely a California. It has no nose,' said another judge — after downing a Batard-Montrachet '73." The comments and results of the tasting indicated that the judges could not distinguish California from French wines.
Three of the four Bordeaux wines in the competition were from the 1970 vintage, identified by the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux as among the four best vintages in the past 45 years or more. "When the results were tallied and announced, several judges behaved badly, refusing to give up their notes, and one even tried to change his numbers before Spurrier whipped away the scorecards." (McCoy)
One of the judges, Odette Kahn, tried to get her ballot back at the close of the event. Spurrier declined to provide it, after which she refused to speak to him, except to charge that he had falsified the results of the tasting. One of the winning winemakers, Warren Winiarski, received letters from people in the French wine business telling him that the results were a fluke. In essence, their letters argued that "'everyone knows' French wines are better than California wines 'in principle' and always will be." As recently as 2005, some of the judges refused to discuss the tasting, saying that to do so would be "too painful."
Although Spurrier had invited many reporters, the only reporter to attend was George M. Taber from Time magazine, who promptly revealed the results to the world. Leaders of the French wine industry then banned Spurrier from the nation's prestige wine-tasting tour for a year, apparently as punishment for the damage his tasting had done to its former image of superiority.
The Tasting that Changed the Wine World: 'The Judgment of Paris' 30th Anniversary
A 30-year anniversary re-tasting on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean was organized by Steven Spurrier in 2006. As The Times reported "Despite the French tasters, many of whom had taken part in the original tasting, 'expecting the downfall' of the American vineyards, they had to admit that the harmony of the Californian cabernets had beaten them again. Judges on both continents gave top honours to a 1971 Ridge Monte Bello cabernet. Four Californian reds occupied the next placings before the highest-ranked Bordeaux, a 1970 Château Mouton-Rothschild, came in at sixth"
White wines (Chardonnay)
1. United States - Chateau Montelena 1973 (winemaker Mike Grgich)2. France - Meursault Charmes Roulot 1973
3. United States - Chalone Vineyard 1974
4. United States - Spring Mountain Vineyard 1973
5. France - Beaune Clos des Mouches Joseph Drouhin 1973
6. United States - Freemark Abbey Winery 1972
7. France - Batard-Montrachet Ramonet-Prudhon 1973
8. France - Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 1972
9. United States - Veedercrest Vineyards 1972
10. United States - David Bruce Winery 1973
*All 11 judges awarded their top scores to either Chalone Vineyard or Chateau Montelena, both of California.
Red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Rank – Country – Wine – Average grade (out of 20)
1. United States - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 – 14.142. France - Château Mouton-Rothschild 1970 – 14.09
3. France - Château Montrose 1970 – 13.64
4. France - Château Haut-Brion 1970 – 13.23
5. United States - Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 1971 – 12.14
6. France - Château Leoville Las Cases 1971 – 11.18
7. United States - Heitz Wine Cellars 'Martha's Vineyard' 1970 – 10.36
8. United States - Clos Du Val Winery 1972 – 10.14
9. United States - Mayacamas Vineyards 1971 – 9.77
10. United States - Freemark Abbey Winery 1967 – 9.64
"The wine that one judge said bespoke 'the magnificence of France' turned out to be a Napa Cabernet." Similarly, "'That is definitely a California. It has no nose,' said another judge — after downing a Batard-Montrachet '73." The comments and results of the tasting indicated that the judges could not distinguish California from French wines.
Three of the four Bordeaux wines in the competition were from the 1970 vintage, identified by the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux as among the four best vintages in the past 45 years or more. "When the results were tallied and announced, several judges behaved badly, refusing to give up their notes, and one even tried to change his numbers before Spurrier whipped away the scorecards." (McCoy)
One of the judges, Odette Kahn, tried to get her ballot back at the close of the event. Spurrier declined to provide it, after which she refused to speak to him, except to charge that he had falsified the results of the tasting. One of the winning winemakers, Warren Winiarski, received letters from people in the French wine business telling him that the results were a fluke. In essence, their letters argued that "'everyone knows' French wines are better than California wines 'in principle' and always will be." As recently as 2005, some of the judges refused to discuss the tasting, saying that to do so would be "too painful."Although Spurrier had invited many reporters, the only reporter to attend was George M. Taber from Time magazine, who promptly revealed the results to the world. Leaders of the French wine industry then banned Spurrier from the nation's prestige wine-tasting tour for a year, apparently as punishment for the damage his tasting had done to its former image of superiority.
The Tasting that Changed the Wine World: 'The Judgment of Paris' 30th Anniversary
A 30-year anniversary re-tasting on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean was organized by Steven Spurrier in 2006. As The Times reported "Despite the French tasters, many of whom had taken part in the original tasting, 'expecting the downfall' of the American vineyards, they had to admit that the harmony of the Californian cabernets had beaten them again. Judges on both continents gave top honours to a 1971 Ridge Monte Bello cabernet. Four Californian reds occupied the next placings before the highest-ranked Bordeaux, a 1970 Château Mouton-Rothschild, came in at sixth"
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wines to Pair with Chocolate
May 2, 2008
Banfi Regale Rosa Regale 2005
Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, "Rosa Regale" Brachetto d'Acqui is perhaps the only wine in the world that marries well with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet. Delightful, vivacious and aromatic, it can also be enjoyed with strawberries, fruit salads and a wide range of desserts.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cranberry Bites covered in Dark Chocolate
Cline Zinfandel 2006 - California
This wine showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak. Aging and firm, supple tannins, add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Blanxart Dark Chocolate w/almonds
Abacella Umpqua Cuvée Syrah 2004 - Oregon
Black and blue fruit, truffle, and pepper spice aromatics; medium body structure, and a velvety, integrated finish. The generous palate is filled with blackberry jam, licorice, roasted nuts, and game hints. Pleasurable now, but should improve over the next 4-6 years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie Milk Chocolate
Rosenblum Cellars Desirée – California
Désirée is a bit of a bad girl, but in all the right ways: playful, enticing and fun. The Chocolate Dessert Wine is an exotic blend of Zinfandel, along with two of Portugal’s classic grape varieties and an infusion of rich, opulent chocolate. Meant to be sipped and savored as a luscious liquid dessert or paired alongside an after dinner treat. Produced in a robust, full-fruit style, using world-class fruit and handcrafted winemaking techniques.
Allyson’s Pairing: Dagoba Superfruit
Mas Amiel 2005 - France
This abundantly perfumed, profoundly layered fortified wine is birthed from the pure schist fields of Maury—unique terroir that has few equals in mineral concentration and sheer power. Crushed raspberries, black currants and the heady scent of a smoky Fourth of July characterize the nose; liquid notes of black cherries and baking spices flood the palate. Port-like in its complexity yet stunningly fresh and pure on the tongue—vinified entirely in stainless steel to preserve both aroma and freshness. Velvety tannins and endless length speak of a dazzling cellaring future for this remarkable vintage.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie White Chocolate
Lustau Solera Sherry – East India (94 Points – Robert Parker)
Unforgettable flavors of raisins, candied peel and nuts it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie Dark Chocolate
Banfi Regale Rosa Regale 2005
Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, "Rosa Regale" Brachetto d'Acqui is perhaps the only wine in the world that marries well with chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet. Delightful, vivacious and aromatic, it can also be enjoyed with strawberries, fruit salads and a wide range of desserts.
Allyson’s Pairing: Cranberry Bites covered in Dark Chocolate
Cline Zinfandel 2006 - California
This wine showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak. Aging and firm, supple tannins, add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Blanxart Dark Chocolate w/almonds
Abacella Umpqua Cuvée Syrah 2004 - Oregon
Black and blue fruit, truffle, and pepper spice aromatics; medium body structure, and a velvety, integrated finish. The generous palate is filled with blackberry jam, licorice, roasted nuts, and game hints. Pleasurable now, but should improve over the next 4-6 years.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie Milk Chocolate
Rosenblum Cellars Desirée – California
Désirée is a bit of a bad girl, but in all the right ways: playful, enticing and fun. The Chocolate Dessert Wine is an exotic blend of Zinfandel, along with two of Portugal’s classic grape varieties and an infusion of rich, opulent chocolate. Meant to be sipped and savored as a luscious liquid dessert or paired alongside an after dinner treat. Produced in a robust, full-fruit style, using world-class fruit and handcrafted winemaking techniques.
Allyson’s Pairing: Dagoba Superfruit
Mas Amiel 2005 - France
This abundantly perfumed, profoundly layered fortified wine is birthed from the pure schist fields of Maury—unique terroir that has few equals in mineral concentration and sheer power. Crushed raspberries, black currants and the heady scent of a smoky Fourth of July characterize the nose; liquid notes of black cherries and baking spices flood the palate. Port-like in its complexity yet stunningly fresh and pure on the tongue—vinified entirely in stainless steel to preserve both aroma and freshness. Velvety tannins and endless length speak of a dazzling cellaring future for this remarkable vintage.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie White Chocolate
Lustau Solera Sherry – East India (94 Points – Robert Parker)
Unforgettable flavors of raisins, candied peel and nuts it boasts a dark amber color as well as a huge nose of melted toffee, caramel, figs, and prunes. This over-the-top yet surprisingly vibrant (because of good acidity) effort is best drunk as dessert at the end of a meal.
Allyson’s Pairing: Creek House Patisserie Dark Chocolate
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