01 Jun

Savvy Sipping: Summer Wine Stock Up

Summer Wine Stock Up: 20 under $12

As seen featured on Today Show BITES on June 1, 2011.

The kids are out of school, the beach is calling and now, more than ever, thoughts turn to indulging with a glass or three. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Here are some of my favorite summer wine values. They’re nationally available, andif you buy wines by the case (12 bottles) many retailers offer discounts. So stock up and beat the heat.

On-the-Go Picks:

Everyone knows about box wines, but the latest packaging craze I’m crazy about is what I dub the “purse-o-wine.” Known as the Astrapouch, it’s an environmentally friendly container of two bottles of wine in a single, lightweight bag. With a carrying handle and 90 percent less waste than glass, it’s a no brainer to buy. It will also stayfresh for a month making beach parties, block parties or camping with wine simple.

2009 Indulge Wines Pinot Noir, Central Coast $20 (1.5 liter pouch = two bottles/$10 each)

You’re hard pressed to find a Pinot worth drinking under $15 much less one in abag. This red is light, refreshing and captures the pretty red berry character of Pinot Noir. A winner by all standards.

www.indulgewines.com

The Climber, Chardonnay, California $17 (1.5 liter pouch = two bottles/$8.50each)

Smooth with ripe tropical flavors, this Chard showcases freshness and loads of fruitin an easy-to-carry pouch.

www.cliffamilywinery.com

Light, fruity, aromatic whites:

These whites are both dry and aromatic or sport a dash of sweetness making them perfect for taming spicy hot dishes or kicking off poolside cool-downs.

2010 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa $9

Hailing from the tip of the country between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, this citrusy white is summer in a bottle.

www.twooceanswines.co.za

2009 Tapena Verdejo, Spain $10

Pronounced ver-Day-ho, the lemony sipper zips up freshness and a hint of honeyed complexity.

www.tapenawines.com

2010 Santa Julia Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina $10

Argentina’s signature white variety, Torrontes is crisp yet very floral. This wine isdry and delicious.

www.santajulia.com.ar

2010 Fetzer Moscato, California $9

Moscato is on fire these days and this easy-drinking, lightly sweet version is a top summer quaffer.

www.fetzer.com

Barefoot Riesling, California $7

Bright and light with sweet fruit flavors, chill this white down, unscrew, and enjoy.

www.barefootwine.com

Lush whites and light-hearted Roses:

These full-bodied whites pair well with grilled chicken and salmon while the Rose category marries with any al fresco dish from Cajun shrimp to tri-tip. Rose comesfrom a variety of red grapes that are made in a white wine style so it’s the ideal warm-weather sipper.

2009 Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay, Chile $10

From the iconic Concha y Toro winery, this sun-kissed, soft white is a crowd pleaser.

www.casillerodeldiablo.com

2009 Hess Select Chardonnay, Monterey, California $12

Worth twice the price, this stylish, classy white is one of my favorite Chardonnay values.

www.hesscollection.com

2010 Marques de Caceres Rose, Rioja, Spain $9

A dry, delicious pink that’s so easy to drink, you’ll want to buy it by the case.

www.vineyardbrands.com

2010 Bieler Pere et Fils “Sabine” Rose, Coteaux d’Aix-En-Provence, France $12

Elegant, zesty and oo-la-la inducing, the south of France comes alive in this dry, berry-scented rose.

www.bielerfamily.net

Spicy, succulent Reds:

What would summer be without smoked ribs, burgers, grilled steaks or veggie kabobs? These juicy reds will help you saddle up to eating in the great outdoors.

Pine & Post Red Blend, Washington State $7

A mélange of red grapes go into this uber-affordable red. Soft and juicy.

www.preceptwinebrands.com

2009 Vitiano, Umbria, Italy $8

A perennial favorite of mine made by star Italian winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is a superstar deal.

www.winebow.com

2009 Cupcake Vineyards “Red Velvet” California $10

Cupcake cooks up Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties for a smooth, drinkable red (yes, you can pair it with red velvet cake).

www.cupcakevineyards.com

2008 Trapiche “Oak Cask” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $10

Intense and sexy, Malbec is the wine equivalent of a tango and Trapiche qualifies as a tango master. A hearty and supple red for all beef dishes.

www.frederickwildman.com

House Wine Red, Columbia Valley, Washington $11

From world class vintner Charles Smith comes a whimsical mesh of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and more. Make it your house wine.

www.magnificentwine.com

2008 Yalumba “FDR1A” Red, Barossa, Australia $11

A hidden treasure. The marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz sings when paired with rosemary-infused grilled lamb.

www.yalumba.com

2009 Root: 1 Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile $12

Carmenere is the hallmark of Chile and this sophisticated red is spicy, vibrant and packed with dark berry flavors. Root 1’s bottle is sleek-chic making it a top gift choice, too.

www.Root1wine.com

2008 Dow “Vale Do Bomfim,” Douro, Portugal $12

Portugal is offering some of the best red bargains these days and this dry, concentrated red is the perfect partner for summer grilling.

www.dows-port.com

2008 Liberty School Cuvee, Central Coast, California $12

From the talented hands of vintner Austin Hope, this Rhone blend highlights the succulence of Syrah-based reds. Sip with or without your bikini.

http://libertyschoolwinery.com

Please check out my previous Today Show BITES about Wine on Tap and Exotic White Wines for Spring.

04 May

Cheers! Celebrate mom with wine

Leslie’s piece from Today Show Bites on May 4th, which complimented her Today Show appearance on May 4th.

She’s a cook, a cleaner, a homemaker, an executive, a chauffeur, a caretaker, and more. Above all, she’s your mom. So with Mother’s Day this weekend, it’s time to raise a glass to the amazing moms in your life.

Favorites to share

Everyone has their go-to wines that rank at the top of their sip picks. Two that appeal to many (including Kathie Lee and Hoda) are bubbly and Chardonnay. My recommendations are top-notch but not top dollar.

La Marca Prosecco, Northern Italy $16

Celebrating your mom calls for bubbles. This chic and stylishly packaged wine is new to the market and is making a splash for its quality and affordability. Crisp with a fruity edge, sip it alone or use for morning Bellinis with a dash of peach juice.

2008 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, Sonoma, California $24

Sonoma is known for its world-class Chardonnay and this wine is sure to please. Sonoma-Cutrer is widely recognized as one of the leaders of Chardonnay in this country. It’s elegant and filled with personality … just like mom.

Wine and Food suggestions

Whether you’re planning on brunch at home or taking mom out, you’ll want to look for wines that pair well with a variety of spring dishes. With these adventurous choices, it’s like a virtual worldwide wine tour in a glass.

2009 Dama De Toro Malvasia, Toro, Spain $11

Named for the “dame” of the rugged region of Toro in Spain, this light white is dry and refreshing and an ideal pairing for food. There are notes of pear and honeysuckle and it marries beautifully with fruit salads, egg frittatas and croissants with peach jam.

2009 Nobilo “Icon” Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand $22

Pinot is a food-friendly grape and the epitome of elegance. This vinous jewel, from a Kiwi Country classic producer, sports pretty perfume aromas and juicy red berry fruit flavors, which will pair well with everything from ham to roast chicken.

Chocolate Shop, Washington State $12

What’s mom’s day without a little decadence? This Merlot is not overly sweet, but has an infusion of dark chocolate. When paired with chocolate it’s pure heaven. Served alongside my discovery below, it’s an extra healthy hit for your heart (red wine, olive oil and dark chocolate, right?)

Try it with Poco Dolce Olive Oil and Sea Salt Chocolate. This dark chocolate from a small San Francisco-based chocolatier is made with sea salt and olive oil. It melts in your mouth with a creaminess I haven’t tasted before. You will fall in love.

Gift wines with a feminine twist

Splurge on mom a bit with these unique wines to make her feel special.

2006 Fall Creek “Meritus” Hill Country, Texas $34

Fall Creek is owned by the First lady of Texas wine Susan Auler and her husband. This lush, complex Cabernet blend is a world-class example at a surprisingly good price. This is available nationally, but is made in all 50 states, so seek out your local wine and treat mom to a special bottle from her hometown.

2008 Marilyn Merlot, Napa Valley, California $29

This is glamour in a glass, and celebrates the 24th vintage of the Marilyn Merlot wine and a screen icon. The supple, sexy red comes adorned with a collectible photo of the lovely lady. If your mom is a movie buff, add a Marilyn film (my favorite is “Some Like it Hot”) and even a boa for her to wear the whole day to feel like a star.

20 Aug

A Big State on a Small Scale

Though the California wine industry is big, it still embraces small, family-owned wineries crafting boutique bottles. Here’s a roundup of my latest discoveries; ranging from affordable to luxurious, and spanning the state from north to south, these vintners tell a story with every glass.

Marita’s Vineyard:

It’s the American dream. After coming to California as a teenager from Mexico, Maro Montes worked his way up from laborer to vineyard manager to Vice President of Operations for the famous Joseph Phelps Vineyards. With a passion for growing grapes it was only natural to start his own label; in 2003 he did just that. Their signature Cabernet from the family’s 3-acre vineyard is a collector’s dream. Looking for a unique Napa experience? Make an appointment and get a home-cooked lunch from the Montes clan.

Star Sip: 2005 SOMA Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa $86. Named for Maro’s daughters, this supple, smooth red is a true beauty.

Watch Leslie’s video interview with the Montes Family on TGTV

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Bolen Family Estates:

Celebrate Merlot Mondays with the Bolens. After a career spent running construction companies, Mike Bolen felt it was time to build something new. He and son Eric are proprietors of Napa Valley-based Bolen Family Estates whose focus is only Merlot. They’ve hired Merlot master Tom Rinaldi (Duckhorn’s founding winemaker) and managed to garner high praise in a valley devoted to Cabernet.

Star Sip: 2007 Bolen Legacy Merlot, Oak Knoll District Napa Valley $60. Pure Merlot, pure pleasure from the world-class Beckstoffer Orchard Vineyard.

Watch Leslie’s video interview with Eric Bolen on TGTV

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C. Donatiello Winery:

For those wanting to visit California soon, put C. Donatiello on your itinerary. An in-the-know spot in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the estate has wine-inspired aroma gardens, an intimate concert series and most importantly, killer wine. Owner Chris Donatiello, a young vintner with a rich background in the business, along with winemaker Webster Marquez, craft elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Pinot Noir.

Star Sip: 2008 C. Donatiello Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $38. Silky, sexy and complex, a Pinot to embrace full on.

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Arista Winery:

This destination winery with Japanese -inspired landscaping, beautiful hillside panoramas and scenic picnic areas, is another Russian River Valley treasure. The real treasure, though, is what’s in the bottle. Focused on Pinot Noir including their signature “Longbow” Pinot, the winery started in 2002 by the McWilliams family also produces swoon-worthy aromatic whites. In addition to Arista, owner Mark McWilliams has a miniscule-production brand that makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc I’ve ever sampled. Named Mark David, it’s a discovery not to be missed.

Star Sip: 2009 Arista Gewurztraminer “Ferrington Vineyard” Anderson Valley $25. Spicy, sultry, and still crisp, a stellar example of New World Gewurz.

Star Sip: 2009 Mark David Sauvignon Blanc “Skellenger Vineyard” Oakville, Napa Valley $32. If I gave points to wine, this Sauvignon would be a perfect 100.

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Jorian Hill Vineyards:

Focused on Rhone varieties such as Viognier and Syrah, this family-owned winery is one to watch. Gary and Jeanne Newman (he president of 20th Century Fox television and she an entertainment attorney) named the brand for their three kids. When the duo were looking for a retreat north of Los Angeles in bucolic Santa Barbara County, the property they found already had vineyards so instead of just a home they found a new passion – wine.

Star Sip: 2007 Jorian Hill “BEEspoke” Santa Ynez Valley $38. A Rhone blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, this intensely juicy, peppery red has celebrity status.

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Longoria Wines:

Well-respected winemaker Rick Longoria began his eponymous winery in 1982 focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley. He is known for Pinot, but today his entire portfolio is world class. My favorites are Rick’s esoteric Spanish varietals. Making California Albarino and Tempranillo has brought him well-deserved attention and acclaim.

Star Sip: 2007 Longoria Tempranillo “Clover Creek Vineyard” Santa Ynez Valley $36. The best version of the variety I’ve ever sipped outside of Spain. A stunning red with layers of flavor and loads of character.

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Bien Nacido Vineyards:

If we had grand cru vineyards in this country, Bien Nacido would rank at the top. Located in the Santa Maria Valley of California’s southern/central coast, the historic vineyard been the source of cult wines from the likes of Au Bon Climat and Sine Qua Non. In 1969, the Miller family purchased the property and only now is launching their own wine from the famous plot of land.

Star Sip: 2007 Bien Nacido Vineyards Syrah $52. Deeply-hued, licorice-scented red that captures the power-packed intensity of Syrah.

03 Aug

Drinking the Stars

I’m not easily impressed by celebrity wines especially when they simply slap their name on a bottle. But there are plenty of wine-loving celebs I’ve written about who have a commitment to quality. Golfers like Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam come to mind as does movie director Francis Ford Coppola’s wine empire.Three more celebrity brands that you may or may not be familiar with but are worth seeking out, include a steamy star, a femme fatale, and a behind-the-scenes music legend.
I’ve been a fan of actor Kyle MacLachlan since his Twin Peaks days, but it’s his role as charming yet challenged Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City, that made me a devotee. When I heard MacLachlan was making wine with his vinous counterpart, star winemaker Eric Dunham of Washington’s Dunham Cellars, I had to pursue it. That’s just what I did sampling their “…pursued by bear” Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 300 cases were made and I can tell you, it’s a red with teeth. The unique name centers on the legend that William Shakespeare kept a bear at London’s Globe Theatre. As a result in his play, The Winter’s Tale, Will coined the now-famous stage direction, “exit, pursued by bear.” The wine, like all of MacLachlan’s characters, is packed with personality. When I asked Kyle what one of his roles most closely fit the essence of his wine he laughed and said, “Trey. Both have complexity, heart, and style, but need a little time to develop.”

2006 “Pursued by Bear” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA $65

Combining the structure of Cabernet rounded out with Merlot for plushness and Syrah for a spicy kick, this age-worthy red still showcases elegance. Powerful enough to pair with the biggest of steaks, its pinpoint balance also invites savoring with more delicate dishes like grilled salmon topped with mushrooms. www.pursuedbybearwine.com

Another personality that’s larger than life (even though she’s no longer alive) is Marilyn Monroe. For over two decades Napa Valley-based Nova Wines has been making a roster of bottlings bearing images of the screen legend that change each vintage. Led by the aptly named, Marilyn Merlot, what could have been a brand built only on image has become just the opposite. Due to creativity and a focus on quality, these wines have become affordable collectors’ items. Royalties from sales help support the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and the Anna Freud Foundation.

2009 Marilyn Sauvignon Blonde, Napa Valley, CA $19

Adorned with the famous shot of Marilyn Monroe in a white dress baring her long legs, this white is crisp and racy with a long finish.

2008 Marilyn Merlot, Napa Valley, CA $29

Released on June 1, which was Marilyn’s birthday, this is the 24th vintage of the collectable wine. Primarily Merlot with a streak of Cabernet Sauvignon the red is — not surprisingly — a sexy sip. Check out all the images of Marilyn at www.MarilynWines.com

Finally, for fans of a certain age the Dobbie Brothers are an iconic band. Bruce Cohn has been the band’s manager for nearly 40 years starting back when they called themselves Pud. The name Pud was clearly a dud so after smoking a bit, the moniker Dobbie Brothers was born and the rest is music history. In 1974 Cohn bought his Sonoma Valley estate as a restful place to raise his family. He soon realized he had top-quality vineyards and began his own winemaking venture. The winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, but has a lineup of offerings by winemaker Tom Montgomery. B.R. Cohn is also known for crafting gourmet olive oil made from century-old picholine olive trees located on the property. With charity concerts, cooking demonstrations, and a collection of vintage cars to view, it’s a must-stop for wine (and music) lovers visiting Sonoma.

2007 B.R. Cohn “Silver Label” Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA $18-20

The “Silver Label” ranks as one of California’s top Cabernet values. With a supple yet vibrant texture and high-quality packaging, I dub it an Impress-for-Less bottle. Perfect as your house wine or a house-warming gift.

2009 B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA $24

Marrying the full-bore California style with a core of zesty acidity, this partially barrel-fermented white is a crowd pleaser. www.brcohn.com

25 Apr

California’s Kingdom of Cabernet: Napa’s Stags Leap District

There’s an old adage in wine touting Cabernet as King.

Grown all over the world from France to Australia, and Chile to California, the thick-skinned red grape variety produces classically complex wines. Like a monarch, Cabernet Sauvignon often rules alone, but shows its strength as well in Bordeaux-style blends alongside varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Though its stature conjures up images of a wide-shouldered, robust red, Cabernet Sauvignon can be a King in touch with his feminine side, too. When grown in the right spot – the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California, for example – the grape produces powerful wines with signature softness befitting a benevolent ruler.

What is it about this miniscule viticultural area – just one mile by three miles – that makes the wines so special? Simply put, Stags Leap District is the perfect place for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bordered on the east by the Stags Leap Palisades, a rugged mountainous outcropping, vineyards blanket the hillsides and descend to the curves of the Napa Valley floor. Heat radiates down from the mountain side to help grapes ripen fully while cool breezes at night allow for a long, slow growing season. These conditions, along with ideal volcanic and riverbed soils, provide the late-ripening grape variety a chance to shine.

The District lays claim to a rich past with grape plantings dating back to the mid-1800. However, their modern era really kicked off when in 1976 at the now-famous Paris Tasting, the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon bested top Bordeaux and placed California squarely on the world wine map.

Nearly 80 percent of the Stags Leap District is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Showcasing structure wrapped in suppleness, some of my most beloved Cabernet Sauvignons come from this unique place.

Pricing generally ranges from $40 to several hundred, but you can find values in the $25 range, as well.

With around twenty, primarily boutique producers, there is something for every red wine lover to enjoy making it easy to say, “Hail to the King.”

Prized Producers:

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – The winery that put Stags Leap in the spotlight, its iconic Cabernet is named “Cask 23,” but my personal favorite in their lineup is the “Fay Vineyard” Cabernet. From vineyards initially planted by veteran grower Nathan Fay in 1961, the wine is elegance in a bottle.

Shafer Vineyards – Dating to the early 1970s when John Shafer began the winery, their highly-coveted “Hillside Select” is world class, but don’t miss the Shafer Syrah-based red dubbed “Relentless” and their “Red Shoulder Ranch” Chardonnay from the Carneros area (I dream about drinking that wine, that’s how much I love it.)

Silverado Vineyards – Ron and Diane Miller founded this beautiful winery in 1981 and it’s known for not only crafting world-class Cabernet such as the “Solo” but also for producing delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Sangiovese.

Chimney Rock – With Cape Dutch-inspired architecture this dramatic winery is a top spot to visit. Another of the classic producers in the district dating back nearly 30 years, this winery’s focus is on Bordeaux varieties. Their flagship red blend “Elevage” is a beauty.

Pine Ridge – Impressive caves and bucolic surroundings make this a destination. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is an understated classic and their limited-production “Le Petit Clos” Chardonnay from the Stags Leap District makes me swoon.

Other top producers include Clos du Val, which crafts stylish and still affordable wines, Robert Sinskey whose focus on biodynamics sets them apart, Cliff Lede, an insider’s secret spot producing plush, dramatic Cabernet, and Stelzner Vineyards, one of the districts anchor producers making a Reserve Cabernet that ranks among the best.

Tag Archives: Merlot