b Winery

• November 2009

  I am curious why nobody has mentioned the proverbial home of Cabernet Franc (a.k.a. Bouchet) in (a) the Bordeaux - where it makes up as much as half of total plantings and (b) Val de Loire west of Paris where it is the quintessential red. There are many examples of Cabernet Franc... Read moreI am curious why nobody has mentioned the proverbial home of Cabernet Franc (a.k.a. Bouchet) in (a) the Bordeaux - where it makes up as much as half of total plantings and (b) Val de Loire west of Paris where it is the quintessential red. There are many examples of Cabernet Franc dominated reds from these regions - including the famous Chateau Cheval Blanc in St-Emilion. Look around for some examples where Cabernet Franc predominates in the blend or look for pure varietal examples from the Loire such as Bourgueil, Chinon and other Touraine reds. A word of warning though: in poorer vintages, these wines can be a bit acidic, unbalanced and weedy - a shock to your palate if you are expecting the heavy extraction, viscosity and strength of California examples. Ask your wine merchant about the better vintages and producers (Yannick Amirault comes to mind). Despite the numerous wines of high quality and value from this variety, I generally find all but the best just a bit disappointing. The wine is usually a bit hollow mid-palate for my taste - unless heavily extracted in warmer, New World regions such as Napa or Sonoma. As an early ripening variety, many growers in the somewhat cooler climates of Washington State, British Columbia, Ontario and (as was mentioned) New York have considered the grape something of an insurance policy. Generally, these wines are easy drinking and quite pleasant but carry over too many herbaceous and weedy notes that compare unfavorably (in my opinion) with wines made from the related Cabernet Sauvignon and hailing from warmer climates and/or vintages. Be very selective. Less susceptible to these caveats is California where Cabernet Franc wines are being redefined as dense and interesting yet early maturing - a possible advantage for those who don't like to wait. There some impressive examples from Northern California, but expect to shell out considerable lucre for your indulgence if you seek the best quality.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Cabernet Franc by zufrieden

  
  

• November 2009

  You might be interested in what I did when I remodeled my kitchen. I already had a cellar but I had to move the stairwell. I created a new hall closet and put a trap door in the floor. I then created a automated lift system using a garage door opener which enables me to open the trap... Read moreYou might be interested in what I did when I remodeled my kitchen. I already had a cellar but I had to move the stairwell. I created a new hall closet and put a trap door in the floor. I then created a automated lift system using a garage door opener which enables me to open the trap door with the press of a button. !http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4115930442_b9ee8c5f5d_m.jpg! !http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4115934496_874ff0eb23_m.jpg!    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Building my underground wine... by sactogeek

  
  

• November 2009

  Coolies. One of the "smart" things about this new portion of the Veritas "web presentation" is that it allows those of us who have never been there to see exactly how nice their tasting room and location are. It's very beautiful there, and more than just scenic really, but... Read moreCoolies. One of the "smart" things about this new portion of the Veritas "web presentation" is that it allows those of us who have never been there to see exactly how nice their tasting room and location are. It's very beautiful there, and more than just scenic really, but "natural". They make some tasty wines too by the by; a fascinating port from the recently discovered phenomenon of Touriga Nacional's acceptance of Virginia terroir called "Othello" (http://www.snooth.com/wine/veritas-vineyard-winery-othello-2006/), and one of the best Viogniers made in the state, along with their 'Vintner's Reserve", which is a particularly strong example of how well the red-scene is coming along in the Commonwealth. You could fool a lot of folks with that one at a blind tasting. The strength of the Petit Verdot in particular plays beautifully with the well-established Cab Franc. Veritas is easily in my top four in the entire commonwealth, though I've many more to see. !http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3028118372_583e57300f_b.jpg!    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Virtual Veritas (see: a great... by ChipDWood

  
  
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  November 2009

  B. Kosuge Pinot Noir The Shop Carneros 2007

  Snoothrank: Starting at $32^.95

  Sometimes simple is best. We love this Pinot for its simplicity & balance. Red fruits, subtle oak & delicate texture. You'll keep coming back for more of this sophisticated lady.

  Wine review by grapelab

  
  

• November 2009

  Dear All, I'm Jonas, new to this site. The parents coming to visit us in Spain ... champagne (Krug and Deutz BdB from 1996) for aperitif but would also like to offer it with the meal. Any unusual tips for what food to combine it with? Best regards Jonas

  Forum post in the topic What do you eat with vintage... by JonasH

  
  
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  November 2009

  B Side Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005

  Snoothrank:

  A good solid cab at a good price. I would think that a good smoked ham with thanksging meal would pare well with this wine.

  Wine review by josephstrahan

  
  

• November 2009

  A Cosmopolitan is not a martini. ;) That said, I often substitute Campari for the cranberry juice, since A) the more bitter the better and B) as my name implies, I'm a drunk.

  Forum post in the topic A search for an alternative... by Girl Drink Drunk

  
  

• November 2009

  terri all of the above is great advice. but dr b nailed it.... it's a wine tasting not the lsat exam, relax & enjoy. as in all aspects of life you will find a broad range of personalities at a tasting, from the pompous wine snob to novice taster. but forget about them, instead... Read moreterri all of the above is great advice. but dr b nailed it.... it's a wine tasting not the lsat exam, relax & enjoy. as in all aspects of life you will find a broad range of personalities at a tasting, from the pompous wine snob to novice taster. but forget about them, instead focus on the glass in hand, your hosts' information concerning the grapes/winemaking process and oh yeah, your date. finally, the age old question spit or swallow? i'm a confirmed swallower, as is my wife. we do however always have a driver, something i would recommend so you can have a truly carefree tasting.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Help...going to my first wine... by stevedabartender

  
  
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  November 2009

  B Side Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005

  Snoothrank:

  - Tasted at Lee's Wine Experience 11/7/09

  Wine review by VegasOenophile

  
  
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  November 2009

  B.R. Cohn Sonoma County Chardonnay 2008

  Snoothrank:

  - Tasted at Lee's Wine Experience 11/7/09

  Wine review by VegasOenophile

  
  

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