Jan
29
0
After a reprieve of winter’s wrath, we are back in the gripping cold of a Canadian air mass here in Manhattan. It was everything I could do to make the one mile trek from the office to my apartment without freezing. As I walked up Broadway, I noted the quickened pace of the others on the street who huddled down as deep into their coats as they could. It is hard to imagine that in a few short months the layers of clothing will be shed and the walking pace considerably slower. This evening, I am contemplating the indoor cycling event called “Cycle for Survival” that raises money for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center so that they can do cancer research. My team, Indoor Road Rash, has managed to meet our goal of raising $1000 and we’ll show up on Sunday morning and participate in a huge indoor “spinning” event. So glad the event is indoors! Tonight, however, I’ll just enjoy my wine. By the way, if you’d like to donate to my team, just click the Cycle for Survival Logo in this post.
Description: on the nose it shows itself to be rich in ripe fruit and possesses a marked elegance; on the palate it is pleasantly easy to drink, harmonious and tasty. The aforementioned features make it a modern wine, highly successful and suitable for serving with the widest range of dishes.
My Review - Has that great Barbera/Piedmont smell. Deifnitely a medium bodied wine that will stand up to just about any dish you throw it’s way. I’m having some chinese takeout… only in America do we eat Chinese food while drinking Italian wine.
ETJ
Damian.
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Jan
22
1
This was a tough week. It was the first full week in the new apartment and, while overall things went very smoothly, it was still extremely stressful. We did manage to get everything unpacked and had the pictures hung on the walls and the crates were picked up by the moving company by Monday. On Thursday, I stayed home again to allow the cable/phone/internet provider to attempt to install service for the second time in 5 days. They were successful. I even managed to sign up for the gym in the building and, even though my key fob doesn’t work, I managed to get in a workout on brand new equipment. Finally it is Friday night and time to relax a little bit with a glass of red. And, while I selected a burgundy, we do have a brand new (slightly higher) rent payment to make - so burgundy on a budget was in order.
- Bottle: Savigny-les-Beaune Narbantons Premier Cru
- Winery: Louis Jadot
- Vintage: 2006
- Country: France
- Region: Burgundy
- Price: $28
- Web Site: http://www.louisjadot.com/en/
Description: A very delicate vintage, full of contrasts. The reds are full of character and charm.
My Review - This is a fantastic wine to drink right now - and for the price you really can’t go wrong - I mean, it isn’t table wine priced - but for this much earth and spice it is worth a few extra dollars. Serve it first at your party and your guests will remember it all night. And, yes, I did go there with the picture.
ETJ
Damian.
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Jan
15
0
This Friday was moving day! I’m completely exhausted. The movers got to the first stop at around 8:30am and made short work of a small apartment. Then they moved on to my apartment which proved just a touch more challenging. As I sit in the new apartment with over the top views of Manhattan from the 24th floor - looking North and West over the Hudson River, I must continually remind myself to keep facing the window - because turning around is truly a horrifying experience. There are red crates (provided by Arthur Werner, our moving company) filled with an assortment of S…tuff - that will all need to be unpacked and find a home. To keep us sane, we invited a few friends over - yes, that’s right, on the very night we moved in. It forced us to stop unpacking and open some wine and eat some pizza. I’m truthfully thankful to all those who stopped by to welcome us to the neighborhood and make sure that we took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. Oh, and, one of our enterprising fellow winos found the Catena Malbec that is featured here. And, yes, the picture in this post is of our view out the window.
Description: The ripe plum fruit flavors and silky texture of the Angelica vineyard (2,850’ elevation); the dark fruit character and pepper notes of the La Pirámide vineyard (3,100’ elevation); the black cherry aromas and excellent structure of the Altamira vineyard (3,870’ elevation); the explosive floral aromatics full, concentrated mouthfeel of the Adrianna vineyard (5,000’). The blend of these components creates a wine of unique character that has balance, concentration and a strong varietal identity.
My Review - WOW! The Argentineans went all French on us and blended a fantastic bottle of wine. But, unlike the French, they managed to get it to my table for around $20. This bottle will definitely not disappoint. Pepper, Plum, and Cherry are overpowering in this bottle - but in a very good way! Buy some for later and some to drink now!
ETJ
Damian
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Jan
08
0
This Friday represents the last weekend in my current apartment. I am moving across the Hudson River from Hoboken, NJ to Manhattan in New York City. I am extremely excited about the move. I’ll be on the 24th floor in a fantastic apartment with a North West view but, more importantly, living with my dearly beloved “significant other” as they say. The bad part is, of course, the packing and then the moving and then the unpacking. So, I left work a little early this Friday and got home and began packing my worldly possessions into boxes that will be picked up and driven through the Lincoln Tunnel next Friday morning. I filled every box I had and, to my dismay, I still have items that need to get packed. And, I wonder, why do I have all this stuff? And, then I rationalize… since I don’t have any more boxes, I might as well just open a bottle of wine.
- Bottle: Zinfandel
- Winery: Charles Krug
- Vintage: 2007
- Country: USA
- Region: Napa Valley
- Price: $25
- Web Site: http://www.charleskrug.com
Description: Beautifully balanced with layers of blackberry, raspberry, roasted coffee and white pepper spice, this medium bodied Zinfandel has supple tannins and a lush, round finish. Enjoy this wine with a hearty dish of beef short ribs with chipotle peppers and fresh oranges or spiced pulled-pork on fresh ciabata rolls.
My Review - Great big spicy bottle of Zinfandel - just a little reminder of how Napa Valley Zinfandel should taste - from the likes of Peter Mondavi. This is a young bottle that could be cellared - but, then again, why wait?
ETJ
Damian.
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Jan
01
1
New Year’s Day 2010! The start of a brand new decade and the opportunity to sample another 52 bottles of wine! I spent most of today recovering from last night’s New Year’s Eve Party. About ten of us celebrated at a great spot called Employees Only in New York City. The choice for a toast was not Champagne, but rather Cava. It was delicious and sparkling. But, today, after watching my Alma Mater Penn State Nittany Lions defeat LSU in the Capital One Bowl, I felt the need to kick 2010 (the new year and new decade) off with a glass of bubbly. I selected a split of Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage Brute Yellow Label. After just a few sips, I felt that all was right with the world… the year had been kicked off appropriately, and I’m already looking forward to next Friday. Happy New Year!
- Bottle: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
- Winery: Veuve Clicquot
- Vintage: NV
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Price: $35
- Web Site: http://www.veuve-clicquot.com/
Description: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is a perfect example of harmony between delicacy and power. Dominated by Pinot Noir, this wine has a firm structure, rounded with a touch of Pinot Meunier. Nearly a third of Chardonnay gives it the elegance and finesse needed for perfect balance. A blend of fifty crus, mainly Grands and Premier Crus. Consistent Quality due to 25 - 30% reserve wines.
My Review - My personal favorite champagne. I think this bottle should be enjoyed at just about any special occasion. But, it is also priced so that it can be shared at not so special occasions like, “After Work”.
ETJ
Damian.
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Dec
25
0
Christmas is always a welcome occasion, but seems to be even more relaxing when it falls on a Friday. I left work early yesterday, Christmas Eve, to begin shopping. That’s right; I hadn’t purchased a single gift as of 2pm on Christmas Eve. Some of my coworkers thought I was insane while others were clearly in awe and admiration of my cavalier attitude toward Christmas shopping. Of course, Christmas is about so much more than shopping, economic stimulation, gifts, visiting the family, and even the birth of Jesus. It is also provides an excellent excuse to open a great bottle of wine to celebrate the season. And that is exactly what we did - a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet from one of my all time favorite wineries. Have a very Merry Christmas!
- Bottle: Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery: Caymus
- Vintage: 2007
- Country: USA
- Region: Napa Valley
- Price: $70
- Web Site: http://www.caymus.com/
Description: The aromas are layered with pipe tobacco, fermentation pumice, log cabin fire, moist steel, dried Poblano peppers and fine quality oak. Sweet, toasty fresh brown spice leads to the impression of richness and complexity. We created this wine to be low in tartness yet abundant in tannins, providing impressions of friendly chock richness. The palate enters rich with sweet, ripe tannins, expanding to a greater breadth of refined textures. These harmonious qualities are so well integrated that not one takes the dominant role. I find a flavor profile of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, mocha, leather, brown spice, cedar, vanilla and sweet licorice. The primary goodness of this wine is the presence of balance, with a supple texture, approachable grip and a fruit of the earth essence.
My Review - The Cabernet Sauvignon grape and this winery in particular are excellent examples of what make Napa Valley great. Fantastic fruit in a very complex and oaky bottle of wine that is remarkably smooth after only 2 years. Clearly, this bottle could be cellared for a long time - if you can manage not to open it.
ETJ
Damian.
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Dec
18
0
The holiday celebrations are upon us. This week, I went to a fantastic fish restaurant in New York City called BLT Fish. BLT does not stand for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, but rather Bistro Laurent Tourondel - for the collection of Bistro’s owned by this outstanding chef. The restaurant offers a fantastic New England Fish Shack feel on the first floor with a great selection of martinis, beers, mixed drinks, and a selection of oysters and sandwiches. And, don’t miss the salt and vinegar potato chips on the bar. After a drink at the bar, we headed upstairs to the formal dining room that features an almost overwhelming selection of fish. Don’t shortchange the sides and appetizers - especially the Rock Shrimp Risotto. And, of course, the wine list if over the top. I was taken out of the Piedmont region of Italy and happily jumped into the Rhône Valley in France.
Description: Unctuous, full-flavoured with warm tannins. A incredible lenght typical from the great chateauneuf du papes. Can be kept more than 15 years,but can be enjoyed after 3/5 years for its freshness and fruitness.
My Review - Great bottle of wine! Very full bodied with plenty of earth offset with a nice fruity balance. Despite the intense flavor of the wine, it still worked with the Parmesan encrusted halibut I had for dinner.
ETJ
Damian.
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Dec
11
0
I’ve been to wineries throughout Europe and the United States. There is decidedly a different feel between a European winery and a winery in the United States. The Europeans grow their grapes in the vineyards, harvest them, and then cart them to the winery. The winery is usually in a village center and is generally next door to several other wineries. Conversely, wineries in the United States tend to be built in the center of the vineyard. There are neighbors, but they are far away across acres of growing grapes. This Friday, I spent at one of the most unique “wineries” I’ve seen. It is called City Winery in New York City. They have an exceptional wine list including some wines that they make and some excellent food to accompany your red, white, or rosé. There is also great space for private parties and classes are offered - just in case you want to try to make your own wine.
- Bottle: Sunset Zweigelt
- Winery: Nittnaus
- Vintage: 2007
- Country: Austria
- Region: Mittelburgenland
- Price: $33
- Web Site: http://www.nittnaus.net/
Description: In the nose inviting cherry flavors, on the palate impressive sour cherry, smooth and juicy with fine tannis, animate light sweetness and elegant finish. Fruity corpulent red wine from grapes which were harvested only by hand.
My Review - Life is a bowl of cherries! And then more cherries. And then some tannins to make the structure hold up and work really well with the cow/goat/sheeps milk cheese we had along with it. You could cellar this bottle - but why wait?
ETJ
Damian.
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Dec
04
0
As I sip my wine on this first Friday in December, I wonder how it is possible that time went so fast this year that it is the first Friday in December. The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is but a memory and this past Wednesday, the tree at Rockefeller Center was lit in a grand ceremony. The holiday party schedule is filling in quickly with work and personal parties and I’m hoping that the weather turns cool enough for a white Christmas. August seems a distant memory, but the foundation of tonight’s “feast” comes from way back then when, I took a week off and lent my apartment to a friend. They were nice enough to give me a gift certificate for a Hoboken restaurant with an outstanding wine list and some fantastic beef tartar. The restaurant is called The Brass Rail and it is located on the corner of Washington Street and 2nd Street. Next time you find yourself strolling the streets of Hoboken, stop in for a glass of wine (Oh, the 3-olive martini is also outstanding).
- Bottle: Asij Barbaresco
- Winery: Ceretto
- Vintage: 2001
- Country: Italy
- Region: Piedmont(Alba)
- Price: $69
- Web Site: http://www.ceretto.com/
Description: Good intensity and persistence on the nose, with hints of withered flowers. Well-balanced taste, with good acidity. Excellent after 4 to 10 years whatever the vintage, and up to 15/20 years in outstanding vintages.
My Review - Another excellent wine from Piedmont. I knew I would love this bottle from the first sniff and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Nice and fruity up front with a great earthy finish. I have a confession - we didn’t finish the second bottle - and I smuggled it out of the restaurant - not wanting it to go to waste!
ETJ
Damian.
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Nov
27
0
With any luck, the American consumer came through for the good of the economy today. Stuffed on turkey from yesterday and armed with credit cards and in search of sales today, hopefully we’ll see an uptick in the stock market on Monday. I, however, avoided the malls and shopping craze today. Instead, I went out for a long-ish run in an attempt to negate some of the 5000+ calories I ate yesterday. Then, I sat back and watched the crowds on TV as they rushed about fighting over the tickle-me-Elmo hands, Rocky the Robot Trucks, Zhu Zhu Pets, and the Barbie Dream Townhouse. What happened to the simple days of passing around the coffee and the pumpkin pie? Oh, fear not, I also had a nice glass of wine (or two)… Red, of course, it is almost winter.
- Bottle: Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery: Robert Craig
- Vintage: 2006
- Country: USA
- Region: Napa Valley, CA
- Price: $50
- Web Site: http://www.robertcraigwine.com/
Description: Finesse and grace are the hallmarks of this classy 2006 Cabernet, echoing a Margaux-like complexity, depth and harmony. Dark, luscious fruit is married with ripe, round tannins that provide the structure for aging.
My Review - Absolutely awesome. This wine was, I think, just ready to drink. I think it could have also been cellared for many more years. Tons of dark fruit - but definitely has the earthy feel of a Bordeaux wine.
ETJ
Damian.
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