kosher-ban-blog

First of all let’s throw the notion that kosher wines are not an enjoyable quaff right out the window!

History has proven that these wines were not something to be savored, but a necessity at the holiday table. Let’s face it, they lacked the balance and in many cases the ‘fruit factor’ drinking astringent and “dried out.” However through the years, with winemaking techniques becoming modernized and more attention being paid to the quality of the wines produced, they have slowly come into their own. Now internationally produced, they’re getting better all the time!

So, what makes a wine kosher, and is it kosher for all occasions?
The word “kosher” means “fit.” Kosher food is “fit to eat” because it has passed certain technical requirements. Unlike other kosher products wine has special rules and regulations. First, it is produced using kosher yeasts in the fermentation process and aged in barrels which have not been previously used for aging non-Kosher wines. And in order to be considered “Kosher for Passover” the wines must be created and handled by only people of the Jewish faith. Therefore, because at any given time wines are handled by many people, they must go through a process where they become ‘mevushal’. This means that in its production, the wine is flash-heated to near boiling, and then may be handled by people of any faith.

Although there are many letters symbolizing that products are kosher, many wines that are Kosher will have the letter “K” symbol on the label. Kosher for Passover wines with have an “UP” symbol on the label and/or labeled that they are “mevushal.” The good news here, is that we have arrived at a time where we are drinking great wines at the holiday table that just happen to be kosher!  Enjoy!

A very grand vintage has emerged from the Montalcino region of Tuscany Italy.
With the releases of their 2010 Brunello wines, the critical ratings have been much higher than imaginable. More than 100 wines were rated 95 Points by James Suckling alone, not to mention the high scores awarded by other notable reviewers. This is a tough nut to crack, even though we are still talking wine here!

Suckling says: ‘Never have the wines been so profound in quality, character, and quantity from the best hillside vineyards of Montalcino. These 2010 Tuscans represent a new paradigm for Tuscany’s unique Sangiovese-based red. Vintages like this don’t come along very often.

What makes for a great vintage in any region in the world, is well, location, location, location. This was partially true for these 2010 Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Here’s what it takes to produce grapes worthy of grand results:  From bud-break through harvest, grapes on the vine need enough sunlight to create the alcohol levels in the grapes; enough coolness for the grapes to develop their acidity levels and enough rain or water to keep them supple. BINGO, the 2010 Brunello grapes got it all!!

The other interesting thing about these 2010 Brunello wines is that while in most vintages, Brunello wine are not really approachable (drinkable) at young ages, the 2010 Brunellos are very drinkable, yet have the potential for long ageing. Quite amazing!

Start buying these beautiful wines, enjoy them now and cellar your favorites. The prices have never been better.

brunello 2010

The Perrin family, of Chateau Beaucastel, has been working with Jolie and Pitt on blending and strategy at Provence-based Miraval since 2012. French winemaker Marc Perrin of the famed Beaucastel estate produces the pink wine officially known as Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Côte de Provence Rosé Miraval.

“Château Miraval” is recognized as one of Provence’s highest-quality organic wine producers. The domaine has created a name for itself through the efforts of a serious team working over a 15-year period. The Miraval team strives to produce quality wines vintage after vintage, under both the AOC Côtes de Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence classifications. The domaine has been rewarded with several honors in major competitions and guides. Industry leaders in France and abroad rely on the Miraval label. All production is from grapes grown organically in the Commune of Correns, the first organic village of France.”

Chateau Miraval vineyards have been cultivated organically for many years and are certified organic. However, since the 2012 vintage, they have made the decision not to claim an organic status for the wines for two reasons:

One is that to maximize quality, they need the flexibility to blend the grapes of their Estate with top quality grapes sourced from other vineyards, which are not necessarily certified organic. They use a stabilization method, which is not homologated as organic in Europe, but is in the USA. So the grapes are not 100% estate grown because of their need to source top quality grapes from outside vineyards that they cannot find on the Estate.

MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2014
“A beautiful light pink color, fresh fruits aromas, a refreshing acidity. This is the interpretation Miraval is making about Provence’s terroirs.” Winery Notes.

Jolie-Pitt MIRAVAL ROSE 2014 at Winelegend

Jolie-Pitt MIRAVAL ROSE 2014

In an interview, which we did after tasting these wines with winemaker Alfio Cavallotto, he gave his impressions and comments about them. With his permission, we have paraphrased his thoughts and comments along with parker tasting notes to share with you.

Mahesh Lekkala, owner of Wine Legend with Alfio Cavallotto of Cavallotto

‘Mahesh Lekkala, owner of Wine Legend with Alfio Cavallotto of Cavallotto
winery’

CAVALLOTTO, DOLCETTTO D’ALBA, VIGNA SCOT, 2007

‘Wine for everyday. A DOC, a single vineyard wine Vigna Scot. Perfect with light salamis and antipasti. Great for drinking with tomato based dishes like pizza and pasta because it has a lower acidity and can balance the acidity levels in the dishes.’ Alfio Cavallotto

CAVALLOTTO, BARBERA D’ALBA, BRICCO BOSCHIS, VIGNA DEL CUCOLO, 2005 ‘Single vineyard, Vigna del Cucolo’s grapes grow on the west side of the vineyard. This is Classic Barbera, aged in large Slovenian oak barrels, same as used for Barolo. Average age of this wine is 24 months in barrel. Not easy to find classic Barbera as it is expensive due to the barrel aging process, and this Barbera is both barrel aged as well as being a single vineyard wine. In the order of Piedmontese wines, Barbera  falls in between Dolcetto and Barolo. Great when served with ravioli filled with mushrooms or red meats.’ Alfio Cavallotto

 CAVALLOTTO, NEBBIOLO, LANGHE, 2007

‘Grapes come from the Barolo zone, and is actually declassified Barolo.  Only in vintages where the grapes don’t meet Barolo standards, the same juice becomes declassified as Nebbiolo, Langhe. Grapes from younger vines are used in this wine as well.’

CAVALLOTTO, BAROLO, BRICCO BOSCHIS, 2004

‘Made from three vineyards in the Bricco Boschis Cru.

This is the ‘most important wine for them, producing approximately 24,000 bottles each vintage.’ This is their signature bottling. Classic, long maceration, long aging in Slovenian barrels for three years and six months.  Pairs well with red meats and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, and elegant and lighter courses like grilled seafood: prawns and lobster. The vineyard soil is clay and sand as well as layers of both. This produces ‘aromatics, which are more floral and open.’

“The 2004 Barolo Bricco Boschis tastes just like it did from barrel, which is to say sweet, layered and totally irresistible. The ripe red fruit is incredibly primary, and this wine is years away from offering its finest drinking, but it is already very impressive at this stage. This is an especially refined, elegant vintage for this wine, and I can only say that I await the Riservas with eager anticipation.”

 WINE ADVOCATE, 93 POINTS

CAVALLOTTO, BAROLO, RISERVA, VIGNOLO, 2001

”Another Cru, another family monopole.’ Soil different than in the Boschis Cru. Clay soil, which retains water, and in summer it is very dry, so this soil is good for the vines. Aromatic is more fruity and less floral.  5- 6 yrs of aging in Slovenian oak. These are old vines, which are approximately 50 or more years of age.ÂÂ

 “The 2001 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a terrific effort. This elegant, refined wine presents expressive, perfumed aromatics and sweet red fruit, with notable persistence and delineation on the palate. It is a finessed, superbly poised Barolo that will benefit from another few years of bottle age to soften the tannins, even if it is surprisingly accessible as well as irresistible today. 92/Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.”

 WINE ADVOCATE, 92 POINTS

CAVALLOTTO, BAROLO, BRICCO BOSCHIS, RISERVA, VIGNA SAN GUISEPPE, 2001 ‘Particular selection of grapes exclusively from old vines. Average age of vines is 50 years old, with some being more than 70 years old. Grapes are sourced from the best part of the Bricco Boschis Cru.  These are their oldest vines. This is an important wine for them. Very limited production, only 13,330 750ml bottles a year produced. Limited quantities of magnums and double magnums are available. In every vintage a portion of the grapes from this vineyard go into the Bricco Boschis Barolo.’ “The 2001 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is captivating. Made in a dark, brooding style, it reveals a deeply layered personality that marries richness to depth, with generous tar, smoke, menthol, spices and sweet black cherries. As expected, it comes across as much more powerful and structured than the 2001 Vignolo tasted alongside it. Still an infant, the 2001 Vigna San Giuseppe is a wine to buy and forget about for several years if not considerably longer. It may very well be the finest Barolo Cavallotto has ever made, and it is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026.”

 WINE ADVOCATE, 95 POINTS

We recently had the pleasure of tasting numerous 2007 Burgundy wines from the Frederick Wildman portfolio. We were pleasantly surprised if not excited by the promise shown by many of these terrific wines.

Though a somewhat difficult vintage, the end result happens to be wines, which are surprisingly user-friendly, approachable and in some cases-down right juicy!

These were barrel samples and right out of the gate they are wonderful. We can’t wait to experience their evolution in the coming years! This evening proved to be a very ‘happy palate’ event!

DOMAINE CHRISTIAN MOREAU PERE & FILS

Not many wines from the Chablis region come close to the purity and pedigree of Moreau’s wines. I had forgotten the greatness, which Chablis can deliver. These were a clear reminder. C.A. Berman

CHABLIS- Simply delish. Focused and bright.

CHABLIS, 1ER CRU, VAILLON- Vibrant, citrus notes ringing pure and simple.
A classic wine.

CHABLIS, GRAND CRU, VAUDESIR- Crisp and vibrant; focused, concentrated fruit. Delicate and juicy.

CHABLIS, GRAND CRU, BLANCHOT- Terrific balance; phenomenal fruit and depth on the mid-palate. Finessed, elegant. The real deal in Chablis

CHABLIS GRAND CLOS “CLOS DES HOSPICES DANS LES CLOS” (MONOPOLE)
Concentrated due to the age of these old vines. A real treat! 

DOMAINE DES PERDRIX
This is quite an impressive producer. The proof is right in the glass!

NUITS-ST-GEORGES- medium bodied, quite approachable, laced with cherry and mineral.

NUITS ST. GEORGE, 1ER CRU “AUX PERDRIX”- full of lively fruit, cherry and a balanced minerality lacing through. Tannins are soft and supple.

ECHEZEAUX- Fabulous; great minerality and finesse; balanced and pristinely focused

CHATEAU GENOT-BOULANGER
This producer’s wines were a real eye-opener. Not a bad one in the whole bunch! Pure and well defined, every one of them. C A Berman

WHITES:
MERCUREY, LES BACS -Clean and well defined; citrusy and loaded with a delicate minarality. This is classic Mercurey and a great value.

CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET, 1ER CRU, “LES VERGERS”
White flowers on the nose. “So elegant and finessed with perfect balance.”
Has delicate, with ample minerality and citrus on the palate.

PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “LES NOSROYES”
Green apple and delightful stream of mineral on both the nose and palate
PUIGNY MONTRACHET, 1er CRU LA GARENNE
Rich and gorgeous

CORTON CHARLEMAGNE
Terrific. Lively and beautifully finessed.

REDS:
VOLNAY
Displays dark cherry notes and a delightful stoniness; has lots of fruit and earthy layers finishing long and elegant.

POMMARD
Deep cherry almost like Charms Lollipops! Silky tannins.

BEAUNE
1er Cru “Greves”- Superb complexity; very exciting!

ALOXE-CORTON 1ER CRU “CLOS DU CHAPITRE”
Classic burgundy nose, when you smell this stuff, you know what you’re unfortunately missing in many wines these days.

MERCUREY
Pure and delicious. A great value.

CLOS DE VOUGEOUT
Earthy and sublime nose; bursts harmonious cherry and sage on palate; long lush finish. Superb!

Making this very short and sweet, unlike the Barolos themselves, this is how we found the 2005’s, which we tasted upon their release in NYC.

While tasting through these wines, the words, which came to mind were: “gripping, elegant and beautifully balanced.” “Gorgeous aromatics of classic violets and dried herbs, both on the nose and palate.”  “Harmonious blackberry fruit laced with a very distinctive earthiness.” “Long, silky finish”

The wines were actually very approachable even at this young age. We bet that they will continue to evolve and develop beautifully down their long and winding road ahead.

Highlights:

Einaudi, “Terlo” – “Simply gorgeous”
Einaudi, Barolo, Cannubi – “mint, herbs and a little balsamic going on…”
Einaudi, Costa Grimaldi – “old vine elegance and power”
Marcarini, La Serra – “beautifully balanced, aromatics of tart cherry and herbs……”
Marcarini, Brunate – “highly perfumed, can keep my nose in the glass for hours…”
Conterno Fantino, “Sori Ginestra” – “in a word, excellent”
Conterno Fantino, “Vigna del Gris”- “Gripping”

C A BERMAN

We are pleased to announce a wine dinner being held on Thursday evening, July 17th, 2008 at Fascino Restaurant in Montclair.

This five-course menu prepared by Chef Ryan DiPersio, will be paired with some of the fabulous Rhone wines of the Alain Junguenet wine Portfolio. Alain and his son John will be in attendance and speaking about the wines, which include some older vintages of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cote-Rôtie and a special preview of some of the 2006 releases.

For reservations, please call Fascino@ 973-233-0350. For further information please call 973-992-4441

This is a sneak peak at the menu and wine selections:

THE MENU:

RECEPTION:
Domaine Boisson, Cairanne, CDRV, Blanc, 2006

COURSE 1:
Seafood Salad with Avocado Carpaccio, Watermelon Radishes, and Meyer Lemon Dressing
Le Vieux Donjon, Blanc, 2007

COURSE 2:
Crescent Farms Duck Breast, Spring Herb Spaetzle, Glazed Cippolini & Sour Cherry Puree
Bousquet des Papes, ‘Chante le Merle’ Rouge, 2000

COURSE 3:
Australian Lamb Sirloin, Cumin-Carrot Puree, Sunchokes, Fava Beans, & Royal Trumpet Mushrooms
Bernard Burgaud, Côte-Rôtie, 2001

COURSE 4:
Assorted Chesses
Le Vieux Donjon, Rouge, 2006
& Domaine de la Cote de l’Ange, ‘Tradition’, 2006

COURSE 5:
Warm Berry and Apricot Crostata with Zabaglione Gelato
Domaine Pouderoux, Maury, ‘Vendange,’ 2005

 **************************Update**************************

What could be more appealing than spending an evening of sipping great French wines from the Rhone Valley? Spending an evening sipping them with the charming importer of those very same wines! That is exactly what we did this past week in Montclair New Jersey. We sipped them with thirty-three of our closest friends, and had quite the memorable evening. Here is a bit more information on the wines, and we’d like to hear from anyone out there who either had them with us, or have had them elsewhere.

DOMAINE BOISSON, CAIRANNE, CDRV, BLANC, 2006:
“This estate, run by Regis and Bruno Boisson, needs to be watched carefully, as they have emerged in a serious fashion with their 2006’s” WA
THIS WINE WAS AN EYE OPENER FROM FIRST SIP TO LAST. IT WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TASTING. IT IS A REALLY FRESH AND CONCENTRATED BLEND OF GRENACHE BLANC, CLAIRETTE, BOURBOULENC AND ROUSSANNE! cb

LE VIEUX DONJON, BLANC, 2007:
THIS WINE IS RICH, RIPE, VOLUPTUOUS AND CONCENTRATED.
ON THE NOSE AND PALATE THERE IS PLENTY OF APPLE AND PEAR AS WELL AS A TOUCH OF SPICE.
THIS WILL BE THE PERFECT WINE FOR AUTUMN CONSUMPTION BECAUSE OF ITS VISCOSITY AND RIPENESS. cb

BOSQUET DES PAPES, ‘CHANTE LE MERLE,’ ROUGE, 2000:
The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is peppery, garrigue, lavender, black cherry, currant, and new saddle leather-scented and flavored.
WINE ADVOCATE, 91 POINTS

BERNARD BURGAUD, CÔTE-RÔTIE, 2001:
CLASSIC COTE ROTIE; DARK AND LUSH WITH LEATHER AND SPICE. GIVE IT A FEW MORE YEARS AND IT WILL BE RIGHT IN THE SADDLE! cb

LE VIEUX DONJON, ROUGE, 2006:
“An estate for connoisseurs with cold cellars, these traditionally made Chateauneuf du Papes rarely strut their stuff until they have been in the bottle for 5-7 years. Moreover, this is one of the few estates that has resisted the current fashion for producing old vine cuvees.”
WINE ADVOCATE, 90-92+ POINTS

DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L’ANGE, ‘TRADITION’, 2006:
“Well-made, with low acidity, lovely fruit, and an attractive, plump style, it should be enjoyed during its first decade of life.” WINE ADVOCATE

DOMAINE POUDEROUX, MAURY, ‘VENDANGE,’ 2005:
A DELICIOUS, PORT-LIKE DESSERT WINE MADE FROM GRENACHE NOIR.
DELICATE AND STRUCTURALLY WELL DEFINED. CB

Whether it comes to ice-cold cocktails or wines, we all have preferences when it comes to which libations we prefer to drink in hot weather.

Some of us cannot handle drinking a high in alcohol; tannic red wine during the hot summer months and naturally turn to other alternatives.

On this note, many people gravitate toward the great dry rosé wines, which always deliver in beating the heat. Some of us, who just can’t bear to stay away from our red wines, find that these are the perfect “stand-ins” as they are made from red grapes!

Just as wines have body and varying mouth feels (viscosity), so do cocktails. If you are a gin and tonic fan laced with loads of fresh lime, or a Caipirinha or Margherita fan you’ll probably be drawn to crisp, Sauvignon Blancs. California, New Zealand and the Loire Valley provide a zesty and fresh quaff, and are streamlined, so to speak, with clean and refreshing crispness, that hits the spot on hot summer days.

ENJOY THE WARMTH WITH THESE WINE LEGEND SELECTIONS!

Sauvigon Blancs

———-

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Seifried Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Nobilo Icon Res Sauv Blanc 2006

Rudd Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Ferrari-carano Fume Blanc 2006

Flora Springs Soliloquy 2005

Cartlidge & Brown Sauv Blanc

Benziger Sauv Blanc

Pascal Jolivet Fume 2006

Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauv Blanc 2006

Domaine Cherrier Sancere 2006

Pastou Sancerre Les Boucaults 2007

Lucien Crochet Sancerre 2006

 

Roses

——–

Chateau Pavie Macquin Le Rose De Pavie Macquin 2007

Chateau Phelan Segur Le Rose De Phelan Segur Saint Estephe 2007

Muri Gries Lagrein Rosato 2007

Hundred Acre Pink Gold 2006

Mas De Gourgonnier Rose Les Baux De Provence 2007

Crios De Susana Balbo Rose Of Malbec 2007

Librandi Rosato 2007

Chateau De Pavie Le Rose De Pavie Saint Emilion 2007

Trinquevedal Tavel Rose 2007

 

There are many great things about being in the wine business. We get to meet interesting people, travel and taste great wines with the focus on making them accessible to our customers.

 

Yesterday was one of those great wine days, because we had the opportunity to taste the new releases from the great Tuscan and Piedmont portfolios of importer Neil Empson. Oh, and did I mention as well the lovely sparkling wines from Franciacorta in Lombardy? The focus was on the 2003 Brunello di Montalcino wines, 2004 Barolos, 2005 and 2006 Dolcettos and Barberas.

 

WOW, was all I kept thinking, when the amazingly expressive aromas and beautifully harmonious fruit hit my palate with each and every sip.

 

We also got to briefly chat with a few of the winemakers to get their take on the vintages and their experiences. We started with the Franciacorta sparkling wines from the great producer Bellavista. We spoke with Mattia Vezzola, who is the winemaker. One of the things to which he attributes the greatness of Bellavista sparkling wines is the hands-on approach, which they take, including the hand harvesting of their terroir-driven grapes. He also blends the best wines from different vintages to achieve the final cuvee, which is then bottled and goes through its second fermentation in the bottle.

 

The Bellavista, Franciacorta Brut N/V and the Bellavista, Gran Cuvee Brut, 2003 are terrific, alive and very inviting. We then went on to Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines.

 

CONTI COSTANTI, MONTALCINO, ITALY

We chatted with Andrea Conti, wine maker, who noted that he did not produce a Brunello di Montalcino in 2005. However, the Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino, 2003 is rich and spicy with classic tar, cherry and tobacco on the nose and palate. Terrifically balanced with a long lush finish. We recommend grabbing this up since we’ll be waiting quite a long time for the release of another vintage of their Brunello.

 

FUGLINI

This is another terrific Montalcino producer. The wines are made from twelve to thirty year old vines, which is apparent in their concentration on the palate. Both the 2005 Rosso and 2003 Brunello are rich and beautifully balanced.

 

LISSINI

This estate has been in the Lissini-Clementi family since Renaissance days and is comprised of only 44.5 acres, which is relatively small in comparison with other properties. The 2005 Lissini, Rosso di Montalcino is beautifully structured, full- bodied with softly gripping tannins. The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is also well structured, rich and silky.

 

POGGIO ANTICO

Winemaker Paola Gloder explained the reason why her wines have the exquisite balance and finesse, which were quite apparent when tasting them. Her vineyards are at the highest elevation in Montalcino, and the fact that they receive welcomed coolness at night to develop their acid levels and warmth during the day due to their location north of Montalcino, makes for a perfect balance. Both the Brunello di Montalcino 2003 and the deep, rich Brunello Altero, 2003, are perfectly harmonious. SPECTACULAR!

 

PIEDMONT

CONTERNO FANTINO

The Barbera and Dolcetto’s from this producer are really lovely.

The Barbera, “Vignota” 2006, is classically tart and lively. A good, tasty bang for the buck!

The Barolo “Vigna del Gris,” 2004, is huge and earthy, filled with perfumed violets and finishing with satiny tannins.

The Barolo, “Sori Ginestra” 2004, which is their most historic cru, dating back to the 1800’s, is powerful and yet elegant. Dark fruit and berries mingle with sage and tar, lending themselves to a long and lush finish.

 

EINAUDI

Dogliani is the oldest wine area in Dolcetto country, and the Einaudi’s are combining both tradition and modern technique to achieve the greatness, which they clearly reach with their Dolcetto and Barolo wines.

 

Their Dolcettto Dogliani, 2006 is a pretty wine, with cherry and spicy aromatics. It is well structured and touched by just enough oak to obtain its balance.

The 2006 Dolcetto “Vigna Tecc” is the gutsiest Dolcetto I’ve ever tasted. This wine is made from seventy-year-old vines, which explains its concentrated palate. I’ve had many vintages of this wine and it is always a standout!

All of the Einaudi Barolos were totally WOWING!

The Barolo, 2004 is robust, and everything that classic Barolo exhibits.

The Barolo “Costa Grimaldi” 2004 is huge, violet and tar scented, finishing silky and long. 20% of the grapes in this wine come from forty five year old vines.

The Barolo “Cannubi”, 2004 is a huge and expressive wine, intensely powerful and yet elegant at the same time. The grapes come from vines that are approximately sixty-two years of age.

 

MARCARINI

This is a consistently stellar producer.

Their wines are always remarkable, and these current releases are no exception.

The Dolcetto d’Alba “Fontanazza” 2006 is made in the traditional method, but without oak. It is a huge wine with black cherry and a gripping long finish.

Barbera d’Alba “Ciabot Camarano”, 2005 is an incredibly rich wine with bright fruit entwined in rich earthiness. It is a gorgeous representation of that, which Barbera can do!

Barolo “La Serra,” 2004, has a lovely rose petal and minty nose, and is rich and powerful, yet delicate at the same time. To attain both of these qualities, simply put, is that the balance here is superb.

The Barolo Brunate, 2004, has distinctive hints of licorice and herbs, and a beautiful earthiness. Brunate is just spectacular.

And so now it is up to you to try these for yourselves and give us your opinions!

Enjoy!

 

Wine Legend Team

EXCEPTIONAL WINES SERVED AT OUR VIP WINE DINNER
NOW HERE FOR ENJOYMENT AT YOUR TABLE

As many of you know, Wine Legend held its Grand Tasting at The Manor on October 18. We had a tremendous turnout to sample the over three hundred wines and spirits being poured. We also offered the option for people to attend a special wine dinner, which was held in The Manor’s Wine Cellar.

The dinner consisted of three courses, each paired with exceptional wines.

We’d like for you to have the opportunity to try these wines for yourself as we feel that they were all amazing. Carol Berman of Wine Legend, who is a sommelier, presented the wines.

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With the first course, which consisted of scallops and lobster plated in a very creative, Multi-faceted flavor and textured presentation, we served the following wines:

Pieropan, Soave Classico, La Rocca, 2003, Veneto, Italy
This wine is wonderfully classy and refined, with beautiful minerality lacing through in every sip. It is a stellar representation of the Garganega grape, which is this family’s specialty. CB

Chateau de la Matroye, Chassagne Montrachet, 2005, Burgundy, France
This is terrific white Burgundy from a great vintage. Lush, medium to full-bodied. And balanced on the palate, this wine is drinking beautifully right now. CB

Chapoutier, Condrieu Blanc, 2005, Rhone, France
Made 100% from the Viognier grape. Can be vinified anywhere from bone dry to a luscious mouth filling wine with considerable sweetness. This one is off dry displaying much elegance and finesse. CB

The main course was a superbly prepared short rib dish, in which the meat was cooked to perfection and its simple pure flavor worked perfectly with each of the following wines:

Chateau de Pommard, Pommard, 2005, Burgundy, France
Well structured and nicely balanced with classic cherry and soft pepper notes.
Drinking very well now. CB

Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Le Rocche Del Falletto, 2003, Piedmont, Italy
What can be said of the great wines from Giacosa? The wines speak for
Themselves. This Barolo from the very hot 2003 vintage displayed a lovely dried fruit perfume and ripeness on the palate. It is concentrated, lush and indeed, Giacosa special. CB

Hundred Acre, Ancient Way, Shiraz, 2004, Napa, California
This is a California winery that happens to source and make wine with major hands-on attention in the Barossa Valley in Australia. This is an exceptional Australian wine made from very old vines that grow in rare “terra rossa” and fractured limestone soils, hence its concentration. You can cut it with a knife and fork and call it dinner! CB

Dessert was laden with rich chocolate, which is the perfect compliment to Port Wines:

Charbay, Syrah Port 1997, California
This is small batch port made in California. The wine has an interesting hint of brandy on the nose and palate, due to the fact that the family uses their own brandy in the fermentation production.

Graham’s Port, 1994, Portugal
This is a great vintage port from this very old Port house. The very stylish1994 is clean and refined, displaying both great balance and harmony. CB

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