Perks

I finally received my wine industry discount card, entitling me to a good percentage off wine produced at most of the wineries in New York state. And my tasting fee is gratis.


I stopped by one of the more popular wineries on Seneca Lake yesterday. After presenting my card, I asked the pourer how many tastings I’m entitled to.


“Oh YOU get to try however many you want...” She said with a smile. I glanced over at some of the other tasters and beamed with superiority.


Great, I’ll try your standard Chardonnay, semi-dry Riesling, and the sweet Riesling… oh and throw in a sample of that $25 Pinot Noir, the $30 Reserve Riesling, the $45 Meritage... and maybe some of that sold out Lemberger for kicks and giggles (I don’t even like dry, tannic reds!)


I left with what ended up being a $10 bottle of pretty darn good Riesling. I love Riesling.


I think this card is going to lead me toward more evil, than good.

bummer

i've gone into dietary detox (for health reasons) which includes the elimination of alcohol for 2 weeks! it's for the best, but rest assured that i will be back shortly with some great wine and music pairings. back soon, but please give a 'ello if reading... you are my inspiration, after all.

Wisteria Blush

Winery: Miles Winery
Location: Seneca Lake, New York
Vintage: none
Cost: under $10
Website: http://www.mileswinecellars.com/
My Rating: Great!



Blushes (otherwise known as a Rosé) make me nervous. Nervous because they have a tendency to taste like a wine cooler to me. Not the case here.

SEE:
Why, what beautiful shade of pink!

SMELL:
Flowery nose.

TASTE:
Honey. Very sweet and floral. Like drinking watered down honey with a lingering bite. Great chilled. Perfect on a hot summer night. One of the tasters at the Winery suggested making a slushie out of this one. I just might try that.

LISTEN:
Red House Painters - "Retrospective"

Twin Fin 2004 Pinot Grigio

Winery: Twin Fin
Location: unknown, California (but, the taste notes indicate that the Pinot is 75% Northern San Joaquin Valley and 25% Monterey County)
Vintage: 2004
Cost: under $10
Website: http://www.twinfinwines.com/
My Rating: Good

SEE:
Clear yellow. Like a Pinot. Pretty standard.

SMELL:
Very floral nose. Dandelions.

TASTE:
Crisp, biting but light-bodied. Citrus-y. Interestingly the taste notes mention spicy citrus and rose petals. This is a varietal wine, combined with 10% Gewürztraminer. While this wine does not blow me away, I think it makes a great summer sipping wine. Do not drink it with Indian food (well, you could... but I wouldn't).

Smoking Loon 2005 Chardonnay

Winery: Smoking Loon (Don Sebastiani & Sons)
Location: Sonoma, California
Vintage: 2005
Cost: $7.49 (plus rebate, a steal!)
Website: www.donandsons.com
My Rating: Great!

SEE:
Clear yellow. Yep. Looks like a chardonnay to me.

SMELL:
Smell this wine and think "Spring!" I dare ya!
My first impression was that the nose reminded me of 3rd grade relay days. Like freshly cut lawn and blossoming flowery blossoms. I love wine that can jog up old time memories.

TASTE:
I've had this wine before, but needed a reminder as to whether I liked it or not. Initially, it felt sharp to me... Now, BUTTERY. This is a very buttery wine to me. Buttery taste, and a buttery vanilla finish. I'm thinking that this would go great with a 1/4 head of butter lettuce, some sliced almonds, a few chunks of feta cheese and an kick-ass balsamic vinaigrette.

BONUS:
You have to keep the cork...

Dog House Charlie's 2004 Chardonnay

Winery: Dog House
Location: Santa Rose, California
Vintage: 2004
Cost: $8.99
Website: www.doghousewine.com
My Rating: Good




SEE:
Bubbles, I see bubbles. Chardonnay is a clear yellow with bubbles?


SMELL:
Nose is minimal, and I fear it to be chemical. Like a chemical clean. Perhaps it is the carbonation? Why is there carbonation?


TASTE:
Dry. Dry with some burn. Finishes with a sharp bite. Let's call this biting

Mmmm... moments later, clean. A nice clean finish.


Addendum: Better chilled. Way better chilled. Stick this sucker in the fridge and KEEP IT THERE!