Wine of the Week, August 31, 2014

BREGGO CELLARS PINOT GRIS 2012
ANDERSON VALLEY, MENDOCINO
CALIFORNIA

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy"

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are wines that are made from the same grape. In most cases it's a matter of difference of styles. Wines called Pinot Gris, following the example of Alsace, France, tend to have a creamy mouth-feel and, because of that, seem to have a fuller body; Pinot Grigio wines, e.g., Kris from Italy, tend to be lighter and crisper. I enjoy both styles. That said, the Breggo Cellars Pinot Gris 2012 is an elegant wine, with a creamy mouth-feel, exhibiting aromas and flavors of peach, citrus, and apple, with hints of pineapple, melon, and minerality. Enjoy these final days of summer with a memorable wine.

Wine of the Week, August 24, 2014

enTycement RED BLEND 2012
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy"

This is one of our boutique wines, a new and exciting venture for Harney's Liquors. A Boutique Wine is one that comes from a small winery, offering a limited production of very distinctive, high quality wines; it is handcrafted by a master of wine-making, who oversees all aspects of production from soil management to the bottling, with attention given to wine-making as an art rather than as a business. enTycement 2012 is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a dark, purple color, with aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry (a sweet-tart fruit), and rich dark fruits, with a touch of chocolate, and a lush mouth-feel. The smooth, lingering finish is accentuated with a touch of spice.

Wine of the Week, August 17, 2014

TRIMBACH PINOT BLANC 2011
ALSACE, FRANCE

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy" 

This wine represents the traditional and dry Alsace white wines. The house of Trimbach dates back to 1626, so its knowledge of wine-making is unrivaled. (As an aside, this region is my favorite for white wines. One sip, and you will know why.) This Trimbach Pinot Blanc is dry (not sweet), soft, fresh, well-balanced (harmonious whole: no one element dominating), with aromas and flavors of apple, citrus fruit, and mineral. Excellent as an aperitif, elegant enough for a formal dinner, a perfect accompaniment to light meals, and, yes, clam chowder. 

Wine of the Week, August 10, 2014

RODNEY STRONG CHARDONNAY 2012
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy"

California is noted for, and rightly so, its Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay grape - unlike the Pinot Noir grape, which is thin-skinned, and, like thin-skinned people, difficult to deal with  - is relatively easy to grow just about anywhere. It adapts well to different soils and different climates. Its native home is in Burgundy, France. The year 2012 in California produced extraordinary grapes, both white and red. I suspect that before long the 2012 vintage will be hard to find. This Rodney Strong Chardonnay is medium-bodied, fruit-forward, exhibiting aromas and flavors of apple, lemon, pear, and pineapple, and a hint of oak. The mouth-feel is very satisfying from the start to the long finish.

Wine of the Week, August 03, 2014

FRANCISCAN EQUILIBRIUM WHITE BLEND, CALIFORNIA

By:  Ed "The Wine Guy" 

From one of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa comes this very delicious and refreshing white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscat. It lives up to its name: Equilibrium is a harmonious balance of flavor and acidity. It is relatively dry, with a touch of sweetness, and exhibits aromas and flavors of pears and peaches and suggestions of other fruits, including apricots and melons. A wine may be chosen because its taste is similar to the taste of a food, making it complementary, for instance, a spicy Zinfandel served with a spicy barbecue, or it may be chosen to create an opposite or offsetting effect. Equilibrium is a perfect (offsetting) accompaniment to spicy foods.