Virginia Corner: Selections from the Old Dominion

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Two hundred years after Thomas Jefferson planted a vineyard on his estate, Monticello – driven by his vision that the United States could “make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Madrigal Vineyards | Petite Sirah | Napa Valley | California | 2007 | $33 | 92 pts

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Aromas:  black & blueberry; vanilla bean; toasted coconut. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; rich, lush and full-bodied;  chewy tannins; medium acidity; soft oak. Flavors: ripe dark berries & fruits; vanilla bean; black pepper; dark chocolate-covered coconut. Food Pairing: grilled meats; roasts; game; wonderful by itself.   A Wine on … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Cedarville Vineyard | Cabernet Sauvignon | El Dorado County | California | 2007 | $29 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  deep, black cherry; cocoa; vanilla. Character:  dry; rich & full-bodied; fruit & earth in balance; medium tannins; medium acidity; well integrated oak. Flavors:  black currant; sweet cured tobacco; black tea; pepper & spice; graphite. Food Pairing:  sharp cheeses; steak; grilled … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Cedarville Vineyard | Grenache | El Dorado County | California | 2008 | $25 | 88 pts

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Aromas:  vibrant red berry fruit; chocolate; sandalwood. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; smooth mouthfeel; low tannin; medium acidity; light oak. Flavors: brandied cherries; cinnamon; tinge of mineral. Food Pairing:  soft, creamy cheeses; grilled meats & fish; tomato-based pasta dishes; delicious without food.   I recently had … Continue reading

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WINE STUFF: The Glass Matters

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On a recent Saturday night, my wife and I joined some good friends at their home for dinner, wine and conversation.  I took a couple of bottles of wine, of course, but I also took my own wine glasses.  In … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Scott Harvey Wines | Vineyard 1869 Zinfandel | Amador County | California | 2008 | $45 | 89 pts

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Aromas:  fresh raspberries; graphite. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; smooth mouth-feel; low tannin; medium acidity; light oak. Flavors:  red berries; cinammon; vanilla; black pepper; mineral. Food Pairing:  Creamy, soft cheeses; grilled meats & fish; tomato-based pasta dishes.   Scott Harvey’s newest Vineyard … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: KitFox Vineyards | Proprietary Red Wine “Foxy” | California | 2010 | $15 | 82 pts

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Aromas:  deep cherry liquor; spearmint; allspice. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; soft mouthfeel; low tannins; light acids; light oak. Flavors:  ripe cherries-n-cream; dusting of cocao; spearmint; plum and smoke. Food Pairing:  pizza & pasta; BBQ; hotdogs on the grill; easy-drinking on its own.   … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Pali Wine Co. | Pinot Noir | “Summit” | Santa Rita Hills | Santa Barbara County | California | 2010 | $29 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  blackberries; boysenberries; spice. Character:  fruit-driven; rich & full-bodied; luscious mouthfeel; medium tannins; robust acidity; subtle oak. Flavors:  dark fruit compote; flinty minerality; dusting of dark chocolate. Food Pairing:  dry, sharp cheeses; roasted chicken; tenderloin of beef or pork.   Here’s an assertive, voluptuous, … Continue reading

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ENTERTAINING with WINE: Hosting a Wine Tasting Dinner at Home

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Home wine tasting dinners are one of the best ways to experience the wonders and diversity of the wine world. They’re a fun, interactive way for you and your friends and family to broaden your knowledge and appreciation of different … Continue reading

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GREAT VALUE ALERT: Lost Sonnet Meritage | Napa Valley | California | 2007 | $10 | 84 pts

For those of you who are fortunate to have a Trader Joe’s store nearby (in a state that allows them to sell wine), try a bottle of this pleasant red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (22%), and Cabernet Franc (20%).  As … Continue reading

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WINE WISH LIST: The Spiral Wine Cellar

Have you ever thought of building a wine cellar beneath your kitchen, or perhaps under another room of your house?  If you’ve entertained such thoughts (or dreams?), you’ll love this.  Even if you haven’t, it’s worth looking at if only for the sheer amazement … Continue reading

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WINE in FOCUS: The New World of Portuguese Wine

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Portugal has a long, storied history in winemaking. The country sits at the geographical crossroads of several civilizations, and its winemaking traditions have been shaped by Continental, North African, and English influences. Thanks to the latter, who centuries ago invented … Continue reading

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