Chenin Blanc – Biltmore Estate

Our wine tonight is the limited release Chenin Blanc from Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville, North Carolina.  Vintage 2019 Limited Release. Fruit harvested from partner growers in California.  Pale gold in color.  Expressively floral bouquet with pleasantly aromatic hints of honeysuckle and lilac, plus lemon, mango, and pink grapefruit. Semi-sweet on the tongue exhibiting crispContinue reading “Chenin Blanc – Biltmore Estate”

Where We’ve Wined Local Lately – Jan-Feb 2021

Covid took our New Years Eve celebration, however we still managed a few visits to several local establishments. Warmth and wine are the theme of our January escapades! January 2 – we start the year off right and take advantage of the mountain top open air tasting room at Point Lookout Vineyards in Hendersonville. Doesn’tContinue reading “Where We’ve Wined Local Lately – Jan-Feb 2021”

Omen Red Blend 2017

Omen Red Blend. Sierra Foothills. Vintage 2017. Zinfandel 50% Barbera 25% Syrah 15% Petit Sirah 10% Aged in French Oak – 30% New 70% Decanted 60 minutes. Medium ruby in color. Medium intensity nose of blackberry, blueberry, black plum, black licorice, and pepper. Off dry with a full body and medium acidity, complemented with medium-highContinue reading “Omen Red Blend 2017”

Mead Tasting Class – Ciders, Cysers, and Sessions – Wandering Bard Meadery

Wandering Bard Meadery in Greenville, South Carolina hosted the tasting class led by meadmaker Brian Daughhetee. Purpose of the class was to gain a greater appreciation for Mead, to understand the evaluation process of Mead, all while sampling a variety of different Meads, and a discussion of what foods will pair with Mead. Traditional MeadContinue reading “Mead Tasting Class – Ciders, Cysers, and Sessions – Wandering Bard Meadery”

Biltmore Estate Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise 2017

We were so fortunate to enjoy a virtual tasting with winemaker Sharon Fenchek as she led us in exploring her Biltmore Estate Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise 2017 North Carolina Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Wine. First our tasting notes. Pale Lemon in color.  Dry, light body, high acidity, medium alcohol. Nose of green apple, lemon,Continue reading “Biltmore Estate Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise 2017”

O’Cellars Meritage – Burntshirt Vineyards

Our wine tonight in celebration of #OTBN #NCWine is the Meritage from Burntshirt Vineyards.  Vintage 2016. Bordeaux blend of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon 48%, Petit Verdot 19%, Cabernet Franc 16%, Merlot 9%, Malbec 8%.  Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA Keep in mind, Meritage rhymes with heritage, not garage. Click link above to learnContinue reading “O’Cellars Meritage – Burntshirt Vineyards”

Alfred Graf 2016 Riesling Spätlese Mosel

Following are my tasting notes from WSET Level 2 study exercise. Alfred Graf Erdener Treppchen Mosel 2016 Spätlese Riesling Appearance: Pale Lemon Nose: Light, aromas of lemon, grapefruit, pear, and green apple. Palate: Sweetness: MediumAcidity: HighAlcohol: LowBody: Light Light, with flavors of green apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, and wildflower honey.  Finish: short Conclusion: Good QualityContinue reading “Alfred Graf 2016 Riesling Spätlese Mosel”

Pikes Clare Valley 2018 Riesling

Following are my tasting notes from WSET Level 2 study exercise. Pikes Clare Valley 2018 (Hills & Valleys) Riesling  Appearance: Pale Lemon Nose: Medium-Pronounced, aromas of lemon, lime, green apple, peach, petrol, honeysuckle, and daffodil. Palate: Sweetness: DryAcidity: HighAlcohol: MediumBody: Light Medium-Pronounced flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, peach, nectarine, petrol, honeysuckle, and dried dillContinue reading “Pikes Clare Valley 2018 Riesling”

Pinot Noir – Discovery Heights

Our wine tonight is the Pinot Noir from Discovery Heights Vineyards. Vintage 2017. Russian River Valley AVA. Medium ruby in color. Pronounced aromas of red cherry, plum, pepper, and cinnamon. Medium-light bodied with high acidity and light tannins showing beautiful legs. Pronounced flavor profile of red cherry, red plum, strawberry, and raspberry, with a mediumContinue reading “Pinot Noir – Discovery Heights”

Estate Riesling – Elk Cove Vineyards

Our wine tonight is the Estate Riesling from Elk Cove Vineyards. Vintage 2017 Willamette Valley, Oregon 100% Estate grown fruit.  Color of light straw.  Medium intense nose of lemongrass, light petroleum, green apple, green pear, melon, and apricot. Dry on the palate, light bodied with high acidity and medium intensity flavors of lemon, grapefruit, andContinue reading “Estate Riesling – Elk Cove Vineyards”