1 SUMMER 2017 TASTERS GUILD JOURNAL€¦ · 6/30/2017 · Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in US...

1 SUMMER 2017 TASTERS GUILD JOURNAL


CONTENTS:

Joe BorrelloWayne J BrownBeth Ann TheisteRobert Machera

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Tasters Guild Journal

From the PresidentBy Joe Borrello

As of June 1, 2017 Tasters Guild has officially become affiliated with the American Wine Society, a 6,000 member non-profit organization based in Scranton, PA. This affiliation will give you the opportunity for additional wine and food educational experiences. There is no cost to you through your current membership expiration date. AWS has similar educational objectives as Tasters Guild and it sponsors a large, three day informative wine conference for its membership. This conference is moved to different locations around the country in November of each year. My wife, Barb, and I attended the conference last November in California and participated in a number of excellent wine tasting seminars. Over 600 AWS members were in attendance. AWS also publishes an AWS Journal quarterly magazine and a newsletter which will be distributed to Tasters Guild members either electronically or in a printed copy. All Tasters Guild members in good standing as of July 1, 2017 will receive a complimentary membership to AWS through at least December of 2017 or until their current Tasters Guild membership expires. You will be eligible for all the benefits of both organizations.

You Remain a Tasters Guild Member Tasters Guild chapters will retain their individual

identity as well as an affiliation with the American Wine Society and will continue to hold local

events for their members as they have always been doing. Your local chapter will be identified as a “Tasters Guild Chapter of the American Wine Society.” It will be up to the discretion of all Tasters Guild and AWS Chapter Directors as to whether individual chapters within the

same geographical vicinity wish to merge their membership into one combined chapter.

AWS and TG members within the vicinity of neighboring chapters may request to be added to more

than one chapter mailing for additional event notices sponsored by both groups. “Snowbirds” may ask to be added

to chapter mailings in seasonal residencies. The national office of Tasters Guild will continue to sponsor the International Wine Judging and the Consumer’s Wine Judging as well as publish the summer and holiday issue of the Tasters Guild Journal. TG will also organize and host at least one of its popular wine cruises each year. The Tasters Guild national office will not, however, be involved with new or renewed membership issues after June 1, 2017. That will become the responsibility and jurisdiction of AWS. If you have any comments or questions regarding this affiliation, feel free to contact our national office or your local Chapter Director.

Wine. Poconos. Friends. Did we mention wine?

AWS National Conference50th Anniversary

Nov. 2-3, 2017Kalahari Resort, Mt. Pocono, PA

RESERVE YOUR ROOM NOW!FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO

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4 The Red Blend Trend by Michael Schafer

5 Historical Old Vine Zinfandel by A. Brian Cain

6-7 The Retailer's Shelf by Dick Scheer Village Corner

8 Browning of Food II by David Theiste, PhD

9 Ask Tasters Guild by Joe Borrello

10 Do We Really Know Wine Value? by Dan Berger

11-14 Wine Judging Results15-20 Double Gold Notes21 The Wine Glass Revolution by Dr. Richard Vine, PhD

22 Photo Gallery


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By Michael Schafer The Red Blend Trend

The fastest growing category of wine in the USA is wine made from a blend of red grapes, or, as they are popularly called, “red blends.” Red blends now rank third behind Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in US sales. While many younger wine enthusiasts may believe they “discovered” red blends, blended wines are as old as wine itself. The range of blended wines is vast so we’ll focus on blends of red grapes.

A Bit of History Way back in the day before viticulture (the science of grape-growing) evolved, farmers would plant “field blends” of different grapes. From Germany to Sicily and from Portugal to Georgia, the earliest wines were blends of grapes that grew best in their native habitats. Frequently these field blends were wild grapes that had just grown together without any cultivation. As wine-making progressed, grape growers noticed that some grapes “played better” together than others. In California, many of the early winemakers were of Italian descent. It was perfectly natural to them to plant field blends of Zinfandel, Charbono, Petite Sirah and other grapes in a single row of vines. They would frequently pick all the grapes at the same time, even if they were not all ripe. They would then ferment them together, a process known as co-fermentation. After the phylloxera louse struck in the 1880s, vines were re-planted and the mix became more predictable. Today’s winemakers usually ferment different grapes separately and then blend them together for the finished wine.

Why Blend Different Grapes Why blend different grapes or types of wines? If the grapes were great and the quality of their juice is good enough to bottle on its own, why blend? The goal of the winemaker as she/he blends different wines from individual grapes is to create wine that tastes better blended than “straight” wines. Another reason is to soften the “edges” of the wine. In other words, to soften the tannins. The best reason to blend different grapes is to create a more interesting, enjoyable and complex wine. It can enhance aromas, color, texture, body and finish, making it a much more enjoyable beverage. In essence, sometimes the sum is greater than the parts! In most of the United States, wine, by federal law, must be 75% of whatever varietal is on the label. The other 25% is, shall we say, “negotiable,” meaning it can be any grapes whatsoever! Many domestic Pinot

Noirs are “enhanced” with Syrah or other red grapes, to darken their color. While you may be surprised, many American wine drinkers believe the darker the red wine, the better it is. While you know better, having enjoyed a beautiful Barolo or Barbaresco, much less an ethereal Burgundy, this misconception still persists!

Famous Red Blend Styled Wines In Bordeaux red wines have been blends for centuries. While not all red Bordeaux wines are blends, the majority of these classic wines are blends of up to five different grapes. The classic blends of Bordeaux are many and varied. By law, only five grapes are used in red wines from this famous region of France. They are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, St. Macaire, Gros Verdat, and that oh so popular grape from Argentina, Malbec. That’s it, and only five or six of them are normally blended to assemble those long-lived reds from the Left and Right Banks of the Gironde River. Each vintage brings new challenges and different amounts of each wine for the final blend. While a Right Bank chateau may traditionally use 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot, that blend may very well change depending on the harvest. Left Bank chateaus historically use a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot, so the blend could be 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5 % Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. It’s all a matter of taste by the winemaker! Meritage wines, pronounced “MEHR ih tihj,” not “MEHR ih tage” are blends from mostly California. The made-up name was coined in 1989 from the words merit and heritage to describe blended wines from the USA. To be labeled a Meritage, the wine must adhere to the following standards: 1. It must be a blend of two or more of the Bordeaux grape varieties listed above (no more than 90 percent of any single variety may go into a Meritage wine); 2. It must be the winery’s best wine of its type; 3. It must be produced and bottled by a U.S. winery from grapes that carry a U.S. appellation; and 4. Its production is limited to a maximum 25,000 cases per vintage. Rather strict standards for a blended wine. Chianti is another very famous red blend. This Italian classic features the Sangiovese grape which comprises the majority of this red blend. Up to 20% of other grapes, usually Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah are permitted to

enhance, soften and add to the complexity of this Tuscan treasure. In Côtes du Rhône wines from the south of France, the classic blend is composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM). Other grapes frequently used to blend a better wine are Cinsault and Carignan. Legendary Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are primarily Grenache-based, yet 15 different grape varieties are permitted in the blend! Robust Australian red blends are frequently modeled after the GSM formula. However the Aussies can be extremely unconventional with their blends. While Shiraz (also known as Syrah) is the grape usually associated with wines from Down Under, it’s often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Spanish wines from the Rioja region are usually blends of predominantly Tempranillo followed by Garnacha (Grenache in France) with smaller proportions of Mazuelo and Graciano. These wines, particularly the Reservas and Grand Reservas are amazing values and have long-lasting aging potential. One wine many aficionados don’t think of as being a red blend is Port, the classic dessert wine. Before brandy is added to the wine to stop fermentation, the wine is a blend of native Portuguese grapes. The most popular of these include Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca, as well as many others, each of which provides a unique note, ultimately resulting in a better wine than simply a single grape. Red blends have a long and storied history. They continue to evolve, limited only by your thirst and the creativity of winemakers. Slainte!

Michael Schafer Esq., The Wine Counselor®,

is the charismatic wine educator, speaker, Sommelier, C.S.W., writer and consultant who entertains while educating. His humorous and fun approach to wine is reflected in his trademark phrase, “I taste bad wine so you don’t have to”®

www.winecounselor.net

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By A. Brian Cain Historical Old Vine Zinfandel

The Zinfandel grape can be traced back to Croatia where it is still alive and well. There they call it Crljenak Kastelanski (Red Castel), Plavac Veliki or historically Tribidrag. When in Chicago several years ago, my wife spotted a bottle of Croatian Plavac produced by a joint venture headed by Mike Grgich. We excitedly shared it with our Bosnian friend who owned a small restaurant in our town. As we tasted this wonderful wine I told our friend how I was blown away by the quality. I compared the Croatian Plavac to a French Grand Cru thinking that I was giving it an extraordinary compliment. His reply was, “of course, our people were making fine wine and serving haut cuisine back when the French were still living in caves.” His assessment was absolutely correct.

The Path of the Grape We westerners forget how much older the cultures of the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean are relative to Western Europe, which most Americans perceive as “really, really old!” Much later, maybe 2000 years ago, the Phoenicians brought that grape which became known as Primitivo to the southern “heel” of the Italian peninsula in what is now the Apulia region. And, much, much, much later during the early 19th century, Count Agoston Haraszthy of Hungary brought it to California. Although in Italy the grape was known as Primitivo, it was a favorite of the Italian immigrants to California who for unknown reasons, called it Zinfandel. When the University of California at Davis classified all of the known grapes growing in the Americas, they classified Zinfandel as a region II variety. In other words, it was viewed as a grape well suited to relatively cool regions. This is because it produces sugar very well and even in cool places like Carneros and Monterey, it easily builds enough sugar to make wine of 13% or above alcohol.

Perhaps because many of the immigrant farmers settled in some of the warmer areas of California or perhaps just chance, Zinfandel quickly earned a reputation as a grape that was quite heat and drought tolerant. Consequently, today, much of the best old vine Zinfandels come from vineyards planted 50 to 150 years ago in places like Amador County, Sonoma County, Paso Robles and even areas in the Central Valley like Lodi and Contra Costa County. Baja Mexico is producing remarkably fine Zinfandel these days too. The challenge here is not to get sugar. In a warm, dry setting, Zinfandel will often be sugar ripe by mid-September. However, to gain complexity, finesse and nuanced subtleties, it may take until the later part of

October. Consequently, in a warm climate, by the time flavors are completely mature, the sugars are at a point where the natural alcohol will push 15% or more. To make fine, elegant, balanced wine with a whopping 15% alcohol is a real challenge. Some wineries like Cline, Buena Vista and Bogle have done a splendid job of lightening up their Zins without making any wimpy wines. I remember a few decades ago when Scott Harvey, then of Santino Vineyards in Amador county, made an experimental “second harvest” Zinfandel picked in January from secondary grape producing canes. The wine didn’t taste anything like what I think of Zinfandel. It was a remarkable example of liquid raspberry jam that had zip and sizzle to it.

That being said, most consumers, myself included, think of Zinfandel as a big, bold, ripe, jammy, deep black/red fruit bomb with subtle spice, chocolate and marmalade nuances, rich in body yet with a lighter, fresher finish than one could possibly expect from a 15% alcohol wine.

The History of Zinfandel Lingers Scott Harvey, Amador County native who earned his winemaking credentials in Germany, landed his first professional winemaking job at Montevina Winery. He quickly learned the dynamics of producing big wines from ripe fruit while keeping elegance, complexity and balance as the hallmarks of his wine. Scott now has his own winery but

his most sought after wine is his Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel. He tells the story that his grandfather grew grapes on a small four acre vineyard and sold the fruit to the local Portuguese and Basques. Whatever fruit was leftover would go into his home-made wine served at all the family gatherings. Once Scott became a pro, it became obvious that his grandfather was not exactly an astute winemaker. So Scott started buying all of his elder’s grapes that were not needed to supply the wine

for family get-togethers. To this day, Scott still makes his signature Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel from that small family vineyard as well as his 1869 vineyard planted in that year by Italian immigrants who had come to Amador in search of Gold. I don’t know if those Italian immigrants ever found their Gold, but I am sure thankful they left us some fantastic old Zinfandel vines. Grazie.


The Retailer's ShelfBy Dick Scheer, Village Corner, Ann Arbor, MI

Rotari 2013 Trento Metodo Classico Brut, Italy $16Northeast Italy produces the country’s finest dry, Champagne-method sparkling wines, most notably the regions of Lombardy and Trentino. The latter’s Rotari winery, named after a medieval warrior king, selects Chardonnay from high-altitude vineyards in the shadow of the Dolomites. Aged 24 months on its bottle lees, this 2013 features outstanding bottle bouquet, class, and finesse. Serve with caviar and smoked salmon canapes.

Clifford Bay 2016 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand $11Southern Marlborough’s Awatere River empties into Clifford Bay. Here the eponymous winery was founded in 1994. This region’s cool environs and unique greywacke alluvial soil foster a special sort of Sauvignon Blanc. Lovely, fresh, floral and penetrating aroma followed by a zesty taste of tangelo and passion fruit. I suggest steamed green lipped mussels in a lemon grass-scented broth.

Adegas Morgadio 2015 Rias Baixas Albarino, Spain $16This wine comes from the Rias Baixas zone of Galicia, Spain’s green, northwest corner, which is under the influence of Atlantic, not Mediterranean, weather systems. Morgadio is at Condado do Tea, the easternmost Rias

Baixas sector. Indigenous, scented white grape varieties such as Albarino account for unique and remarkable dry white wines here. This one’s rich, full, stone-fruit-scented, and ripe in sunny 2015. Impressively full extract, padding, volume. Big time Albarino in its full honeysuckle glory this summer, Morgadio’s is always one of the best. An excellent choice for shrimp salad.

Nik Weis 2015 Mosel Riesling Urban, Germany $11Weis, the proprietor of Mittel Mosel’s St. Urbans Hof estate, is a restless winemaker involved in many vinous ventures. From purchased fruit, his Urban bottling offers pedigreed Riesling at a most affordable price. Oh, the nose spells stone, etch, and extract combined with bright central Mosel Riesling fruit. This vintage is a tad sweeter than the norm for this cuvee thanks to 2015’s warmth, and it’s slightly lower in acidity as well, though the finish is mighty tangy. Suits me. An attractive companion to sashimi.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris Cooper Hill, Oregon $15Long-time Tasters Guild chapter director and wine judge, Jack Duey represented Cooper Mountain Vineyards for many years. Founded by the Gross Family, its first vines were planted in 1978 and first wines made in 1987. Today, there are over 100 acres under vine in the Chehalem Mountains zone of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. ‘Cooper Hill’ is the estate’s modest-priced second label. Good and full and ripe. A great introduction to 2015 Oregon Pinot Gris. Rich and round on the palate, soft and engaging. Proper acid too. Flavors of apple and nut. Put it right to use with poached salmon.

True Myth 2014 Edna Valley Chardonnay, California $15The Niven family pioneered winegrowing in San Luis Obispo County’s Edna Valley starting in 1973. Jack Niven went on to secure American Viticultural Area status for his beloved valley. True Myth is his latest Paragon Vineyard brand. There’s something special about Edna Valley Chardonnay: its lift, its vitality. Fabulous light oak and very crisp fruit on the nose. Yes, the palate echoes crisp and juicy apple-citrus. A wonderfully versatile food Chardonnay, so let’s start with sage-rubbed, clay oven-roasted chicken.

Bieler Pere Et Fils 2016 Coteaux D’aix En Provence Rose Sabine, France $13Provence is a font of dry rosés, its wines riding the crest of rosé’s wave of popularity in America. Most come from the broad appellation, Cotes de Provence. An elite few issue from the cooler hillside vineyards around Aix en Provence, where the University of Michigan’s French-language department has a sister school. Bieler’s is of 52% Grenache, with Syrah, Cabernet, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino). Fresh and full and ideal for this appellation, it shows plenty of fruit on the nose. The palate offers an array of both body and beauty attractions. A natural with bouillabaisse.

SeaGlass 2015 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, California $12Pinot Noir favors cool climate areas. Santa Barbara Pinot Noir reminds us that California’s microclimates go from cool to warm not in a north-south direction but rather west-east. Distance from the Pacific is the leading factor. SeaGlass’s Los Alamos-area vineyard receives plenty of ocean influence in terms of both cool breezes and fog. Bright, brisk, crunchy Santa Barbara take here. Spot on, it’s deep and snappy both. The palate reads rich and complete too. One of the best vintages of this. Luscious on the follow through, with acid to balance. Serve with sweet-and-sour spare ribs.

Barista 2014 Western Cape Pinotage, South Africa $14He was here last month! In my office! Winemaker Bertus Fourie, the creator of coffee Pinotage. One year, he tried a new yeast strain to ferment his Pinotage. When he returned to the cellar the next day, the atmosphere was full of coffee aromas. At first, Bertus thought he was in big trouble, but after his British importer tasted the wine, he bought the whole lot! Coffee, mocha, black cherry aromas indeed. Yes, clear, dark fruit and dark roast coffee. Bitter espresso. On the palate, definite bitter chocolate and coffee. Great acid. Would be a fine companion to blackened ribeye.

15 Finca Los Olmos 2015 Mendoza Malbec Mountain Door, Argentina $12Finca Los Olmos incorporates approximately 200 acres of vineyards on stony, alluvial soil at 3500 feet elevation. This terroir, with its wide-range diurnal temperature variations, fosters Malbec wines of striking finesse. Fresh and elegant, this is a decidedly high-


altitude, cool-vintage take on Malbec. Snappy, it sports attractive Morello cherry flavor and full charm. Fresh acidity plays a strong role at rendering this food-worthy. Peking duck with hoisin sauce would make a good match.

13 Lange Twins 2014 Lodi Zinfandel Caricature Old Vine, California $13When I stand next to one of the Lange twins, it’s a picture of Mutt and Jeff. They are TALL! Randall’s wife comes from Chelsea MI, 15 miles west of my shop. The twins’ grandfather put in the family’s first Zinfandel vines 100 years back, so this label’s ‘Old Vine’ claim is plainly legit. At 15.4% alcohol, it’s no wimpy wine. Wow! The complete picture here. Ultra spicy oak and old vines black fruit concentration. Solid, coastal-kissed, large. Wears its alcohol well. Yes, berry fruit and oak echo on the palate. Good form. Density and ripe fruit sweetness, balanced by power. Long aftertaste with fine, ending tannins to keep it dry and honest. Enjoy this with lamb burgers off the grill.

Tavernello 2015 Romagna Sangiovese, Italy $6Caviro winery’s Tavernello is the Number 1 wine brand in Italy. Based on the quality and price of this wine, little wonder. Good, accurate Sangiovese character in the lighter-than-Tuscan Romagna style, with sunny 2015 oomph too, it makes an attractive combo of warmth and vigor. The taste is racy, spicy. Plus it features Sangiovese smoothness against fine tannic grip. A versatile food wine value, I recommend serving this with oregano-rubbed roasted game hen.

Bodegas San Valero 2014 Carinena Garnacha Castillo De Monseran, Spain $9In France it’s Grenache, in Spain, Garnacha (and in Sardinia, Cannonau). From Chateauneuf du Pape to Priorat, it’s a leading player in western Mediterranean basin vineyards. The dry, stony landscape of Carinena, in the kingdom of Aragon between Rioja and Madrid, grow gnarly old Garnacha vines that yield wines of intense varietal character. Full, sweet, spicy, peppery, ideal Carinena Garnacha nose. Wow, great acid and structure, with Garnacha sweet strawberry and raspberry center. Cracked pepper, raspberry-seed zestiness against glycerol roundness play out on the finish. Here’s a great paella wine!

Mont Gravet 2016 Herault Carignan Vieilles Vignes, France $9Mont Gravet is a creation of Melvin Master, author, restaurateur, and wine importer extraordinaire. The rouge in this range comes from Carignan (pronounced ‘carry-on’) vines up to 100 years old growing on the high hillsides of Herault, a sub-zone of France’s great Languedoc region. Fresh fruited and very peppery, vigorous, accomplished, all-embracing aromatic set, The palate reconfirms that this Carignan has it all. It’s balanced, fresh, spicy, vital, and fully useful at its tender age. Impressive length and bargain price to boot. Match it with cassoulet.

Domingo Perez Marin Sanlucar De Barrameda Manzanilla La Guita, Spain $15Sanlucar lies at the Atlantic point of Sherry’s triangle. Its sea breeze-influenced Palomino vineyards yield dry Sherries of ultimate levity and freshness. When patrons inquired after Senor Marin’s top Manzanilla, he responded: ‘Do you have ‘the guita’ (slang for ‘the bucks’)? Guita’s more familiar meaning is ‘string;’ thus there is a string attached to each bottle. Oh, this is clean as a whistle, and fully alert. It’s total, textbook Manzanilla. The palate reads lithe and pure, tasting of almond, green olive, and sea salt. At this price, I’ve got the guita to have some of this in my fridge. A simple tapas platter featuring almonds and assorted olives would be ideal.

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Browning of Food IIMaillard Reaction

By David Theiste, PhD

When I go to grill a steak, bake a loaf of bread, or fry chicken, I look for the food to have some shade of brown when it is finished. Where does this color come from? The steak was red even after I cooked it in my sous vide bath, the bread and coated chicken were white. What made them change their color? The answer to both questions is the Maillard reaction (pronounced my-yar.) Named after French physician and chemist Louis Camille Maillard; the Maillard reaction is the reaction of amino acids, from proteins with sugars or carbohydrates, at temperatures above 250oF

(120oC). So what? Why should I want to have this reaction occur? Well, just like caramelization, the Maillard reaction adds flavors to the food I am cooking. My sous-vide steak is OK, see it in the first photograph but finishing it on a hot grill or pan gives it an extra depth of flavor as well as color, we can see that color in the second photograph. One myth that needs to be addressed at this point, is that the Maillard reaction, or searing meat, does not “seal in the juices” of the meat. We can see in the picture that juices from the meat have come through the crust formed, (see the right hand portion of the second photo about 2/3 of the way up.) The juices were not “sealed” in the meat. I can poach chicken and make dinner but the crunch of fried chicken is a welcome addition. A piece of bread is fine, but if I put it in the toaster it becomes something different and more complex. The fact that this reaction does not occur very rapidly until the temperature reaches 250oF, means that when we boil potatoes, rice or anything else this reaction does not happen. Because water boils at 212oF our food does not get to the temperature we need to carry out the reaction. We need higher temperatures for this

reaction to occur, for example with dry heat, in the oven; on a hot skillet; over a hot fire; in hot fat or oil.

The Chemistry of It All Okay, now comes the science-y part, what we are doing when we brown meats, bread and other protein containing food is that we are performing a chemical reaction. The reaction starts with a part of the amino acid referred to as an “amine” that can react with a part of the sugar called a “carboxyl group.” This reaction takes these amino acids and carbohydrate sugars and converts them into larger molecules through this polymerization reaction; the Maillard reaction that gives the characteristic brown color and texture to our burgers, steaks, chops and bread crust. We can help the Maillard reaction along using chemistry, as we increase the pH of the food the Maillard reaction will proceed faster. What is pH? Well, pH is a way to measure how acidic a mixture is. The lower the pH the more acidic something is. How do we increase the pH of food? The easy way is to add something basic (let’s call a base is an anti-acid*) and we have one around our kitchen, it is baking soda. If you make up a batch of pancakes and leave

the baking soda out of the recipe (if your recipe does not include it, or buttermilk, find a new one) you will notice that your pancakes will not brown as well as they do with it added. By adding the baking soda we increase the pH of the batter and encourage the browning of the pancakes on the griddle. Baking soda and buttermilk also combine to make pancakes light and fluffy by forming carbon dioxide in the batter that give tiny air pockets. The making of soft pretzels also uses this chemical enhancement of the Maillard reaction, the step of boiling the uncooked pretzel dough in lye (we can use baking soda at home) then, baking the pretzels gives the deep brown color we associate with German soft pretzels. The Maillard reaction is an important part of cooking in our home kitchens, and now it is another bit of science you can use to enhance your cooking at home. * Yes, antacids are bases that we use to take care of upset stomachs.This recipe comes from my family’s pastor’s wife when I was a youth. This whole-wheat bread is great toasted and while the recipe makes 6 loaves, the loaves freeze well. Note: I have always used the oatmeal in making this bread.

Ingredients 1/3 cup yeast (5-6 Tbs) 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/2 cups - 2 cups rye flour 1 1/2 cups - 2 cups corn meal 3 cups white or unbleached flour 6 cups water + 2 cups pwd milk (or 6 cups milk) 1 cup honey 3 Tbs salt 2/3 cup veg. oil (optional: add 1-2 cups cooked oatmeal added to liquid)

InstructionsIn large pan mix together: water, powdered milk (or milk), 1 cup honey, 3 Tbs salt, 2/3 cup veg. oil, (optional: add 1-2 cups cooked oatmeal to liquid), heat to warm temp and add to dry ingredients.

Stir together and gradually add white flour 1 cup at a time until a firm dough is formed.

Knead 5-10 minutes, place in greased bowl. Allow to rise until doubled, (about 1 hour) punch down and form into 6 loaves. Allow loaves to rise until doubled and bake at 350⁰F, until done, internal bread temperature should reach 180⁰F

Maillard Reaction Whole Wheat Bread


Ask Tasters GuildBy Joe Borrello

Q. What would be the rough cost of starting a winery? A. According to some vineyard developers we spoke with, first you must first purchase “about twice as many acres of land as you wish to plant in order to get the plantable acreage you need, at anywhere from $2,000 to $500,000 per acre, depending on the popularity and availability of the land in the desired area. Once the land has been cleared and planted, it will take five years of maintenance to develop a vineyard capable of producing a crop that will eventually bring back a return on your investment. If you set up a management contract with a local farmer, add on another $6,000 to $9,000 per acre.” Many vineyard consultants advise a four to five acre plot to start out, selling off the grapes to other wineries and getting a feel for the business before expanding. If you want to establish a bona fide winery, “that’s a whole different ball game.” Now the cost of equipment is added on and your investment is up over several hundred thousand dollars in no time at all — and that’s for a very small winery. You will have to start out with a minimum of 15 to 20 acres of plantable land to make it feasible. From a purely economic point of view, when the cost of marketing and distribution is added on, it doesn’t make much sense to consider investing in starting a winery, but fortunately there is more to life than the short term bottom line. Q: Could you make some suggestions about which wines to serve with cheese?

A: Flavored cream cheeses match well with fruit wines. Chardonnay is a hit with almost any mild, soft cheese offered as an appetizer. White Cheddar and Merlot are natural partners, as are Brie and Pinot Gris. Try Pinot Noir or Zinfandel with the popular goat cheeses and Chianti Classico or Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh Parmesan or Asiago. How about pairing a blue cheese with either Cream Sherry or a Late Harvest Riesling for dessert? Of course, port and aged cheddar or Stilton are classic matches. You should have no problem finding either the cheeses or the wines at the specialty food and wine section of the supermarket. Wine and cheese are natural food partners and have a lot in common. Both are products of the fermentation process and offer a wide variety of styles from simple and mild to complex and aged. “Wine and cheese” is one of the most popular and appealing party themes for contemporary entertaining.

Q. Are liqueurs and cordials wine-based or are they derived from distilled products?

A. Originally liqueurs, also known as cordials, are believed to have been wine-based with various herbs, roots, spices and peels added to flavor the drink. Today most liqueurs start with distilled products from grapes, potatoes, grains or fruits, depending on the country where they are made. The blending of herbs, spices, etc. are closely guarded secrets, even within the companies that make them. France and Italy are the leading manufacturers of liqueurs and have mastered the blending and marketing of the product over the centuries.

Q. When we were in France last year we visited an area near the German border called Alsace. The wines were very Germanic, but one white wine tasted like it might have had a little spice in it. What was it? A. Though the German Riesling grape is widely grown in the Alsace, I’m sure you are referring to the area’s noted Gewürztraminer (pronounced Geh-VIRTS trah-meen-eer) grape that does leave a slightly spicy taste in the flavor of the wine. The Gewürztraminer grape is also grown in the cooler areas of the Pacific Coast and in the Great Lakes Region quite successfully.

Q. I have noticed that some local wine labels do not declare the alcohol content of its wine. Are small wineries exempt from this B.A.T.F. requirement?

A. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), formerly the B.A.T.F (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), requires all wine labels to state the alcohol content on the bottle (with a tolerance of 1 1/2 percent, either way) or to simply print the words “table wine” prominently on the label. The TTB considers that these words indicate the bottled wine contains 7 to 14% alcohol. Wineries that produce a non-vintage “proprietary” wine, which is blended from year to year, save money in printing costs when they don’t have to reprint a new label each year with different information. It’s just a matter of economics for small wineries - not an exemption.

Q. What makes U.S. hybrid grape varieties different from European grapes?

A. The French-American grape varieties you refer to are the result of carefully selected crosses between European vinifera and native American grape vines. The goal has been to increase adaptability to the environment of Eastern U.S. growing regions by increasing resistance to extreme cold, insects, diseases, mildews, etc., while achieving optimum production of quality grapes for winemaking. Many of these so-called hybrid grapes trace back over 50% of their parentage to European varieties. For example, the versatile Vignoles grape claims one of its direct parents as Pinot Noir, a highly regarded variety from Champagne and Burgundy. The popular Great Lakes Vidal Blanc’s heritage is directly connected to the widely used Italian grape known as Trebbiano. The hybrid varieties of Seyval, Foch and Chancellor also have a strong European heritage in their development. Maybe hybrid grape varieties are not so different from European vines, after all. Besides, it is the end result that counts.

Q. I have found quite a difference in "dry" wines, especially in the current popular “dry rosé” wines. Is it me or are some less dry than others?

A. It is not you. Winemakers will sometimes label their wines "dry" because they believe that their customers will not perceive the wine as sweet. Wines are chemically dry (the opposite of sweet) when there is no grape sugar left that could be fermented by yeasts. From a sensory standpoint, wines are considered dry when any sweetness present is not perceived by the taster. Since the popular image of "sweet" wines is often limited to dessert wines and the old fashion rosé of the 50s, 60s etc. Many people believe that they like dry wines when they actually prefer wines with some residual sugar. The taste threshold for sweetness generally falls between .5% and 1% residual sugar in wine. Since the word "dry" has no legal definition on a wine label, some wineries will label wines "dry" with as much as 2% sugar because they feel that is the level of sweetness the consumer favors.


Do We Really Know Wine Value?By Dan Berger

The results of many wine competitions staged in the United States often are the result of American wines, largely from the West Coast where there is lots of sun. These results are often created by the palates of American wine judges for whom the vast majority of their favorite wines are those exhibiting higher alcohol, fruit forward aromas and tastes, and where subtlety is not a major issue. There is clearly nothing wrong with this, of course. It is what we expect from the sunny shores of California, Oregon, and Washington. But the fact is, the style of wine that is European in origin also has a significant place in the world, and that style seems always to be considered kind of quaint in today’s Americanized fruit-is-everything world.

The European Outlook The food/wine culture of Europe is so vastly different from what we experience in the United States there’s almost no comparison. After spending two weeks in the Mediterranean, briefly visiting towns in four countries, it was clear to us that those who are adventurous eaters and drinkers can find an almost infinite array of comestibles in Europe –- a culture of dining that puts America to shame. We have developed chain eateries that have essentially spelled doom for thousands of family-owned dining establishments. Europe is regionally fascinating: Simple sandwiches displayed in ways that would make a U.S. restaurant inspector apoplectic. Evidence of this culture is obvious in the wine offerings. Whether it was in Portugal (where wine is so cheap you think it’s a misprint), in France (with a mind-boggling array of choices), or Italy (with wines from grapes most people never heard of), wine lovers are in heaven. Well, maybe not all wine lovers. If you want a 15% alcohol fruit bomb with a slug of wood, you’d be out of luck. Nor can you find fat, lugubrious Chardonnays and over-the-top Syrahs. Wine is everywhere, even included with some “fixed-priced” lunches. In some cases the wine was simply termed “vin de table” or “vino rosso.” It is usually fairly

straightforward and uncomplicated. When we asked English-speaking servers what grapes were used, we merely got a shrug. And for 3-4 euros ($4 to $5) for a quarter-liter, the wine was fine with our pasta or finger foods, even if it might have been extremely simple.

Back Home in America American chain restaurants, by contrast, offer us soft wines with less food compatibility, and at prices that would seem to a European to be absurdly high. A major reason for this is simply that most of Europe considers wine to be an integral part of a meal. It is simply a beverage.

Most Americans, however, look at wine as one of two different things. Either it’s equated with all intoxicants (it’s a gateway drug!) or it’s a specialty drink for the snooty. Another factor is that many American wineries have an exalted view of their products. But at most smaller, family-owned wine farms in Europe, prices are routinely remarkably fair. In particular, we visited two wineries on a trip a few years ago, one in Cadiz, Spain, one in Ajaccio, Corsica. Each made an excellent dry rosé wine. Each sold for less than four euros. A bottle! Most California wineries with rosés this good charge at least twice as much. Even the “reserve” red wines sold for less than $20 a bottle. In California, such wines would have been $35. Perhaps one reason for the success of so many California wine brands is familiarity. Brand loyalty is a key factor for many: people find comfort in buying wine with a

recognizable name. And they seem not to care that the wine is expensive. But real wine lovers -- those who worry more about aroma and taste than they do brands or grape varieties -- know that the most excitement today comes from the obscure. And one key point: price is usually unconnected to quality. A lot of exalted wines are far less interesting than they should be, and many lower-priced wines are perfectly compatible with food. About one bottle in every three sold here is an import, an all-time high. That indicates that what we found on our trip isn’t going unnoticed. Imported wines are becoming far

more important on the U.S. stage, and those who are adventurous are now being treated to some sensational values. The best way to take advantage of all of this wealth of distinctiveness is to look to places like New Zealand, South Africa, Austria, Australia, Chile, and Portugal for some of the sensational values that we have always had, but now represent a greater value than ever before. The cost of shipping wine into the United States has dropped significantly because some of it is now being sent here in large

tankers that carry wine in giant bladders that are kept cool enough to protect the freshness of the wines. Some supermarket chains are taking advantage of this recent development to offer wines for $5-$6 per bottle, but with quality that years ago would have cost twice as much. Our trip to Europe reminded us of how fascinating wines from the continent can be, and then a walk through a couple of discount grocery chains showed us that we are being offered some products at prices that are lower than ever.

Happy shopping! Dan Berger lives in Sonoma County, Calif., where he publishes “Vintage Experiences,” a weekly wine newsletter. Write to him at [email protected].


May 2017

DOUBLE GOLD

Up To $8.0016 Chardonnay/Torrontes EstanciaMendoza Argentina15 Merlot Stone Cellars CANV Pink Moscato Barefoot Cellars CANV Red Moscato Barefoot Cellars CANV Reggae White Reggae Wines IN16 Shiraz- Classic Jacob’s Creek Australia15 Shiraz/Cabernet- Classic Jacob’s Creek Australia

$8.01 - $10.0016 Diamond Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 Niagara - Crystal Lake Americana Vyds NY16 Pinot Grigio Cedar Creek Winery WI16 Prairie Fume Wollersheim Winery WINV Sweet Revenge St. Julian Wine Co. MI16 Vidal Blanc Ferrante Winery OH

$10.01 - $13.0016 Chenin Blanc Husch Vyds. CANV Cock of the Walk St. Julian Wine Co. MINV Fire Boat Red Coyote Moon Vyds NY15 Jazz Cherry Creek Cellars MI15 Pinot Grigio Chateau Grand Traverse MI15 Pinot Grigio St. Julian Wine Co. MI15 Raspberry Beret Cherry Creek Cellars MINV Red Raspberry Ackerman Winery IANV SparklingTraminette SweetNancie MI15 Tempranillo Rioja Campo Viejo SpainNV Thirty Mile Point Schulze Vyds NY16 Vignoles Breezy Hills IANV WildOne MiddleSister Argentina

$13.01 - $16.0016 Aromella 12 Corners Winery MI11 Barbera Vino é Buono CONV Bouquet Rosé Harbor Ridge Winery WI09 Cabernet Sauvignon Vino é Buono CO15 Chardonnay Oaked Brutocao Cellars CA16 Edelweiss Soaring Wings NE16 La Crescent Maize Valley OH15 Rayon D’Or Blumenhof MONV Razzle Dazzle Coyote Moon Vyds NY15 Riesling Finger Lakes Americana Vyds NY16 Rosé - Sangiovese LangeTwins Family Winery CA15 Shiraz Barossa Vly Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Solera Cream Sherry St. Julian Wine Co. MI15 TheDark CosentinoWinery CA15 TheFranc CosentinoWinery CA14 Trail Boss Purple Cowboy CANV Twilight Chateau Chantal MI16 Wild Canon Harvest Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO

$16.01 - $20.0014 Cabernet Franc Fiore Winery MD16 Gruner Veltliner Braganini Reserve MI14 Malbec-LegendeUnique-BodegaEstrellaDeLosAndes ArgentinaNV Mill Street Red Lanthier Winery IN16 Pinot Blanc Verterra Winery MI14 Riesling - Caywood East Vyd. Wagner Vineyards NY15 Zinfandel Big Smooth CA

$20.01 - $25.0016 Chardonnay Luna Rossa Winery NM16 Chardonnay Unoaked Rove Estate MI14 Commonwealth Golden Rule Vyds AZ16 Gruner Veltliner Chateau Fontaine MI14 Malbec Victor Hugo CA14 Malbec NubeNegra EduardoVidal Argentina15 Pinot Noir Silver Label B.R. Cohn Winery CA16 Riesling-Dry Bel Lago MI15 Zinfandel Old Vines Husch Vyds. CA

$25.01 - $35.0015 Cabernet Merlot Blend Plagido’s Winery NJ15 Cabernet Sauvignon Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO15 Chardonnay - Russian River Girard CA14 Chardonnay Oaked - Musque Clone Lafond Winery CANV Grappa Almaza Wine Cellars TX13 Grenache Lafond Vyd Santa Barbara Winery CANV Grey Heron Vodka St. Julian Wine Co. MI

13 Lagrein Joughin Vyd Santa Barbara Winery CA14 Norton FiftyThird VA11 PetiteSirah GarréVineyard CA14 PetiteSirah PasoRobles ClayhouseWines CA14 Pinot Noir Carneros Carol Shelton Wines CA15 Select Red Morais Vineyard VA

$35.01 - $50.0013 Cabernet Sauvignon Forchini Vineyards CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Vly Herzog Wine Cellars CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Clare Vly St Andrews Australia12 Marquette Reserve CoyoteMoonVyds NY14 Shiraz Clare Vly St Andrews Australia13 Syrah/Grenache Lafond Vyd Lafond Winery CA

$50.01 - $65.0013 AntologiaXL LaRuralVdos.yBgas Argentina15 AntologiaXLV LaRuralVdos.yBgas Argentina12 Cabernet Franc Prix Vineyards CA12 Hafez Fazeli Vineyards CA12 Saadi Fazeli Vineyards CA

$65.01+13 Shiraz Reserve Fazeli Vineyards CA

GOLD

Up To $8.00NV Cabernet/Temprenillo - Blend 9 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Chardonnay Barefoot Cellars CA16 Chardonnay Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Chardonnay Liberty Creek CA15 Chardonnay Redwood Vineyards CA15 Chardonnay Stone Cellars CA16 Merlot TheLittlePenguin CA16 Pinot Grigio Stone Cellars CANV Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay - Blend 11 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Rich Red Blend Barefoot Cellars CANV Rosa Red Barefoot Cellars CANV Sangria Barefoot Cellars CANV Sauvignon Blanc Barefoot Cellars CANV White Zinfandel Barefoot Cellars CA

$8.01 - $10.0016 Abby Rose Lakewood Vyds NY15 CabernetSauvignon L.A.Cetto Mexico15 Cabernet Sauvignon - Bin 444 George Wyndham Australia15 Chardonnay Roble-BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina16 CheninBlanc L.A.Cetto MexicoNV Classic Demi Sec Tabor Hill Winery MINV Envy St. Julian Wine Co. MINV Extra Dry Barefoot Bubbly CA16 Long Stem White Lakewood Vyds NYNV Lust St. Julian Wine Co. MI16 Malbec/Cab.Sauv-CascoVarela-BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina15 PetiteSirah L.A.Cetto MexicoNV Pink Moscato Barefoot Bubbly CA16 Prarie Sunburst Red Wollersheim Winery WINV Prosecco Barefoot Bubbly ItalyNV Scandal St. Julian Wine Co. MI15 Shiraz Bin 555 George Wyndham AustraliaNV Sparkling Berry Barefoot Bubbly CANV Sunset Michcato St. Julian Wine Co. MINV Sweet Red Barefoot Bubbly CA16 Vino Blanco Fenn Valley Vineyards MI

$10.01 - $13.00NV Ballet of Angels Sharpe Hill Vineyard CTNV Black Cherry -Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WINV Blueberry Ackerman Winery IA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Bliss Family Vyds. CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon Forest Glen Winery CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Kingdom Wine Co. CA15 Chardonnay Kingdom Wine Co. CA15 Chardonnay Simple Life CANV Cherry Chateau Fontaine MINV Drama Queen Middle Sister CA15 Garnacha Rioja Campo Viejo Spain15 Meadow’s Edge White Nassau Valley Vyds DE15 Merlot Bliss Family Vyds. CA16 Moscato Rubino Salt of the Earth CANV Rebel Red Middle Sister CA

16 Riesling Select Wagner Vineyards NY15 Riesling Semi Dry Wagner Vineyards NY15 Riesling-Dry Chateau Grand Traverse MINV Ruby Schulze Vyds NY16 Sauvignon Blanc Lodi Sand Point CANV Smarty Pants Middle Sister CANV Sweet & Sassy Middle Sister CA16 TraminetteSweet DomaineBerrienCellars MI16 Vignoles Domaine Berrien Cellars MI

$13.01 - $16.00NV Blackberry Yooper Winery MI14 Brianna Coyote Moon Vyds NY16 Brianna Soaring Wings NENV Brut Blanc de Bleu CA10 Cabernet Franc Vino é Buono CO15 Cabernet Sauvignon Buried Cane WA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Girl é Dragon CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon The Crusher CA16 CabernetSauvignon-Broquel BodegaTrapiche Argentina13 Cabernet Sauv. Resv - Coonawarra Jacob’s Creek Australia16 Chardonnay Oaked LangeTwins Family Winery CA15 Chardonnay Oaked The Crusher CA16 Chardonnay Unoaked Leelanua Wine Cellars MINV Cherry Bomb Coyote Moon Vyds NYNV FLiRT St. Julian Wine Co. MINV Frontenac Gris Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WINV Green M. Lawrence Michigan16 Malbec Broquel BodegaTrapiche Argentina15 Malbec Paz FincaLasMoras Argentina15 Marsanne Domaine Berrien Cellars MINV Monster Red Mission Mountain Winery MT16 Moscato LangeTwins Family Winery CA16 MuscatOttenel FennValleyVineyards MINV Nice Red Chateau Chantal MI14 Night Owl Hopkins Vineyard CT16 Pinot Grigio Blustone Vineyards MI16 Pinot Grigio Fenn Valley Vineyards MI16 Pinot Grigio Verterra Winery MI16 Pinot Grigio Signature Series Ferrante Winery OH14 Pinot Noir Monterey Cnty. Garnet Vyds CA16 Red Electra Quady Winery CA15 Riesling Lafond Vyd Santa Barbara Winery CA15 Riesling Semi-Dry ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 Riesling-Dry Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT15 Riesling-Dry White Pine Winery MI15 Rubies Bubbling White Americana Vyds NY14 Sangiovese Mona Rose Winery WI09 Sangiovese Vino é Buono CO16 Sauvignon Blanc Brutocao Cellars CA15 Sauvignon Blanc Husch Vyds. CA15 Siegfried Resv. Schulze Vyds NYNV Sparkling Moscato Coyote Moon Vyds NYNV Strawberry Yooper Winery MI15 TheCab CosentinoWinery CANV Two Rows Make a White Harbor Ridge Winery WINV Vineyard Sunset Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO15 Westwind Hopkins Vineyard CTNV What Exit Red What Exit Wines NY

$16.01 - $20.0016 Albarino Braganini Reserve MI14 Apple Dessert Cherry Creek Cellars MI15 Baco Noir Leelanua Wine Cellars MI15 Baco Noir Finger Lakes Americana Vyds NYNV Blueberry/Bourbon Barrel Briali IN16 Bubbly Riesling Glenora Wine Cellars NY15 Cabernet Sauvignon - Clare Vly Taylors Australia13 CabernetSauvignon-Medalla BodegaTrapiche Argentina15 Cape Rose Nassau Valley Vyds DE15 Cha Cha Karma Vista Vyds MI10 Chambourcin Fiore Winery MD15 Chambourcin/Leon Millot Blackhawk Winery IN15 Chardonnay Oaked Belhurst Estate Winery NYNV Chautauguablumchen Lanthier Winery INNV Connexton Blustone Vineyards MINV FestivalCherry LanthierWinery IN15 Frontenac Gris Coyote Moon Vyds NY16 LittleRedPecker MaizeValley OH15 MalbecReserva BodegaNavarroCorreas Argentina15 MalbecReserve BodegaEstrellaDeLosAndes Argentina13 Merlot Fiore Winery MD

Results of the 2017 International Wine Wine Judging


15 Microburst Golden Rule Vyds AZNV Naturel Sparkling Belhurst Estate Winery NY12 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Crespi Ranch CA13 Port-style Armstrong Vly Winery PA14 Refosco Luna Rossa Winery NM16 Riesling - Mountain Rd Estate Braganini Reserve MINV RifleportRed LanthierWinery IN16 Rosé - Cabernet Franc Verterra Winery MI16 Sauvignon Blanc Domaine Berrien Cellars MI15 Sauvignon Blanc Great Oaks Vyd Santa Barbara Winery CA15 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Girard CA14 Siren Carolyn’s Sokonnet Vyd RI15 Skalkaho White Hidden Legend Winery MTNV The King’s Cyser Hidden Legend Winery MTNV Traminette FingerLakes LanthierWinery IN16 Valvin Muscat Blumenhof MO14 Wild Thing Zinfandel Carol Shelton Wines CA16 Wood Duck Cherry Creek Cellars MI14 Zinfandel Mother Clone Pedroncelli CA12 Zinfandel Old Vine Rosenblum Vyds. CA14 Zinfandel Paso Robles Rosenblum Vyds. CA

$20.01 - $25.00NV Apricot Pear Dessert Leelanua Wine Cellars MI10 Barbera- Twin Creeks Vyd Sunset Cellars CA15 Battlefield MoraisVineyard VA14 Cabernet Franc 12 Corners Winery MI14 Cabernet Sauvignon Brutocao Cellars CA13 CabernetSauvignon ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 Chardonnay Oaked Harmony Cellars CA16 Chardonnay Unoaked Bonobo Winery MI15 Collage Don Ernesto CA13 Commonwealth Golden Rule Vyds AZ15 Coquille Blanc Carol Shelton Wines CA16 Gewurztraminer Blustone Vineyards MI11 Gran Reserva Campo Viejo Spain13 Malbec-LosHelechos-BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina16 Misty - Cuvee Blanc Covert Wineworks VA16 Muscat Canelli Callaway Winery CA14 PetitVerdet TollGateVyd PearmundCellars VA13 PetiteSirah VictorHugo CA16 Pinot Blanc Chateau Fontaine MI10 Pinot Noir Briali IN15 Pinot Noir Sonoma Silvas-Sonoma CA14 Primitivo NevadaRidge NV16 Riesling Rove Estate MI16 Rosé - Pinot Noir Adelaide Hills Taylor Made Australia15 Shiraz McLaren Vale Jaraman Australia14 Tannat EffinghamManor VA14 Torrent Brutocao Cellars CA15 Traminette EffinghamManor VA15 Viognier EffinghamManor VA16 Viognier/Trebbiano Chateau Elan Winery GA16 White Riesling Hagafen Cellars CA13 Zinfandel Brutocao Cellars CA

$25.01 - $35.0013 Beau Sierra Forchini Vineyards CA14 Cab.Franc/Merlot Rove Estate MI14 CabernetFranc ButtonwoodWinery CA15 Cabernet Franc Morais Vineyard VA14 Cabernet Franc Narmada Winery VA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Plagido’s Winery NJ13 Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Harbor Ridge Winery WI15 Chardonnay Bel Lago MI14 Chardonnay Resv. Husch Vyds. CA14 Chardonnay Unoaked French Valley Vyd MI16 Daredevil Farmer’s Daughter Vyds GA16 Heartbreaker Farmer’s Daughter Vyds GA16 Late Harvest Bombshell Farmer’s Daughter Vyds GA14 Malbec Harmony Cellars CA15 Merlot LittleFeet#166 BalistreriVyds CO14 Merlot Livermore Elliston CA13 Merlot/Cab. Franc Hawthorne Vineyards MI16 Pinot Blanc Blustone Vineyards MI16 Riesling Select Harvest Glenora Wine Cellars NY13 Sangiovese Spangler Vyds OR16 Sauvignon Blanc Penns Woods Winery PA15 Sauvignon Blanc Zina Hyde Cunningham CA13 Verterra Sparkler Verterra Winery MI15 Vidal Blanc Ferrante Winery OH14 Zinfandel Old Vine Forchini Vineyards CA

$35.01 - $50.0014 Ameritage Resv. Pearmund Cellars VA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Mesa Winery NM14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Sabotage CA12 CabernetSauvignon-TerroirSeries BodegaTrapiche Argentina14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Wisdom Pedroncelli CA13 Merlot Resv. Penns Woods Winery PA13 Pinot Noir Knoll Husch Vyds. CA

13 Pinot Noir Russian River Forchini Vineyards CA14 Revelation WineryatHolyCrossAbbey CO14 Shiraz Temecula Fazeli Vineyards CA13 Syrah Sonoma Ledson Winery CANV Talisman L.Mawby MI

$50.01 - $65.0013 AntologiaXXXIX LaRuralVdos.yBgas Argentina12 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosenthal-The Malibu Estate CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma B.R. Cohn Winery CA15 Malbec Rutini LaRuralVdos.yBgas Argentina13 Perpetva Coyote Moon Vyds NY13 PetiteSirah HawkandHorseVyds CA14 Pinot Noir Prix Vineyards CA15 Pinot Noir ZD Wines CA13 Right Bank Abigails Vyd Nathaniel Rose MI13 Syrah Single Barrel Nathaniel Rose MI13 Viognier - Barrel Fermented Nathaniel Rose MI

$65.01+13 Cabernet Sauvignon Hawk and Horse Vyds CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Risk CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Vly Ledson Winery CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv ZD Wines CA13 LeftBank NathanielRose MI15 Pinot Noir - Founder’s Reserve ZD Wines CA13 Sua Sponte Hawk and Horse Vyds CA

SILVER

Up To $8.00 NV Cabernet Sauvignon Barefoot Cellars CANV Cabernet Sauvignon Liberty Creek CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Redwood Vineyards CA15 CabernetSauvignon TheLittlePenguin CA15 Cabernet/Merlot Classic Jacob’s Creek Australia16 Chardonnay TheLittlePenguin CANV Chardonnay The Naked Grape CANV Malbec Barefoot Cellars CANV Malbec/Merlot Blend 13 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Merlot Barefoot Cellars CANV Merlot The Naked Grape CA16 Merlot Classic Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Moscato Barefoot Cellars CA16 Moscato Classic Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Pink Pinot Grigio Barefoot Cellars CANV Pinot Grigio Liberty Creek CA16 Pinot Grigio Classic Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Pinot Noir Barefoot Cellars CANV Pinot Noir The Naked Grape CA16 Riesling-Dry Jacob’s Creek AustraliaNV Rosé Barefoot Cellars CANV Sangria TreeHugger SpainNV Shiraz/Cabernet Blend 19 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Sweet Red Barefoot Cellars CA

$8.01 - $10.00NV Brut Cuvee Barefoot Bubbly CA15 CabernetSauvignon NoOpposition IN14 CabernetSauvignon-Roble-BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina16 ChardonnayOaked NoOpposition IN15 Forest Fire Forest Glen Winery CA15 Four Point Oh! Winery at Kirkwood IANV Grenache Bobal Velata Spain14 Malbec-Roble BodegaEstanciaMendoza ArgentinaNV Moscato Spumante Barefoot Bubbly CA16 Niagara Lakewood Vyds NYNV Pinot Grigio Barefoot Bubbly CA16 Riesling Easley Winery IN16 SauvignonBlanc L.A.Cetto MexicoNV Sparkling Orange Barefoot Bubbly CANV Sparkling Peach Barefoot Bubbly CANV Sparkling Pineapple Barefoot Bubbly CA16 White Riesling Wollersheim Winery WI15 Zinfandel L.A.Cetto Mexico

$10.01 - $13.0015 Angelica Rose Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT15 Blackberry/Merlot Duck Creek Vineyard WINV Blissful Red Bliss Family Vyds. CA15 Brianna Breezy Hills IA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Bar Dog CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Cartlidge é Browne CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Rare Earth Organic Winery CA16 CabernetSauvignon-BarrelSelect FincaLasMoras Argentina - Capriccio Fenn Valley Vineyards MI16 Chambourcin Fenn Valley Vineyards MI15 Chardonnay Bliss Family Vyds. CANV Classic Demi Red Tabor Hill Winery MINV Dolce di Moscato Hunt Country Vyds. NYNV Dry Cranberry Ackerman Winery IA

16 Edelzwreker Fenn Valley Vineyards MINV Honeycrisp Apple Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WI16 Malbec-ColeccionPrivada BodegaNavarroCorreas Argentina14 Merlot Sand Point CA16 Merlot Clare Vly Taylors AustraliaNV Mischief Maker Middle Sister CANV Naughty Apple Hard Cider Chateau Chantal MI16 PinkSatin DomaineBerrienCellars MI15 Pinot Noir Rare Earth Organic Winery CA15 Pinot Noir Simple Life CANV Plum Ackerman Winery IA15 Razzin Duck Creek Vineyard WINV Red Blend PromisQous CANV Red Espression White Pine Winery MI16 Riesling Luna Rossa Winery NM16 Rolling Hills White Breezy Hills IANV Rose Sandara Spain16 Rosé Bliss Family Vyds. CA16 Rosé Whitewater Hill Vyds CO16 Sauvignon Blanc Bliss Family Vyds. CA15 Snow Owl Thirsty Owl Wine NYNV Sparkling Peach Sweet Nancie MINV Strawberry Ackerman Winery IA15 TheChard CosentinoWinery CA16 Traminette FennValleyVineyards MI15 Vidal Blanc Thirsty Owl Wine NYNV Vino Della Casa Ferrante Winery OHNV White Expression White Pine Winery MI14 Zinfandel Bliss Family Vyds. CA

$13.01 - $16.0015 A Charming Pinot Once Upon a Vine CANV Apple Forestedge Winery MNNV Blueberry Yooper Winery MINV Bubbly Catawba Glenora Wine Cellars NYNV Bubbly Niagara Glenora Wine Cellars NY16 Caberet Rosé Fenn Valley Vineyards MI15 CabernetFrancPaz FincaLasMoras Argentina13 Cabernet Sauvignon LangeTwins Family Winery CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon Monogamy CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Picket Fence CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon - Classic Jacob’s Creek Australia15 CabernetSauv.-Reserva-BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina16 Cardinal Red Soaring Wings NE15 Carignan Wollersheim Winery WI15 Carmenère Luna Rossa Winery NM13 Casa Papa Red Coyote Moon Vyds NY16 Cayuga Blackhawk Winery INNV Celebrate Rosé Chateau Chantal MI15 Chardonnay Husch Vyds. CA15 Chardonnay Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Jacob’s Creek Australia15 Chardonnay Finger Lakes Hunt Country Vyds. NY16 Chardonnay Monterey Cnty. Garnet Vyds CA13 Chardonnay Oaked Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT15 Chardonnay Oaked - Finger Lakes Lakewood Vyds NY16 Chardonnay Unoaked Chateau Fontaine MI16 Chardonnay Unoaked Fenn Valley Vineyards MI15 Chardonnay Unoaked Hawthorne Vineyards MI15 Chardonnay Unoaked The Crusher CANV Cherry LaurentideWinery MINV Crackling Niagara Schulze Vyds NY16 Cranberry/Raspberry Black Bear Winery NYNV Crimes Against Vines Harbor Ridge Winery WI14 DeChaunac Nathaniel Rose MI16 Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir Glenora Wine Cellars NY16 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel Pedroncelli CA15 Dry Summer Rosé Sharpe Hill Vineyard CTNV Dune Shadow Red White Pine Winery MI14 Fleur Rouge Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT16 Frontenac North Branch Vyds VT15 Hummingbird Soaring Wings NE16 Juicy Sweet Fulkerson NY16 Kadabra BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina16 KadabraBlend BodegaEstanciaMendoza Argentina15 La Crescent Coyote Moon Vyds NY16 La Crescent North Branch Vyds VTNV Lauren Elizabeth Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WI15 Lost Slipper Once Upon a Vine CA11 Malbec Vino é Buono CO15 Malbec Reserva BodegaEstanciaMendozaArgentina15 MalbecReserva CruzdelSur BodegaEstanciaMendozaArgentinaNV Marmalade Moscato Agajanian Vyds CA15 Marquette KarmaVistaVyds MI15 Merlot The Crusher CA15 Mich Mash Red Mich Mash MI16 Misbehavin Breezy Hills IANV Nice White Chateau Chantal MINV Peach What Exit Wines NY15 Peach Ambrosia Nassau Valley Vyds DE14 PetiteSirah TheCrusher CA


15 Pinot Grigio Hawthorne Vineyards MI16 Pinot Grigio Leelanua Wine Cellars MI15 Pinot Grigio Veneto Girl é Dragon Italy15 Pinot Gris Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 Pinot Noir Bliss Family Vyds. CA15 Pinot Noir LangeTwins Family Winery CA15 Pinot Noir The Crusher CA15 Port-style Lakewood Vyds NYNV Raspberry Garden Bay Winery MINV Rasta Berry Garden Bay Winery MI16 Red Raspberry Black Bear Winery NY14 Red Seraph Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT13 Red Wine Caricature CA12 Reserva Campo Viejo SpainNV Rhubarb Forestedge Winery MN16 Ribeiro Vina Costeira Spain16 Riesling Glenora Wine Cellars NY15 Riesling Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT16 Riesling Semi-Sweat Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 Riesling Semi-Sweet LaurentideWinery MI16 Riesling L.H. Chateau Chantal MI15 RieslingL.H. ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 Riesling-Dry ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 Riesling-Dry Lakewood Vyds NY16 Riesling-Dry Mona Rose Winery WI15 Riesling-Dry Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 Riesling-Dry Wagner Vineyards NY16 Riverstone White 12 Corners Winery MI16 Rosé - Pinot Noir Thirsty Owl Wine NYNV Rosso M. Lawrence MI15 Rubies Bubbling Blush Americana Vyds NY16 Sauvignon Blanc Fenn Valley Vineyards MI15 Sauvignon Blanc LangeTwins Family Winery CA16 Sauvignon Blanc Windsor Vineyards CA13 Seleccion Terra Don Luis Mexico13 Silhouette ChateauGrandTraverse MI16 SoCo Grigio Karma Vista Vyds MINV Sparkling Blueberry Sweet Nancie MINV Sparkling Cherry Chateau Chantal MI14 Tenacious Red Purple Cowboy CA14 Top Rail Red Picket Fence CA16 Traminette BraganiniReserve MI15 Traminette ThirstyOwlWine NY15 Traminette WhitePineWinery MINV Twisted Sister Coyote Moon Vyds NY16 Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé Carol Shelton Wines CA08 Zinfandel Vino é Buono CO

$16.01 - $20.0014 Adobe Red Clayhouse Wines CANV Blackberry Bliss Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WINV Blessed Blend White Carolyn’s Sokonnet Vyd RI16 Cab Sauv.Rosé North 42 Degrees Estate ONT-CANNV Cabernet Franc Bordeleau Winery MD15 Cabernet Franc Glenora Wine Cellars NY12 Cabernet Franc Schulze Vyds NY15 Cabernet Sauvignon Big Smooth CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Domaine Berrien Cellars MI12 Cabernet Sauvignon Karma Vista Vyds MI13 CabernetSauvignon L.A.Cetto Mexico13 Cabernet Sauvignon Mission Mountain Winery MT14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles Clayhouse Wines CA15 Chambourcin Blumenhof MO14 Chancellor Noir Braganini Reserve MI15 Chardonnay Coyote Moon Vyds NY14 Chardonnay Lodi Ivory & Burt CA15 Chardonnay Resv Bordeleau Winery MD15 Chardonnay - Santa Barbara Cnty. Santa Barbara Winery CA15 Chardonnay Sonoma Windsor Vineyards CA15 ChardonnayOaked-BarrelFermented-ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 ChardonnayOaked-Reserve ChateauLafayetteReneau NY15 Chardy Wood Duck Duck Creek Vineyard WI16 DryTraminette TaborHillWinery MI15 Emergenc LaurentideWinery MI15 Fathom 107 Wagner Vineyards NY16 Gewurztraminer Chateau Fontaine MI13 Gewurztraminer Chateau Grand Traverse MI16 Gewurztraminer Verterra Winery MI16 Golden Eagle Soaring Wings NE16 Hellraiser Farmer’s Daughter Vyds GA11 Karisma Karma Vista Vyds MI15 Lemberger Domaine Berrien Cellars MI15 Lovers Quest Beliveau Estate VA16 Magna BodegaSantaJulia Agentina15 Malbec ChateauChantal Argentina14 Malbec Medalla BodegaTrapiche Argentina14 Malbec Paso Robles Clayhouse Wines CA16 Marquette NorthBranchVyds VT13 Mead Nathaniel Rose MINV Mercy Westport Winery WA12 Merlot Karma Vista Vyds MI

15 Merlot Whitewater Hill Vyds CO13 Nebbiolo L.A.Cetto Mexico16 Pearly Duck Duck Creek Vineyard WI13 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Crespi Ranch CA15 Red Phoenix Soaring Wings NE15 Riesling Armstrong Vly Winery PA16 Riesling San Juan Vyds WA16 Riesling Select Harvest Bel Lago MI16 Riesling-Dry Knapp Winery NYNV Rivertown White Lanthier Winery IN14 Rosé French Valley Vyd MI16 Rosé Tabor Hill Winery MI16 Rosé - Pinot Noir Blustone Vineyards MI16 Rosé-PinotNoir ChateauLafayetteReneau NY16 Rosé - Pinot Noir Verterra Winery MI15 Ruby Port Nathaniel Rose MI15 Sangiovese Alto Vyd Pedroncelli CANV Sangre de Cristo Nouveau Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO16 Sauvignon Blanc North 42 Degrees Estate ONT-CAN16 Seyval Gray Ghost Vyds VA16 Shiraz Clare Vly Taylors Australia14 Soul Singer Beliveau Estate VA13 St. Croix Vyd Resv Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT13 Syrah Santa Barbara Winery CA12 Syrah Paso Robles Clayhouse Wines CA14 Syrah Raso Robles Windsor Vineyards CA14 Traminette TaborHillWinery MI15 Traminette/Riesling RoyalRabbitVyds MD16 Vignoles L.H. Braganini Reserve MI15 Wild Thing Carol Shelton Wines CANV Woodnymph Black Mesa Winery NM15 Zinfandel Ferrante Winery OH14 Zinfandel Lodi Ivory & Burt CA

$20.01 - $25.0014 Ameritage Pearmund Cellars VA14 Barbera Nevada Ridge NV15 Barbera Royal Rabbit Vyds MD15 Blaufrankisch Vineyard View Winery NY13 Cabernet Franc Braganini Reserve MI12 Cabernet Franc Briali IN15 Cabernet Franc Plagido’s Winery NJ15 Cabernet Sauvignon Aquinas CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Armstrong Vly Winery PA13 Cabernet Sauvignon Husch Vyds. CA15 Cabernet Sauvignon Old York Cellars NY15 Cabernet Sauvignon Turquoise Mesa CO14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Coonawarra Jaraman Australia14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Private Cellars Resv. - Almaza Wine Cellars TX15 Cabernet Sauvignon - Silver Label B.R. Cohn Winery CA15 Cabernet.Syrah/Malbec Thirsty Owl Wine NY16 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Taylor Made Australia15 Chardonnay Silver Label B.R. Cohn Winery CA15 Chardonnay Oaked Ingleside Vineyards VA13 ClassicCuvée ButtonwoodWinery CANV CosechaUltima BlackMesaWinery NM14 Cuvee Ammi Philips Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT13 Eureka Golden Rule Vyds AZ16 Gewurztraminer Gray Ghost Vyds VANV Grace L. Mawby MINV Isabella Sparkling Belhurst Estate Winery NY14 LeftBank InglesideVineyards VA15 LineageCamouflage HerzogWineCellars CA15 Marechal Foch Hidden Legend Winery MT15 Meritage-Red Fenn Valley Vineyards MI13 Merlot Braganini Reserve MI15 Merlot EffinghamManor VA15 Merlot Fenn Valley Vineyards MI14 Merlot - American Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO12 Nini Luna Rossa Winery NM14 Papa Nono Forchini Vineyards CA16 Pinot Blanc Bonobo Winery MI16 Pinot Gris Harmony Cellars CA14 Pinot Noir Aquinas CA15 Pinot Noir Sonoma Don & Sons CA14 Pinot Noir Resv Hawthorne Vineyards MI14 Pinotage Almaza Wine Cellars TX13 Primitivo BrutocaoCellars CA13 Quadriga Brutocao Cellars CA14 Reflection NarmadaWinery VA16 Riesling-Dry Gray Ghost Vyds VA16 Rosé-PinotNoir LaurentideWinery MINV Sangiovese Reserve Red Ferrante Winery OH16 Sauvignon Blanc Bonobo Winery MI16 Sauvignon Blanc La Honda Winery CA15 Syrah Thirsty Owl Wine NY14 Tempranillo Nevada Ridge NV15 Trailblazer Beliveau Estate VA15 Verdelho Morais Vineyard VA15 Vidal Blanc Cooper Vyds VA16 Vidal Blanc Brown Bear Vyd Pearmund Cellars VA

15 Viognier Silver Creek Vyd Pearmund Cellars VA15 Warm Glow Beliveau Estate VA14 Zinfandel Victor Hugo CA16 Zingy ButtonwoodWinery CA

$25.01 - $35.00NV A&G Gin St. Julian Wine Co. MINV A&G Rum St. Julian Wine Co. MI16 Adieu Gray Ghost Vyds VA13 Alicante Bouschet Amador Spangler Vyds OR13 Barbaresco Almaza Wine Cellars TX14 Barbera Black Mesa Winery NM13 Barollo Almaza Wine Cellars TX13 Belcourt Red Carolyn’s Sokonnet Vyd RI14 Black Listed Golden Rule Vyds AZ14 Cabernet Franc Golden Rule Vyds AZ15 Cabernet Franc Hopkins Vineyard CT12 Cabernet Franc Lynn Aleksandr MI14 Cabernet Franc Spangler Vyds OR15 Cabernet Franc Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO13 Cabernet Franc/Bourbon B. Briali IN14 Cabernet Sauvignon Penns Woods Winery PA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Victor Hugo CA15 CabernetSauvignon-Variations HerzogWineCellars CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon - Virant Vyd Blumenhof MO15 Chardonel Reserve Narmada Winery VA14 Chardonnay Gold Ridge Hills Sonoma Coast Vyds CA15 Chardonnay Reserve Gray Ghost Vyds VA15 Chardonnay Resv. Viansa Sonoma CA13 Chardonnay Unoaked Lafond Winery CA14 Chardonnay Unoaked -Lafond Vyd Santa Barbara Winery CA13 Chelois Abigails Vyd Nathaniel Rose MI15 Exponent La Honda Winery CA16 Gewurztraminer L.H. North 42 Degrees Estate ONT-CANNV Grand Mark Tabor Hill Winery MI14 Karma Reserve Carol Shelton Wines CA16 Knockout Farmer’s Daughter Vyds GA13 Marsanne Nathaniel Rose MI15 Merlot Elk Run Vineyards MD13 Merlot French Valley Vyd MI15 Merlot Alexander Vly Windsor Vineyards CA13 Merlot Gina Marie’s Garré Vineyard CA13 Merlot Napa Swanson Vineyards CA14 Merlot Reserve Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO13 Mourvedre Callaway Winery CA14 Mourvedre Nevada Ridge NV14 Nebbiolo Barboursville Vineyards VA13 Opuience Victor Hugo CA14 Passione DiLuca NJ13 Paxxito Barboursville Vineyards VA13 PetiteSirah SantaBarbaraWinery CA06 PetiteSirah SunsetCellars CA15 PetiteSirah TurquoiseMesa CO16 Pinot Gris Sugarloaf Vyd Westport Winery WA13 Pinot Noir Bel Lago MI12 Pinot Noir French Valley Vyd MI13 Pinot Noir French Valley Vyd MI15 Pinot Noir La Honda Winery CA14 Profound Secret Garré Vineyard CA11 Reserva Yslos Spain16 Rosé - Pinot Ledson Winery CANV Sandpainting L.Mawby MI16 SauvignonBlanc LaurentideWinery MI14 Silver State Red Nevada Ridge NV13 Stone Temple Karma Vista Vyds MI12 Syrah Spangler Vyds OR14 Syrah Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO13 Syrah Hilltop Ranch Lafond Winery CA15 Tempranillo Balistreri Vyds CO15 Touriga Morais Vineyard VA15 Viognier Cooper Vyds VA15 Viognier/Chardonnay FiftyThird VA14 Zinfandel Nevada Ridge NV14 Zinfandel Spangler Vyds OR15 42 Ice Wine Reserve Fenn Valley Vineyards MI14 Artistry Girard CANV Barrel Back Red Chateau Fontaine MI13 Cabernet Sauvignon Callaway Winery CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon Sagebrush Annies CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Girard CA15 CabernetSauvignon-Talbott#312 BalistreriVyds CO15 Cabernet Sauvignon I.W. Thirsty Owl Wine NY14 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv Spangler Vyds OR14 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv - Alexander Vly - Viansa Sonoma CA15 Chardonnay Napa Swanson Vineyards CA16 Gruner Veltliner Surfrider Wines CA15 Malbec Balistreri Vyds CO13 Merlot Rosenthal-The Malibu Estate CA14 Merlot Carneros Clos Pegase Winery CA14 Merlot ReganVyds BargettoWinery CA15 PetitVerdot BalistreriVyds CO


A complete searchable list of wine judging results can be found at

the Tasters Guild website, www.tastersguild.com

14 PetitVerdot InglesideVineyards VA14 Pinot Noir Freestone Hills Sonoma Coast Vyds CA13 PinotNoir-MartinRayClone LafondWinery CA14 Pinot Noir Reserve Viansa Sonoma CA14 Pinot Noir Resv Husch Vyds. CA12 Structura BodegaNavarroCorreas Argentina15 Syrah Talbott#214 BalistreriVyds CO15 Wine Maker’s Red Blustone Vineyards MI13 Zinfandel Rockpile Rosenblum Vyds. CA14 Zinfandel Sonoma Ledson Winery CA

$50.01 - $65.00NV Arak Almaza Wine Cellars TX13 Cabernet Franc Abigails Vyd Nathaniel Rose MI13 Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Clos Pegase Winery CA14 Cabernet Sauvignon - Signature Viansa Sonoma CA12 Ferdowsi Fazeli Vineyards CA13 PetitVerdot HawkandHorseVyds CA14 Pinot Noir Zina Hyde Cunningham CA14 Pinot Noir Resv Zina Hyde Cunningham CA13 Right Bank Nathaniel Rose MI15 Syrah Horse Mtn. Balistreri Vyds CO13 Syrah La Blonde Nathaniel Rose MI

$65.01+14 Cabernet Sauvignon ZD Wines CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon - RRV Tara Bella Winery CA13 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv - Sonoma Tara Bella Winery CA12 Latigo HawkandHorseVyds CA15 Pinot Noir Reserve Ledson Winery CA

BRONZE

Up To $8.00NV Barrel Red Easley Winery INNV Merlot Blend 4 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Pinot Grigio Barefoot Cellars CANV Riesling Barefoot Cellars CA15 Rosé Stone Cellars CANV Sangria Reggae Wines INNV Sauvignon Blanc Blend 12 Black Cellar Wines ONT-CANNV Shiraz Barefoot Cellars CA16 Shiraz TheLittlePenguin CANV Zinfandel Lodi Barefoot Cellars CA

$8.01 - $10.0016 Bon Vivant Cedar Creek Winery WINV Cabernet Sauvignon - Bobal Velata Spain16 Chenin Blanc Luna Rossa Winery NMNV Cherry Chateau Chantal MI15 Master’s Cuvee Winery at Kirkwood IA16 Master’s Cuvee Blanc Winery at Kirkwood IANV Michacato St. Julian Wine Co. MI15 Nero D’ Avola Vina Sicilia Colombia15 Pinot Grigio Forest Glen Winery CA16 SummerSabbatical WineryatKirkwood IA

$10.01 - $13.0015 Chardonnay Cartlidge é Browne CA15 Chardonnay Forest Glen Winery CA14 Chardonnay Rare Earth Organic Winery CANV Classic Red Hunt Country Vyds. NY16 Dry Rosé Wollersheim Winery WINV Fire Boat White Coyote Moon Vyds NYNV Goody 2 Shoes Middle Sister CA14 Great Lakes Nouveau Cherry Creek Cellars MI15 Merlot Cartlidge é Browne CANV Over the Falls Harbor Ridge Winery WI15 Pinot Noir Forest Glen Winery CA15 Pinot Noir Lodi Sand Point CANV Red Sandara SpainNV Red Arrow Red Tabor Hill Winery MI16 Riesling Fenn Valley Vineyards MI15 Riesling St. Julian Wine Co. MI16 Riesling-Dry Fulkerson NYNV Sangria Luna Rossa Winery NMNV Sparkling Sangria Sandara Spain16 Sweet Riesling Fenn Valley Vineyards MI16 Traminette DomaineBerrienCellars MI15 White St. Croix Breezy Hills IA

$13.01 - $16.00NV Alchemy Hunt Country Vyds. NYNV Blueberry Forestedge Winery MNNV Blueberry What Exit Wines NY15 Cabernet Sauvignon Luna Rossa Winery NM15 Cabernet Sauvignon Windsor Vineyards CA16 Chardonnay ButterBomb CA15 Chardonnay Picket Fence CANV Cherry Sparkle Lautenbach’s Orchard Country WINV Garden Riot Garden Bay Winery MI

NV Gruveé Cuveé Bel Lago MI16 Malbec Kadabra BodegaEstanciaMendozaArgentina16 Malbec Mendoza GirléDragon Argentina16 Malbec Mendoza TallDarkStranger Argentina16 Marquette DuckCreekVineyard WI15 Mencia Valdeorras Vina Costeira Spain13 Merlot Fulkerson NY12 Moon Dance Karma Vista Vyds MINV Naughty Red Chateau Chantal MINV Naughty White Chateau Chantal MINV Northern Lights Out Garden Bay Winery MI14 Pinot Noir Sonoma Cnty. Garnet Vyds CA15 Pinot Noir Resv Adelaide Hills Jacob’s Creek Australia16 Reserve Blanc Maize Valley OHNV Rhubarb/Raspberry Forestedge Winery MN15 Riesling Thirsty Owl Wine NY16 Riesling-Dry Leelanua Wine Cellars MI16 Riesling-Dry Turquoise Mesa CO16 Riesling-Dry Signature Series Ferrante Winery OH16 Sauvignon Blanc Karma Vista Vyds MI15 The Fairest Chardonnay Once Upon a Vine CANV What Exit Blush What Exit Wines NYNV What Exit White What Exit Wines NY16 Woodland White Chateau Fontaine MINV Yooper Stooper Garden Bay Winery MINV Zinfandel Vintners Cuvee Rosenblum Vyds. CA

$16.01 - $20.0015 AfternoonDelight BeliveauEstate VANV Apple Blossom Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CONV Aurelia Schulze Vyds NYNV Bubbling Rosé Fenn Valley Vineyards MI16 Bubbly Muscat Glenora Wine Cellars NY14 CabernetFranc ChateauLafayetteReneau NY13 Cabernet Franc Vyd Resv. Sharpe Hill Vineyard CT15 Cabernet Sauvignon Whitewater Hill Vyds CO15 Chardonnay Armstrong Vly Winery PA15 Chardonnay Old York Cellars NY15 Chardonnay Tabor Hill Winery MI15 Chardonnay Sonoma Custard CA15 Chardonnay Oaked Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO16 ChardonnayOaked-CostaYPampaBodegaTrapiche Argentina14 Chardonnay Oaked - Vyd Resv. Sharpe Hill Vineyard CTNV Cream Sherry Hunt Country Vyds. NY16 Laughing Waters Rose Chateau Fontaine MINV Leelanau Brilliante Bel Lago MI15 Marquette VineyardViewWinery NY13 Merlot ButtonwoodWinery CA15 Merlot Bench Vyd Pedroncelli CA15 Naked Chardonnay Nassau Valley Vyds DE14 Nero D’ Avola Reserva Vina Sicilia Colombia14 Pinot Noir Domaine Berrien Cellars MI13 Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Crespi Ranch CA12 Pinot Noir Russian River Crespi Ranch CA13 Red Wine Ivory & Burt CA16 Riesling Domaine Berrien Cellars MI14 Riesling Old York Cellars NYNV Riesling Winery at Holy Cross Abbey CO15 Riesling Select Harvest Hawthorne Vineyards MI16 Rosé - Pinot Noir SRH Lafond Winery CANV Ruby Port Hunt Country Vyds. NY16 Seyval Blumenhof MO15 Siegerrebe San Juan Vyds WA16 Vidal Blanc Blumenhof MO

$20.01 - $25.0014 Armstrong Red Armstrong Vly Winery PANV Blanc de Noirs Braganini Reserve MI14 Cabernet Franc Armstrong Vly Winery PA15 Cabernet Franc Vineyard View Winery NY12 Cabernet Sauvignon Almaza Wine Cellars TX15 Cabernet Sauvignon Knapp Winery NY15 Cabernet Sauvignon Thirsty Owl Wine NY14 CabernetSauvignon VintHillCraftWinery VA15 Chardonnay Merinethe Vyd Pearmund Cellars VA16 Chardonnay Oaked Chateau Elan Winery GA13 Chardonnay Oaked Lynn Aleksandr MI15 ChardonnayOaked-MonitoringStation#1-CovertWineworks VA15 Colorado Crimson Turquoise Mesa CO12 Frontenac Coyote Moon Vyds NY14 GranSyrah FincaLasMoras Argentina14 Marquette CoyoteMoonVyds NY16 Pinot Grigio Chateau Elan Winery GA14 Pinot Noir Armstrong Vly Winery PA16 Rosé Bonobo Winery MI15 Rosé EffinghamManor VA16 Sauvignon Blanc Chateau Elan Winery GA14 Syrah Karma Vista Vyds MI15 TheZin CosentinoWinery CA15 TMW Reserve Turquoise Mesa CONV Tradition L.Mawby MI

16 Viognier Tabor Hill Winery MI15 Viognier Victor Hugo CA

$25.01 - $35.0013 Belcourt White Carolyn’s Sokonnet Vyd RINV Bogberry Westport Winery WA15 Cabernet Franc Elk Run Vineyards MD14 Cabernet Franc Serpent Ridge Vyd MDNV Cabernet Franc Port Tabor Hill Winery MI15 Cabernet Sauvignon Elk Run Vineyards MD13 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv North 42 Degrees Estate ONT-CAN15 Chardonnay Carneros Clos Pegase Winery CA15 Chardonnay L.H. Covert Wineworks VA13 Chardonnay Oaked French Valley Vyd MI15 Chardonnay Oaked - Resv. Penns Woods Winery PA15 Coeur d’Est Plagido’s Winery NJNV Con Quistador Luna Rossa Winery NM14 Enigma Covert Wineworks VA12 Indian River Red Nassau Valley Vyds DE15 Malbec Thirsty Owl Wine NY15 MITawny Morais Vineyard VA10 Nebbiolo Turis NJ11 PetiteSirah BlackMesaWinery NM14 PetiteSirah GarréVineyard CA15 Pinot Noir Blustone Vineyards MI13 Primitivo GarréVineyard CA14 Primitivo GarréVineyard CA16 Riesling-Dry Bonobo Winery MI16 Riesling-Dry - Reserve North 42 Degrees Estate ONT-CAN14 Syrah Nevada Ridge NV14 Unexpected Miracles Carolyn’s Sokonnet Vyd RI14 Zinfandel Old Vine Girard CA14 Zinfandel Old Vine Resv Viansa Sonoma CA08 Zinfandel Port Santa Fe Vineyards NM

$35.01 - $50.0014 Cabernet Sauvignon - Reserve Gray Ghost Vyds VA15 CabernetSauvignon-WhiteWater#318-BalistreriVyds CO13 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv Husch Vyds. CA15 Chardonnay ZD Wines CA15 Chardonnay Oak Knoll Prix Vineyards CA14 GCollection Rosenthal-TheMalibuEstate CA15 PetiteSirah BalistreriVyds CO15 Pinot Noir Eagles Landing Herzog Wine Cellars CA13 Pinot Noir Resv. Chateau Fontaine MI13 Syrah Double Barrel Nathaniel Rose MI14 Virginia Gold Ingleside Vineyards VA

$50.01 - $65.0012 Khayyam Fazeli Vineyards CA15 Merlot Lovies#222 BalistreriVyds CO14 Octagon Barboursville Vineyards VA13 Pinot Noir Nathaniel Rose MI

$65.01+15 Chardonnay Resv. ZD Wines CA


Double Gold NotesFrom the May 2017 International Wine Judging(Notes submitted by Wine Judges A. Brian Cain, Dick Scheer and Ron Perry)

May 2017

Up to $8.00

Stone Cellars 2015 Merlot, California The very deep rich black red robe seems out of place for a wine of this price range. The powerful sweet black fruit nose and monster sweet oak throughout suggest a high end Cab! Rich velvety black berry essence and soft tannin on the finish complete the picture. Serve it with your finest grilled meats and surprise your guests. It’s a STEAL!!!

Jacob’s Creek 2016 Shiraz Classic, AustraliaThe real deal, svelte and sexy. For the money, I’d like to take this one home by the case. One upscale production in this price range. Young, but already suave and accomplished. Gotta love it. A good match for chicken tikka masala.

Barefoot NV Red Moscato, California Pretty red rose transparent color and very mild, slightly floral scents greet you, while orange peel and apricot nectar slide across the palate. It is not too sweet to serve with brunch fare.

Easley NV Reggae White, Indiana Simple and straight forward white grape, apricot and honeydew make it a friendly quaff. Why not serve it the next time you have fried chicken and corn on the cob?

Jacob’s Creek 2015 Shiraz/Cabernet Classic, AustraliaWow, is this silky on the approach! A cool and convincing customer. On the palate too, smooth and engaging. Ready to enjoy. The price certainly invites frequent service. Such as with mu shu pork.

Bodega Estancia Mendoza 2016 Chardonnay/Torrontes Casco Varela, ArgentinaChardonnay forms an appealing foundation over which Torrontes’ musky perfume hovers. The overall impression is one of subtlety. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Soft, and just off dry, this is a super value, so versatile at the table. Such as with chorizo quesadillas.

Barefoot NV Pink Moscato, California For fans of light clean delicately aromatic Moscato, this is your wine. In no way overpowering, the very soft melon and star fruit-like character dances very lightly on the palate and should pair nicely with appetizers such as baked brie and cut fruit.$8.01 to $10.00

Cedar Creek 2016 Pinot Grigio, WisconsinThe pale color shows a fresh, citrusy, crisp Pinot Grigio with pineapple nuances and minerals on the finish. Enjoy it with Linguini in white wine clam sauce.

Thirsty Owl 2016 Diamond, Finger Lakes, New York The big hybrid aroma combines some native Labrusca scents with citrus and subtle nutmeg. On the palate, ripe wild white grapes dominate. Here is the perfect wine with sushi and California rolls.

Wollersheim 2016 Seyval Prairie Fume, Wisconsin Ripe green apples, pear and yellow plum greet the nose. Subtle mineral nuances finish clean and elegant. A perennial Gold Medal winner at Tasters Guild. This bright wine is made for Tuscan herbed roast chicken.

Ferrante 2016 Vidal Blanc, Ohio It’s a beauty! It has green pear, melon, and grassy Vidal character. Reminds a little of a Muscadet. Good grip and racy acid, with sweetness in harmony. Flattering sweetness. Suits me to a T. I plan to enjoy it with a pear, walnut, and gorgonzola salad.

Americana Vineyards 2015 Crystal Lake White, Finger Lakes, New York A well measured Niagara aromatic profile, stylish rather than forceful. Very suave take on this varietal. A pleasing astringency balances the sweetness fully. Subtle and accurate Niagara flavor. On the mark. Try with Thai chicken and basil stir fry.

A Sweet Red Winefrom Michigan

St. Julian NV Sweet Revenge, Michigan

www.stjulian.com Plenty fruity and sweet. Lovely, smoky array of red hybrid varietals, with inherent and attractive spiciness. Enticing brown-sugar syrup taste. Well conceived and executed cuvee with decided dessert applications.

Kudos to the winemaker. This would be a treat with cherries jubilee.

$10.01 to $13.00

Breezy Hills Vineyard 2016 Vignoles, Iowa Here is a plump, ripe, juicy pineapple scented Vignoles with lush honeydew melon through the bright crisp finish. Serve it with shell fish and mollusks.

Middle Sister NV “Wild One” Malbec, Argentina Delicate, light red fruit fills the nose while pleasantly balanced texture comforts the palate finishing with a light dose of black cherry essence. Enjoy this easy drinking red with a steak sandwich or protein salad.

Sparkling TraminetteMichigan

Alc. 11% by

Vol.

www.stjulian.com

Sweet Nancie, Sparkling Traminette, St. Julian Wine Co., MichiganAromas of Kiwi fruit and violets. Thirst-quenching flavors of fresh kiwi fruit. Serve chilled with some Asian dishes and fruity desserts; great for summer afternoons.


Campo Viejo 2013 Tempranillo Rioja, SpainRich, plump, red fruit mingles with dusty, earthy notes while the wine expands in the mouth and finishes large and fruity. Paella and especially with grilled pork on an open fire begs for this wine.

WAlkCoCk of

the

A Michigan Red Wine

Alcohol 12% by Volume - 750 ml

www.stjulian.com

Cock of the Walk, St. Julian Winery, MichiganBlend of several vinifera and hybrid grapes (Zwegielt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chancellor, Foch, deChaunac, and Rougeon). Aromas of plum, black cherry, chocolate and vanilla. Smooth flavors with soft tannins. Fruity with tart cherry flavors, cinnamon and liquorish. Lamb, grilled beef, Pasta with marinara sauce, hamburgers on the grill with blue cheese. Very versatile wine.

Cherry Creek Jazz, Michigan Red wine infused with raspberry fruit juice. Sweet at 7 % RS but well balanced with tannins and acids. Mix with chocolate syrup and pour over chocolate and raspberry desserts or ice cream.

Husch Estate 2016 Chenin Blanc, Mendocino, California Aromas of citrus zest, orange blossom, ripe peach, honey, and minerals. Dry to slightly off-dry, fresh, fruity, ginger and bright flavors. Excellent with roasted turkey, baked macaroni and cheese, fresh seafood and Asian dishes.

www.stjulian.com

St. Julian 2016 Pinot Grigio Reserve, Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan Geez, this is nice. It has a nut creme aspect. Apple and cream, too. Good grip; nice and crisp texture. And an attractively tender core. Million-dollar nose and mighty appealing palate that will blossom further as the warm months progress. I’d like to serve this on the deck with smoked whitefish spread and crusty baguettes.

Schulze NV Sweet Niagara Thirty Mile Point, New York Extreme Niagara, foxy and viscous. Intense varietal flavor and rich, thick texture. Not overly sweet. Bitter trace makes a welcome foil. Takes Niagara to the max. I’m thinking Philadelphia classic cheesecake topped with sliced white grapes.

Cherry Creek Raspberry Beret, Michigan Seyval wine blended with luscious, ripe raspberries. Perfect with Chocolate and raspberry desserts like rich cheesecake or with good company in front of a wintery, warm fireplace after dinner.

Coyote Moon Fire Boat Red, New York A pleasing take on Concord, emphasizing red rather than the usual purple fruit. A unique Concord, well measured, not sticky. The palate is just delicious. Pure, sweet-tart, and immensely flavorful. Sugar-wise, it hits the ‘sweet’ spot, i.e. sweet but not too sweet. Just as beautiful and elegant a Concord taste as you could want. I’d like to serve this with my wife’s blueberry pizza.

Ackerman NV Red Raspberry, Iowa Pure red raspberry all through the palate stays fresh and drinkable. It is not cloying and does not “attack” the palate or throat as some very concentrated raspberry wines can. It would be a refreshing addition served with or over vanilla ice cream.

Chateau Grand Traverse 2015 Pinot Grigio, MichiganA wonderful balance of acidity, minerality and cool climate fruit. The delightful combination of citrus and herbaceous flavors make this refreshing dry wine a natural to serve with a number of seafood, chicken or Asian dishes, but broiled or sautéed fresh water white fish would be top of the culinary companion list.

$13.01 to $16.00

Brutocao 2015 Chardonnay Mendocino, California Contrary to what some might think, barrel fermentation is like a vaccine to prevent the wine from tasting like oak. Here, oak serves to enrich the mouth feel with a soft wide stimulus to every part of the oral cavity. It remains elegant with lovely understated fruit and hints of gravel. If you have access to quail or Cornish game hens, this is your wine.

Chateau Chantal NV Twilight, Michigan Sometimes a wine captures the essence of its birthplace. This pink wine tastes of Northern Michigan with light floral fruit and a clean fresh finish and nice texture in the mouth. This would pair nicely with seared tuna and wasabi sauce.

Winery at Holy Cross Abbey 2016 Wild Canon Harvest, Colorado Hints of fruity chocolate and the fall day smells of a blend of multiple grape varities mingle with a fresh mouth feel making this a very easy sipping rosè table wine for a warm summer night.

Bluemenhof 2015 Rayon d’Or, Missouri This variety can be acidic, but, not here. The acidity is in perfect balance with lots of fine fresh lemon oil essence, exotic dry vermouth-like spice and alpine flowers. The wine finishes with more citrus peel, pure peach and pear essence with star fruit all the way to the end. Enjoy it with a lump crabmeat salad.

Double Gold Notes Continued...


Cosentino Winery 2015 “The Dark,” Lodi, California Aromas of Chocolate and cocoa, herbal aromas of juniper and black pepper. A food friendly red wine with cocoa flavors, well structured tannins, jammy fruit flavors like plum, blueberry and cassis with a long finish that is smooth and full. Grilled or roasted meats with rich sauces but is equally delicious to indulge in after dinner alongside aged Gouda or a cocoa nib flourless chocolate cake.

Soaring Wings 2016 Edelweiss, Nebraska An airy, clear, spring morning comes to mind as one's nose enters the glass. Emphatic Labrusca varietal grape aromas abound while wild grape textures dominate the palate. A refreshing somewhat mineral laden finish completes the picture. Lake perch, walleye or pan fish right out of the fryer would be a great excuse to enjoy this wine’s virtues.

PRODUCED AND BOTTLED BY ST. JULIAN WINE CO., INC.PAW PAW, MICHIGAN U.S.A. ALCOHOL 16% BY VOLUME

www.stjulian.com

St. Julian Solera Cream Sherry, MichiganThe solera was started in 1971 and that trace of 46 year old nectar still exhibits its personality batch after batch. Pure maraschino liqueur and honey fill the room when the cap is pulled. Caramel, toffee, burnt sugar, black walnut and crème brûlé come together on the palate. Any dessert or biscuit becomes an audience with the queen when served with this remarkable Cream Sherry.

Jacob's Creek 2015 Reserve Shiraz, Barossa Valley, AustraliaHere is a winery that consistently has the formula to balance ripe, sweet, black berry fruit with hints of vanilla and chocolate that build the structure finishing both big and powerful yet surprisingly fresh, fruity and juicy. Anyone who loves lamb shoulder chops with a hint of garlic, rosemary and mint can imagine this wine served along side.

Vino è Buono, 2011 Barbera, Colorado Peppery aromas with oak lactones from barrel aging dominate aromas and taste. Cinnamon and cocoa flavors with full body and soft tannins. Red sauce pasta and grilled meats including lamb.

Maize Valley 2016 LaCrescent, Ohio Minnesota cold hardy hybrid with high acids and citrus notes. Finish is tart, but food friendly. Grilled chicken, fish and pesto dishes.

Purple Cowboy 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from primarily Paso Robles. Aromas of chocolate and coffee. Soft sweet tannins. Pastas and meat dishes as well as dark chocolate desserts

Americana Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York Clear and pure. Very subtle aromatics. Off dry, with balancing, attractive acid etch. Honey, peach, and resin flavors. Nicely crafted and desirably meal-worthy. Serve with baked rainbow trout seasoned with thyme and lemongrass.

Lange Twins 2016 Sangiovese Rose, Lodi, California Rosé bright pink color. Aromas of wild strawberry. Flavors of fresh blood orange, creating a well-rounded mouthfeel. Crisp acidity and a long finish. Excellent with many different light menus including fish, grilled chicken and Asian dishes

12 Corners 2016 Aromella Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan Traminette-Vignoles cross. Clear as a bell. Logical combination of varietals. Very subtle and beautiful Traminette scent. Cool and satiny. Nose speaks dry. Dash of exotica on the palate. Attractive softness. Subdued sweetness. I’d love to try this with spanakopita.

Cosentino 2015 Cabernet Franc “The Franc” Lodi, California Oh, boy, this hits the spot! All about varietal character. Epitomizes the distinction of Cabernet Franc from Cabernet Sauvignon: that lighter touch in regards to tannin, the more immediate desire to please, the joyous red versus black fruits. Judicious oak of a very savory, spicy sort, which echoes on the palate and picks up toffee flavor. Well proportioned, low in tannin, soft but not wanting for acid balance. A good match for turkey tetrazzini.

Harbor Ridge Winery NV “Bouquet Rosé” Wisconsin Bright pink blush color. Aromas of enticing candied apple. Takes me back to the County fair grounds. Summer BBQ with lighter fare like spicy garlic shrimp off the grill.

Coyote Moon Vineyards, Razzle Dazzle, New York Sweet, luscious raspberries, fresh on the pallet with enchanting aromas. Everything you love about raspberries - without the seeds. Perfect with chocolate and raspberry desserts. I’m thinking of a fudgy brownie.

Vino è Buono, 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorado Aromas of ripe black cherry and liquorish. Chocolate and dark sweet cherry flavors with soft tannins and finish, nicely balanced. Perfect with a family dinner of penne pasta coated with mom’s special meat sauce.

$16.01 to $20.00

Big Smooth 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, CA Blend of Zinfandel (76%), with touches of Petite Sirah, Merlot, Primitivo, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, Sonoma and Napa. Classic raspberry aromas, combined with plum, bramble, vanilla, cinnamon and American oak. Well balanced with soft tannins. Pull out the smoker and pair this wine. Did I mention the really neat purple velvet label?

www.stjulian.com

Braganini Reserve 2016 Gruner Veltliner, MichiganAn old signature variety from Austria, Gruner Veltliner grown in Southwest Michigan vineyards. Aromas of peach, lemon and grapefruit. Citrus flavors that are dry with a definitive mouthfeel that has a light body. Match fish dishes including sushi, cured salmon with dill, and fennel.



www.lanthierwinery.com

Lanthier NV Mill Street Red, IndianaLots of raspberry essence in the nose with sweet Concord grape smells and flavors throughout the palate and finish keeps it sweet, fresh and clean. This is clearly a sipping wine, no food required.

Wagner 2014 Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York Floral and fine with fusil oil, stones and apple blossoms make this a classic. The rich body and long, clean, steely finish define the Finger Lakes “banana belt.” What better wine to serve with baked ham and the sandwiches that follow?

Bodega Estrella de Los Andes 2014 Malbec Legende Unique, ArgentinaSandalwood incense allure. Masterfully imparted barrel contributions build upon a hefty Malbec fruit basis. Delightful and pure, satin textured. Oak and fruit completely integrated. Full bodied but seemingly weightless, it has so much aromatic buoyancy. Would do immense justice to prime rib.

Verterra 2016 Pinot Blanc, Michigan Grapes from the Leelanau Peninsula. Notes of melon and fresh citrus fruit and flowers. Full, soft palate of flavors that linger. Serve chilled with Asian dishes, salads, fish dishes including pan fried white fish.

Fiore 2014 Cabernet Franc, Maryland Proper weight and freshness of Cabernet Franc from a cool growing zone. Attractive oak contribution, seemingly American oak for its zesty quality. A beautiful achievement in Eastern America Cabernet Franc. This varietal seems naturally suited to the Mid-Atlantic winegrowing region. Time in cooperage has opened this one up nicely, and it makes a pleasing glass for summer enjoyment with spicy Maryland crab cakes.

$20.01 to $$25.00

Victor Hugo 2014 Malbec Paso Robles, California Remarkably airy and floral for such a dark colored wine; exotic green herb, red fruit and rich, spicy oak tannins coat the mouth. This complex, layered wine will enhance some of the rich sauces of Northern Italian country dishes like wild boar.

Bel Lago 2016 Dry Riesling, Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan Creamy lemon chiffon nose with hints of gravel greets you while a nice grip and good texture engages the palate. This is a hearty Riesling for Kielbasa and other flavorful sausages.

Luna Rosa 2016 Chardonnay, New Mexico Aromas of melon and apple. Rich and full-bodied wine with a tart finish. Created by a craftsman of Old World experience. Serve with poultry, pork, or seafood.

Golden Rule Vyd. 2014 Commonwealth, Arizona A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with Petite Sirah. Black cherry aromas typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Liquorish flavors with soft tannins. Matches well with beef or lamb from the grill.

Husch Estate 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino, California Classic raspberry aromas, combined with plum, and an enticing hint of chocolate. Medium soft tannins with strong structure that lingers in the palate. An interesting combination with Risotto Milanese or as a treat with blue cheese.

www.roveestate.com

Rove Estate 2016 Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula, MichiganUnoaked Chardonnay. Clean citrus aromas of lemon and cut grass. Fresh, well balanced flavors of apple, soft melon, papaya and banana. Excellent with fresh grilled salmon wrapped with bacon slices or lemon basted chicken.

Eduardo Vidal 2014 Malbec Nube Negra, ArgentinaOh, gosh, how do they get Malbec that pure and pungent?! Cedar overtones add complexity to Malbec’s black cherry character. Finely burnished texture. Haunting depth. Cedar echoes on the aftertaste. Beef tenderloin beckons.

$25.01 to $35.00

Lafond 2014 Chardonnay Musque Clone, Rita Hills, California Silky, well oaked--no, perfectly oaked--and elegant. First class French oak. Plenty of underlying Chardonnay apple and citrus. Attractive body and oak-fruit character and balance. Cleansing dash of astringency at the finale. Just the wine for a sage-rubbed, spit-roasted whole chicken.

Garreé 2011 Petite Sirah Livermore, California The black currant fruit in the nose is nicely complicated by subtle nuances of compost and forest floor. The big mid-palate is a mélange of spice and dried fruit with a long firm tannic finish. This is a wine to serve with herb crusted chicken or roast turkey.



Plagido’s Winery 2015 Cabernet/Merlot, New Jersey 50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 12 months aging in oak barrels. Firm and pure. Clear Cabernet characteristics: Cabernet Franc red raspberry plus Cabernet Sauvignon blackberry and black currant. And Merlot cherry. A smorgasbord of Bordeaux varietals! A beauty, so well crafted, proportioned. Stylish too, well tailored. Pleasing sweet kiss of oak. Man, a magnificent performance. Honor with marinated duck breast.

Santa Barbara Winery 2013 Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley, CaliforniaFrom the winery’s Lafound vineyard, Grenache aged in Hungarian oak barrels. Fruity aromas well balanced with soft tannins and tart flavors. A plate of Blue and Romano cheeses, sourdough bread and a weekend football game – I can see it coming!

Carol Shelton 2014 Pinot Noir, Carneros, California Classic strawberry aromas in combination with pepper spices. Firm tannins with pleasing, spicy and tart finish. Spit roasted turkey or salmon off the summer grill.

Cooper Vineyards Fifty Third 2014 Norton, Virginia Black as ink! Huge black berry jam infused with exotic cooking and roasting spices hit the nose while a firm texture appears in the mid-palate. Softens in the long finish. A hunter’s wine. Enjoy it with venison, duck or other game.Clayhouse 2014 Old Vine Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, California Pure blackberry with a rich silky smooth mouth feel, it is remarkably elegant, clean, and soft yet fills the mouth with a fine memory of ripe fruit. There’s nothing better with a milder Petite Sirah than roast meat and vegetables bathed in the roasting fats.

Girard 2015 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California This is the definition of luxury Chardonnay; just enough lemon curd to offset a hint of sweet oak and crème brûlé. The finish is straight from the nose staying slightly minerally yet lush. Lemon sole is made for this wine.

Winery at Holy Cross Abbey 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorado Fine, elegant black currant fruit with hints of cedar, leather and tobacco, not unlike a classy Bordeaux Merlot. It is very accessible now, yet should continue to develop further. Either now or later, it is a great candidate to enjoy with prime rib.

Chateau Fontaine 2016 Gruner Veltliner Leelanau Peninsula, MichiganA clear statement of green apple and snow pea free of the earthy terroir stuff of many an Austrian rendition. Oodles of flavor. Very striking, cool climate gruner statement with fleshy fruit texture all the way to the finish. Good acid and burnished mouth-feel. Enjoy this with a chilled lentil salad on baby greens or your favorite quiche.

Santa Barbara Winery 2013 Lagrein, Santa Ynez Valley, California

A grape variety commonly grown in Alto Adige near Bolzano, Italy, aged in barrels 16 months. Black cherry aromas. Nicely

balanced, well structured tannins with tart flavors in this red wine, full bodied. Grilled meats, pasta or risotto with marinara sauce.

Almaza Wine Cellars, Grappa, Texas Smooth tasting distilled grape juice with a taste of liquorish candy and a kick of alcohol – a big kick! Mix with fruit juice or on ice along with bread sticks, cigars and conversation after dinner.

B.R. Cohen 2015 Pinot Noir (Silver Label), CaliforniaLuscious berries aged in French oak produce enhancing flavors of cinnamon and spice. What a lovely combination to take pleasure in, a superb example of premium Russian River Pinot Noir. How about a bacon-wrapped fresh salmon from the grill?

Morais Vineyards 2015 Select Collection Red, Virginia Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Shy, elegant, well proportioned. A good example of what Virginia can do with these varieties, emphasizing brightness. Silky; beautifully textured. Oak makes a savory seasoning of brown spices. The varietals certainly present a united front. Every fruit aspect is fully ripe and harmonious. Low tannin. I recommend wiener schnitzel.

PRODUCED & BOTTLEDBY

PROUDLY

VODKA

(80 Proof)Alcohol 40%

By Volume750ml

DISTILLED FROM GRAPES

Proudly Produced and Bottled bySt. Julian Wine Company, Inc.

Paw Paw, Michigan 49079Distilled Spirits Plant #21

ALCOHOL 40% BY VOLUME

X 00000 00000 X

Dis t i l l ed in sma l l ba t ches in our Chr i s t i an -Car l Ar t i san Dis t i l l e ry . Grey Heron Vodka i s then f i l t e red

to o f f er you a br i l l i an t Vodka f rom Mich igan Grapes .

GOVERNMENT WARNING; (1) ACCORDING TO THE SURGEON GENERAL, WOMEN SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING PREGNANCY BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS. (2) CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY, AND MAY CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS.

VODKA

www.stjulian.com

Grey Heron Vodka, St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw, MI Fruity aroma, smooth tasting and a pleasing mouth feel. Straight out of the freezer, on the rocks, or a primary ingredient for a Moscow Mule. Very refreshing and classy aperitif.

$35.01 to $50.00

Coyote Moon 2012 Marquette, New York A relatively new cold-hardy, hybrid grape variety. Bright black/red fruit wafts up from the glass with ripe scents of brandied cherries. The finish is long and soft with ample acidity offering a nice, fresh zing in the aftertaste. Serve with braised meats.



www.forchini.com

Forchini 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Dry Creek, California Ripe, warm condensed black cherry and blackberry jam emerge while the mid palate grows and fills out with big, ripe black fruit finishing with velvety tannins which grow as the wine slips past the palate. I image ripe cheese to finish the bottle after pairing it with grilled meat.

Herzog 2014 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California This is classic Northern Sonoma Cab with elegance and power, big black currant aroma with fine nuances of forest floor, pine woods and a subtle sense of earth. The finish is as huge and still classy as the first impression. Present with a leg of lamb and this wine would be gustatory heaven.

Taylors St. Andrews 2014 Shiraz Clare Valley, AustraliaThe nose runs very deep and very elegant. And very pure. A model for South Australia Shiraz. No excesses of power, oak, or sweetness. Thoroughly delicious to taste, well balanced. Full fruit emphasis; no overt oakiness though there is a positive sense of barrel aging. This just lays so comfortably on my palate! A revelation. I’d love this with London broil.

Lafond 2013, Syrah/Grenache, Santa Barbara Co., California An equal blend of Syrah and Grenache. Ripe blackberry, black currant, and vanilla flavors. Aromas of spice and dark red fruit flavors with a whisper of menthol, classic Syrah aromas tempered by graceful Grenache bouquet. Smooth soft tannins. Barbequed baby back ribs on the patio.

Tayors St. Andrews 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, AustraliaDeep, silky, refined, and noble. The way Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ought to be. Sweet and pure, and distinct from that earthier Coonawarra Cabernet character. Savory, velvety, romantic, well proportioned oak and fruit aromatics and textures. Just right. A Clare Valley classic. I wish I could drink this down right now! Remarkable. It deserves a well-marbled ribeye steak off the grill.

$50.01 to $65.00

Fazeli 2012 Syrah/Cabernet “Hafez” Temecula, California Solid structure and foundation of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Compact and youthful for a 2012 at four years of age. Bright future. The varietal characters are subtle and well integrated. Firm on the palate too, but not without the inherently sweet fruit of 2012 California red wines. No imposing tannins, so it can be put to use soon. Just give it plenty of aeration to coax forth its aromatic profile. Then serve with simmered veal breast studded with fresh rosemary sprigs.

La Rural Vdos.y Bgas 2013 Antologia XL, ArgentinaThe color is extremely dense red, not black. Cabernet and Petite Verdot with exotic sweet oak and incense-like spice combine with condensed black fruit finally finishing with soft plump fruit and a hint of smoke. It is an ideal partner with pulled pork with a tangy napping sauce.

Fazeli 2012 Petite Syrah “Saadi,” California It is soo deep and velvety. The oak aspects are just right. Petite Sirah with personality, for sure. Silk textured. Temecula has a knack for coaxing unique and intense character from red grape varieties. On the palate, satiny, pure fruit emphasis seasoned with barrel extracts. This one is off the charts! Pay it tribute with a rack of lamb.

Prix 2012 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley, California This is a Cabernet Franc that looks as dark and as rich as any Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is endowed with big cassis essence and nuances of marmalade, chocolate and wisps of toasted oak. The finish is long with good grip and will cut right to the heart of your best medium rare steaks.

$65.01+

Fazeli 2013 Reserve Shiraz Temecula, California Wow! Rich plum jam explodes, builds mouth feel and continues to get richer and fruitier on the palate finishing with long lasting berry fruit. There is no better wine to serve with seared duck breast.

Saucy Mama™ makes gift giving easy with themed gift boxes, like our Mustard Lovers pack or Boozy Suzie Cocktail pack. Or make your own gift basket with a variety of our unique mustards, marinades, wing sauces and more!

Get Sauced This Holiday Season.

Available for purchase at barhyte.com.800-227-4983



The Wine Glass RevolutionBy Dr. Richard Vine, PhD

Most mid-century American wine lovers had, at most, only two or three different wine glasses for both every day and entertaining. Sparkling, dessert and table wine styles were typical. Then in the 1970’s Klaus Riedel’s Austrian glass works placed some fascinating magazine ads listing magical attributes in its wine glasses. One version pitched how their crystal stemware was responsible for expressing wine bouquet to the fullest – with a completely different wine shape and size being necessary for each varietal wine. Next was that such precise Riedel glass architecture also highlighted the mouthfeel of each varietal. Further was that these distinctions accurately balanced all the modes of taste and aftertaste. Curiously, the ad mentioned nothing about the visual mode. Whatever degree any wine buff took to these fanciful promotional assurances there could be no arguing that these wine glasses were beautifully crafted. There was no need for him to hawk their visual mode as my first time checking them out made it obvious they perfectly revealed depths of color and glistening clarity. The highlighted mouthfeel was, for me at least, because they were thin rimless bowls allowing wine to flow into graceful sipping without the hurdle of thick beaded brims on typical stemware.

A Matter of Market Timing Riedel’s timing could hardly have been more perfect as mid-century Americans had been slowly awakening to the concept of wines made from single varieties of grapes. The seemingly paper thin crystal Riedels were equally classy to traditional high-end Irish lead crystal and easier to handle, although far more delicate, not recommended for dishwashers, and most certainly not meant for klutzes. More buyer concerns were the lofty price tags and massive storage space required for a complete set of ten – again, a different size and shape suggested for each of the more popular varietals and the major European appellations. Those, plus even more styles were distinctly designed for each aperitif, sparkling and dessert wine sorts. The math for a service for eight could well exceed more than 200 pieces – not considering any spares to replace the inevitable oops. Despite these concerns, it seemed the world’s fine wine community was buying into this glassmaker’s fascinating notions beyond any dreams of success he may have foreseen. Some of my wine marketing friends literally bought into it by purchasing entire set components to keep competitive pace in retail tasting events. Consumers also went for the Riedels although usually not to the extent of gilding the proverbial lily with all of the advertised offerings. Such notoriety, of course, begged studies with blindfolded tasters comparing bouquet, flavor and gustatory mode expressed by the Riedels against various other standard wine glasses. As might be expected, and diametric to much testimony, there were no significant differences. But the stylish

new elegance of the Riedel crystal continued to be celebrated anyway as new lead-free crystal types were introduced - equally elegant and much more attractively priced. Competitors have since responded with nicely refined inexpensive wine stems that we find today in Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, as well other fine houseware stores.

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous That creative progress in wine pleasure has also encouraged the ridiculous in wine drinking vessels. Consider a glass blown inside a larger glass to create what is called a “fountain aerating” feature. Folks having difficulty handling these without drips down their chins and beyond may wish to try a foolproof design with a thin straw-like tube blown into the base making them look like petite flower watering cans. Then there are the charming bent stem glasses eluding to drunkenness even before one takes a first sip. The concept of tall thin “splashing” glasses is puzzling as they are so fragile that even a dainty splash risks knocking them over. Worst among these renegade glasses are, again for me at least, the stemless shapes that seem more like large salt and pepper finger pots. They seem modeled after the common tumblers traditional for Old World style quaffing and thus new only

in the sense of now being touted as chic nouveau fine wine service. They handle like a piece of fruit challenging anyone to get a graceful look at a wine’s color and clarity. A successful trip with them to the mouth and back is rewarded with having publicized some fingerprints. Even uglier orbs can be found with offset bottoms reputed to assist those having difficulty with swirling. Decorative concepts reach beyond the imagination. A recent tasting program hosted by a regional wine distributor representative was set up with only two different styles of simple attractive wine stems to serve each of us. As she demonstrated the differences in how a smaller petite bowl accentuates shy white wine bouquets and a larger wider bowl broadens bold reds, I thought to myself, how very refreshing to hear such sensibility from a young person obviously well trained in realistic everyday wine service. Beyond that there are, of course, each of the other original Riedel styles remaining for however anyone desires to enjoy wine to the fullest.

Dr. Vine has authored four wine books and is Purdue University’s Professor of Enology Emeritus. He recently retired after 21 years as the Wine Consultant for American Airlines

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FouR GeneRAtions in sonomA County

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Photo GalleryTasters Guild

Email .jpg pictures of your chapter’s events to: [email protected] and we will review them for publication in the next issue of Photo Gallery.

A fun-loving and contented group gathering after another successful chapter dinner event in Kalamazoo, MI.

Azamara Cruise Line’s sommelier shows TG President Joe Borrello one of the wines for the

Guild’s private wine tasting seminar.

Wine judges concentrate on their tasting evaluations during Taster Guild’s 30th Annual Wine Judging last May.

A fantastic line up of great food and accomplished chefs on the deck of Azamara Cruise Lines Quest

for TG’s winter cruise.

Judges hard at work making over 1,500 wine evaluations at TG’s 30th Annual Wine Judging at Fenn Valley Vineyards in Michigan.

No cruise would be complete without a “Death by Chocolate” dessert buffet aboard Azamara Quest.

1 SUMMER 2017 TASTERS GUILD JOURNAL€¦ · 6/30/2017 · Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in US...

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