The Other 46 Local Wine Blog

May 4, 2013

Kinkead Ridge 2010 Cabernet Franc

I’m behind, way behind in keeping up with this site. No excuses, although my lapse is due to my love for local wine. I’ve been working tirelessly on an exciting, new website supporting the industry. I hope to share the news next week (so stay tuned). In the meantime, I hope to return to regularly scheduled programming this month.

I could be accused of sounding like a broken record, but I can’t help it when I describe Kinkead Ridge. I’ve raved about their wines since my first sip and continue to do so to this day. So I won’t attempt to write any more superlatives about their wines. Just try it! And if you love Cabernet Franc as much as I do, it’s all the more reason to get your hands on a bottle.

A varietally-correct wine, consistent with their 2008 bottling. I’m confident this will only get better with short-term cellaring. But good luck not opening…

March 24, 2013

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Canyon Wind Cellars 2007 Syrah

As Rhône-style wines continue to gain in popularity, a handful of Colorado winemakers are having great success with Syrah, both as a varietal or a blend. One winery in particular, Canyon Wind Cellars, consistently produces one of my favorites from the state. Their minimalist approach to winemaking, combined with the excellent Colorado terroir, makes the Canyon Wind 2007 Syrah a must try. Planted in 2001, the first vintage debuted in 2005 and continues through the present. The cliffside vineyard wine is a 100% Syrah. Rich and spicy, the full-bodied wine is a treat with hearty meats. Highly recommend.

January 29, 2013

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Bellview Winery 2010 Merlot

A lot has happened in New Jersey since I last featured the state (read more here). Effective May 1, 2012, Governor Christie signed winery direct shipping into law, which allows direct shipping of wine to New Jersey residents. Although not without its shortcomings, direct shipping is a major milestone nonetheless, and lays the ground work for future legislature changes.

The New Jersey Winery of the Year in 2012, Bellview Winery is nestled in the heart of South Jersey. A long-time dream of owners Jim and Nancy Quarella, the winery is located on the same farm that Jim’s great-grandfather, Angelo Quarella, purchased in 1914 after immigrating from Italy. He named his farm Bellview. Originally just the 20-acre plot on which the winery now sits, the farm has expanded to over 150 acres, 40 of which are vineyards.

The Bellview Winery 2010 Merlot retails for $16.99 and features a nose of wild berries, spice and a hint of floral tones. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine shows black cherry, raspberry, spice and earthy components. A smooth, easy drinking Merlot.

January 14, 2013

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Ravines Wine Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc

There are moments when I think I could only drink one regions wine and be perfectly happy. The Finger Lakes happens to be one of those such regions. I credit Lenn Thompson and the New York Cork Report for the introduction and making my bank account a bit smaller.

What started with an invite to a Twitter TasteLive event hosted by Lenn and the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association back in 2010, has transformed into a small obsession and me becoming a huge champion of the regions diverse wines. So much in fact I considered renaming my blog to afford me the flexibility to write about New York wines! One winery in particular, Ravines Wine Cellars, had me from hello.

The story begins in 2000 when Morten and Lisa Hallgren purchased a 17 acre parcel of land on a glacier-carved hillside on the Eastern slopes of Keuka lake. This land is located at the widest part of the lake which allows grapevines to receive maximum benefit from its temperature-moderating effects. It has a good slope which keeps the mineral rich soils well-drained, and is situated between two deep ravines, which drain cold air from the land during the winter. These ravines are the namesake of the winery.

Refined whites or complex reds, it’s hard to go wrong with Ravines. The Ravines Wine Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc, a perennial favorite, is a great example of one of the regions signature red grapes. Varietally correct, the fruit-forward wine impresses with black fruit, pepper and spice on the nose and palate. At $19 retail, it’s hard to find a better value. But don’t take my word for it, instead, go out and try for yourself. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!

January 10, 2013

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San Sebastian Vintners White

The sister winery to Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, Florida, has been a popular destination in America’s oldest city since 1996. Located just a few blocks from historic downtown, the 80,000 case winery produces a number of different wines from hybrid and Muscadine grapes.

The San Sebastian Vintners White is a Muscadine wine and retails for $9.99. An aromatic bouquet with floral and grapefruit notes. Medium-bodied, not overly sweet. The perfect accompaniment for spicy foods.

January 6, 2013

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Trump 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

With the rebranding complete, Donald Trump and team can begin their new endeavor in the wine business with Trump Winery. Situated in the heart of the Monticello Wine Trail in Charlottesville, Virginia, the previous Kluge Winery has undergone a major transformation since I last visited. Although the winery reopened in late 2011, this was my first opportunity to try the new wines labeled under Trump.

The Trump 2011 Sauvignon Blanc retails for $16.99 and is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon.

A lovely nose of Meyer lemon, pineapple and grapefruit. On the palate, tropical fruit undertones with citrus and passion fruit notes. Bright, clean, fresh and zesty. A surprising effort, priced right. Recommend.

January 5, 2013

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A Georgia Wine Pioneer Says Goodbye

Earlier this week, well-respected winemaker and owner, David Harris of BlackStock Vineyards, made the difficult decision to close their doors. A pioneer in the North Georgia wine industry, David established the vineyard in 1996. This marks the second time in a little over a year that a large winery has announced their closings. Until the state recognizes the full potential of the industry, I can only surmise that this will not be the last. It was especially sad to read his comments about the importation of grapes and wine into Georgia wineries, especially when local crops were plentiful.

Dear Friends of Blackstock,

I am very saddened to inform you that we are closing the vineyards and winery at Blackstock. It has been a wonderful experience to get to know all of you and be a source of relaxation, fun times and great pleasure, through hosting you at the vineyard and providing wines for your table. In the end, we have suffered from repeated crop losses due to the exceptionally warm winters and the early bud-break dates. This has resulted in normal frost dates having a devastating effect to our crop. We have also felt the sting from selling fruit in a soft economy and the importation of grapes and wine into Georgia wineries, eroding our market when the crop was plentiful.

I had a wonderful dream and lived it for 17 years, but while pages turn and chapters close, beautiful memories were made in this exceptional setting that will not soon fade, and I must thank you all for being a part of that story. I am especially thankful to our small group of “angel” investors, several of whom have passed away now. This was a very classy group of individuals who shared my vision and dream and saw it come to fruition in every aesthetic way, I am just sorry that we couldn’t make it sustainable.

While, in many ways, our fate was sealed on April 12th, I have been through every scenario imaginable to try to survive, but have also been through the roughest part of the reality emotionally. I have realized that some of our most passionate patrons are going to have a sense of shock and true grieving and, for them, please do not hesitate to reach out by email, FB, or text. I truly hope someone ends up continuing operations here after I have moved on.

Personally, I have been blessed with another opportunity for which I am passionate and thankful. Unfortunately, it is going to take me away from Georgia. I will miss my many friends made at Blackstock, but hope to stay in touch. Here’s to a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all!

Sincerely,
David A. Harris