The Other 46

Over the holidays, I tasted a number of wines from the other 46 states, with a Bordeaux-style blend leaving a lasting impression.  The wine, the Yonah Mountain Vineyards 2006 Genesis, is produced by Yonah Mountain Vineyards.  I’ve written about their wines a number of times (read more here), and each time I come away more impressed.  Still a relative newcomer in the growing North Georgia wine scene, winemaker Joe Smith has helped push the winery into the wine spotlight with their premier blend Genesis.

The wine is made up of 51% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Mourvedre. In the glass, the dark purple wine starts off with a nose of black cherries, plum and spice.  On the palate, bright red fruit, plum, and tobacco.  Well-integrated tannin and oak on the finish.  On day 2, the wine displayed more earthy qualities.  Easily one of the more complex and balanced wines I’ve had to date from the state.

By no means is this a cheap wine, and at $40 (sold out), the Genesis is one of the highest priced wines from the state.  But if you have the appetite for a local wine that delivers depth, balance and finesse, then I recommend you try the Genesis. Cheers!

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards 2009 Nachise

Partners Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski produce a number of wines from 100% Arizona fruit under their Arizona Stronghold Vineyard label.  Well-priced and widely distributed for local wines, the ASV portfolio of wines are a great introduction to the Grand Canyon State.

A Rhone blend, the Arizona Stronghold Vineyards 2009 Nachise is made up of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre. Aged in French oak, the $19 wine comes in at 14.3% alcohol.  A spicy, earthy nose, aromas of cedar, blackberry and red cherry are followed by a subtle hint of black pepper.

The medium-to-full bodied palate displays herbs, plum and cassis with a pinch of rosemary.  The end result is a a beautiful wine that is uniquely Arizona.

In celebration of the holidays, I am giving 1 lucky reader a copy of Blood Into Wine, the documentary featuring Maynard James Keenan and his mission to bring credibility to Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry (read more here).

To enter, leave a comment below and tell me your favorite Maynard wine or song. For additional entries, do the following but leave a separate comment for each (this will allow you additional chances to win).

• Like TheOther46.com’s Facebook Fan Page. If you’re already a fan, thank you very much! Just list your name below and indicate that you are.
• Follow @TheOther46 on twitter and retweet this contest
• Have a blog? Add The Other 46 to your blog roll and let me know you did.

Random.org will select a winner on January 6, 2012. U.S. residents only. Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to respond. If no response is received, random.org will select another winner.  Good luck!

* Disclosure: I received a copy of Blood Into Wine for a giveaway. No other compensation was received.

After the classic vintage of 2007, Virginia turned in a typical, if not uneventful vintage in 2008.  In a state where quality can vary greatly, I usually turn to winemakers who consistently produce excellent wines no matter the vintage.  This is never more evident with Jeff White, Owner and Winemaker of Glen Manor Vineyards.

Glen Manor 2008 Vin Rouge

The Glen Manor 2008 Vin Rouge is an unfiltered, red blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc aged in French oak.  The wine starts off with aromas of black fruit, primarily blackberries, black cherries and raspberries with a hint of black pepper.  On the palate, similar black fruit with strong notes of plum, tobacco, currant and vanilla.  Full-bodied and smooth.

At $28, you would be hard pressed to find another wine from the 2008 vintage as well-crafted and complex as the Vin Rouge. Guaranteed to impress and leave you wishing you had another few bottles or case in the cellar.