Yonah Mountain Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay

Blind tastings don’t lie.  It’s an opportunity for the underdog to shine, especially in the case of local wine. Usually not given a fighting chance, especially by the mainstream media, a blind tasting removes the regional and label prejudices.  So when I read Yonah Mountain Vineyards eked out a victory against the mighty Kistler in a controlled blind tasting earlier this year, I couldn’t help but smile.  I’m not going to go overboard, this was only a single tasting. But with an elite panel of judges selecting the winning wines, it clearly demonstrates local wine is ready to make their mark in the global wine marketplace.

A bottle of the Yonah Mountain Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay just so happened to make it’s way back to my home after a visit to North Georgia last year. The Chardonnay grapes were sourced from nearby Frogtown Cellars in Dahlonega.  Harvest was nearly ruined by rainfall due to hurricane Faye, but a combination of the fast draining Georgia red clay fields and vineyard management, the vines fully recovered and the grapes were harvested September 1st.

A California-esque Chardonnay, the golden, straw-color wine offers topical fruit and undertones of lemon peel and oak on the nose.  White peach, apple, vanilla and buttery oak display prominently on the palate.  Aged 9 months in French and American oak, the medium-bodied wine retails for $28.  A well made wine from a winery that is proving “local” is here to stay.  Cheers!

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Entrepreneur, winemaker, winegrower and consultant are just a few of the many hats Chris Pearmund has worn during his storied career in the Virginia wine industry.  Playing a leading role in a number of wineries throughout Virginia including The Winery at La Grange, Vint Hill Craft Winery and his namesake Pearmund Cellars, Chris Pearmund has built his legacy on Virginia wine.  Located in Broad Run, Virginia, on the Fauquier County Wine Trail, Pearmund Cellars produces an award-winning lineup of Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Petit Manseng, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from his 25-acre vineyard.

Pearmund Cellars 2008 Old Vine Chardonnay

From the award-winning Meriwether Vineyard, one of the oldest chardonnay vineyards in the state, comes the Pearmund Cellars 2008 Old Vine Chardonnay.  An oak bomb (that might be an understatement), the Chardonnay displayed vanilla and spice on the nose.  Once I navigated my way past the oak, I noted butter, vanilla, apple and a touch of pear on the palate.  A full bodied wine with a long finish.  I actually enjoy a nice oaky, buttery Chard from time to time, but this one was a bit too much for my palate.  Cheers!

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Arizona Stronghold Vineyards 2008 Tazi

Tonight’s quick sip hails from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, located in Cornville, Arizona.  Situated on the eastern edge of Sulfur Springs Valley in a small, unincorporated area known as the Kansas Settlement, the vineyard is a partnership between Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski (I highly recommend the documentary, Blood Into Wine, to learn more about Maynard and his Arizona wines). The vineyard site is 80 acres with 70 acres currently under vine.

The 2008 Tazi is a white blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Chardonnay, 19% Riesling and 8% Malvasis Bianca.  Floral and fruity components of peach, melon and citrus on the nose.  On the palate, a medium-bodied, crisp, clean wine with notes of pear, apple, and lemon.  Retailing for $17.99 and aged in a mixture of stainless steel and neutral oak, the Tazi is a delicious example from Arizona.  Cheers!

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Brys Estate 2008 Naked Chardonnay

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a big fan of Chardonnay from the other 46 states.  There are a number of reasons, possibly a post for a later date, I just don’t feel any of the states can ultimately compete with California.  That said I’ve tasted several quality Chards east of the west coast, and tonight’s wine is no exception.

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is situated on 80 acres in Traverse City, Michigan, in a renovated 1890′s farmhouse.   A 100% estate grown and estate bottled winery, Brys produces a 50/50 split of red and white wines.  The 31 acre vineyard includes Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

The Brys Estate 2008 Naked Chardonnay is their version of an unoaked Chardonnay.  Although no longer available, be on the lookout for the new release from the outstanding 2010 vintage.  Beautiful floral and citrus notes lead the way on both the nose and palate.  A crisp, delicious wine with good acidity that showcases the qualities of this popular style.

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love sparkling wines.  I especially love sparklers that hail from the other 46 states.  Wineries in New York, Virginia and New Mexico are quickly earning a reputation for producing excellent value sparkling wines that are competing directly with California and France.  Quality is rising and the mainstream media is taking notice.

I recently had the opportunity to check off another state from my list of excellent sparkling wine producers when I opened the 2006 Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs from Biltmore Estate.  Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore is producing a quality Blanc de Blancs from 100% North Carolina Chardonnay grapes that retails for a very fair $29.99.

Tiny bubbles set the stage for a lovely and balanced wine sure to impress.  Paired with food or served solo, the sparking wine from North Carolina is a winner.  Cheers!

Biltmore Estate Château Reserve Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs - 2006 North Carolina

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Biltmore Estate 2008 Chardonnay

Home to more than 90 wineries and the country’s most visited winery in Biltmore Estate, North Carolina is on the up and up when it comes to local wine.  Focusing on native Muscadine and European-style vinifera grapes, the number of wineries have more than quadrupled since 2001 [1].  Ranked 7th for wine production in the United States, North Carolina recently recognized it’s 3rd American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Haw River Valley, joining Swan Creek and the Yadkin Valley.

Located in Asheville, Biltmore Estate Winery opened its doors in 1985 and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually to sample their award-winning estate wines.  In addition to their portfolio of wines produced from their 94-acre estate vineyard, Biltmore also produces a variety of wines from grapes sourced outside of North Carolina.

Tonight I feature the 2008 Estate Chardonnay.  Retailing for $15.99, the dry, full-bodied Chardonnay displays aromas of oak and tropical fruit on the nose.  On the palate, much of the same.  Buttery, oaky, and fruity were some of the words tossed around.  A simple, straight-forward wine that begs for a patio, a nice cheese platter, and good friends.  Cheers!

Works Cited
[1] Dosier, Susan. North Carolina Wine Fact Sheet. “http://media.visitnc.com/news/55/102/Wine-Industry-Facts/d,mediakit.html” (accessed April 19, 2010)

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Sharpe Hill Vineyards 2007 Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay

I recently poured a local wine that left me completely speechless and with a big smile on my face.  The wine, a 2007 Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay from Sharpe Hill Vineyards, is easily the best kept secret on the east coast.  Featured in the April ’09 issue of Wine Spectator, the Chardonnay won the magazines “Final Four Taste Off” against another highly regarded winery, Chaddsford Winery in Pennsylvania.  Located in Pomfret, Connecticut, Sharpe Hill also produces the popular Ballet of Angels (read my earlier review), the best selling wine made in New England.  Needless to say, Sharpe Hill offers an award-winning portfolio of wines for every wine lover.

The Chardonnay is a 100% estate grown blend of Chardonnay and Melonde Bourgogne.  On the nose, equal parts of citrus and apple aromas give way to a hint of vanilla and oak.  Burgundian in style bringing balanced fruit and minerals to the palate, the wine is crisp and clean with a beautiful finish (I must admit, I may have poured a little more in my glass).  The Spectator scored the Chardonnay a solid 88, but is an easy 90 plus wine on my palate.  A superb wine that is a steal at $16.99.

I urge my readers to experience Sharpe Hill Vineyards for themselves, whether in person, or online.  And be sure to tell them TheOther46.com sent you.  Cheers!

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I had the opportunity to meet Rob Beecham, COO of Beecham Builders, and also part of the leadership team at Montaluce Winery and Estates late last year in Orlando.  Down visiting Disney World, I welcomed the chance to meet up and discuss Montaluce and their first vintage.  Montaluce is the first of its kind in Georgia, a development conceptualized and planned around wine, food, and community.  Located just outside of Dahlonega and north of Atlanta, Montaluce provides the perfect backdrop for a long weekend wine rendezvous or a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Montaluce 2008 Chardonnay

Before bidding adieu, Rob gave me a bottle each of their 2008 vintage Chardonnay, Viognier, Risata, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Tonight I focus on their white wines.  Coincidentally, I happened to pair each wine with scallops.  On the nose, the Chardonnay displayed consistent notes of green apples and pears, followed by lemon, honeysuckle, and a hint of minerality in the mouth.  A crisp, balanced Chardonnay that pairs perfectly with shellfish or salad.  A few nights later, I opened the Viognier.  This happened to be my first Viognier from the state and will definitely not be my last.  A floral nose gives way to peach, apricot, and citrus.  A delicious example that showcases the varietal expression of Viognier.  Bravo.

Stressing quality over quantity, Montaluce has all the key ingredients for a bright future in Georgia.  I look forward to enjoying a bottle very soon on my next visit to Georgia’s wine country.  In the meantime, I recommend a visit to Montaluce (and to my Georgia friends, what are you waiting for) and be sure to tell them TheOther46.com sent you.  Cheers!

* FYI, the beautiful photo (and icon) displayed on the home page was shot by Biskuit and can be seen on Flickr.

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Whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight.  Hopefully everyone is familiar with Billy Joel’s, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.  Tonight I feature two wines (a red and a white) from Pend d’Oreille Winery, located near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho. Winemaker, Steve Meyer, uses traditional French methods with grapes sourced from world-class vineyards of the Pacific Northwest to produce multiple award-winning wines.

With a lineup of various cheeses ready from Whole Foods, I pulled the cork on the 2008 Chardonnay.  Barrel fermented and aged in 100% French oak and retailing for $16 a bottle, 675 cases were produced of this Vickers Vineyard Chardonnay.  A nice floral nose, showing a hint of oak and toasted almonds in the background.  On the palate, flavors of apples and melon dominate before a toasty finish.

Last, but certainly not least, was the 2006 Snake River Valley Pinot Noir.  Aged 20 months in 100% French oak, the $22 Pinot Noir is sourced from the Kuna Butte Vineyard, located in Kuna, Idaho.  The nose is ripe with cherry and raspberry fruit.  The palate is similarly ripe with cherry, spice and plum.

Another impressive showing from Idaho and especially Pend d’Oreille Winery.  I also recommend trying their Bistro Rouge, a popular red blend.

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One of eight wineries located on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail in southeastern Pennsylvania, Twin Brook Winery is a 67 acre farm complete with estate winery, vineyards, and plenty of picturesque views.  Located in Gap, Pennsylvania, the property includes a restored 19th century barn, making it the perfect location for picnics, concerts, and more importantly, award-winning wines!  Winemaker Tim Jobe planted the first grape vines in 1985, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, among many others (12 to be exact).  Tim kindly sent three whites for me to sample, a “Naked” Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio, and last but certainly not least, the Reserve Chardonnay.

Up first in the lineup included the 2008 Pinot Grigio.  A medium-bodied, dry wine, retailing for $16, citrus dominates both the nose and palate.  A wine for the masses, I can see this wine flying out of the tasting room (not surprisingly, the wine is sold out).  Next up included the 2008 Naked Chardonnay.  At $16 retail, the medium-bodied wine is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish or a lazy afternoon.  My top prize was awarded to the 2008 Chardonnay Reserve. Barrel aged in American oak, the Chardonnay is easily one of the best East Coast examples I’ve had to date.  Retailing for a very reasonable $18 (California take note), I’d love to have a case of this sitting around.

Out of the gate, Pennsylvania has impressed with great value.  It may be time for Pennsylvania to change its’ license plates from:

You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania to We’ve Got Great Wine in Pennsylvania

Cheers!

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