The Other 46 » Colorado

Better Late Than Never

Brian Kirby — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:01:35 +0000

Unfortunately, I missed highlighting Dithyramb Winery during my first Colorado wine showcase late last year (see Caution, High Altitude Ahead). Better late than never, tonight’s post introduces and welcomes Colorado’s newest winery on the block, Dithyramb Winery. Located in Centennial, Colorado, owners and winemakers Sean and Candice Bundy opened their home-based, boutique winery in 2008. Contracting their grapes from vineyards located on Colorado’s western slope in the Grand Valley AVA, the winery specializes in small, handcrafted batches. For my Greek mythology fans, the name Dithyramb is a hymn sung to Dionysos, the Greek god of wine.

I received two samples from the winery, a Traditional Mead and a Cabernet Franc. Tonight I focus on the Cabernet Franc, a personal favorite of mine. Recently released in January, the 2008 vintage retails for $20 and clocks in at 13.5% alcohol. Aged in French oak, only 50 cases were produced. On the nose, ripe black fruit with a hint of oak shine through, lending support to a nicely balanced, charming wine. A solid effort for their inaugural release.

Be sure to read fellow friend and wine blogger, Jacob Harkins review of the Dithyramb 2008 Cabernet Franc. I also suggest bookmarking his outstanding wine blog, ColoradoWino.com. Cheers!

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I Heart Petit Verdot

Brian Kirby — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:08:54 +0000

You could say Petit Verdot had me from hello (okay, maybe the first pour). I still remember standing in the Linden Vineyards tasting room where the love affair began. At the time, Linden was one of the few producers in Virginia bottling Petit Verdot as a single varietal wine. Primarily used in Bordeaux blends, the grape has steadily risen in popularity, and now stands on its own.

I recently received a Petit Verdot from Canyon Wind Cellars (see my earlier review). I raved about the quality of their wines, and as expected, the 2007 Petit Verdot didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was so good, I didn’t write a single note. I just wanted to relax and enjoy this Colorado gem. A balanced, focused, and rich wine that is a must buy ($24.95) for my fellow PV lovers! Cheers!

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The Streak Continues…

Brian Kirby — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:04:15 +0000

Make it three for three for Colorado wineries. In celebration of the long holiday weekend, I opened two bottles received from Allis Ranch Winery, a boutique winery on the Front Range of Colorado near Sedalia. A sustainable winery focused on Rhone varieties using small-lot vinification, all grapes are sourced from growers on the western slope of Colorado. Allis Ranch produces three wines; a Viognier, Syrah, and a Reserve Syrah.

The first wine, a 2008 Viognier, retails for $15. A grape that is beginning to gain a foothold in Colorado, the Allis Ranch Viognier was crisp and lively. Floral aromas, with flavors of honeysuckle, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe. A great wine with food or flying solo after a long day at work. The second wine poured was the 2007 Two Husky Red Syrah. Retailing for $18, the Syrah was aged in new French, French/American hybrid barrels and American Oak barrels. A gorgeous bouquet, the Syrah packs plenty of red fruit intermixed with pepper and smoky flavors. A medium to full-bodied wine that delivers quality from the first pour to the last.

Allis Ranch Winery impresses with two focused efforts that deliver great value. I’m beginning to run out of adjectives to describe Colorado’s wine country. From top to bottom, Colorado continues to impress, thus the streak continues…

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A Grand Valley Gem

Brian Kirby — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:48:42 +0000

I’ve had the opportunity to sample great wine produced by the other 46 states this year. I continue to be amazed at the quality and more importantly, the tremendous potential each state holds. That trend has never been more evident after opening two wines received from Canyon Wind Cellars. Located in the Grand Valley AVA, east of Grand Junction near Palisade, Canyon Wind’s vineyard is situated above the Colorado River. Named after the mountain breeze that flows daily through the canyon mouth and over the vineyard, Canyon Wind is proving that the sky is the limit for Colorado wines.

Up first in glass was the 2006 Syrah ($17.95). A deep red color in glass, the Syrah displayed dark fruit aromas with a touch of pepper, smoke, and coffee. After my first sip, I was convinced the variety has a bright future in Colorado. A great wine by itself, but a better match for grilled meats or a hearty stew.

After tasting the Syrah, I was excited to see if I could go two for two. The following night I pulled the cork on Canyon Wind Cellars most awarded wine, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Retailing for $24.95, I was excited to try my first Cab from the state, especially considering my first love is Cabernet Sauvignon. From the website,

Perfectly balanced, deep dark and concentrated with intense aromas of black cherry, plum, and mocha; firm tannins intertwined with hints of chocolate, coffee, and tobacco with an elegant finish. An excellent accompaniment to Colorado lamb.

I must admit, I held the bottle upside down longer than usual, ensuring every last drop was accounted for.

If your not convinced on the quality of Colorado wines, I guarantee you haven’t tried Canyon Wind Cellars. Cheers!

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Wine With A View

Brian Kirby — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:32:26 +0000

The first stop along the Colorado Wine Trail brings us to Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery in Palisade, Colorado. Located almost a mile above sea level in the Grand Valley AVA, the 17 acre vineyard faces the picturesque Mount Garfield, for which the vineyard is named. The combination of high altitude (4,720 feet), hot, dry summers and cool nights provide the ideal climate for growing Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscat Ottonel. Committed to quality, Garfield Estates is helping put Colorado on the wine map.

Garfield Estates provided the wines for my taste of Colorado. The first pour was the 2008 S2, a Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blend fermented in stainless steel with no oak aging. A beautiful wine in glass; grapefruit and lemon dominate the nose. On the palate, crisp and clean with nice citrus notes. The second wine tasted included the 2007 Cabernet Franc. A consistent award winner, the polished and balanced red leaves you wanting a second (and third) glass. A crowd-pleasing wine that would pair well with food. I’d love to put this in a blind tasting and see this wine kick some serious butt.

If you live in Colorado, what are you waiting for! Grab a wine map and head out to Garfield Estates for great wine and a fabulous view. If your planning your next vacation, why not visit Colorado’s growing wine industry!

Be sure to check back later this week for a taste of Canyon Wind Cellars. Cheers!

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Caution, High Altitude Ahead

Brian Kirby — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:10:16 +0000

With elevations ranging from 4000 to 7000 feet above sea level, Colorado’s vineyards are among the highest in the world. The continental climate (warm days + cool nights + low humidity) creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of grapes required to produce premium wines. Home to 2 designated American Viticultural Areas, Grand Valley and West Elks, Colorado has a thriving wine industry with more than 60 wineries throughout the state.

The Grand Valley AVA, the largest and oldest AVA in Colorado, is the birthplace of Colorado’s resurgent wine industry and home to more than a dozen wineries. Located just west of Grand Junction, the AVA includes some of the highest vineyards in North America, averaging 4700 square feet. Grapes receive almost 300 days of intense sun, combined with warm, dry days and cool nights, resulting in intense flavors and balanced wines.

The highest altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere exist in the West Elks AVA. Created in 2001, the AVA includes 10 wineries stretched across a 75-acre area just east of Paonia to the west of Hotchkiss. Similar to the Alsace region in France, the West Elks AVA is producing quality Gewürztraminer and Rieslings, followed by Pinot Noir.

This week I will highlight some of Colorado’s best wineries including Canyon Wind Cellars, Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery, and Allis Ranch Winery. I invite you along to see why the wine industry is becoming serious business in Colorado. Cheers!

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