Zinfandel is finally getting its much deserved press. It is such a historic grape, and many exciting winemakers are creating unique and beautiful wines from some of the oldest and most fabulous vineyards in California. Take a look at the current print issue of The Wine Spectator to find out more, and to read about one of my favorite winemakers (and friend) Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. See the video "Zinfandel Renaissance" featuring Morgan at The Wine Spectator website and don't forget to pick up a bottle of Bedrock!
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of stopping into Vin Sur Vignt . Sebastien Auvet's charming West Village wine bar and bistro really is worth checking out - especially considering he pours about 50 wines by the glass. I took the opportunity to have a flight of roses (seen in the photograph to the left). The Domaine Michel Girard et Fils Sancerre Rose 2012 is made from 100% Pinot Noir, grown on 50 acres of estate vines in the Loire Valley. It sported a beautiful delicate pink color, with crisp notes of red cherry and strawberry, along with more subtle notes of earth and minerals. The Cep d'Or Rose Cotes de Provence 2012 is a blend of Grenache and Cinsault and was refreshing with high-toned aromatics of white flowers, herbs, and delicate red fruit. Finally, the Chateau L'Argentier Rose d'Aramon (from the Languedoc and made from Aramon, an grape indigenous to the region) had aromas of flint and minerals along with strawberry and raspberry and spices. January 29th, 2003 was the first time I tasted Grand Cru Burgundy. I remember the evening well. I was living in England and was organizing a tasting of the wines of Domaine Faiveley as part of the Cambridge University Wine Society. Mark Bingley, a Master of Wine, led the Society through nine of the Domaine's wines, culminating with Corton Clos Des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru. I recall looking at the wine in glass, smelling, and tasting it, and realizing the wine was something special. Perhaps it was a bit too much to process at the time - the deep sensual fruit, the exotic spices, and the deft use of oak; however, I had no doubt that I was tasting a wine meant to age, one that would evolve in the cellar. Fast-forward to May 2013. A friend and I stopped into Bar Boulud to grab a drink after going to a tasting as part of Austrian Wine Retail Week. Each day, Mike Madrigale and his team feature a large-format bottle which they pour by the glass. I literally got the last glass of the first magnum of the evening. It was the Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru 1998. I could not contain my excitement, explaining to my friend the story above - that this wine made by Faiveley was my first Grand Cru Burgundy, a red letter date in my wine tasting history. Thirteen years in bottle, and the wine was utterly amazing. Dark cherry, subtle oak, perfume, and exotic spices abounded. The was was elegant, but with a certain presence that showed its pedigree. My friend was initially skeptical at my excitement; however, after a few swirls and tastes, the Clos de Cortons Faiveley had won the day. The most amazing thing about the experience? I went home and dug out my tasting notes from that Burgundy tasting in 2003. Wine #9, the Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley that I tasted, with my notes scribbled across the page, was the1998 vintage. What an experience to be able to taste the same Grand Cru from the same vintage a decade apart, and to still be just as amazed at the beauty and elegance of the wine. My sincerest thanks to Denton Events and Indie Food and Wine, and of course, to all of the attendees who made "A Taste of Spring" such a great success. A good time was had by all, and people were able to enjoy six fantastic food and wine pairings, ranging from chilled asparagus soup with a New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a flank steak with a Right Bank Bordeaux from the Cotes de Castillon. You can view photos from the event on our Events Page, and be sure to visit the Wine by Rx Facebook page and Twitter Feed for more information on upcoming tastings.
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