Once again Morelli's in St. Paul is offering some really nice prices on wine. It is CHECK OR CASH only but when you are saving big money who cares.
Many other wine shops can't stand Morelli's and I just want to tell them lower your inflated prices. No one should be selling Columbia Crest Grand Estates wines for $11.99
One of the top wine shops in town according to the bogus best of polls has the 2009 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc listed at $19.99 and you can get it for $14.99. Wow what a deal! At Morelli's it is on sale for $10.88 ($30 mail in rebates) = $8.38
That is $80 in savings on a case!!!
My favorite is the NV Roederer Brut Premier Champagne they have for $64.99 vs. $33.33
at Morelli's. My review on one of my favorite Champagne/Sparkling wines of the year:
N.V. Louis Roederer Champagne Brut Premier - France, Champagne (10/27/2010)
A wonderful wine with spice, lemon, minerals and dough notes. No flaws and the distributor said this is declassified juice from Cristal from 01. (91 points)
A few other picks are:
http://www.morellismarket.com/VSVDoorNo3.html
Print out the link for the Rosenblum and Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Wines2007 Rosenblum Cellars Petite Sirah Heritage Clones - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County (11/17/2010)
Aromatic wine with smoke, pepper, blackberries, boysenberries and floral notes on the nose. The palate shows good concentration with pepper, spice, blackberries, and earth. Medium finish and just a fun wine to drink. (88 points) $12.97 (mail in rebate also)
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Wines $10.97 (must print out link above) compare at $12.99 at other wine shop sales or more
Also:*NV Chandon Sparkling wines from California $13.88 (always solid)
*Cambria Julia's Pinot Noir $15.88
*Hogue wines $4.44 with mail in rebate (great party wine)
*Big House Red or White Boxed wine (best I have ever had) $10.88 ($2.72 a bottle) Way better than Two Buck Chuck!
2009 Big House Wine Company Big House White - USA, California (8/26/2010)
Huge floral spice, orange peel, citrus and melon. These wines are a crazy blend of whites and for the price drinkable and good every day wines. (87 points)
2009 Big House Red California $5.49
A blend of over a dozen red grape varieties, with blueberries, sweet cherries, earth, and spice. This should please a variety of guests, with a touch of sweetness on the palate. 87 points
All other details available at:
http://www.morellismarket.com/Current_Ad.html
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Minnesota Wine Legend Reviewed
Anyone who has ever asked what I think of Minnesota wine will be in for a tell it like it is statement of we don't have the right terroir.
Vitus Vinifera is the vine species responsible for grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. In Minnesota the frigid cold winters would kill this species so cold climate grapes have been planted as an alternative such as Frontenac, La Crescent and Marquette. According to the U of M website these are hardy grapes designed to survive the winters.
While many people enjoy visiting wineries in Minnesota I just don't get the desire to spend $20 for a bottle of Minnesota made juice when far superior quality is available for less than $10 such as Columbia Crest Grand Estates or many clients favorite the Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling from Germany.
At a recent wine tasting, I was able to sample one of the more respected local wines the 2008 Alexis Bailey Voyageur. I forced my friend to sample it also so that I had 2perspectives on the wine. We did sample the wine out of a real stem while the rest of the tasters were drinking out of a plastic cup which you can't really properly taste wine out of. Neither one of us enjoyed the wine and at $21.99 on sale we both were stunned anyone would buy this wine.
Here is my review:
2008 Alexis Bailly Vineyard Voyageur Alexis Bailly - USA, Minnesota (10/25/2010)
It is hard to believe this is one of the top Minnesota wines actually grown in Minnesota. It had a paint thinner quality to it along with damp earth. Short finish. At $22 a bottle it is hard to believe anyone would buy these wines. (61 points)
A much better alternative for under $20 at Hennepin Lake:
2007 Duxoup Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (10/27/2010)
What a great wine with cherry, plum, minerals and floral notes. Just fun to drink and while not complex as some Syrah wines it doesn't cost a fortune and at $15.95 worth buying half a case. (91 points)
While many people are advocates of buying local let me ask you this: How many people in Miami attempt to grow corn or coffee beans? There are certain areas of the world that are designed to properly grow a quality agricultural product and we do really well with corn, soybeans and apples.
Just telling it like it is in the world of wine!
Cheers,
John Glas
Wineglas
Vitus Vinifera is the vine species responsible for grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. In Minnesota the frigid cold winters would kill this species so cold climate grapes have been planted as an alternative such as Frontenac, La Crescent and Marquette. According to the U of M website these are hardy grapes designed to survive the winters.
While many people enjoy visiting wineries in Minnesota I just don't get the desire to spend $20 for a bottle of Minnesota made juice when far superior quality is available for less than $10 such as Columbia Crest Grand Estates or many clients favorite the Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling from Germany.
At a recent wine tasting, I was able to sample one of the more respected local wines the 2008 Alexis Bailey Voyageur. I forced my friend to sample it also so that I had 2perspectives on the wine. We did sample the wine out of a real stem while the rest of the tasters were drinking out of a plastic cup which you can't really properly taste wine out of. Neither one of us enjoyed the wine and at $21.99 on sale we both were stunned anyone would buy this wine.
Here is my review:
2008 Alexis Bailly Vineyard Voyageur Alexis Bailly - USA, Minnesota (10/25/2010)
It is hard to believe this is one of the top Minnesota wines actually grown in Minnesota. It had a paint thinner quality to it along with damp earth. Short finish. At $22 a bottle it is hard to believe anyone would buy these wines. (61 points)
A much better alternative for under $20 at Hennepin Lake:
2007 Duxoup Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (10/27/2010)
What a great wine with cherry, plum, minerals and floral notes. Just fun to drink and while not complex as some Syrah wines it doesn't cost a fortune and at $15.95 worth buying half a case. (91 points)
While many people are advocates of buying local let me ask you this: How many people in Miami attempt to grow corn or coffee beans? There are certain areas of the world that are designed to properly grow a quality agricultural product and we do really well with corn, soybeans and apples.
Just telling it like it is in the world of wine!
Cheers,
John Glas
Wineglas
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Minneapolis Wine Club Does St. Innocent
Minneapolis Wine Club Does St. Innocent
September 2010
This was the first time a Minneapolis Wine Club Event was dedicated to a single producer of wine. Front runner for wine of the year is the 2007 St. Innocent White Rose Pinot Noir and it did not disappoint.
2005 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Showing well with spice, mushrooms, forest floor, vanilla and good acidity. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Winemaker's Cuvée Freedom Hill & Vitae Springs Blend - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Good but not great. Raspberry, spices, floral and pepper. On the finish picks up a wood quality. Medium finish. Drink now as I don't see this evolving much. (90 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
My current wine of the year and another great showing. Far superior to the 08 at this stage. Strawberry, floral, white pepper, wood and spice. Balanced and the tannins are not hard like the 08. Great bottle of wine. (95 pts.)
2008 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A concentrated wine and needs some serious time in the cellar. Cherry, spice, leather, strawberry and minerals. Medium finish and tannic. Cellar five years and try again as it should evolve into a great wine. (93 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Not in the class of the 07 white rose. Spice, floral, stawberry and scorched earth. Medium finish which picks up some mineral notes. (90 pts.)
2008 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Should evoled into a really nice wine with 5 plus years in the cellar. Better than the 07 Justice. Spice, blackberries, vanilla, mushrooms and dark fruits. Really dark in color and could go to a 94 with time. (92 pts.)
2007 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Two Barns - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
Strawberry, spice, raspberry and floral. Concentrated wine and shows more of a fruit forward style than a earth style. Nice wine. (91 pts.)
Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent
September 2010
This was the first time a Minneapolis Wine Club Event was dedicated to a single producer of wine. Front runner for wine of the year is the 2007 St. Innocent White Rose Pinot Noir and it did not disappoint.
2005 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Showing well with spice, mushrooms, forest floor, vanilla and good acidity. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Winemaker's Cuvée Freedom Hill & Vitae Springs Blend - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Good but not great. Raspberry, spices, floral and pepper. On the finish picks up a wood quality. Medium finish. Drink now as I don't see this evolving much. (90 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
My current wine of the year and another great showing. Far superior to the 08 at this stage. Strawberry, floral, white pepper, wood and spice. Balanced and the tannins are not hard like the 08. Great bottle of wine. (95 pts.)
2008 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A concentrated wine and needs some serious time in the cellar. Cherry, spice, leather, strawberry and minerals. Medium finish and tannic. Cellar five years and try again as it should evolve into a great wine. (93 pts.)
2007 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Not in the class of the 07 white rose. Spice, floral, stawberry and scorched earth. Medium finish which picks up some mineral notes. (90 pts.)
2008 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Should evoled into a really nice wine with 5 plus years in the cellar. Better than the 07 Justice. Spice, blackberries, vanilla, mushrooms and dark fruits. Really dark in color and could go to a 94 with time. (92 pts.)
2007 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Two Barns - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
Strawberry, spice, raspberry and floral. Concentrated wine and shows more of a fruit forward style than a earth style. Nice wine. (91 pts.)
Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent
Minneapolis Wine Club does Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
Minneapolis Wine Club
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
September
Shari's House
Another great tasting of some of the better CDP producers from the Southern Rhone that one can actually afford. Wine of the night was the 2006 Cuvee de Mon Auiel from Usseglio.
The newer vintages are more new world in style compared to the classic funk you get from CDP wines.
2004 Domaine de Cassan Gigondas - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas (9/19/2010)
Solid effort with raspberry, spice, coffee, leather and earth. The finish is a little bit too acidic but overall a nice value wine. (89 pts.)
2003 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/18/2010)
A bit cloudy in color. Nose spice, funk, raspberries and stone. Garrique, spice, raspberries, liqueur, hazelnuts and clay. Medium finish and dry. A solid wine that when I removed the capsule I was worried the wine was going to be dead as it had minor seepage but it is just fine. (90 pts.)
2001 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
A nice showing with spice, garrique, funk, leather, stones and floral notes. Medium finish and great acidity on this wine. Very well made in the traditional style. (93 pts.)
2004 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
A great wine without the funk of the 01 which would even make it better. Floral, raspberries, spices, coffee cherry and earth. The palate is clean but very flavorful. Medium and concentrated finish and a super balanced wine. (94 pts.)
2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
This should evolve into a super wine but is good right now. Decanted 4 hours. Floral, raspberries, plums, cranberry and minerals on the nose. The spices add greatly to the palate and finish. The decanted really allowed this wine to open up and the finish was showing a balance of fruit and earth components. (93 pts.)
2006 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
My last purchase of a Vieux Telegraphe the most overated wine from the Rhone. I have yet to have a great one and I have add several with 15 plus years of age. The nose is shut down and offers only some spice, cherry and cinammon. The palate is off with too much cinammon and spices. I am sure there is some fruit in there somewhere. Medium finish and boring. This is an 89 point wine to me and I would drink it but not pay $50 for it again. (89 pts.)
2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
My favorite producer from the Rhone. Another amazing showing of this wine with a nose of flowers, raspberries, spices, cherry and leather. The palate is flavorful and the fruit shines. Medium and concentrated finish and very clean. Not the classic funk of a CDP but that is fine with me on this amazing effort. (95 pts.)
Many of the wines are available at Winestreets and in order to know about the best prices in town on these wines you need to become a member of the Minneapolis Wine Club.
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
September
Shari's House
Another great tasting of some of the better CDP producers from the Southern Rhone that one can actually afford. Wine of the night was the 2006 Cuvee de Mon Auiel from Usseglio.
The newer vintages are more new world in style compared to the classic funk you get from CDP wines.
2004 Domaine de Cassan Gigondas - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas (9/19/2010)
Solid effort with raspberry, spice, coffee, leather and earth. The finish is a little bit too acidic but overall a nice value wine. (89 pts.)
2003 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/18/2010)
A bit cloudy in color. Nose spice, funk, raspberries and stone. Garrique, spice, raspberries, liqueur, hazelnuts and clay. Medium finish and dry. A solid wine that when I removed the capsule I was worried the wine was going to be dead as it had minor seepage but it is just fine. (90 pts.)
2001 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
A nice showing with spice, garrique, funk, leather, stones and floral notes. Medium finish and great acidity on this wine. Very well made in the traditional style. (93 pts.)
2004 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
A great wine without the funk of the 01 which would even make it better. Floral, raspberries, spices, coffee cherry and earth. The palate is clean but very flavorful. Medium and concentrated finish and a super balanced wine. (94 pts.)
2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
This should evolve into a super wine but is good right now. Decanted 4 hours. Floral, raspberries, plums, cranberry and minerals on the nose. The spices add greatly to the palate and finish. The decanted really allowed this wine to open up and the finish was showing a balance of fruit and earth components. (93 pts.)
2006 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
My last purchase of a Vieux Telegraphe the most overated wine from the Rhone. I have yet to have a great one and I have add several with 15 plus years of age. The nose is shut down and offers only some spice, cherry and cinammon. The palate is off with too much cinammon and spices. I am sure there is some fruit in there somewhere. Medium finish and boring. This is an 89 point wine to me and I would drink it but not pay $50 for it again. (89 pts.)
2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (9/19/2010)
My favorite producer from the Rhone. Another amazing showing of this wine with a nose of flowers, raspberries, spices, cherry and leather. The palate is flavorful and the fruit shines. Medium and concentrated finish and very clean. Not the classic funk of a CDP but that is fine with me on this amazing effort. (95 pts.)
Many of the wines are available at Winestreets and in order to know about the best prices in town on these wines you need to become a member of the Minneapolis Wine Club.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hennepin Lake Charity Wine Tasting this Wednesday
*Hennepin Lake Community Wine Tasting
Wednesday, October 20
6 to 9 p.m.
$25 in advance or $30 at the door
www.calhounsquare.com/index.php
For tickets call Monica Smith at East Calhoun Community Organization at 612-821-0131
Calhoun Square in Uptown
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
This is the best charity wine tasting in the Twin Cities for the money and features over 400 wines. Phil Colich at Hennepin Lake has been behind this event for almost 30 years and it benefits local charities around Uptown. Last year they raised over $290,000. The funds raised help build relationships among neighbors, offer community events throughout the year, crime prevention and improving the quality of the neighborhood businesses and homes.
Il Gatto will be providing light appetizers but I always encourage people to eat prior to the start of an event such as this. Some of the highlights from last years tasting were the extensive $50 plus Napa Valley wines, red and white Burgundies, Oregon and California Pinots and quality everyday producers.
Due to the large amount of wines I always start with the top producers first and move to the lesser expensive wines before palate fatigue sets in. Also, I would bring a your own stemware as last year the wines were served in plastic cups, and no, you will not be a wine snob but a wine geek if you do. See you there.
Wednesday, October 20
6 to 9 p.m.
$25 in advance or $30 at the door
www.calhounsquare.com/index.php
For tickets call Monica Smith at East Calhoun Community Organization at 612-821-0131
Calhoun Square in Uptown
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
This is the best charity wine tasting in the Twin Cities for the money and features over 400 wines. Phil Colich at Hennepin Lake has been behind this event for almost 30 years and it benefits local charities around Uptown. Last year they raised over $290,000. The funds raised help build relationships among neighbors, offer community events throughout the year, crime prevention and improving the quality of the neighborhood businesses and homes.
Il Gatto will be providing light appetizers but I always encourage people to eat prior to the start of an event such as this. Some of the highlights from last years tasting were the extensive $50 plus Napa Valley wines, red and white Burgundies, Oregon and California Pinots and quality everyday producers.
Due to the large amount of wines I always start with the top producers first and move to the lesser expensive wines before palate fatigue sets in. Also, I would bring a your own stemware as last year the wines were served in plastic cups, and no, you will not be a wine snob but a wine geek if you do. See you there.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Spasso Wine Dinner featuring Domaine Serene
A very nice wine dinner event that Spasso put on featuring the wines of Domaine Serene. Each wine was paired with a course.
1st Course
Butter poached lobster with Leeks and beet essence sauce
2007 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dijon Clones Etoile
2nd Course
Foie Gras Au Torchon
with poached pear and arugula mint salad
2006 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
3rd Course
Pan Seared Alaskan Sockeye Salmon with Hen of the Woods
2006 Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Pinot Noir
Humboldt Fog Aged Goat Cheese, Pecorino Re Niro and Beemster Aged Gouda
2006 Domaine Serene Rockblock Syrah
The Tasting Notes
2007 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dijon Clones Etoile - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A really nice effort. A rich wine with apple, pear, oak, spice and lemon. The wine is balanced and shows good acidity. This is one of the best Oregon Chardonnay's I have sampled. (92 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Another good showing for this wine. On the nose forest floor, spices, strawberry and cherry. No heat on this wine and really balanced. Medium finish and drinking well right now. (92 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Mark Bradford - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Really wonderful and sample next to the Evenstad Reserve. Medium purple and features blueberries, white pepper, raspberries and subtle oak. This is a very elegant 2006 and the acidity is perfect and went well with grilled salmon. Medium finish and soft tannins. Well done! (94 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Rockblock Reserve Syrah - USA, Oregon, Walla Walla Valley
Dark purple. Nose of black pepper, blackberries, minerals and earth. Good concentration and no heat. Well balanced and long finish. A nice expansion for Domaine Serene into Washington. 93+ (93 pts.)
All the wines were 92 plus and showed really well. I was not familar with their Walla Walla Syrah project and that should evolve into a nice addition over the years. Very good wines and they showed really well tonight.
1st Course
Butter poached lobster with Leeks and beet essence sauce
2007 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dijon Clones Etoile
2nd Course
Foie Gras Au Torchon
with poached pear and arugula mint salad
2006 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
3rd Course
Pan Seared Alaskan Sockeye Salmon with Hen of the Woods
2006 Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Pinot Noir
Humboldt Fog Aged Goat Cheese, Pecorino Re Niro and Beemster Aged Gouda
2006 Domaine Serene Rockblock Syrah
The Tasting Notes
2007 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dijon Clones Etoile - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A really nice effort. A rich wine with apple, pear, oak, spice and lemon. The wine is balanced and shows good acidity. This is one of the best Oregon Chardonnay's I have sampled. (92 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Another good showing for this wine. On the nose forest floor, spices, strawberry and cherry. No heat on this wine and really balanced. Medium finish and drinking well right now. (92 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Mark Bradford - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Really wonderful and sample next to the Evenstad Reserve. Medium purple and features blueberries, white pepper, raspberries and subtle oak. This is a very elegant 2006 and the acidity is perfect and went well with grilled salmon. Medium finish and soft tannins. Well done! (94 pts.)
2006 Domaine Serene Rockblock Reserve Syrah - USA, Oregon, Walla Walla Valley
Dark purple. Nose of black pepper, blackberries, minerals and earth. Good concentration and no heat. Well balanced and long finish. A nice expansion for Domaine Serene into Washington. 93+ (93 pts.)
All the wines were 92 plus and showed really well. I was not familar with their Walla Walla Syrah project and that should evolve into a nice addition over the years. Very good wines and they showed really well tonight.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Best Wine Bar in the Twin Cities
I just completed the best wine bar assignment and we have a winner. Go to the link to find out the top five wine bars: http://www.wineglas.com/Bestwinebarsinthetwincities.html
Enjoy,
John Glas
Wineglas
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