Wine Savant - Your Guide to Sophisticated Living

Wine Events for Summer 2007

2007-07-12T18:20:00.000-04:00

Wine Savant's Wine Events for Summer 2007 will be posted on line and e-mailed on Wednesday, July 18. Sign up for the e-mail. A sample of the postings.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival - Watkins Glen, New York
This is one of the largest and most exciting wine festivals in the United States Friday, July 20th to Sunday, July 22nd. This 3-Day event is a non-stop party. The great thing about this event is the close proximity to the wineries that are also attending the event. An abundance of lodging and dining opportunities available in the vicinity. For more information, Call 866-461-7223 or visit www.flwinefest.com. This is an event not to miss.

Wine Savant's recommendations:

Lodging - Geneva on the Lake Resort (you can vacation like a celebrity) www.genevaonthelake.com or call 800.3.GENEVA or 315-789-7190 and Belhurst Castle www.belhurst.com or Call 315.781.0201 They are both on the northern end of the lake near Geneva, but well worth the drive.

Dining - Stone Cat Cafe in Hector 607.546.5000 or Dano's Heuriger in Lodi 607.582.7555 both just north of Watkins Glen on the eastern side of Seneca Lake

Visit www.winesavantmagazine.com for a full review of the event and the recommendations.

"Two Buck Chuck" wins awards

2007-06-28T08:03:00.000-04:00

"Two-Buck Chuck" is used to beating competitors in price, but now it appears it has beaten rivals in taste, winning bragging rights to best California chardonnay at the state fair's commercial wine competition

In most states, Charles Shaw wines are sold exclusively at Trader Joe's and retail for $1.99, except for Ohio which has the highest wine prices in the entire world and retails "Two-Buck Chuck" for $3.39. For Full Story .....

Wine Savant's 2007 Wines that Rock for Summer

2007-06-22T10:33:00.000-04:00

The San Francisco based wine retailing web-site WINE.COM reported that wines with twist-off closures accounted for 17.5 percent of its wine sales for the year ending May 31, which were approximately $40 million overall.This transformation appears to be more than just a trend, as the “screw-caps” have dominated this years list of Wine Savant's “WINES THAT ROCK for Summer”.

It is now the time of year where the absence of the daily rituals of the school bus is replaced with the chimes of ice cream vendors roaming neighborhoods.Patios are laden with barbecue grills and meals are served under an umbrella.Sunday afternoons are spent at family picnics instead of watching sporting events on television.

With the change of seasons, comes a change in wine tastes.In satisfying that change, Wine Savant presents its annual list of Wines that Rock for Summer! For the Complete List .....

Pregnant California Farm Work Evicted from Her Home

2007-06-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

It was recently reported in the Palm Springs Desert Sun that a pregnant California vineyard worker and her nine children evicted after being out of work due to freezing temperatures in the region. This was despite the fact that Governor Schwarzenegger had declared a State of Emergency for the area.

The tragedy of this story is that this eviction took place after she missed a single, as in one, rent payment of $265. I feel that being evicted after missing just a single payment is absolutely ridiculous and I can sympathize for this woman and her children as much as the next person, however after nine children and the tenth on the way, maybe it's time she quit having babies. What do you think? Full Story ....

Iced Coffee Beverage

2007-06-21T13:10:00.000-04:00

You can satisfy your caffeine urge on these hot summer days, with this great cocktail .... and you certainly won't find this one at Starbucks!

Iced Coffee Cocktail - Wine Savant Style

1 cup brewed Seattle's Best Coffee - Chilled
2 oz. Absolut Vodka
1 oz. Paramount Butterscotch Schnapps
1 oz Frangelico
2 oz Half & Half or Heavy Cream
creme fraiche (optional)

Chill “cocktail” glasses. In a cocktail shaker add the first 3 ingredients and fill halfway with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Add coffee and cream and shake a second time. Using the strainer, divide the liquid between the 2 glasses and then remove the strainer to divide the ice cubes. Optional - spoon on a dab of freshly whipped creme fraiche for an appeailing finish. (Makes 2 servings)

Wine Savant's BLOG - Now on Yahoo

2007-06-21T12:57:00.000-04:00

Now you can receive updates on Wine Savant's BLOG directly to your YAHOO Home Page. Just click on this button. It's Easy and it's Free.

The Life & Works of Thomas Arvid

2005-11-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Nov/Dec 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

I first saw the art of Thomas Arvid several years ago at a gallery in St. Augustine Florida. As with most people who see his art for the first time, I assumed it was a photograph. Intrigued, I picked up several pieces of promotional material and brought them home with me. Occasionally, I would go back to those promotional materials and admire the work, and the detail. Of course the subject of the art was something I could relate to, so I eventually visited his web site www.thomasarvid.com and became a regular visitor.

Amazingly enough I didn’t make the effort to visit an Arvid Gallery near my home, but over the next few years returned to that same gallery in St. Augustine several more times to satisfy my curiosity. Each time I would pick up another one or two of those cards promoting an individual piece of work. Having visited that gallery so many times now, I was obviously on their mailing list and I’m quite sure mistaken by more than one person on their staff as a vagrant as I had spent so much time hanging out there. About a year ago I received a promotional mailing announcing an appearance at the gallery by Thomas Arvid. Not being able to make the trip to Florida during that time frame, I was “Jonesing” in a major way! For the Full Story Visit: www.winesavantmag.com

Arvid Art - Is it the Real Thing?

2005-11-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Nov/Dec 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

For every upscale consumer good that invokes luxury, you will find that there is a matching counterfeit produced, most often in sweatshops in China. The most common are fake Rolex watches and Coach purses that are sold at a fraction of the genuine item’s cost by both street vendors operating out of a brief case or trunk of a car and unscrupulous businessmen operating from what is seemingly a reputable business retailing those products.

Thomas Arvid’s work is not immune from these counterfeiters and confiscations are occurring with increasing frequency. For the Full Story Visit:
www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant: Interstate Shipping - The Real Story

2005-11-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

A lot of unwarranted publicity and attention has been given to the controversy known as "Interstate Shipping". The recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision announced the morning of Monday, May 16th has ignited even more controversy.
This Court decision concerns the concept of a number of states including Michigan, New York and Ohio that permit wineries within the State to ship wines directly to consumers, but do not allow wineries located outside of the state to do so. At issue, is the perception of the individual states impeding free trade by giving the in-state wineries a perceived unfair advantage. For the Full Story Visit: www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant: Finger Lakes Wine Fest

2005-11-06T10:12:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

(July 15 & 17, 2005 – Watkins Glen, NY) Wine and NASCAR, not your typical pairing, however the wineries of the Finger Lakes Region once again joined forces with Watkins Glen International, the world famous NASCAR owned road racing facility in Watkins Glen, NY on the southern edge of Lake Seneca. The Finger Lakes Wine Festival brought nearly 80 wineries from several states and Canada; together in one venue side by side for this three day event. No need to worry about the weather conditions because the NASCAR Service Garage and surrounding areas are transformed into a giant indoor tasting room, where nearly 30,000 people gathered for the three day event held July 15th through the 17th. Three days of non-stop wine tasting and parties, it is no wonder that thousands of visitors took advantage of the opportunity to spend the entire weekend camping at the track avoiding all the traffic jams.
The Annual Kick-Off Celebration began on Friday night with live music at the Coliseum Village with Launch of the Lakes which is probably the world’s largest Toga Party, an event that would certainly have made Bluto and the entire Animal House entourage envious.
A champagne breakfast both Saturday and Sunday at the track’s exclusive Glen Club, featuring Great Western Champagnes.... For the Whole Story Visit: www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant - Wines that Rock

2005-11-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

Highly Recommended
These are the wines for this issue that most impressed the tasting panel that was convened. This group is inclusive of high-scoring wines, and those that are a “Must Buy” based on the review and the price.
Cool Finds
You’ll find these Recommended wines with exceptional reviews that aren’t wallet busters. The feeling of finding these wines is comparable to being “bumped up” to First Class on a Coach Ticket – Very cool!
Great Values
Wines with good reviews and represent a best value based upon their suggested retail price. These can be everyday wines without breaking the bank.
Prices indicated reflect the average retail price throughout the Great Lakes Region. Some areas will differ, such as Ohio, due to State regulations.

Understanding the Wine Savant 100 Point System
95 - 100 Superlative rare finds, wines that literally rock
90 - 94 Exceptional examples of their type or variety
86 - 89 Highly recommended
80 - 85 Recommended impressive juice
70 - 79 Pleasant wine but it won’t get you a second date
60 - 69 You will have to ask yourself, “Why would I drink this?”
59 & below Don’t even think about it!

91 - Tabor Hill 2004 Riesling
(12% ABV) – Southwest Michigan
One can only think of a beautiful woman when sipping this Riesling. Clear and pleasant to the eye, beautiful crisp honeysuckle and floral aroma, voluptuous body that is velvety smooth yet sassy, and a nice long finish that hangs with you. You’ll want to drink it now.

90 - Dr. Konstantin Frank 2004 Johannisberg Riesling Semi-Dry New York Finger Lakes - $15.95
Won GOLD in the 2005 Riverside International Competition in California, one of the most prestigious competitions in the Country. Delicate color with beautiful honeysuckle and orange blossom aroma, a fresh yet sophisticated fruity pear flavor with nice balance and a long soft finish. This is in short supply, so if you find it, STOCK UP!!

Cool Finds
87 - Firelands 2004 Isle St. George Riesling (11.5% ABV) – Western Lake Erie, Ohio – $8.99
Light clear appearance with delicate fruity citrus and apple aromas, smooth peach apricot & citrus flavors on the tongue with a nice refreshingly clean finish. A very versatile wine paired with everything from a spicy entrée to baked apple cobbler. This is a very impressive vino and under 10 bucks. Widely available at supermarkets and wine retailers.

86 - Warner Vineyards NV Semi-Dry Riesling – Southwest Michigan
Nice golden color with scents of kiwi and green apple in the aroma. A very fruity flavor that is well balanced and it has a soft refreshing finish. After a couple of complimentary comments from a couple of the tasters, this bottle disappeared into the photographer’s gear bag. Available at select retailers.

85 - Thirsty Owl 2003 Limited Edition Riesling (10.5%ABV) New York Finger Lakes
Light Golden color with beautiful legs and a sweet pear juice aroma with a ripe delicious grapefruit and tangerine taste and a clean finish that starts off tart and trails off dry. Available at the winery and through select retailers.

Great Values
83 - Klingshirn White Riesling (NV) (12% ABV) – Central Lake Erie, Ohio – $8.99
Nice apple and citrus aromas, a rich apricot lime flavor that rolls off your tongue in a nice clean finish. As a Third-Generation wine maker, Lee Klingshirn has a vast array of knowledge of his customers, the vineyard and grapes, and he puts it all together right in making some very fine wine. Available only at the winery.
82 - Pelee Island Winery Late Harvest Riesling (12.0 ABV) – Southwest Ontario, Canada – $9.99
A golden color with subtle spicy aromas and flavor bursting of fruit. Has a crisp dry finish. Just a great bottle of wine for warmer weather. Available at select retailers.

More Great Buys
90 - Dr. Konstantin Frank 2003 Riesling New York Finger Lakes – $12.95
Light color almost clear with a pleasant ginger aroma. Bursting with the flavor of tart pear with a nice dry, but fruity, finish. The most award winning wine in New York State and was aAwarded a DOUBLE GOLD in the Great Lakes Wine Competition held in Michigan last year. Rare and difficult to find.

86 - Markko 2000 Johannisberg Riesling Reserve (11.5% ABV) - Eastern Lake Erie, Ohio
A deep golden color with floral honeyed aroma. This is a traditional German style Riesling that is full bodied with a flavor of sweet granny smith apples. What set this apart is the difference in vintage from other wines reviewed and the production method that owner/wine-maker Arnie Esterer utilizes. Arnie, who learned his trade under the legendary Dr. Konstantin Frank and has stockpiled his own extensive array of accolades, ages his Rieslings in stainless steel tanks for three years prior to bottling, giving them full bodied and very distinct characteristics. Available at the Markko tasting room and a few select retailers.

83 - Debonne 2004 Grand River Valley Riesling (11.0% ABV) – Eastern Lake Erie, Ohio – $8.99
Light golden straw color with a clean, spicy yet floral aroma and a cornucopia of apple, pear and citrus flavors. An elegant and well balanced wine that displayed an impressive, almost complex, character. Tony Debevc is one of only a few formally trained wine makers in the State of Ohio, and that is evidenced by the consistency of his well produced wines. Widely available at super-markets and wine retailers.

83 - Mon Ami 2004 American Riesling (11.5% ABV) – Western Lake Erie, Ohio
A brilliantly clear Riesling, with very light subtle aroma and flavors. Apple is the dominating flavor that gives way to a fruity finish that refreshes. The perfect answer, when looking for a fruity light wine that won’t overpower your taste buds. Makes for a wonderful summertime wine.

81- Ferrante NV American Riesling (11.0% ABV) – Eastern Lake Erie, Ohio – $8.99
A more subtle aroma and a lighter taste than most of the other Rieslings. The flavor is prevalent of sweet apples and pears. The other distinct characteristic that sets this apart is that it’s well balanced with a nice long finish; where the flavors that were originally subtle linger. Widely available at supermarkets and wine retailers.

In a blind tasting of Great Lakes area Rieslings, we placed a very well regarded German Riesling to the mix to see how they stacked up. Many of the Rieslings identified above scored higher than the German Riesling both in the tasting panel’s point score and in all the individually written comments. It is quite impressive to see that these Great Lakes Rieslings performed exceptionally well and many were preferred to a great benchmark German wine.

German Riesling
84 - Huesgen 2002 Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Q.B.A. (9% ABV) Germany
Nice straw color that is clean and brilliant, the dominating taste of citrus is very pleasing with a sweet spicy, but pleasant, finish. Definitely a very balanced and enjoyable wine. Not widely distributed.

Ice Wines
Warner Vineyards 2002 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine (12% ABV) - Southwest Michigan for a 375 ml.
Beautiful color with a pleasant aroma, hints of honey and apricot that leads to a candied burnt sugar goodness with a rich body and long finish. Enjoy this Warner Vineyards Ice Wine with a hot cup of coffee.

Black Star Farms 2002 A Capella Ice Wine (10% ABV) – Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan for a 375 ml.
Light golden color with sweet buttery aromas of vanilla. Nice body and flavors of peaches and vanilla. A long flavorful finish that lingers on. It’s not just a dessert wine, it can be dessert in itself.

Mon Ami 2004 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine (10.5% ABV) - Western Lake Erie, Ohio for a 375 ml.
A clear amber color, with a mild aroma of lemons and oranges. As soon as this sweet taste hits your tongue the flavor of the Vidal varietal comes out in a pleasingly tart way, and the flavor stays with you with an extraordinarily long finish.

Tabor Hill 2004 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine (12% ABV) - Southwest Michigan for a 375 ml.
Light golden color with that memorable Vidal aroma of sweet citrus. The intensity of this beautiful dessert wine hits you as soon as that firm drop of sweetness hits the tip of your tongue. Finishes velvety smooth.

Ice Wines
Cool Finds
Lemon Creek Winery 2003 Moon Shadow Ice Wine (10% ABV) – Southwest Michigan for a 375 ml.
An ice wine made primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, which is not something you see very often. However this one gets it done right. A pretty rose color with a pleasant aroma of pink saltwater taffy, a pleasing strawberry caramel taste with a soft finish. This is a delightful dessert wine

Ice Wines
Great Values
Klingshirn NV Delaware Lake Erie Iced Wine (10% ABV) – Central Lake Erie, Ohio – $18.99 for 375 ml.
Deep amber color that is clear, with a fruity orange citrus aroma. The flavor is reminiscent of tangerine lifesavers, with a sweet smooth finish. It’s rare to find an ice wine made out of the Delaware grape, but it certainly comes out beautifully here.

The Klingshirn “Iced Wine” is entitled differently due to a modified method of production. The traditional method of making ice wine is to pick the grapes after a frost, where they have frozen on the vine. Klinshirn freezes the grapes after they have been picked which maximizes production and makes this product a BEST VALUE.

Newly Released Wines from around the Great Lakes Region

86 – Tabor Hill 2004 Kerner (Riesling Hybrid) (12% ABV) – Southwest Michigan
Brilliantly clear color with a fruity aroma of pear and citrus. A nicely balanced wine full of fruit that finishes velvety smooth to very dry. This is a great varietal. The Kerner varietal originated as a cross between Trollinger and Riesling. The wines resemble a Riesling, in that they are racy, with a light varietal bouquet of their own and substantial body. The Kerner has a subtle nutmeg note that makes the bouquet especially interesting and enticing. High quality products such as this Tabor Hill Kerner have many pairing options, and is exceptionally good with fish, bright meat or spicy cheese. Visit www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant: Book Review - Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating

2005-11-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

This book is truly the food lover’s, especially gourmet food lover’s, Bible. It emphasizes what Wine Savant Magazine is all about!
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zingerman’s is a food emporium specializing in top-quality products using superior ingredients. Without a doubt it is one of the best delicatessens in the country. One of the store’s founding partners, Ari Weinzweig, (pronounced “R-E” “Wine – Za-Wig”) is also the author of Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating, a key to the pleasures of the best breads, cheeses, olive oil, chocolate, and more, complete with 130 recipes. Like his store (whose name is a fanciful evocation of old-world delis), Weinzweig is committed to the best. Why? “Ultimately, I could care less whether food is fancy,” he writes. “I just want it to taste good. The better food tastes,” he says, “the more zing [in your] daily routine.” A too modest claim for the pleasures of getting to know your food. For the Full Review: www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant: Markko Vineyards

2005-11-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

Located at the most northeasterly point in Ohio, Conneaut is home to Markko Vineyards & Winery. A long driveway leads you to one of the most unique wineries and winemakers. Twin shale stone pillars with the “Markko Vineyards” inscription guard the entrance and offer a welcome acknowledgement that you’re not lost and guides you to the winery.
Nestled amongst the trees in a heavily wooded area, Markko features a European style tasting room with a large table adjacent to a deck overlooking the scenic beauty of the woods. As you drive up, the famous “Markko dogs” will be the first to greet you. One thing is certain, that you’ll be playing with those dogs. Winemaker Arnie and wife Linda Esterer will lead you through a tasting of the Markko products. The more inquisitive will find both Arnie and Linda have a vast knowledge of wines and are happy to share that knowledge with you. Don’t forget to ask them about the dogs! www.winesavantmag.com

Wine Savant: Warner Vineyards - One of Paw Paw's Unique Treasurers

2005-11-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) info@winesavantmag.com

While visiting Paw Paw, Michigan recently, I was able to tour beautiful Warner Vineyards. I have to say this is one of the most charming wineries I have ever seen. From the moment you get out of your car and cross the creek via a covered bridge, the brick paving and natural ivy covering this historic building create uncomparable charm. The courtyard is lavishly landscaped, the floral scent intensely enticing and boasts an outdoor deck area set up with tables and chairs for wine enjoyment outside overlooking the creek.
As soon as you enter this winery, you are suddently transported into what appears to be an old European cellar with stuccoed walls and arched entry ways to tasting and dining areas. This environments exudes the perfect “Old World” ambiance for thorough wine enjoyment.
Recently, Kevin’s Tavern has opened an in-house eatery that serves excellent cuisine. I encourage visitors to Southwestern Michigan area take time to visit Warner Vineyards. You can’t miss the “Cask” tower that overlooks Paw Paw. The tasting room is spacious, the wines are excellent, the staff highly knowledgeable, and the convenient retail store insures you needn’t go home empty handed. www.winesavantmag.com

Taste the Riedel Difference

2005-11-06T09:39:00.001-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

You see it frequently in advertisements for a wine tasting, “Riedel Wine Tasting” or a similar phrase, which is advertising a wine tasting using various types of Riedel stemware hosted by a wine retailer or on occasion a sales representative of Riedel Crystal USA. However, it isn’t very often that the tasting is hosted personally by Maximilian J. Riedel, Chairman of Riedel USA. In his first such visit to Ohio, Maximilian presented the Riedel difference to nearly 100 attendees that left the event true believers in the difference that a glass makes.
There are few things in life that are timeless classics, and when we come across those, it is essential that we take the time to appreciate them. Be it a Picasso, fine vintage Bordeaux, a Mozart composition, or Riedel crystal. Like Mozart, Riedel Crystal For the entire story visit: www.winesavantmag.com

Maximilian Riedel - The Prince of Crystal

2005-11-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

by: John Ney - Wine Savant Magazine (Sept/Oct 2005 issue) john@winesavantmag.com

It was her 30th birthday and as they sat down in their favorite restaurant for that very special romantic meal that would become so memorable, his anticipation began to build. Ryan had been planning this for over a year; the night he would finally propose to the love of his life. He had coordinated everything with the restaurant, whereas the server would present to her the engagement ring on a covered plate under the pretense of an appetizer. The restaurant had already given Ryan a wine recommendation so that he could boldly and confidently impress his future bride with his selection of this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon.
As the server was pouring the wine, the anticipated moment had come with the arrival of a second server and the “covered plate”. As Christina lifted her glass with anticipation of this first taste, the server lifted the plate cover revealing the diamond clad engagement ring, and she shrieked loudly ………….. THIS GLASS, IT FEELS LIKE I’M DRINKING RIGHT OUT OF THE BOTTLE!
From the distance through a cloudy haze, like a night in shining armor came Maximilian Riedel armed with a pair of crystal wine glasses, “please, allow me” he said For the Riedel O glass and the whole story visit www.winesavantmag.com