Showing posts with label lodi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lodi. Show all posts

First image of this post
  • Date publishedThursday, January 11, 2024

Four Vines Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 (Lodi) - Wine Review



red wine review is a delicious Old Vines Zinfandel from Lodi that arrived at the LCBO last summer as part of the "American Idyll" theme in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, with a few bottles at select LCBO outlets still available for purchase today.

It is produced by Four Vines, a highly-regarded California Zinfandel and Chardonnay wine producer that was originally established in 1994 by Christian Tietje. Four Vines grew out of, as Christian called it, a garage and surf shack, to eventually produce 120,000 cases as its wines became popular. In 2010, Four Vines was acquired by a company now known as Purple Brands.

Four Vines was founded on California's Central Coast, a vast and rugged landscape that stretches from Santa Barbara and north to Monterey Bay. It is a wild country with a gorgeous coastline and few towns, and is thus wide open with fertile farming soil and abundant ranch land. This area also attracted more than just farmers and cowboys, it attracted artists, rebels, seekers, and bon vivants from the Bay Area and Los Angeles, and the confluence of their unique personalities put a stamp on the burgeoning wine region. Today, rule-breaking and non-conformity are celebrated values, with Four Vines honouring the anti-establishment views of the Central Coast's eccentric personalities. Four Vines makes interesting wine for interesting people.

This red wine is crafted with fruit from their own vineyards in California's Lodi wine region, which is part of the larger Central Valley and situated directly east of San Francisco Bay between the cities of Sacramento and Stockton. It is made using 90% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, and 1% Rubired, from vineyards that are 30 to 50 years old. These old, head-trained vines yield only a few grape clusters, and produce small, intensely flavoured berries. The grapes were harvested during the cool night and early morning hours to retain freshness, then delivered immediately to the winery and gently crushed and destemmed. It was fermented in tanks for 10 to 14 days on its skins, then gently racked into a combination of French, Hungarian, and American oak, 25% new, for 10 months of ageing.

The 2019 growing season for Zinfandel in California was excellent as it was a warm year that produced supple, juicy, fruit-filled wines for short-term drinking. Let's see how this 2019 Zinfandel from California is tasting tonight...

Four Vines Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

FOUR VINES OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2019 - Lodi, California, USA (#17157) (D) - $19.95
This blend of 90% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, and 1% Rubired has a fragrant, lifted nose of medium-high intensity that offers wild berry, brambly, black cherry, and blackberry aromas with a touch of jamminess and joined by hints of leafy green herbs, pepper, and sweet oak spices. It's medium-full bodied on the palate, with some ripe fruited sweetness that is tempered by very good acidity. It has delicious wild berry, brambly, black cherry, blackberry aroma replays joined by savoury, smoky oak, and mineral flavours. It has smooth, fine-grained tannins that are well-integrated, while black cherry vanilla, smoky oak, and mineral notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Surprisingly good and a recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Four Vines can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.


First image of this post
  • Date publishedFriday, November 3, 2023

Michael David Freakshow Red 2020 (Lodi) - Wine Review

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of tasting the 2018 Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon, while red wine review is another wine from the Freakshow lineup that arrived at the LCBO earlier this summer in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Michael David Winery, a well-known and respected family-run winery that was founded by brothers Michael and David Phillips. The Phillips brothers come from a family that has long and deep roots in Lodi as the family has been farming the lands in the region since the 1860s and winegrowing since the early 20th century. Lodi is located east of San Francisco Bay and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Today, the brothers are joined by Michael's son and daughter, Kevin and Melissa, as the 6th generation of the family to farm the lands of Lodi. Together, with a family legacy focused on sustainability, they have a drive to leave the land in a better condition for future generations. Although the wines by Michael David can be unconventional, all of the grapes are grown responsibly and in a sustainable manner - environmental, social, and economic - according to appellation rules, of which there are more than 100 standards that account for all aspects of making quality wine.

With a few ranges of wines in the Michael David Winery portfolio, including some that are packaged in cans, there is something for everyone. Michael David wines are known for their bold, rich, and ripe fruit flavours. The brothers are known for their quirky personalities, while their distinctive and eye-catching wine labels are known for standing apart from the crowd.

Building off the wild success of Freakshow Cab - the first wine in the Freakshow lineup - Michael and David searched near and far to find the next main attraction. As they were known for taking the road less travelled, they decided that the undeniable brut of Lodi Syrah was the ticket for this offering. The Freakshow Red is a mash-up of man meets wild - Syrah's untamed and mysterious allure is refined and polished with the addition of Petite Sirah. The 202 vintage of this red wine is composed of 54% Syrah, 42% Petite Sirah, and 4% Souzao. It was aged for 12 months in 88% French oak (13% new) and 12% American oak (49% new). As I prepare my eyes and taste buds for a Freak like no other, let's see how this red wine from Lodi is tasting tonight...

Michael David Freakshow Red 2020 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

MICHAEL DAVID FREAKSHOW RED 2020 - Lodi, California, USA (#633545) (D) - $28.95
Crafted with 54% Syrah, 42% Petite Sirah, and 4% Souzao, this has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is ripe and dark fruited with black plum, blackberry jam, and black raspberry aromas plus gentle oak spice and sweet vanillin notes. It's medium-full bodied with very ripe, sweet dark fruit, blackberry jam, black plum, and grapey flavours accented with black pepper spice, gentle oak, and touches of savoury earth. Fresh acidity tempers the slightly sweet flavour profile, while the broad, creamy tannins are smooth and refined. The dark berry and jammy flavours continue through to the long, gently woody finish. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Michael David can be found not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.


First image of this post
  • Date publishedTuesday, December 28, 2021

Six-pack of LCBO General List Wines (Dec. 2021)

To wrap up the last batch of LCBO General List wines I received a few months ago, wine reviews are six wines that are readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario, with a couple that are on promotion right now.

Six-pack of LCBO General List Wines (Dec. 2021)

While all of these wines in this post are represented by Dionysus Wines & Spirits (and Churchill Cellars), the Mare di Sirena and Popcorn Chardonnay are actually brands owned by Alex Patinios and made under his business Garage Wine Company. Alex is also President of the Ontario wine agencies Dionysus and Churchill Cellars.

The story of Popcorn Chardonnay (not to be confused with the California wine of the same name) began in early 2020 when some Ontario wineries realized that they had a surplus of Chardonnay in tank and barrel due to the pandemic. The ever opportunistic and entrepreneurial Alex purchased the wine and sent it to Niagara's Strewn Winery. He worked with Strewn's winemaker Marc Bradshaw to have it blended and finished to the desired taste profile, and bottled as Popcorn Chardonnay. The catchy label features a silhouette of a bag of popcorn and a single popped kernel in the center, just above the name.

It's possible that the 2019 Popcorn Chardonnay is sold out across the province as I have seen the 2020 vintage on LCBO shelves now. However, you should know that with the 2020 vintage, Alex purchased fruit specifically for this wine and Marc applied small-batch winemaking techniques such as sur lie, blending, and barrel fermentation with three different types of barrels. There may be vintage variation, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is sure to be delicious.

Let's see how these wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

POPCORN CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20264) (D) - $15.95
Screw cap. This Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels and has a subtle nose offering suggestions of ripe orchard fruit, peach, lemon curd, poached apple, tropical fruit, and honeyed aromas. There's good weight on the creamy, medium-bodied palate with ripe apple, buttery, lemon curd, sweet vanillin, and a touch of honey adding a kiss of sweetness to the flavour profile. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while some smoky, leesy, and saline notes add interest to the lingering dry finish, with very good length. Highly delicious! Score: 88 pts

Popcorn Chardonnay 2019 (88 pts)Mare di Sirena Pinot Grigio 2020 (87 pts)

MARE DI SIRENA PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - IGT Italy (#20054) (XD) - $8.90
Screw cap. Translates to Sea of the Mermaid, the myth is that the mermaids in the seas surrounding Italy blow cool air over vineyards during summer to enhance ripening of the grapes, and warm air during the winter to protect the vines from frost. The majority of this Pinot Grigio is from Central Italy at 350-600 metres above sea level and has aromas of fresh lemon citrus, pear, and white peach with herbal hints. On the mid-weighted palate it has lemon citrus, mandarin orange, and peach flavours supported by zesty, well-balanced acidity. Clean, dry and flavourful on the zesty, citrusy finish, with some leesy minerals adding interest. Very good length on the finish. Will surely please! Score: 87 pts

STREWN NURTURE WHITE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20261) (D) - $14.95
Screw cap. This off-dry blend of 32% Riesling, 28% Gewurztraminer, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Pinot Gris, 9% Chardonnay Musque, and 1% Muscat has a fragrant nose offering attractive honeyed aromas of orange citrus, lemon, honeysuckle, and wild flower. The palate is just off-dry (i.e. lightly sweet) with delicious white flower, beeswax, orange citrus, lychee, and ripe apple flavours in a nicely textured profile. With balanced acidity, it leads to a floral, leesy, juicy, and dry-ish finish, with good length. Delicious! Score: 87 pts

Strewn Nurture White 2019 (87 pts)Bread & Butter Chardonnay 2019 (87 pts)

BREAD & BUTTER CHARDONNAY 2019 - California, USA (#19261) (D) - $18.95 $16.95 until Jan. 2
Crafted by award-winning veteran winemaker Linda Trotta in an honest, good, delicious, and uncomplicated style. Classic, traditional California Chardonnay with sweet vanillin oak, caramel, butter, ripe apple and pear aromas waft out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied and creamy on the sweetish palate with more vanillin oak, caramel, wood spice, and butter flavours with underlying apple and pear fruit notes. Slightly spicy on the mid-palate, with juicy acidity, while the vanilla, caramel, and butter notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Fans of Cali Chardonnay will like this. Score: 87 pts

STEL+MAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Lodi, California, USA (#20808) (D) - $17.95
Two friends (who grew up in Canada) and their families came together to create STEL+MAR. They make unpretentious and approachable wines that let the terroir speak for itself. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium+ intensity nose that offers ripe dark berry fruit, black currant, sweet cinnamon spice, and cassis aromas with savoury earthy undertones. On the medium-full bodied palate it is slightly sweet with ripe cassis, blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, cocoa, and oak spice flavours. Crafted in a very approachable style, it has well-balanced acidity and supple, structured tannins. Intriguing cassis and minty notes linger on the long, dry finish. Delicious! Score: 88+ pts

Stel+Mar Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (88+ pts)Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Pinot Noir 2019 (86 pts)

SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF FLOWERS PINOT NOIR 2019 - Monterey, California, USA (#18946) (XD) - $17.95 $8.30
Sunny Wines are sustainably crafted for healthy lifestyle wine lovers with zero sugar, low calories, and low alcohol (9% abv). Screw cap. Earthy beetroot aromas with a hint of toasted oak mingle with ripe black cherry, black raspberry, and strawberry aromas. There's also a hint of tea leaf. The light-to-mid-weighted palate is dry with light, supple tannins that are slightly textured. Flavours of beetroot, earth, and tea leaf with fruity notes of black cherry and raspberry on the palate, turning quite bitter on the finish, with good length. Score: 86 pts


First image of this post
  • Date publishedSaturday, March 6, 2021

Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (California) - Wine Review

wine review is a delicious California Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lodi Appellation. The Freakshow is a frequent visitor to the LCBO and the latest vintage arrived in Ontario today as part of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Michael David Winery, a family-run producer that has long and deep roots in Lodi - a wine region that sits east of San Francisco Bay and the west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Founded by brothers Michael and David Phillips, they are the 5th generation of the Phillips family that have been farming the soils of Lodi since the 1860's and winegrowing since the early 20th century. Michael's son, Kevin, and daughter, Melissa, are now the 6th generation of the family to join the team.

With a drive to leave the land in a better condition for future generations, it is a family legacy to focus on sustainability. Although Michael David wines can be unconventional, they are all responsibly grown in a sustainable manner - environmental, social, and economic - according to appellation rules, of which there are more than 100 standards that account for all aspects to making quality wine.

There are a few ranges of wines in the Michael David portfolio, including some that are packaged in cans. Thus, there is something for everyone. Michael and David are also known for their quirky personalities, while their wines are known for standing apart from the crowd, as the label of this wine illustrates. This particular red wine is from their Freakshow range, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from "Super Freak" himself, Michael Phillips' own Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

MICHAEL DAVID FREAKSHOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Lodi, California, USA (#405175) (D) - $29.95
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah that was raised in French oak (40% new), it has an inviting and somewhat exotic medium+ intensity aromas of Bing cherry, red berry, cinnamon, strawberry preserve, baking spice, and touches of milk chocolate wafting out of the glass. On the nicely balanced, full-bodied palate it has flavours of ripe cassis, cherry, red berry, clove, and baking spice notes that are supported by smooth, refined tannins and juicy acidity. Closes with savoury, earthy, clove spice, and chocolate notes on the juicy finish, with very good length. Freakishly delicious! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines from Michael David Winery can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.


First image of this post
  • Date publishedTuesday, July 17, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release July 21, 2018: BBQ Wines + Lodi

LCBO Wine Picks: July 21, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on BBQ wines as its main theme, while the mini-theme highlights wines from Lodi, California. All of these wines, plus other goodies throughout the Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming .

We'll begin with the main theme that highlights 18 wines for pairing with grilled items off the BBQ, of which 4 are included among my top wine picks. Red wines include a Carménère from Chile, while the Douro red is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. For pairing with finely herbed chicken off the BBQ there is a Bandol Rosé that consists of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault, while the Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is also suitable.

None of the 8 Lodi wines made my list of wine picks, so I'll just skip over that section.

Emiliana Coyam 2014 (91 pts)Pierre Amadieu Les Hautes Rives Cairanne 2015 (89 pts)

Among red wine recommendations from the rest of the Release, the lovely Rhône red from the excellent 2015 vintage is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah, while the Crianza is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha Tinta/Mazuelo. The blend in the organic Emiliana Coyam is led by Syrah and Carménère. Lastly, the Bordeaux blend consists of 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.

Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2016 (88 pts)Mont Gravet Colombard 2017 (87 pts)

From my white wine picks, the Muscadet is made with Melon de Bourgogne, while the wine from Southwest, France, is made using Colombard, a varietal we don't see too often here in Ontario. The Pouilly-Fumé from Loire is made with Sauvignon Blanc. For sweet wine lovers, look for the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Gewürztraminer from Alsace, or the sweeter Riesling from Ontario.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • CUNE CRIANZA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#039925) (XD) - $16.95
  • APALTAGUA ENVERO GRAN RESERVA CARMÉNÈRE 2015 - DO Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#481010) (XD) - $18.95
  • PORCA DE MURÇA RESERVA TINTO 2014 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#684753) (XD) - $18.95
  • ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#606764) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
  • PIERRE AMADIEU LES HAUTES RIVES CAIRANNE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#539890) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ERNIE ELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#278358) (XD) - $24.95
  • MOILLARD CUVÉE PRESTIGE RULLY 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#556407) (XD) - $28.95
  • EMILIANA COYAM 2014 - Los Robles Estate, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#063891) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  • DENIS PÈRE ET FILS PERNAND-VERGELESSES 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#559906) (XD) - $44.95  FE
  • CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY-LALANDE 2012 - AC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France (#553008) (XD) - $57.95  FE
Arboleda Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (88 pts)

White Wine:

  • LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
  • MONT GRAVET COLOMBARD 2017 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#521930) (XD) - $15.95  87 pts  wine review
  • WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.95
  • HUNAWIHR KUHLMANN-PLATZ VIEILLES VIGNES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#169474) (D) - $19.95
  • RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#388421) (XD) - $23.95
  • GÉNETIN POUILLY-FUMÉ 2015 - AP, Loire, France (#653154) (XD) - $28.95
  • LA CHABLISIENNE MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#265090) (XD) - $34.95
Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (89 pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • KIR-YIANNI AKAKIES XINOMAVRO ROSÉ 2017 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#071050) (XD) $12.95  87 pts  wine review
  • CARTE NOIRE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#319384) (XD) - $18.95
  • HECHT & BANNIER BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Provence, France (#450767) (XD) - $27.95
  • CHÂTEAU LÉOUBE ROSÉ DE LÉOUBE 2017 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#491100) (XD) - $28.95
Kir-Yianni Akakies Xinomavro Rosé 2017 (87 pts)


First image of this post
  • Date publishedThursday, April 11, 2013

Diamond Estates + 7 Deadly Zins Wine Tasting

I hosted a small wine tasting. Invited were a few of our neighbours to taste some media samples of local Ontario wines from Diamond Estates Winery, and a red Lodi Zinfandel from Michael David Winery out in California.

Paired with these wines were some blueberries, watermelon, the L'Extra Brie, and the Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar. This cheddar from PEI has become one of my favourite cheeses - our guests enjoyed it too!

Wine and cheese tasting

LAKEVIEW "GMR" SPARKLING RESERVE 2008 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (XD) - $24.95
The letters "GMR" come from the winemaking team of Thomas Green, Scott McGregor & Jason Roller. This sparkling wine was hand-harvested and made from 50.4% Chardonnay and 49.6% Pinot Noir. Medium intensity aromas of apple, pear and yeastiness. Extra dry with apple and pear on the palate, plus some lemon and toast. Mouthfeel is slightly chalky. Fine stream of bubbles and a finish that is medium-long. Pairs well with mild-flavoured cheeses. Only available through the winery. Score: 88 pts

20 BEES PINOT GRIGIO 2011 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#060707) (D) - $11.95
Screw cap. Honeysuckle, orange and tropical aromas from this white wine. Light-bodied with lots of floral and tropical fruits on palate, and hints of honey. Low acidity and finish is medium-length. Refreshing palate cleanser, good as an apertif. Even though classified as extra dry, this is an off-dry P.G. Score: 86 pts

EASTDELL GAMAY NOIR 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#214890) (XD) - $12.95
Screw cap. Red berry and cherry, oak and pungent smoke aromas from the glass. Light-bodied and fruit-forward with red fruits, cherry, raspberry, and red currant flavours on the palate. Medium levels of acidity. Tannins are integrating nicely, will reward in 1-2 years. Score: 86 pts

3 wines from Diamond Estates Winery

7 DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2010 - Lodi, California, USA (#059311) (D) - $24.95
The 2010 was just released in Vintages and is part of the Essentials collection. Mostly Zinfandel and blended with Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. Medium-intensity crushed black fruit and sweet red fruit aromas with cedar undertones. Medium-bodied and very fruit-forward with red fruits, red berries and black cherry on the palate. Medium acidity and integrated tannins. Crowd-pleaser and a good introduction to new red wine drinkers. This was favourite of the evening. Score: 88 pts

Label photo of 2010 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel


Blog Archive

Posts by Tag

Recent Posts

Recent Posts Widget

Lists

OnToplist.com
Blogarama - Drinks & Beverages Blogs
RSSChomp Blog Directory