Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Winemaker Dinner: Andrew Schweiger of Schweiger Vineyards

 No Responses »
Jan 302011
 

Winemaker Andrew Schweiger and Chef J.D. Brown

Earlier this week we had the opportunity to join winemaker Andrew Schweiger of Schweiger Vineyards for a wonderful winemaker dinner at CRU Wine Bar – Park Meadows in Denver. The restaurant was closed for the event which was attended by at least fifty people. I doubt anyone went home disappointed in the wine, Andrew’s presentation or the food. The menu was very well thought out and showcased the wines beautifully. More on that later… Continue reading »

Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir

 Comments Off on Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir
Jan 242011
 
2007 Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA, $29 (S) — Rating 90

A big Pinot Noir that needs some time to open up. Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir will reward your patience with a vividly burgundy colored wine, rich flavors of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit. We particularly enjoyed the hint of smokiness that added to the wine’s complexity. A big Pinot to pair with big flavors.

Ceja Chardonnay

 Comments Off on Ceja Chardonnay
Jan 242011
 
2008 Ceja Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Carneros, CA, $34 (S) — Rating 92

Another lovely wine by Ceja Vineyards. The Carneros fruit offers great body and structure. 100% barrel fermented and  sur lie aged (no malolactic fermentation) for 11 months, this Chardonnay has a full bodied richness, balance and creaminess that is food friendly but still satisfying to the palate when enjoyed by itself.

Ceja Vino de Casa (Red Wine)

 Comments Off on Ceja Vino de Casa (Red Wine)
Jan 242011
 
2007 Napa Valley, CA $20 (S) Rating 90

This extremely versatile food friendly blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet is one of the better “House Wines” we’ve tasted. The nose is a pleasant blend of dark cherries, cocoa and spice. The dark red fruit flavors and minerality  are well integrated with subtle tannins. The Pinot Noir adds to a very satisfying finish. Ceja Vineyards call this their breakfast, lunch and dinner wine. I’ll have a glass with Ranchero Eggs and smoked bacon, please.

“Elvis Died For Your Sins”

 1 Response »
Jan 232011
 
A Conversation with Red Zeppelin Winery owner and winemaker Stillman Brown.

Recently, we had the opportunity to sample a delicious Paso Robles Cabernet (Red Zeppelin) and powerful Monterey Petite Sirah (Black Zeppelin) from Red Zeppelin Winery. We also were able to chat with owner, winemaker and self professed “party animal” Stillman Brown.

Red Zeppelin Winery (yes, the name is a play on the classic rock band) on the Central Coast was started in 2003 as an offshoot of Jory Winery which Stillman co-founded nearly ten years earlier. Stillman, a reformed political science major at Cal, has no formal viticulture education. However,  early into our conversation it was apparent his wine making knowledge is vast and leans towards the scientific. That said, Stillman is a very funny, eclectic and sometimes absurd force of personality. His trademark salutation “Elvis died for your sins,” is a line only a man who goes by the nickname Swilly Idle (he somewhat resembles Billy Idol) could pull off with a straight face. Continue reading »

Page 148 of 171« First...102030...146147148149150...160170...Last »