Style Crave » Wine

Wine Wednesday: 2007 Tamellini Soave Reviewed

Mike Payne — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:30:24 +0000

Planning on fish or pasta this weekend? A good Soave will do you right, but if you want a great one– try the 2007 Tamellini Soave, as sent from the Wine of the Month Club. Personally, I had never tried a Soave before, and this cool crisp white was a pleasant surprise. Tamellini Soave pours a pale golden yellow with light, honey/almond scents spicing up the citrus aroma. The flavor starts crisp with the same sense of citrus, ending bright and strong. If you need a meal suggestion for the weekend, make yourselves a shrimp pasta and pair it with a bottle of this. You’ll thank us!

Tamellini Soave 2007
Soave White; 12% ABV
$25
StyleCrave Rating: B+

Wine Wednesday: Il Cuore Rosso Classico 2007

Mike Payne — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:00:10 +0000

It has been a while since we’ve sat down to review a nice, friendly red, and the Il Cuore Rosso Classico 2007 from WineMonthClub.com was just the ticket. The name “Il Cuore” translates from Italian to “The Heart” in English, as represented by the collage-style illustrated label. The wine itself is a warm blend of syrah, zinfandel, carignane, sangiovese and a hint of merlot– making for a medium-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry and chocolate with tannin and spice. Produced in California’s North Coast, this Rosso Classico is a decent, inexpensive buy to enjoy on it’s own or share with a hearty Italian meal. Il Cuore’s Rosso Classico can be found at many wine outlets, or re-ordered from the Wine of the Month Club if you’re a member (and you should be!).

Il Cuore Rosso Classico 2007
Blended Red; 14.1 ABV
$12
StyleCrave Rating: B-

Wine Wednesday: Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay 2007 Reviewed

Mike Payne — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:53:59 +0000

Our friends at the International Wine of the Month Club sent us a shipment of wine this month for tasting, including the 2007 vintage of the Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay. Wine Spectator gave this one a rating of 91 and a friendly review, so we were rather keen on tasting after it arrived. To the nose, Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay had strong aromas of mandarin and pear, a fruit sensibility that wasn’t lost on the flavor. A sip provided rich flavors similar to its scent with a light, creamy-yet-crisp body. It’s a perfect summertime wine, well paired with seafood of any sort. It’s a shame our friends from WineMonthClub.com didn’t send two, but we plan on tracking this one down at our local reseller ASAP.

Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay | Casablanca Valley 2007
Chardonnay; 14.1 ABV
$20 – $25
StyleCrave Rating: A-

Wine Wednesday: Angove Nine Vines Shiraz Blend

Mike Payne — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:30:07 +0000

Angove Nine Vines Shiraz Review – We were pleasantly surprised last week when our first package arrived from the International Wine of the Month Club, including two bottles we had never before tasted. The first bottle we popped was the2007 vintage of the Angove Family Winemakers’ Nine Vines Shiraz blend, which is 94% shiraz, 6% viognier. This smooth, deep red carried subtle spices and soft citrus to the tongue with a medium-bodied finish. Since summer is certainly grilling time, we suggest pairing this with some slow-cooked red meat– be that beef or ribs, Angove’s Shiraz will complement it nicely.

Angove Family Winemakers 2007 Nine Vines Shiraz Blend
Shiraz; 14.5 abv
$12-$14
StyleCrave Rating: B

Cycles Gladiator Wine: In Vogue Thanks To Nude Label Banning?

Mike Payne — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:30:13 +0000

Cycles Gladiator Wine is officially banned in the state of Alabama for the nude woman on it’s label. The bust and booty on the beauty above, illustrated with taste, is apparently too much for the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Fortunately, this has become a boon for Cycles Gladiator Wine– as the resulting press flurry has given their wine one hell of a buzz.

Cycles Gladiator Wine is crafted in celebration of both wine and cycling, the two greatest things to do on a visit to Napa Valley. The company’s Monterey County winery produces a range of wines including it’s popular 2005 vintage Cabernet Savignon. These wines typically start around $12.95 a bottle and are available at most large wine and spirit outlets. The company has sold 600,000 cases in all 50 states and another 20 countries, and it appears that the state of Alabama is the first to object to this label. [cyclesgladiator]

Wine Wednesday: Hayman & Hill Chardonnay 2005

Mike Payne — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:30:58 +0000

When it comes to California Chardonnays, it’s tough to beat the product of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. However, getting a solid Russian River Chardonnay under $20 isn’t an easy task. The Chardonnay of Hayman & Hill is one of the few to be had under $20 that’ll please the palette of amateur and afficionado alike. To the nose, Hayman & Hill Chardonnay has aromas of pear and pineapple which were apparent in its flavor as well. Beyond the fruit base, this chardonnay has subtle flavorings of butter and oak, with the latter not overpowering the warm fruit flavors. In all, we were quite pleased with this Chard, and for the price it is likely we’ll be picking up another bottle quite soon.

Hayman & Hill 2005 Russian River Valley Private Selection
Chardonnay; 13.5 abv
$11-$14
StyleCrave Rating: B

Check out more of StyleCrave’s weekly wine reviews for more wine suggestions!

Wine Wednesday: Four Vines Naked 2007 Chardonnay

Michael McCleary — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:45:46 +0000

It’s spring time and love is in the air… time to get naked! Naked Chardonnay that is. This 100% Chardonnay out of Santa Barbara is fermented in stainless steel, not a touch of oak even near it. If fresh and crisp are things you treasure in a chilled white wine this will satisfy your every need. This is no ordinary Chardonnay, peach, pear, even banana come out in the nose. Nice citrus notes follow along with the sharp acidity. The flavor does not disappoint though. Pear, apple, and peach are prevalent with a surprisingly long finish. No oak, no butter, just clean and crisp. Oh yeah, and if you need a nice conversation starter at your next gathering, check out the label. See if you can’t find the dancers in the vines… This is a delightful retreat from the usual “Chard”, bright, refreshing, an easy drink with a great personality. So go on, get naked and enjoy yourself!

Four Vines Santa Barbara County 2007
“Naked” Chardonnay, 13.9 abv
$10-15

Check out more wine reviews from StyleCrave.com

Neil Ashmead GTS Shiraz – Wine for Car Lovers

Alex Ion — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:59 +0000

Wine fanatics are going to want to start their engines… Designed by the Australians at Fuller, Elderton’s Neil Ashmead GTS Shiraz is a wine meant both for the wine connoisseur and the car enthusiast. Complete with go-fast stripes, shark gills and topped with a 6-speed gear stick, the bottle pays homage to Neil Ashmead, a lusty South Australian wine man with a passion for fast cars. And although the intoxicating fluid may not have the crisp gasoline aroma you’d expected, it’s supposedly soft and supple for the palate. [via Jalopnik]

Wine Wednesday: Plungerhead 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Reviewed

Michael McCleary — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:30:58 +0000

First impressions are huge. The first thing that will strike you about Plungerhead is it’s namesake, the spiral-top “cork”. Don’t fret. It offers just as good a seal as traditional corks (maybe better, it is a little hard to open). This wine is Big. Not for the timid wine drinker. The deep garnet coloring foreshadows the tone of this wine. The nose gives you Oak with a touch of vanilla and spice. Oak and Tannin are predominant on your palette and the touch of blueberry gives this over-powering but a nice finish, that carries. This wine is in one word: Potent. High alcohol content IS prevalent in both the scent and flavor. All in all this wine is young and will benefit from a little “down time” in the rack. For now Plungerhead is a little tight but there is great Old Vine character lurking in the near future… [don and sons winery]

Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley 2007
Old Vine Zinfandel 14.9% abv
$13-20

Check out more wine reviews from StyleCrave.com

Wine Wednesdays: Coltibuono Cancelli 2006 Reviewed

Michael McCleary — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:00:23 +0000

Summertime. The Coltibuono Cancelli 2006 is a very nice summer red geared towards everyday consumption. The Sangiovese and Syrah play nicely together. Straight forward, young, fruity wine with a decent structure and slight minerality. The nose has the slightest touch of vanilla and smacks of the berries you will taste as soon as it passes your lips. Dressed to impress. The bold red and black labeling is no nonsense. Hip enough to catch the eye and yet it’s classical styling is well presented at a dinner party.

Coltibuono Cancelli Toscana IGT 2006
70/30 Sangiovese/Syrah Blend 12.5% abv
$10-15 / bottle

Complex enough for true wine drinkers to enjoy, with the easy drink-ability that weekend warriors love. Perfect for that weekend grill-out… [cultibuono winery]

10 Bottles Of Wine You Can’t Afford To Uncork

Joe Wertz — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:20:04 +0000

No liquid beyond water is more storied than wine. It’s the subject of literature and art, legend and myth. Good batches are part science: climate, grape genetics, yeast growth, water impurities and otherwise. The best wines are an almost indefinable art, an essence, feeling or quality that many try to bottle, but few ever uncork. To celebrate those wines that have become legendary to collectors around the world, here are the 10 most expensive bottles of wine in the world.

10. $24,675 – 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Citing its dark, deep and “vibrant” flavors, Wine Spectator in 2001 lauded Inglenook’s 1941 cabernet sauvignon, a batch considered by many the best ever produced in Napa Valley.

9. $20,145 – 1934 DRC Romanée Conti

A burgundy with “sensational” aromatics, tasters have been overwhelmed by this wine’s bouquet. Wisps of menthol blend with the scent of “sexy sausage” and the wine’s reportedly perfect pinot texture.

8. $23,929 – 1978 Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée Conti

Among the most expensive bottles of wine ever sold in America, a seven-bottle lot of 1978 Montrachet Domaine was bought at auction for $167,500 — $23,929 per bottle. The chardonnay is bright and lively and said to taste of honey and grilled almonds.

7. $33,781 – 1947 Cheval Blanc

A wine so legendary it’s name has become a subtle joke so pervasive it was uttered by the animated mouse in “Ratatouille,” the 1947 Cheval Blanc is considered a “happy accident of nature,” and is likely the most celebrated wine in the 20th century. The wine has a notoriously thick consistency, smells of leather, coffee and chocolate and tastes of sweet fruit.

6. $38,000 – 1951 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

Only 160 cases of the 1951 Grange were produced by famed Australian winemaker Max Schubert, who wanted to make a red to rival those he observed while studying in Bordeaux. The wine experiment was corked in whatever bottle Schubert could find, simply labeled and is now one of the most prized Australian wines.

5. $43,500 – 1775 Sherry from Massandra Collection

Bottled in the Crimea and prized by Russian Czars, the oldest Western European sherry was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2001. The most rare bottles of the sherry bear an imperial seal.

4. $80,000 – 1992 Screaming Eagle

Purple-colored at the rim, the 1992 Screaming Eagle is one of Napa Valley’s most buzzed-about wines. The cabernet is intense, rich and creamy with elegant fruity flavors that linger in the mouth.

3. $114,614 – 1945 Château Mouton-Rothschild

Hailed as a “true miracle” in winemaking, the 1945 Mouton-Rothschild was harvested in ideal climate conditions and perfectly bottled a deep, blackcurrant flavor that’s astoundingly concentrated. An anonymous buyer snatched up a Jeroboam for 114,614 at a Christie’s auction in 1997.

2. $160,000 – Chateau Lafite 1787

The 1787 Chateau Lafite isn’t prized for its flavor. In fact, it’s not even drinkable. But a bottle of the vinegar nevertheless fetched $160,000 in a London auction because of the initials etched into the glass. Th.J. Its rumored owner, once president Thomas Jefferson, is said to have bought the bottle overseas while serving as ambassador to France.

1. $275,000 – Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Champagne

Cases of the bubbly were bound for Czar Nicholas II of Russia, but were lost in 1917 after a German submarine in torpedoed its transport during WWI. In 1998. 2,000 bottles were salvaged from the bottom of the Gulf of Finland and now sell for more than a quarter million dollars.

So what do you think, StyleCravers, Diggers, Stumblers… Would you pay that kind of money for a bottle of wine if you could afford it? What kind of special occassion would it take for you to pop the cork in one of these babies? If you do already own one, would you mind pouring us a glass? Let us know your opinions in the comments. It’s why we write these in the first place! Thanks again for reading.

Wine Wednesday: Absinthe Tastings and Your Wine Deals

Mike Payne — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:30:37 +0000

What do you know about Absinthe? You may be familiar with the popular misconceptions about Absinthe, its checkered history and its legality today in the United States. Gary V of Wine Library TV sat down with the editor of the Wormwood Society to discuss Absinthe, taste a few of their favorite brands and get to know this famous liquor even better. Enjoy the video, and when you’re done– hit the jump for today’s deals on WineLibrary‘s sale wines (plus the Stylecrave coupon code!).

Red Wines on Sale Today:
- Pieve Del Vescovo Lucciaio 2003 for $17.98 (down from $34.99)
- Chateau Haut Brisson La Reserve 2006 for $49.99 (down from $79.99)
- Geografico Morellino Di Scansano Preselle 2006 for $9.98 (down from $14.99)
White Wines on Sale Today:
- Sharpshooter Chardonnay Russian River 2006 for $13.99 (down from $19.99)
- Beau Joubert Chardonnay 2007 for $8.99 (down from $14.99)
- Correaux St. Veran Vieilles Vignes 2006 for $13.98 (down from $19.99)
Sparkling Wines on Sale Today:
- Domaine De Laure Rose 2007 for $6.98 (down from 11.99)
- Cantalupo Il Mimo Rosato Di Nebbiolo 2007 for $11.98 (down from $14.99)
- Domaine Sautereau Sancerre Rose 2007 for $18.99 (down from $22.99)

Style Crave » Wine

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Wine Wednesday: Plungerhead 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Reviewed

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10 Bottles Of Wine You Can’t Afford To Uncork

10. $24,675 – 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

9. $20,145 – 1934 DRC Romanée Conti

8. $23,929 – 1978 Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée Conti

7. $33,781 – 1947 Cheval Blanc

6. $38,000 – 1951 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

5. $43,500 – 1775 Sherry from Massandra Collection

4. $80,000 – 1992 Screaming Eagle

3. $114,614 – 1945 Château Mouton-Rothschild

2. $160,000 – Chateau Lafite 1787

1. $275,000 – Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Champagne

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Wine Wednesday: Absinthe Tastings and Your Wine Deals

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