Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Swirl Wine Club: August Wines

Yes, NY is on the Map!




Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc – 28.99
(The Hamptons, Long Island, NY)

“Yes, I’m drinking wine from the Hamptons”. Got a tissue? Decant and let it breate a bit… but not too long. This is a Cab Franc that just may make you weep… and your lips quiver. The color is dark… red brick, with hints of brown. The nose starts with vibrant blueberry, black berry jam, violets, cassis and white pepper perfectly framed with fine vanilla and hints of toasted oak. The mouth feel is elegant yet bold and full bodied with loads of ripe fruit balanced by wonderful soft-layered tannins. The finish is smooth, with notes of chocolate making you yearn for the next sip. Sorry, honey… I’m in love!


Anthony Road Semi-Dry Riesling – 18.99
(Finger Lakes, NY)





Amphictyonis would surely claim this wine as nectar from the gods. In short, this Riesling is lush, elegant, sweet, lovely in all ways, pleasing the palate in every way and leaving you saying… uhm, more please. Seriously, where in the world is Parker? … Onto some notes: Fresh peach and sweet citrus characters are prominent in the nose. Lemon zest, lime, tangerine and honeydew melon characters blend from the approach to mid-palate creating a lavish mouthfeel and tangy yet satisfying finish.


Wolffer Estate Merlot – 21.99
(The Hamptons, Long Island, NY)

“Am I drinking Merlot again?” Don’t call it a come back… it’s been here for years. Seriously? Bill Hamilton, where are you? Jesse, you are amazing. This Merlot in my humble opinion is not even ready to drink, but wow…. superb! This Merlot is narrowly focused with a very nice approach and mid palate yet somewhat undeveloped finish although showing good fruit and alcohol content with a persistent finish…. Can’t wait to see this again in one year and two years from now. This wine is good now but will really show well by 2012. The herbs, licorice, cassis, vanilla and chocolate lead way with a silky tannin structure that offers promise for me and perhaps ripeness and love for many others.




Anthony Road
Cabernet Franc / Lemberger – 19.99

(Finger Lakes, NY)

I’m willing to bet that practically no one in the Midwest has tried this blend before. The Lemberger (a.k.a. Blaufrankisch in Austria) helps creates a dark red color with aromas of raspberry and cherry. The mouth feel is lively with a decent weight to it, especially for a cool climate red. Spicy tones of cherry and vanilla linger on the finish. This is a wine you can play with it a bit. Try on it’s own and then with a bite to eat. The wine begs for a little steak, pasta or chocolate. Try it slightly chilled too this summer. I would recommend to decant or give it a good rest over night also. Three bottle reds - enjoy!