Wine on Wednesday

Lab Red {Lisboa, Portugal}

2011-10-31T22:34:00.010-04:00

Casa Santos Lima Lab Vinho Regional Lisboa

Decanter.com rating {87pts}:
Uplifting attractive aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis and plums
with nuances of spice. Good complexity and structure.

a new favorite

The price is right {$6.99} at
Canalside Liquor ~ 65 N Main St ~ Brockport, NY

2011-09-21T17:17:00.001-04:00

We recently mixed
Chocolate Lab wine with Blackberry Merlot wine
for a surprisingly delicious treat.

We are generally dry red wine drinkers but
this mixture was full of flavor and full bodied.
I wouldn't drink it with a meal but it was perfect
with hors d'oeuvres
on an autumn evening
with our friends
in their new garden house.

left bank [south africa]

2011-03-13T08:26:00.005-04:00

One of our new favorite wines is
Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa
bonus: sells for about $10

Do you ever wonder who writes these descriptions?
long brooding palate
an uplifted intensity
mineral gravely texture
powdery tannins
balanced explosion of cherry

winemaker's notes:
A full-bodied red wine with purple-red hues and good depth of color. Concentrated red berry fruits of dark cherries, plums and spicy fruit cake layers provide an uplifted intensity. The nose is clean and pure with layers of rich dense fruits. Oak provides a caramel/mocha complexity. The long brooding palate has an abundance of soft, round, juicy red berry fruits. The vibrant, sweet palate has aniseed spice and black pepper complexity with mineral gravely texture providing some dryness. Fine, soft, powdery tannins add structural focus and length.

critical acclaim:"This full-bodied red from Neil Ellis starts with aromas of cherry, coffee and plum, leading into a fruity but balanced explosion of cherry, anise, black pepper and tobacco. Structured but still juicy, the wine will improve with age."

90 PointsWine Enthusiast

barrel tasting

2010-11-20T11:15:00.043-05:00

Some of the WoW friends had another fun outing to a barrel tasting at McGregor Winery on the east shore of Keuka Lake.

This year they showcased samples of the 2009 vintage
red wines developing in the barrel.

The tasting took place in their oak barrel building
and was held in candlelight with crystal glasses.

Later we were treated to an outstanding buffet in their tasting room where
the regular wine list was available to sample along with hors d'oeuvres.

Here’s the menu . . .

Slow Cooked Mexican Beef
Locally raised beef is braised and slow simmered with onion, garlic,
tomato, chilies and dark beer then shredded and served on cornbread
squares with a local extra sharp cheddar cheese.
Smoked Turkey Canapés
Locally raised and hickory smoked turkey thigh is sliced thin and served
on a water cracker with a drizzle of Chef Lerman’s blackstrap molasses
Yankee B.B.Q. sauce then garnished with fresh chives.
Breaded Artichoke Hearts
Steamed artichoke hearts are rolled in Lively Run Goat Dairy’s Chevré
cheese then coated in a delicious parmesan, toasted breadcrumb and
sundried tomato mixture.
Salami Cornets
Spicy, dry cured Italian salami rolled with herbed cream cheese
and secured with a roasted red pepper strip and green olive.
Baked Mussels with Melted Brie and Toasted Garlic Chips
Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and herbs are topped with triple
crème French Brie and crisp, pan fried slices of garlic.
Served with slices of toasted baguette.
Smoked Salmon Tartar Style
Finely chopped smoke-roasted salmon is marinated in citrus and served
in cucumber cups then garnished with a lemon/dill sour cream.
Roquefort Canapés
Belgian endive leaves filled with creamed Roquefort Cheese,
fresh grape halves and pralined bacon.
Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars

For the weekend event we rented a cozy log cabin on the bluff
and had a great two days sharing meals, chatting and playing games.

word reflections

2010-05-21T20:21:00.010-04:00

Every spring we each choose a word and then reflect upon it the next year.
Soon I will post our 2010 words but here are thoughts about our 2009 words

Jim – active ~ I am recently pleased with my more "active" life. There were a few months where active was not part of it.

Mary – moments ~ I am well on my way to enjoying (and recording) my everyday moments. My blog has been a great way for me to focus on my moments.

Amanda - experience

Benjamin - evolving

Mike - build ~ Grade B, I wanted to rebuild our finances, relationship with kids, and relationship with Marty.

Marty – health ~ On the way to being attained – I am more in control and that is a good thing.

Doug – survival ~ I’m still here so I guess . . . attained.

Leslie – anticipation ~ There were many good things to anticipate this past year...and more to anticipate in 2010! I think my anticipation was for a possible retirement decision. Difficult as it has been to truly decide, now that the decision is made, I am happy about it. More time with Dougie, more time with friends and family, time to get organized, and hopefully more time to plan some new adventures! I look at all of my retired friends, and not one has an ounce of regret on their young, smiling faces!

Debbie - timely ~ For me that's the key, "for me", I think I'm doing a bit better. I've actually been at appointed places within five minutes of the designated times.

Dave - focus ~ He thinks he didn't do well. He's thinking of a new word for this year.. . but he .just needs to" focus".

Val – opportunity ~ I believe I was successful at being open to opportunities that helped me grow as a wife, mother (and mother-in-law! )friend, and teacher. For me, half the battle is recognizing an opportunity when it seems to be a celebration, event or challenge . . . That is the part I will always be working on!

Ed - please ~ Please, did not work too well. I am taking suggestions for my new word. Help Please.

Maryellen – thankful ~ It was the theme for our somewhat-annual Mortonian Valentine Letter

Ali - wedding ~ attained :)

living and exploring

2010-03-25T20:05:00.002-04:00

photo: Real Simple Magazine

“Friendship, love, health, energy, enthusiasm, and joy
are the things that make life worth living and exploring.”
― Denise Austin

2010 W-o-W Brunch

2010-03-21T16:25:00.004-04:00

24 photos of the annual Bull Brunch

9 red wines for less than $10

2010-03-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

America's best sommeliers and wine merchants
reveal their favorite bargain bottles.

After reading this article in Country Living Magazine we headed to the wine store and were able to find 6 of these wines. For the next several weeks we will be tasting these at our Wine-on-Wednesday gatherings.

Spanish Wine
Alto Almanzora Este 2006 ~ Blueberry, plum, fruitcake, and chocolate are just some of the flavors in this six-grape blend from Spain. ($8.99)

California Wines
Nine North Ten Mile 2006 ~ This California four-grape mix is an ideal accompaniment to duck. ($9.99)

Redtree 2008 ~ Wine bloggers are going crazy (in a good way) for this light-bodied California Pinot Noir that tastes of clove and summer berries. ($6.99)

Pairing Wine
Alamos 2008 ~ "Malbec is on fire right now" and this Argentinian variety boasts a hint of sweet spice that makes it wonderfully suited for steak. ($9.99)

Sagelands 2005 ~ Buy and store extra bottles of this Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, since it gets even better with time. ($9.89)

Penfolds Koonunga Hill 2007 ~ This Australian mix of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with lamb. ($7.97)

European Reds
Vinos Piñol Ludovicus 2007 ~ This combo of four Spanish wines is an eye-opener. It tastes expensive! ($8.99)

Borsao Campo de Borja 2008 ~ A hearty chicken dish would complement the dark fruits in this Spanish Grenache and Tempranillo mix. ($7.99)

Domaine André Brunel 2005 ~ This French Grenache is equally great for fine dining or simply drinking by the glass. ($7)

W-o-W Hats

2010-02-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

At a recent W-o-W gathering new hats were given away.
If you missed it and need a hat just chose one anytime.

For more information about these hats including the pattern visit

Corners of My Life (December 6th Post)

Chateau Ste Michelle

2010-01-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Even though it's not Wednesday, 2 WoW couples ( mac, mac, jr mm) are enjoying a bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle - cabernet sauvignon ($12) while we plan a trip to Florida in April. First glass was fine the second even better!

“This Cabernet Sauvignon highlights concentrated Washington State red fruit in an accessible style. It has plenty of complexity and structure, and is also very versatile with food--try it with beef, pork or pasta” - Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

2010-01-24T19:37:00.000-05:00

A recent and new wine to us is
Peter Lehmann’s Clancy’s Red.
We do not usually drink "blends"
but this blend of Shiraz, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot turns out to
be quite good. It’s a nice mix of fruity
smoothness with sharp tannins
and a warm finish.

that single pour

2009-09-06T08:55:00.001-04:00

Lori Leibovich: A Glass of Wine
Here’s what used to make me feel beautiful: my skin, bronzed after a languid afternoon lounging on a beach towel. My eyes, sharp and ready after eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. My hair, tangled and damp after dancing madly to a favorite band. These were simple, sensual everyday moments in an unencumbered life. Now there is a family and a house and a job, all of which need tending to, and beauty is harder to come by. My scheduled-to-the-minute existence means I’m often frenzied, pitched, worn-out. Like so many other mothers I know, to stamp out those feelings (at least temporarily), I often reach for a glass of wine. The first few sips have the same effect on me as a long, deep inhale. A few more and my shoulders migrate from their daytime hangout near my ears back to their proper place. Still more and I start humming.

I’m not talking about getting drunk. In fact, I rarely have more than one glass―that’s enough. Most of the time, that single pour is enjoyed at home, where it gives my evenings shape. Just as my children have their nighttime rituals―Go, Diego, Go! followed by a book and a piggyback ride to bed―I have mine. I wrestle with the cork and listen for the pop and the clink of the bottle against the glass. I take a second to admire the luscious color and breathe in the scent. With that internal to-do ticker no longer running roughshod through my mind, suddenly there’s room for free associations, for thoughts of food and books and distant friends.

Wine doesn’t simply soothe me; it opens the door to intimacy. At a party, a few sips of Chardonnay are enough to make me peel off some of my protective layers and reveal something about myself to a stranger. It helps me connect with my husband after a long, challenging day, too. Sometimes, once the kids have succumbed to sleep, we put on music, sit at the kitchen table, and relish a meal. At first we check in, sometimes about the business of schedules and finances; other times we don’t say much at all but simply revel in the food and our still house. As we pour some wine, the conversation may take a deeper turn. Sometimes we talk about the freedoms we once enjoyed in abundance and wonder why we didn’t take more risks when we had the chance. Other times we look to the future: how liberating it will be when the children don’t need us so fiercely, and, of course, how devastating.

In these moments, when I’m raw and questioning, nostalgic and a little melancholy, and he’s sitting there, listening, I feel beauty coursing through me again. I realize that freedom still makes me feel beautiful. But now I have a different understanding of the word. It’s a moment or two of space, my goblet of wine, and being understood by someone I love.

Lori Leibovich is the editor of Maybe Baby and has written for the New York Times, Elle, and Salon.com.

What Makes Me Feel Beautiful

around the world in nine bottles

2009-08-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

Several W-o-W members enjoyed a 90-minute summer wine tasting cruise onboard the Sam Patch Packet Boat. Pittsford Wines offered an opportunity to sample and learn about wines from around the world as well as light appetizers provided by Via Girasole: – all while enjoying the area’s beautiful and historic Erie Canal between Pittsford and Bushnell’s Basin.

Favorite reds:

Sterling - California - Cabernet

Casa Lapostolle - Chili - Merlot

Favorite whites:

Martin Codax - Spain- Albarino

Schmitt Sohne - Gremany - Riesling

Mayers Lake Ontario Winery

2009-06-20T21:20:00.000-04:00

We have recently discovered a local winery and attended a tasting voyage at their Hilton NY location. We tasted three reds and even though we are not "white wine fans" we did like one of their whites.

Pinot Noir dry table wine, smooth, soft, and mellow, with black cherry and plum tones.

Cabernet Sauvignon dry table wine, Deep, rich, dry cherry aromas are edged with sweet smoke and spice.

DeChaunac is a french hybrid grape grown in this country for over 200 years. Dechaunac wine has good berry flavors, a touch of black pepper, smooth finish.

Gewürztraminer ('ga-VERTZ-trah-MEE-ner') a spicy white wine with an aroma and flavor of grapefruit.

bummer

2009-05-30T14:46:00.000-04:00

During our W-o-W Spring get away to ABNY . . .
Uniform Traffic Ticket

ABNY Police Dept

"Patrol was stationary in Dollar General Parking Lot when VG and LB were spotted driving a John Deere Gator down the sidewalk (1:45 pm). Driver VG stated that she did not know the rules about driving down the sidewalk."

Description of violation: Driving on sidewalk

choosing your word

2009-05-08T22:20:00.000-04:00

For this year, choose a word that will help you realize your Spring resolution.

We have decided to choose our word each year during our Spring break and reflect upon it the next year. What will your word be?

JH - active
MH - moments
AHT - experience
BJH - evolving
MC - build
MC - health
DB - survival
LB - anticipation
DP - pruning? timely?
DP - focus
AS - wedding
VG - opportunity
EG - please
AS -
AS -
JG -
MG -
DM -

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

2009-03-12T18:56:00.000-04:00

A nice surprise on last Wednesday was a wine that will turn out to be a new favorite ~ Gnarly Head Old Vine Vin 2006. It paired well with a variety of hors d’oeuvres and a robust (!) Carrot Cake. Gnarly Head web site describes it as -

WINE
The 2006 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from grapes from 35 to 80 year old vines. Robust berry flavors and exotic spice notes from the small grape clusters are balanced with French, American and Hungarian oak, which creates heady layers of vanilla and chocolate and a lingering finish.

VINTAGE
The 2006 vintage will be remembered for rain – abundant, continuous rain, which flooded many vineyards in Northern California. However, the wet spring gave way to an ideal growing season with moderate that allowed the grapes to mature evenly and slowly. A heat spike during the summer concentrated the flavors in the grapes. The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested in August 2006.

Black Russian Red Bash

2009-03-10T19:28:00.000-04:00

Some of the WoW friends had another fun outing to Mcgregor Winery on the shore of Keuka Lake. We tasted a hearty fare of Beef Wellington hors d'oeuvre, Fig & Blue Cheese Crostini, Chorizo stuffed Mushrooms, Beet & Shaved Fennel with Toasted Walnuts and Dark Chocolate Mousse with Crystallized Ginger .

We tasted wines ranging in price from $50 to $9.99 and each had our favorites.

2006 Black Russian Red $ 49.99
2006 Merlot $ 26.99
2006 Rob Roy Red $ 39.99
2007 Cabernet Franc $ 17.99
2006 Pinot Noir $27.99

Non-vintage Highlands Red $9.99

2007 Dry Gewürztraminer $ 19.99

Can you guess which wine we bought a case of - - - yes, the $9.99 the non-vintage Highlands Red (a semi-dry Baco Noir and Chancellor blend that leaves a black-pepper tingle on the palate) . We are into the second bottle and enjoying it almost as much as the 1998 library vintage of Black Russian Red at $100.

25 Random Things About Wine

2009-03-09T19:50:00.000-04:00

"Wild About Wine" Columnist Holly Howell recently published 25 random things about wine in the March 3, 2009 Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. I found some of this random information to be interesting, some useful and some... just plain quirky. Enjoy reading this with a glass of your favorite red, white or pink (see #4).

Syrah and Shiraz are the exact same grape. This grape grows all over the world. But it is the Aussies that are particular to the Shiraz name. Just because.
Red wine can go with fish (e.g. Pinot Noir with grilled tuna).
White wine can go with meat (e.g. German Riesling and sauerbraten).
Very few people know that rose wine (the pink one), goes with just about anything.
Extra dry Champagne is actually a bit sweet. It's the Brut Chanpagnes that are the dry ones. Go figure.
Most of the world's vineyards fall between the 30 degree and the 50 degree parallels. Under 30 is too close to the Equator and too hot. Over 50 is too close to the Arctic poles and too cold. Forty is just right.
One 750 milliliter bottle of wine contains about 2.8 pounds of grapes, chemically reconstructed.
An adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood was withdrawn from a recommended reading list by the school board in Culver City, California, because the heroine had a bottle of wine in the basket she brought to her grandmother. Oops. Little Red had a little red.
The longest recorded Champagne cork flight was 177 feet and 9 inches, 4 feet from level ground at Woodbury Vineyards in New York state, on June 5, 1988.
White wine gets darker as it ages, while red wine gets lighter.
According to scientist Bill Lembeck, there are about 49 million bubbles in every bottle of Champagne. Give or take a few...
The largest cork in the world is known as The Whistler Tree. This tree is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal and averages more than one ton of raw cork per harvest. That is enough cork for 100,000 bottles of wine!
A case of 1982 Le Pin (Bordeaux red) cost $327 upon release. Years later, at a Hong Kong auction, a case was sold for $106,000.
America's oldest Zinfandel vineyard is believed to be the Grandfather vineyard in Amador County, California. It was planted in the 1850's and consists of 20 acres of very wise vines.
The corkscrew was invented in 1860.
Bag-in-the-box wines were invented in 1960.

Country Cottage

2009-03-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

The W-o-Wers look forward to another outing on July 8th. We will be headed to the "Country Cottage" for a private country luncheon. Our meal will be prepared by Chef Bruce Tyrrell. It will begin with lemonade and hors d'oeuvres, followed by some of his favorite recipes and concluding with a dessert similar to his famous apple dumplings. We will gather at 11:30 at the Country Cottage in Darien and lunch will be served at 12:30. The cost will be $15.95 per person which will include everything (tax and tip). We are very fortunate to secure a date for this summer as the bookings open up March 1st and usually fill up by March 2nd!

W-o-W Night Out

2009-02-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

While sharing a bottle of wine, some simple hors d'oeuvres, lively conversation and a few laughs is the reason we gather each Wednesday, occasionally we step out for a night on the town. Recently, several W-o-Wers attended a charity wine tasting to benefit a local children's hospital. The event was held in the Hyatt ballroom complete with live music, food and a silent auction. Many Fingerlake wines were tasted as well as some fine wines from Italy and Spain. Some of us attend the wine tasting with a plan in mind: to find a new pinot noir, a wine that is perfect with cheese and fruit, or to hunt down the $8 bottle that drinks like an $80 bottle. Some of us have no plan other than to taste the wine, enjoy the food and desserts, and chat with the fine people that pour the tasting. Our favorite Fingerlake wineries of the evening were Anthony Road, Casa Larga, Dr. Frank's and Thirsty Owl.

Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

2009-02-09T17:38:00.000-05:00

Beringer Cabernet Sauvigon

2009-02-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Founders' Estate

2005 California

We recently had this at a wine tasting and it was our favorite of the 15 red wines there. It is hearty and has a bold red taste ($8) . According to Beringer's "Winemaker Tasting Notes: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex yet approachable wine – I get flavors of cola, ripe black cherry and a hint of tobacco in the aroma and flavor. The North Coast vineyards I used in this blend are known for producing fruit that is lush in flavor yet also balanced by great structure and tannins. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of spice and black fruit, making it ideal to serve with a variety of foods or simply just enjoyed on its own."