Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Chardonnay

2018 The Federalist Chardonnay ($23)

The Federalist Chardonnay pays homage to the work of our Federalist Founding Fathers fighting for our country’s liberty. And, the Status of Liberty was the best symbol of their accomplishment.

This wine is 100% Chardonnay from Mendocino County California. Following primary fermentation it undergoes Malolactic fermentation with the lees being stirred throughout. The wine is aged surlies until blending.

The Federalist Chardonnay is aged in 35% new oak that is primarily American and Hungarian oak with a little bit of French oak. The Hungarian oak mimics French with spicy character and the American oak rounds it out with a sweeter finish.

The Federalist Chardonnay is medium gold in color with notes of pear, green apple and apple spice. On the palate it’s big in flavors of buttery baked apple and spices with moderate acidity.

The Federalist Chardonnay is “The perfect wine for light fare, deep conversations and declaring your independence.” This is a really good one and fits perfectly with the Behind the Cork™ theme of being affordable and attainable. Enjoy. Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Will Rogers, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel

2017 Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel ($16)

This handcrafted Old Vine Zinfandel from winemaker Randle Johnson comes from northern California’s Mendocino County.

Johnson has been the man behind Artezin’s wines since their inception in 2002. The vision behind Artezin is to honor the art of crafting Zinfandel from old vine plantings and to work with family owned, sustainable farms throughout Mendocino and Sonoma Counties.

This Zinfandel is blended with 15% Petite Sirah to yield a wine with nice fruit and subtle pepper notes. It is 100% barrel aged in one to two year old French oak. This results in soft tannin, and an easy finish.

The Hess Family Wine Estates portfolio is comprised of The Hess Collection, Hess Select, Artezin, Lion’s Head Collection all of which are from California as well as Colomé and Amalaya from Argentina.

This Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel fits right in with the Behind the Cork™ featured wines that are affordable and attainable. Look for this this one in your favorite wine shop and enjoy! Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel ($18)

This Zinfandel comes from California's Mendocino County that has a climate with warm days and cool evenings that provides for great growing conditions and optimal ripening. Winemaker Randle Johnson, who has been with Artezin since its inception in 2002, blends this Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Carignan. He describes this wine as having "a concentration of juicy bright cherry, pomegranate and boysenberry aromas with flavors of raspberry and currants."

His description is right on. It starts out with big, bright fruit flavors and finishes by leaning toward being a bit jammy with the rich currant flavors. It is very smooth, has moderate tannin, and the French oak provides a hint of spice.

The Artezin wines are family farmed and sustainably grown. And at this price-point, a terrific value. Be sure to keep an eye out for this one and give it a try. It's a winner.

Artezin wines is part of The Hess Family Wine Estates portfolio that is family owned and a fifth-generation company producing excellent wines.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications