Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 J. Lohr Arroyo Seco Monterey Chardonnay ($10)

I recently visited J. Lohr in Paso Robles and gained a whole new appreciation for their wines and the man behind them all, Jerry Lohr.

This 100% Chardonnay from J. Lohr exhibits aromas of peaches, baking spices, a hint of vanilla.

While it was oak fermented and aged, it has retained nice acidity with white peach, apricot and subtle orange flavors.

As is always the case with the Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week features, this wine is very affordable, easily attainable and a nice accompanyment with any meal.

Definitely worth checking out. 

What is that Thing a Sommelier Wears Around Their Neck?

Maybe you've noticed a wine server at a nicer restaurant or in a movie wearing what looks like a large medallion around their neck. You typically can't miss it. It's large, shiny, and normally worn with a silver chain or a ribbon.

What might seem to be a large medallion is actually called a "tastevine" which is pronounced "Taht-vanN."  It's a French word for "taste wine." And, yes, it is (or was) used to taste wine.

This shallow silver metal cup is faceted and convex. And, its original design was intended to be used in the low lighting of a wine cellar. The shiny metal, the facets, its convex shape and its shallowness were designed such that in low light, a small quantity of wine could be poured into it and provide the wine maker with a better view of the color and clarity of the wine.

Today, a tastevin is more of a Sommelier's (“suh-mel-yay”) badge of tradition. A bit of Sommelier bling. But, a Sommelier may still open a bottle of wine either at your table or at a Sommelier station, and pour just a splash of wine in their tastevin to sip it to ensure the wine is not flawed.

So, next time you see a wine server wearing this device around their neck, you'll know that originally it had a very useful purpose. But today, it's a bit more of a show-piece. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2014 14 Hands Columbia Valley Stampede Red Blend ($9)

I've recently read some nice things about 14 Hands Winery and, never having had their wines, I thought I'd give this one a try.

The Stampede Red Blend is a combination of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mouvèdre. Oh, and Viognier.  Yes, Viognier, a medium to full-bodied white wine that gives a bit of an aromatic kick to the Syrah base.

Each variety was vinified and aged separately in mostly neutral French and American oak for nearly two years with blending occurring just prior to bottling.

Right out of the bottle, this blend exhibited big red fruit aromas and the full-bodied flavors that are expected with a Syrah. Along plenty of tannin.

After decanting for an hour this wine really settled down and exhibited some smoothness and subtle hints of its oak aging.

This 2014 Stampede Red Blend received 88 points from Wine Enthusiast and 89 points from Wine Spectator. Very nice ratings, especially for $9 bottle of wine.  So, another great value wine. Check it out.

What is a "Fine" Wine?

I recently heard a radio ad that included the statement "...you will be served fine wine..." It got me thinking - what is "fine" wine?  It sounds really great but begs the question "What is fine wine?

Let's start off with the easiest answer which is that "fine wine" is not well defined and somewhat subjective. So, buyer beware. The phrase leads one to believe that the wine must be something special. But it can end up being a lot of things.

Unfortunately, in this ad, I suspect that the "fine" wines will turn out to be quite ordinary.

Generally, the term "fine wine" is reserved for exceptional wines from the world's best vineyards, the highest quality grapes and the most acclaimed winemakers. And, over a period of years, these wines have usually been recognized for their status.

But many additional factors can go into defining a "fine" wine. These may include the region where the grapes are grown or the vineyard that produced it. It can refer to wines that have stood the test of time and have proven to be age-worthy. It can refer to the wine's characteristics such as balance and structure. The phrase can also have connotations of high monetary value. Or, distinguishing between mass-marketed wines and those that are produced in limited quantities.

Regardless, consumers must first realize that "fine wine" is a very subjective and unregulated term. These wines may be special, or premium wines. But, it may also just be a marketing trick.

What is most important is that you shouldn't let anyone tell you what to drink. Enjoy drinking a wine that makes you happy - fine wine or not! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Thomas Allen Selections Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($7)

Generally, when I see a California Cab under $10 I don't pay too much attention. But this Cab is from Lodi, a region I really like. And, while Lodi isn't exactly the best-known region in California for Cabernet Sauvignon, I decided to give it a try. And I'm really glad I did.

It turns out that Thomas Allen is not one person but a pair of third generation wine grape growers; Thomas Michael Stokes and Allen Lombardi.  The Stokes have a family tradition of growing exceptional wine grapes having planted their first 45 acres of Zinfandel near Lodi in 1954.

This Cab is rich and full-bodied with flavors of blackberry and black cherry, with hints of spices. The oak aging also led to subtle flavors of vanilla and chocolate.

The Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week is all about being affordable and attainable. The is certainly great value wine and I only hope it remains widely available.  Keep your eye out for this one and pick up a few.  I certainly did. And am headed back for more!