Bogle Petite Sirah 2021 is a good choice for anyone looking for a dark, full-bodied California red wine that is approachable and not as “big” as many of the California Cabernet Sauvignons are. Notes of dark berries lead to flavors of dark berries, think blackberry and blueberry. It has a long finish featuring balanced tannins and acidity with a hint of oak. Best paired with hearty fare like grilled red meat, lamb, burgers, or pasta in red sauce. Always a bargain at less than $15 a bottle.
Next up in my series of wines in wide distribution is Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 2022. The Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnays have been America’s best-selling Chardonnay for 30+ years for good reason. Their 2022 is no exception because it adheres to their successful approach of producing a crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that is not too dry, too sweet, too acidic, or too much oak but is also food-friendly, easily available, and all for the value price of around $15. If you are looking for a Chardonnay that will pair nicely with your Thanksgiving turkey and will be a hit with your guests, consider this time-tested cool coastal region California Chardonnay. P.S. It even has a screw cap to make your hosting duties easier.
The latest entry in my ongoing series of reviews featuring enjoyable and affordable wines that are widely available highlights a Lodi, California Zinfandel. The Federalist Zinfandel Lodi is not the Zinfandels of folklore that were rendered from zinfandel grapes shipped from the Cucamonga Valley of California in crates adorned with colorful labels depicting the cultural heritage of the region. Those wines were big, bold, “over the top” wines with high alcohol content. What made those wines unforgettable wasn’t their high quality but the physical link they provided to the immigrant communities, which made them feel connected to their homelands and the cherished memories of people and places they left behind in search of a better life in America.
The Federalist Zinfandel Lodi 2019 is a good example of a Zinfandel from Lodi, California. It displays a bold but restrained body with flavors of dark fruit and cherries that complement its tannins, leading to a surprisingly smooth finish. It can be easily found for less than $20 a bottle and at that price point represents a good “QPR” (Quality-Price Ratio) value buy.
Warm weather has arrived, and with it the tradition of drinking lighter wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. The reason this long-standing annual tradition continues is that it is enjoyable and satisfying on so many levels.
For many, the mere mention of Sauvignon Blanc brings images of New Zealand and France to mind. While it is hard to go wrong when selecting a Sauvignon Blanc from either the North or South Island of New Zealand or the Loire Valley and Bordeaux in France, there are also outstanding examples of this wine being produced in other regions. California, Chile, Argentina, and Australia also make great Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc offers a diverse variety of taste profiles that vary widely from mouth-watering fruit-driven wines laden with citrus aromas to ones exhibiting a savory character filled with vegetal undertones that drift in the direction of green bell peppers and freshly mown grass.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can find a Sauvignon Blanc that is made in a style and at a price point that meets your tastes and budget.
It is no coincidence that SB shows up on dining tables as the seasons change. This versatile white wine boasts citrus notes that enliven seasonal fare while its bright acidity cuts through creamy sauces and buttery dishes. The perfect complement to seafood, shellfish, and any lightly prepared fish. Sauvignon Blanc really shines when paired with charcuterie boards.
Consider these four well-made Sauvignon Blancs from California, New Zealand, and France. All are moderately priced, at around $30, and widely available.
Rutherford Hill AJT Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (USA) Wine Spectator 94 pts James Suckling 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts
Saracina Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County 2023 (USA) Wine Enthusiast 95 pts
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023 (New Zealand) Wine Spectator 93 pts
Domaine Philippe Raimbault Les Fossiles Sancerre Blanc 2023 (Loire Valley, France)
Photo Credit: finewineandgoodspirits.com
Internationally renowned Heritage grape authority, Steve Casscles, has released an innovative wine evaluation schematic. He has envisioned all the information you need to analyze characteristics of a wide range of wine grape varieties. The how and why Steve created this tool and how to best use it are fascinating. I asked Steve to share the story behind his creation. The following is my verbatim and unedited interview with J. Stephen Casscles.
“About 20 years ago, when I started to seriously evaluate wines to implement my idea for writing a Cool Climate/Heritage grape book, I was searching for a methodology to accurately evaluate wine and include descriptors that readers could use to understand these wines. There were several charts or aroma wheels that were a model for a good first step to evaluating wines. However, while good in that they set up a framework for me to evaluate and write down wine descriptors, I found that they were somewhat deficient in the descriptors to be used for wine. Further, they were not organized by the kinds of fruits that were being cited as being in the wine. So I greatly expanded the fruit descriptors. More importantly, most evaluators put too much concentration on aromas/flavors, and not enough on wine texture, and energy on the palate. This Wine Evaluation Schematic brings in considerations such as texture, body, mouth feel, appearance, body, finesse, and how the wine is integrated into one unified taste experience. Also, most charts did not give guidelines to give a wine an “overall score”, so that the evaluator could go back years later to rate that wine with other wines that the evaluator has scored.”
“It is my goal in releasing this Wine Evaluation Schematic that this Wine Evaluation Schematic is a starting point for each evaluator. Modify it as you like to fit your needs, and please add your own terms and descriptors. This Wine Evaluation Schematic can be used by individuals who want to appreciate wine, wine educators who want to convey a methodology or a conceptual framework to approach teaching their students about the concepts of how to approach this subject, and wine writers that want to more accurately convey to their readers the wines that they are writing about, and wine judges that evaluate wines for their wine competitions.”
“Right now, I have approached my wine colleagues in Korea, some of whom own wineries or wine schools, to translate this into the Korean language. Many of the grape varieties grown in New York State are also grown in Korea, so the flavor profiles of our wines are similar in many ways, especially regarding body, mouthfeel, and texture.”
Next in my series highlighting widely distributed wines is a bottle we were gifted. The iconic Paso Robles Cab J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. It is the quintessential example of how mass-produced California Cabs are blended to achieve a consistent taste profile every year. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petite Sirah , 5%Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cab Franc. A Wine Enthusiast 90 pt “Best Buy” January 2025. Vanilla notes from oak barrel aging with big juicy red fruit flavors and soft tannins. It’s a solid choice when selecting a Cab for dinner guests because pairing it with grilled or roasted red meat, think steak and lamb, or even pasta with a hearty red sauce is sure to please.
A big thank you to all my followers and readers for making my latest article “A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country” a resounding success. It garnered the most daily views of any post on the day it was published. I am following it up with a second installment that highlights five more exceptional wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country.
As one of the newest wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country, Cellar54 is continuing to evolve and define its identity. Their table wines are made from grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie and range from sweet to semi-sweet. 9368 W. Law Rd North East. http://cellar54wines.com 814-572-9280
Lakeview Wine Cellars is a small boutique winery producing a limited number of premium wines made from locally sourced grapes. Check out their wine bottle-shaped pond while you sip wine on their covered patio. http://lakeviewwinecellars.com 8440 Singer Rd North East 814-725-4440
For over fifty-four years Presque Wine Cellars has been producing award-winning wines from big bold reds to their famous ice wines. Visit their tasting room, The Isle House at 9440 West Main Rd North East. It offers a full menu of wine, wine slushies, spirits, and local craft beer. http://piwine.com 814-725-1314
Yori Wine Cellars is a family-built winery that started as a hobby in their hundred-year-old cellar and grew into a winery that makes over 25 varieties of wine and vineyards growing 15 grape varieties. Their tasting room is located adjacent to their Micheal’s Italian Restaurant. http://yoriwinecellars.com 18 South Lake Street North East 814-725-8466
Driftwood Wine Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery near North East with a storefront/tasting room at 20 E. Main St North East provides guests a relaxed gathering place for family and friends. 814-347-5292 http://driftwoodwinecellars.com
The wineries I have highlighted in these posts are just ten of the twenty-one-member wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. There is always something happening because wine trail members participate in the many themed events that Lake Erie Wine Country hosts throughout the year and hold their own activities. Visit the L.E.W.C. website event page to see the roster of events https://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/events/winery-events
With a little research and planning you can enjoy endless adventures in Lake Erie Wine Country. Photo Credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.com
Along the southern shore of Lake Erie where it borders Pennsylvania you will find the vibrant and always evolving wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country. The Lake Erie AVA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and a treasure trove of activities but for this post, I’ll highlight six wineries that will provide visitors an itinerary upon which they can build as they become more familiar with the area.
I’ll start with the winery I consider to have the most name recognition of the region’s producers. Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company are two destination wineries for first-time visitors or seasonal travelers. Both are a good starting point to explore the wines that these legacy wine companies offer. Mazza Vineyards 11815 E. Lake Rd (Rt5) North East 814-725-8695 South Shore Wine Company 1120 Freeport Rd (Rt89) North East 814-725-1585 http://enjoymazza.com
Our next stop is 6 Mile Cellars and as its name suggests it is located on 6 Mile Creek in Harborcreek. This is the closest winery to downtown Erie making it a convenient stop for visitors. This boutique winery’s tasting room is in a one hundred-year-old horse barn that has been repurposed into an inviting space to enjoy their diverse selection of wines. 5727 Firman Rd Erie 814-580-8375 http://6milecellars.com
Route 20 provides easy access to the popular Courtyard Winery in North East. No tasting at Courtyard’s beautiful tasting room is complete without trying their Chambourcin. 10021 West Main Rd North East 814-725-0236 http://courtyardwinery.com
Continuing on Route 20 we arrive at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company 11727 East Main Rd North East. This winery is a landmark in the area and is well-known to travelers on Route 20. 814-725-1079 http://arundelcellars.com
If you want to try something different but still taste distinctive wines, consider Burch Farms Country Market & Winery. You can shop at their country market for farm fresh produce, and assorted baked goods from their bakery, and taste their wines. Located at 9210 Sidehill Rd North East
http://burchfarmscountrymarketandwinery.com
Erie, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone and is an easy drive for many in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. If you haven’t given this region much thought as a day trip or getaway option please take a minute to see if it’s right for you.
Photo credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org
This is Part 3 and the final installment in my series featuring Western Pennsylvania wineries. All the wineries from previous posts will be included for reference or if you are new to my blog. I invite everyone to subscribe for free to this blog using the subscription box at the top of this page. You will receive an email when I publish a new article. Thanks.
Pennsylvania is home to more than four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do.
Driving twenty-three miles south of Pittsburgh will bring you to Silver Mark Cellars. It is an urban-style winery in the charming town of Canonsburg. They offer an award-winning wine list complemented with food, beer, and liquor. All of their wines are handcrafted in-house from start to finish. http://silvermarkcellars.com 724-416-7447
Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Westmoreland County near Acme we find Stone Villa Wine Cellars. Guests can relax on the manicured lawn surrounding a tranquil lake while listening to live music. Stone Villa Wine Cellars offers a portfolio of wines ranging from classic to unique blends that are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. As always, the tasting bar is free. http://stonevilla.com 724-423-5604
Situated on the remaining three acres of the old “Martz Family Farm” in Delmont stands a barn originally built in the 1860s that now serves as the home of Red Barn Winery. Red Barn Winery makes sweet and dry wines from grapes sourced from several regions. It also offers Pennsylvania beers and spirits, food, entertainment, and special events. http://redbarnwinerypa.com 724-461-4331
Thistlewaite Vineyards only use the French hybrid grapes they grow in their five-acre vineyard to produce their wines. They age their wine in Pennsylvania White Oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. When you are in Jefferson stop by the tasting room for a complimentary wine tasting. http://thistlegrape.com 724-883-3372
Edgewood Winery and Event Center in Spring Church is a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. They sell their wines by bottle or glass, have a food menu sure to please everyone, an event calendar full of live music, and plenty of options for your special event. http://edgewoodwinery.com 724-478-4373
I hope you enjoyed reading these articles as much as I enjoyed researching and writing them. Please use these suggestions to start your journey to discover the constantly evolving community of wineries in Western Pennsylvania. Cheers!
Photo Credit: L to R Silver Mark Cellars, Red Barn Winery, Thistlewaite Vineyards
We’re off to see “The Castle”. The Vinoski Winery is located in the magnificent Rostraver mansion Jay and Sherry Lustig built. Jay was the long-time manager of The Rolling Stones, financial advisor to Prince Rupert Loewenstein, and later became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Walt and Roxanne Vinoski bought the sprawling property in 2017 and turned it into the breathtaking home of the Vinoski Winery. They offer two wine tasting options: $10 for 5 sweet wines or a Premium tasting for $20 that includes their dry California wines. Check their website for the event calendar which is always full of concerts and events. http://vinoskiwinery.com 724-872-3333
Let’s not forget about our friends north of Pittsburgh. The next stop is the picturesque Tuscan-inspired winery and restaurant of Narcisi Winery. A short ten-mile drive north of the city will bring you to Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia. Set on an enchanting property, this Italian-themed winery and restaurant will satisfy anyone’s longing to spend a “Bella Giornata” (Beautiful Day) in Tuscany. http://narcisiwinery.com 724-444-4744
Any time of year is a good time to take a leisurely drive to Glades Pike Winery near Somerset on Pa State Rte 31. It will take you past several notable attractions for the outdoor enthusiast. The Seven Springs and Hidden Valley ski resorts plus Laurel Hill and Kooser state parks are easily accessible from Glades Pike Winery. Glade Pike Winery makes a diverse selection of wines that will intrigue any wine aficionado. Malbec, Baco Noir, and Tempranillo are some of the unusual wines offered that are not readily found at other local wineries. http://gladespikewinery.com 814-445-3753
The Original Pittsburgh Winery is an urban winery and as such it can make its wines year-round because they source their grapes from vineyards in California and Chile. Swing by the winery on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to taste their wines, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live music in an intimate setting. http://pittsburghwinery.com 412-566-1000
Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy a tranquil ten-acre vineyard from the Tuscan-inspired winery as you savor a glass of their estate-made wine. Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351
Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of the Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned business that specializes in different types of berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500
Up we go into the Allegheny Mountains to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery is sure to include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424
Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658
If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in Pittsburgh’s “Strip District”. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000
Wooden Door Winery is located in a painstakingly renovated 1896 church in Vandergrift. Explore their diverse lineup of wines while sampling a menu of appetizers and lighter fare in the spacious tasting room or the al fresco seating during the warmer weather. http://woodendoorwinery.com 724-889-7244
Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc Valle De Uco – Mendoza 2021
Zuccardi is my go-to Argentina winery for dependable high-quality wines at a fair price. They are a multi-generational producer located in the Mendoza Region. This was the first time I tried a Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc but it won’t be the last. I plan on having a few bottles on hand for when I want a solid food-friendly weeknight wine.
Everything about this wine is in balance, from its understated acidity, smooth tannins, and restrained red fruit flavors that are carried on a medium dry body and then showcased in a dark purple/red colored wine in your glass.
Grapes for this Cab Franc were harvested from two unique vineyards in the Andes Uco Valley. The Paraje Altamira vineyard is 3600 feet above sea level (F.A.S.L.), and the San Pablo vineyard is 4500 F.A.S.L. I purchased my bottle at a Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits store as a “Chairman’s Selection” offering for the bargain price of $12.99, but it can be readily found in the $20 range.
I recently reviewed two Cab Francs from Chateau Niagara in New York. Although this Zaccardi Q wasn’t as big or as complex as the Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 or Cabernet Franc Appassimento Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023 it certainly deserves a place on your dinner table.
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