Monday, October 29, 2012

WOW: A Wine of "Redemption"

WOW: Wine of the Week


A Wine of "Redemption:" Alexander Valley Vineyards Redemption Zinfandel 2009

Alexander Valley Vineyards "Redemption" Zinfandel
Every one of us can use a little "redemption" now and again.  What better way to obtain it, but drinking it?!

As the chill enters the air slowly but surely, Uncorked turns to hearty, robust red wines to warm from within!

This wine can make a wonderful hostess gift, or stock pile it for the perfect way to apologize and ask for "redemption" from a spouse or loved one! 

Product Description

"Since 2001 Alexander Valley Vineyards has produced Redemption Zinfandel. From the beginning founder Hank Wetzel wanted to showcase the outstanding fruit from Dry Creek Valley and winemaker Kevin Hall continues that tradition with the release of the 2009. We harvested from two individual vineyards on the eastern side of the Dry Creek Valley from early September to early October. One vineyard is hillside with red rocky soil producing smaller berries with flavors of blackberry and blueberry. While the 2nd vineyard has gravelly loam soil located on the valley floor and produces fruit with pronounced flavors of cherry, plum and black pepper. Overall 2009 was a cooler vintage with fewer heat spikes than in past years, so the acidity of this vintage is slightly higher than prior releases. The growing season allowed for uniform ripening in the which led to wines with good structure, balance and complexity.
The inspiration for the image on our label is a painting attributed to the well known Renaissance painter Tiziano Vecelli, who is now simply referred to as "Titian". It is known as one of his last works c. 1575-1576 and over the years has been referenced as “Spain Succoruing Religion” ; “Religion Succored by Spain” and “Spain Coming to the Aid of Religion”. The painting was owned at one time by the Museo Nacional Del Prado, Madrid." - Winery Notes

Alexander Valley Vineyards "Redemption" Zinfandel 2009 Tasting Notes

"Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, black pepper and vanilla. There is mouth filling texture with spicy flavors of blueberry, black pepper, dark fruits and a long finish." - Winemaker Notes

Monday, October 22, 2012

WOW: Wines Fit for a King!

WOW: Wine(s) of the Week


New to ShopUncorked.com: The King's Series

Marisco Vineyards The Kings Series
This product line has it all: Wrath, a Bastard, Thorns, Favour and lastly A Sticky End!  This quirky portfolio delivers value from Brent Marris, one of New Zealand's most well known wine makers.

About Marisco Vineyards

"Pelican Brands and Marisco Vineyards jointly announced in 2010 the formation of a long term strategic partnership for the U.S. market. Brent Marris, the winemaking creator of Oyster Bay and later Wither Hills of New Zealand, created Marisco Vineyards in 2003. Marisco Vineyards, set in perhaps the most beautiful place on Earth in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand, has two primary brands, The Kings Series and The Ned.

The Kings Series range of wines were launched in NZ October 2009 and are a celebration of Brent's family heritage dating back to the 12th and 13th Century in the United Kingdom on a small island in the Bristol Channel - Lundy Island. Each wine in the range tells a story about Brent's ancestors, the de Mariscos, and their tempestuous relationship with the English Monarchy.

The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Noble Sauvignon Blanc and in the first 6 months of launch the brand has already received accolades with the King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc picking up a gold medal at the New Zealand Royal Easter Show and has been selected on AIR New Zealand Business Class in-flight wine list." - Winery Notes

Marisco Vineyards "The King's Favour" Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"Intensely complex aromas of blackcurrant and passionfruit tightly wound together with highlights of minerality, lime and grapefruit zest. A nuance of wet riverstone provides this wine with an unmistakeable Waihopai signature.  The King’s Favour 2011 is a precise yet powerful wine showing explosive flavours of lime, lemongrass and passion fruit. This wine redefines balance and elegance in Sauvignon Blanc whilst delivering an exciting array of flavours and aromas." - Winemaker Notes

Marisco Vineyards "The King's Thorn" Pinot Gris 2011 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"Ripe stone fruits, a touch of rose petal and musk, and an intriguing aniseed note combine to give this wine a complex and generous aromatic profile.  Succulent pear and melon flavours are complemented by a hint of citrus and fennel, resulting in a wine of exquisite balance, weight and elegance. A luxurious texture adds further decadence to a wine of true class." - Winemaker Notes

Marisco Vineyards "The King's Bastard" Chardonnay 2011 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"A perfumed bouquet of citrus, ripe fig and melon. A hint of cashew with some subtle spicy oak adds further interest.Grapefruit and citrus zest are balanced by some riper flavours of nectarine, melon and fig. The mid palate is rich and creamy, with nuts and spice adding complexity. Lovely fresh acidity on the finish keeps the wine focused and pure." - Winemaker Notes

Marisco Vineyards "The King's Wrath" Pinot Noir 2011 Tasting Notes...$20.79 per bottle

"Dark spiced fruits with attractive floral notes and a subtle hint of forest floor.  Black Doris plums and dark cherries dusted with five spice suppored by some savoury complexity.  Mocha and coffee notes from the oak complement the dense fruit.  The tannins are fine and velvety." - Winemaker Notes

Marisco Vineyards "The King's A Sticky End" Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2011 375ml Tasting Notes...$19.49 per bottle

"An expressive nose displaying ripe lychee and feijoa fruits with complementary hazelnut, musk and fig notes. With further bottle age this wine will reveal complex aromas of toasted bread, marmalade and honey.  Concentrated flavours of manuka honey, ripe nectarine and apricot with layers of zesty citrus. Lusciously viscous, this Noble Sauvignon Blanc is sweet without being cloying thanks to a delicate thread of acidity which provides a refreshing twist to this mouth-watering wine." - Winemaker Notes

Monday, October 8, 2012

WOW: New to ShopUncorked.com: Gotham Wines and Wine Men of Gotham

WOW: Wine(s) of the Week


New to ShopUncorked.com: Gotham Wines and Wine Men of Gotham

Wine Men of Gotham and Gotham Wines
Problem: What wines to feature at your next October gathering?  OR, what hostess gift should you bring to your Halloween Party? OR, what to drink while doling out candy to this year's trick-or-treaters?!

Solution: Any one of the NEW three Gotham Wine (line priced at $12.99 per bottle) or four Wine Men of Gotham wines (line priced at $9.09 per bottle) featured in this week's WOW!

This week's WOW won't break the bank, but they WILL give your guests, friends and family something to talk about!  All wines are sourced from South Australia and a superb value.
"Gotham Wines was founded by Bruce Clugston and Fiona White with the release of Gotham Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2004.
Bruce and Fiona have a long history in wine retail and wholesale and seized the opportunity to make their  own wine with the 2004 vintage. Gotham Wines aim is to produce the best value wine money can buy. Gotham wines takes it name from  the pet name for New York city.  It was the great American writer Washington Irving who first named New York Gotham in his 1807 periodical, The Salmagundi. " - Winery Notes

With seven wines featured this week, Uncorked is confident that there is a wine to please every palate.  Stock up today for your next October gathering!

Gotham McLaren Vale Shiraz 2008 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"Deep dense dark and brooding in color with a stunning rim of purple/red in the glass! The nose is rich ripe plums and loads of primary spices including fennel, black pepper, with mocha and coffee highlights. The palate has superb velvet tannins and incredible soft finish length. The wine is big and rich, yet elegant and silky. It will cellar very well for up to 8-12 years. Mouth watering!" - Winery Notes

Gotham McLaren Vale Cabernet 2009 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"Black as ink to look at and on the nose it screams blueberries, creme de cassis, and liquorice, cedar and spice box.  The varietal definition is stunning with just the right balance of oak and fruit.  We extended the oak contact to 14 months to add some tannice structure to the wine and we think this will cellar particularly well.  An absolutely superb vintage and this is a classic Gotham." - Winery Notes

Gotham Barossa Valley Shiraz 2008 Tasting Notes...$12.99 per bottle

"Bright red in the glass, the nose is elegant with notes of plum and lovely spices which flow through to the palate with soft mouth feel and a hint of oak.  The palate is balanced and elegant with great oak structure but dominated by the natural Barossan fruit weight." - Winery Notes

Wine Men of Gotham Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Tasting Notes...$9.09 per bottle

Dry with elegant fruit aromas and superb balance between acid and fruit. The nose is of fresh fruit salad with some minerality. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with grassy notes and again fruit salad. Lively acid and a great zing to finish.

Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay 2011 Tasting Notes...$9.09 per bottle

Delightfully lifted aromatics on the nose with hints of nuts and tropical fruits. The palate is rich and defined with rich flavours and great mouth feel.

Wine Men of Gotham Shiraz 2011 Tasting Notes...$9.09 per bottle

Colour is red with some purple hints at the rim. The nose is quite savoury with some lovely pepper notes all bound together by plums. The palate is elegant and balanced with excellent fruit and some savouriness and spice with a great mouth feel. The finish lingers on for 30 seconds with a salivating freshness and mild tannins.

Wine Men of Gotham Shiraz Grenache 2011 Tasting Notes...$9.09 per bottle

The nose is complex with superb lift from the Grenache and fruit weight from the Shiraz. The palate is refined with delicate savoury flavours and great mouth feel.

Monday, October 1, 2012

WOW: "Siena," Sangiovese Based Blend: Pizza Perfect!

WOW: Wine of the Week


"Siena," Sangiovese Based Blend: Pizza Perfect!

Ferrari-Carano Siena 2010
With children back in school, football dominating schedules on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, it seems only natural to share one of our favorite wines that is the perfect compliment to Pizza!

That's right, Pizza!

This Sangiovese based blend from Ferrari-Carano has long been a household favorite, though, Ferrari-Carano is probably recognized for its Chardonnay.  Do not allow this beautiful red blend to pass you by this Fall!

What's better than having a wine that was destined to be paired with Italian dishes and pizza?!  The fact that this wine is UNDER $16 per bottle!  While most retailers price this wine at over $22 per bottle, Uncorked brings this versatile blend to you at a value price point!

At that price, what is stopping you from making THIS wine the official wine of your weekend?!

Product Description

"In 1979, Don and Rhonda Carano purchased a single 60-acre parcel of land in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. The parcel included a restored 1904 farmhouse, a barn and 30 acres of grapes. So began a twenty-five year mission to acquire premium vineyard properties throughout the county, because Don and Rhonda truly believed, and still do, that owning their own vineyards is the best way to ensure the highest quality grapes needed to supply their growing winery in Dry Creek Valley and their mountain winery in Alexander Valley.
Today, Ferrari-Carano owns 19 estate vineyards in four different appellations totaling 1,400 acres, in some of the finest wine growing regions in all of California. Mountain, bench land and valley floor vineyards spread over a fifty mile radius were chosen for their diversity of microclimates and soil; the acclaimed and diverse Alexander Valley, the desirable Russian River Valley with its cooler temperatures, picturesque Dry Creek Valley, and, at the southernmost end of the county, Napa/Carneros. Each vineyard is a microclimate unto itself, contributing its own unique diversity of grape flavors, textures and structures derived from the perfectly balanced combination of climate, soil and plant material." - Winery Notes

Ferrari-Carano Siena 2010 Tasting Notes

Ferrari-Carano's Italian heritage is reflected in this Sangiovese-based, easysipping blend. Select lots of grapes are chosen from our vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. Siena has delicious aromas and flavors of freshpicked blackberries, raspberry jam, cola, cinnamon and clove. Sweet oak notes of vanilla and butterscotch complement lingering tart cherry, cranberry and strawberry. A wine with nice acidity and refined, elegant texture, Siena has tannins that are showy and evenly coat the palate.
Blend: 74% Sangiovese, 14% Malbec, 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet

Ferrari-Carano Siena 2010 Pairings

Siena pairs perfectly with savory Italian food, pasta with flavorful tomato sauces, or pizza. Siena is also delicious with dishes such as Chicken Cacciatore, a duck salad with fruit like raspberries and oranges, or prosciutto on crostini.