Great Wine Source Wine Blog

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Posts Tagged wine enthusiast

This just in … from Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Mar 8

Posted by greatWineSource in Main | Comments off

California’s wine industry first took root in … Wisconsin?

Risa Wyatt in the March 2010 Wine Enthusiast Magazine provided a fun bit of history on a “viticultural visionary” (p. 19).

Agoston Haraszthy (regarded as the father of California viticulture) established Buena Vista vineyards in Sonoma County in 1857, but prior to heading out west, stopped by our great state of Wisconsin and planted vineyards by the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac. The grapes did not survive our winters, but his vision lives on in Wollersheim Winery. Wollersheim stands on property formerly owned by Haraszthy, but now owned and run by Julie (Wollersheim) and her husband Phillipe Coquard. Wollersheim produces 20 different grape wines and uses the caves dug by Haraszthy.

Who would’ve thunk it?

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wedding Destination

Feb 27

Posted by greatWineSource in Travel/trips | 2 Comments

Vineyard at Vino Bello/Meritage Resort in Napa


I recently read an article by Stephanie Cain in “Wine Spectator” magazine, see Napa May Ring Wedding Bells that except for a few wineries, county ordinances prevent weddings from being held on winery properties.

Grape Crusher at the head of Napa Valley

With a rule change possible in order for Napa Valley wineries to make more money, there’s so many options available. V. Sattui has been able to hold weddings and it is a beautiful location, so that’s a great option.

Vino Bello/Meritage Resort are able to hold conventions, educational event and weddings. If you’re a wine enthusiast, and looking to get married, think about Vino Bello. I’ve been to Vino Bello and with its beautiful vineyard hillside, the grape crusher statue at the head of Napa, a wine cave and a a open-air gazebo, it is breathtaking. Here’s some images from my convention there last year.

Estate Wine Cave

The resort itself is amazingly beautiful with an Old World Tuscan décor, located in the heart of wine country in the shadow of the Grape Crusher statue at the head of Napa Valley. Upscale accommodations with Jacuzzi’s, heated swimming pools, full kitchens or kitchenettes, fine dining and wine tasting bar. It’s only 10 minutes from downtown Napa, the Wine Train and Oxbow Marketplace. You can schedule wine tours, recreational activities and in-room services with the Resort concierge.

Golfing available at the Chardonnay Golf Course (three different nine-hole courses).

Choosing this location for your wedding or business meeting will impress, excite and satisfy.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Robert Mondavi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Feb 23

Posted by greatWineSource in Wine of the Day | Comments off

What is in a rating?

The other night I purchased a Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon for our Bunco game. The store indicated that Wine Enthusiast rated it a 91. Wine Advocate gives it a 90.

Wine Enthusiast’s rating scale indicates that 90-94 — Excellent. Extremely well made and highly recommended.
Wine Advocate’s rating scale indicates that 90-95 — Outstanding; exceptional complexity and character.

I tried the Mondavi 2006 and while it was good, it didn’t wow me. I expected for a rating of 90, 91 that it would be complex with a myriad of deep flavors and aromas.

According to the winemaker, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah.

“Dark and densely concentrated, expressive aromas of blackberry, currants and subtle notes of thyme and cinnamon lead to flavors of blackberry, black plum and a bit of black olive. Knit together with big, mouth-coating tannins, this is an engagingly well-structured, bold-statement wine.”

Wine Advocate notes that: “Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years.”

Maybe it does need to age more because for me (and another Bunco guest), it did not have the complexity and that we long for in Cabernets. The tannins were softer than preferred (I prefer very firm). I noted subtle hints of berries, and a medium finish, but there was very little expressive about this wine. It was only $19.99 at Festival Foods, so for a Cabernet in that price range it was very acceptable.

Would I buy it again? For $19.99, perhaps, but not for anything more than that.

Next up, Benziger 2006 Sonoma County Cabernet. Rated by Wine Enthusiast at 90 points, it will be interesting to see which wine I prefer.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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