Hudson Valley Wine Goddess

Passion for Port – Traveling the Douro Valley

Debbie — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:05:00 +0000

There are three primary zones of production in the Douro for Port. The Baixo Corgo region where Regua produces lighter wines due to the cooler, wetter weather it experiences and represent 45% of Douro’s plantings. As you travel further inland to Cima Corgo, the weather gets a little warmer you will find the town of Pinhao where the vineyards here account for 40% of ports production. Furthest to the east is the hottest and driest zone Douro Superiore which accounts for 15% of Ports production. The vineyards in this region are among the most highly classified in the world. There are approximately 90,000 acres planted, owned by 30,000.

You will be introduced to the 5 main grape varieties used in Port. Touriga National which accounts for just over 2% of the region’s vines. Touriga Franca which accounts for 22% of the vines planted. Tinta Roriz also known as Tempranillo accounts for 12% of the regions vines. Tinta Barroca accounts for 23% of the vines and Tinta Cao which is somewhat rare and accounts for only 1% of the vines.

Your Passion for Port tour begins in Porto as you focus on the historic side of Port. You will visit famous names as Taylor Fladgate, Grahams and Kopke. You will take a nice walking tour where you will get your fill of history, cathedrals and an outdoor food market.

The second part of your tour you will travel up the river to Cima Corgo and Douro Superiore. Here you will visit a variety of wineries that produce both Port and dry wine. You will receive a great overview of the winemaking in the Douro Valley.

If you are interested in the wines of Portugal this trip is something you would want to consider. The 5 day trip is from September 16 – 21, 2012. The cost includes accommodations, 4 dinners, 1 lunch, all wine tasting, walking tour, scenic train ride along the Douro from Pinhao to Vesuvio and river cruise in Oporto. For more information and detailed itinerary and price click here.

A Taste of TasteCamp – Loudoun, VA

Debbie — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:32:00 +0000

I survived TasteCamp! Or I should say the 6 hour drive by myself. I am going to give you a brief re-cap of the weekend and go into detail in a few posts later on.

It seems the only time I can spring out of bed early in the AM and be wide awake is to travel. So at 4:15AM the buzzer sounded and I began my trek south. I would have arrived 20 minutes early to Boxwood Winery but I doubted my GPS and took a wrong turn or should I say the “scenic route.”

Boxwood really knows how to entertain. Walking through the doors I was greeted by Rachael Martin and a glass of their Rose. Rachael was a wonderful host and the Rose was fantastic, yes I got the WOW factor from it.

Rachael shared with us their big news. They were closing their tasting room in the town of Middleburg and opening up the winery for tasting and tours. I had a wonderful lunch with Rachael, as she sat at my table. I want to thank her for opening up the winery and sharing her love of wine, winemaking and family history with us. We had quite a few things in common, both our families owned a form of media outlets (hers, many more than mine) and we both work/ed for our fathers.

A Grand Tasting followed with 11 Virginia wineries out on the crush pad.

A quick trip to the hotel – The National Conference Center, found us in a college dorm setting, complete with the furniture to match. Who cares, we are only there to sleep and it was clean. I never did find the Starbucks.

Off to the “Last Supper” at Breaux Vineyards A table for 40. They shared their 2002 Virginia Merlot with us. What a treat! Silky and sexy is how I describe that.

Dinner was wonderful, although I would have liked my steak cooked a tad more. We had a vertical tasting of their Nebbiolo with dessert. The hospitality couldn’t have been better. They really opened their arms to us.

Half way back to the hotel which was about 45 minutes away Frank got the dreaded tweet from Breaux “You left two campers behind.” Diane who was following the bus was kind enough to drive back to the winery to pick up the stragglers.

Day two had us up at the crack of dawn for an extremely educational vineyard walk at Fabbiolo Vineyards where they have a very unique frost protection operation.

Then it was onto Tarara Vineyards for a vineyard tour or I should say a tractor ride, another Grand Tasting and lunch. Lunch was fantastic wood fired pizza with various toppings.

Vineyard walk at Tranquility Vineyards which is operated by 8 Chains North, and then headed down the hill to Otium Cellars for a tasting their wines along with 8 Chains North.

A quick trip back to the dorms to get the BYOB for dinner. By this time I really wanted a beer to cleanse my palate. I brought with me Happy Bitch Wines Rose (of course) Oak Summit Charddonay, Benmarl Frontenac, Brotherhood Pinot Noir, Robibero 87 North, Whitecliff Awosting White, & Tousey Cassis. We headed to North Gate Vineyards for a BBQ by Smokin’ Willy. After a lovely tasting we were all standing around the TV and got to watch the Kentucky Derby and what a race it was. I’ll have another!

Dinner was perfect, not to heavy and actually went with the many of the wines that were brought. But it was a long day. And for some like Carlo, well the picture speaks for itself.

Sunday a 45 minute drive to Linden Vineyards was the last stop of the weekend. A beautiful winery and vineyard. Their Sauvignon Blanc really stood out for me along with their Chardonnays.

Four take-aways from TasteCamp
- Learned about a new disease – Grapevine Yellow
- They have similar growing season and issues as does NY with weather (time, rain, frost, disease pressure) although their humidity is worse.
- I think New York overall makes a better Cabernet Franc (according to my taste and palate)
- Price points on wine were $20+

More details about the wineries, viticulture, and tastings to come in the upcoming weeks.

Hale Males Ride Rail Trail For Pale Ale

Debbie — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:50:00 +0000

I’m waiting for three men.

They set out from the World Trade Center around 10:45 Friday morning, on bikes, with a stop at the Bronx Ale House and another at the beer wonderland DeCicco’s in Ardsley, before arriving at their ultimate destination: Captain Lawrence Brewing in Elmsford.

They’re running a little late, as tends to happen when enjoying a leisurely bike ride with a few stops for a beer along the way. It’s 5:30 and the tasting room is filling up. The post-work crowd. The Clash’s “Magnificent Seven” plays.

Finally, the men—John Kleinchester, Jeff Quinn and Pat MacGowan–roll up, dropping their bikes in a heap on the lawn.

I expected different. For guys on a 35 mile bike trek, I pictured sinewy fellows in lycra and those wacky cycling tap shoes, sitting atop mega-thousand dollar machines bearing Lance Armstrong’s insignia. Instead, I see three dudes in grubby jeans and t-shirts, riding a trio of rusted old cycles that, frankly, may not even get stolen if left unlocked in Manhattan.

John, Jeff and Pat, all 30, are quickly set up with samples—John and Pat a Kolsch, Jeff a Liquid Gold–and start to talk about their journey. They followed the bike path up Manhattan’s west side and under the George Washington Bridge, rode under the 1/9 train into the Bronx, and ducked into the Bronx Ale House—a pub featuring a fine selection of hard to find craft brews.

From there, it was into Van Cortlandt Park, two blocks from the pub, where the bikers picked up the Old Putnam Trail—the paved over railway line that wends through the expansive park and into Westchester, connecting with another so called “rail trail,” the South County Trailway. After a pit stop at DeCicco’s Family Markets, home of 400 beers, they hopped back on the bike trail, and followed it to just about a mile from the brewery. (Needless to say, use all good common sense when enjoying a beer or two on a bike ride. Especially in traffic.)

Put another way, it was about 34 miles of smooth paths through green space, and about a mile of sharing the road with cars. “It was just beautiful,” says Jeff. “It could not have been easier.”

The men differ on exactly when the plan was hatched; John says it was a year ago, while Jeff insists it was more like two weeks ago. Either way, they’d been to the former Pleasantville site, but hadn’t been to Captain Lawrence’s new digs in Elmsford. “I said, when the f— are we going to the new Captain Lawrence?” says Jeff, and the plan was in motion. “I Googled how to get there by bike,” he adds, “and said, what’s this huge-ass trail?”

John and Jeff knew each other as boys in Parsippany, New Jersey. John and Pat went to Ithaca College together. They took a day off work—John is at Viacom, Jeff is an art director at a magazine and Pat studies finance at NYU. (“You don’t work at Merrill Lynch?” asks Jeff. “No,” says Pat. “Did you used to work at Merrill Lynch? Did you get laid off?” “I never worked at Merrill Lynch,” deadpans Pat. That’s why you take these road trips—to get to know your friends better.)

And those bikes, sitting in a tangled clump out front like a sculpture no one commissioned. Pat is on a Panasonic 10-speed. (Yes, Panasonic. No, the bike did not come free with his VCR.) John is on a Trek that’s slightly older than he is, while Jeff rides the deliciously titled Surly Steamroller (yes, it’s a real make) that features—get this—one speed. He rides five miles from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and five miles back, for work each day, so fitness is not an issue.

I ask them for their highlights. Pat says carving through mile after mile of green space on the rail trail. Jeff mentions finding some random park along the way and pulling over for a rest. “We were laying on the grass, knowing we should be at work,” he says. (I think of those “Magnificent Seven” lyrics from moments ago: “Clocks go slow in a place of work/The minutes drag and the hours jerk.”)

John, who runs the popular beer & photos blog Beertography.com, simply knocks on the table holding a fresh round of Freshchester Pale Ales. “That’s what keeps you pedaling,” he says. “Knowing how good the beer is gonna be when you get there.”

The final leg of the journey calls for the men to ride to Tarrytown station and hop Metro-North back to New York. But when it’s sunny and bright, it’s a self-imposed holiday, and the beer tastes good, there’s really and truly no rush to get anywhere.

–Michael Malone (malone5a@yahoo.com)

Captain Lawrence Brewing, at 444 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, is open Tuesday through Friday (retail 2-7 p.m., and samples 4-7 p.m.); and Saturday, with retail and samples 12-6 p.m., and brewery tours at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. The author is paid by Captain Lawrence, partially in beer, for “Notes From the Tasting Room.”

Hudson-Chatham Seyval Blanc

Debbie — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Another Seyval Blanc to tell you about before the 2011 vintage comes out.

The 2010 Hudson-Chatham Block 1, North Creek Vineyards was Estate Grown and Bottled had a strong nose of citrus.

A palate of soft banana with citrus and lime flavors with a tart finish that jumps out at you and lingers. As the wine warms up a bit the lime flavors become more prominent.

If you notice the color of the wine is a bit more yellowish than I’m use to with this type of varietal. Usually Seyval is more clear with hints of a yellow and a greenish ting. But in any event, the color did not effect the wine. It was what I expected.

The Enchanting Rhine with Barry Wiss – Trinchero Family Estates

Debbie — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Picture yourself in vibrant Amsterdam, enjoying her legendary canals and colorful surroundings. Visiting the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the historic university town of Heidelberg, the charming medieval town of Strasbourg and discover the legendary Black Forest region. Conclude your journey amidst Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, enjoying lake-side excursions and Alpine vistas. YES you can enjoy this and also extend you stay with 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich.

The dates you have to set aside are for Cruise only November 15 – 22, 2012 Land & Cruise November 11-22, 2012

You’ll need to save $2399 per person for cruise only and with the optional 2 nights in Zurich & 2 nights in Lucerne $1040 per person. Don’t forget cost for airfare

Here is your cruise itinerary that includes wine lecturers and excursions.

	BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D)
	BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE This morning, enjoy scenic cruising and an onboard wine lecture on the way to Breisach, Germany. From Breisach, choose either a Black Forest tour through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Or, you can choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” On your Colmar tour you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. (B,L,D)
3	STRASBOURG, FRANCE – SPEYER, GERMANY The principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous Astronomical clock. Then, a canal cruise will take you through this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the alternative to your canal cruise and city tour, you may choose a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) which will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. In the afternoon, you will visit the charming wine town of Obernai. Nestled against the Vosges mountains in the heart of Alsace, Obernai is known for its half-timbered houses, traditional Alsatian wine, food and festivals. After a brief guided tour of Obernai, you will take a short drive to one of Alsace’s most beautiful wine estates. There, in the typical Alsatian setting of Caveau Klipfel, you will tour a unique wine-making exhibit featuring antique wine presses, Vosges wooden wine casks and old viticulture stock. Your visit will also include a wine tasting in a wood-paneled tasting room. Sample a classic Riesling, noble Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region, making a most memorable evening in Alsace. (B,L,D)
4	SPEYER – HEIDELBERG, GERMANY Depart this morning for Speyer, enjoying an onboard wine lecture en route. From Speyer, you will take an excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, overlooking beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. This evening, a German-themed dinner will be served on board, accompanied by paired German wines. (B,L,D)
5	RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You will also visit the Berg Rottland winery for a tour and wine tasting. Depart at lunchtime for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, famous for its castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, a wine town at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, where you will take a walking tour. This evening, enjoy a delectable meal with paired wines at the Captains Gala Dinner. The ship moors in Koblenz overnight. (B,L,D)
6	KOBLENZ – COLOGNE This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture as the ship cruises to Cologne, famous for its legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour through the old part of the city, visit the cathedral and also enjoy a tasting of Kölsch, the specialty beer with the straw-yellow hue brewed in Cologne. In the alternative, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). This evening, enjoy regional specialties at the Fruh Brewery, where you will have dinner. (B,L,D)
7	AMSTERDAM Arrive in Amsterdam at mid-day. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat tour. Then take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
8	DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) If you are interested give Debbie a shout. debbie@exclusivewinevacations.com

5th Annual Tocai Friulano New Release Party at Millbrook Winery

Debbie — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:05:00 +0000

It’s Spring and it’s time to celebrate all things Italian with the release of Millbrook Vineyard & Winery’s 2011 Tocai Friulano and their California grown Sangiovese. Join them at their 5th Annual Tocai Friulano New Release Party Saturday, May 19 from 12pm – 3pm for some vino, Italian food and a good time!

Cosimo’s in Poughkeepsie is catering this wonderful event that begins with an Antipasto Station then a buffet lunch featuring Tumeric Stained Bowtie Pasta with Smoked Tomatoes, Basil and Hand Pulled Mozzarella, Fennel & Black Pepper Grilled Drumsticks, Slow Roasted Pork Loin and much more (menu above)

This year Millbrook produced two Tocai’s. One is the 2011 Proprietor’s Special Reserve and the other is the 2011 Lollipop Hill Tocai. What’s the difference – you be the judge. All the Tocai Friulano is Estate Grown!

After lunch, Winemaker, John Graziano takes everyone for a walk in the vineyard and gives you a history of Millbrook and some education on grape growing in the Hudson Valley.

Ticket for this event are $55 per person plus tax. To make reservations call 845.677.8383 ext. 17.

I’ll see you there!

A Toast to the Wedding Season

Debbie — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:25:00 +0000

It’s that time of year when the invitations begin to roll in. Wedding, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties, Divorce Parties. You name it, there is a Champagne to pair with it.

Thanks to the Champagne Bureau the recommend these pairings.

The Shower – All of your girlfriends will enjoy the pink color and light, fruity flavor of a delicious rosé Champagne. Rosé pairs perfectly with subtle cheeses, smoked salmon, and fruit salad, as well as many other hors d’oeuvres. Plus, a half bottle makes a lovely party favor.

The Bachelorette Party – For your last night of freedom, why not liven up your celebration with a rich, full bodied Blanc de Noirs style Champagne? This Champagne is made using only black grapes and pairs well with full-flavored foods—perfect to get the party started!

The Rehearsal Dinner – It can be hard to please a room full of family, but a non-vintage Brut Champagne pairs well with almost anything and can help the evening go smoothly.

The Reception – On your wedding day, there’s no more perfect wine for your toasts than Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The name literally means “white of white,” a perfect complement to your gown. This delicate Champagne is made from only Chardonnay grapes and has a light, dry flavor, just right for when you want to dance all evening. Make sure to save a bottle to drink on your first anniversary!

The Honeymoon – When you’re finally alone with your loved one, it is time to cuddle up and share a rare Vintage Champagne, only made in years that produce the highest quality grapes. Just as your love has grown over time, these wines have been aged for a minimum of three years before they are released.

However, they never considered the Divorce Party. I can happily say I’ve been married for almost 24 years but have celebrated with girlfriends when they’ve rid themselves of their “other half”. Whether for the better or not, a new chapter is born and the wine to celebrate with is Happy Bitch Wines Rose. This Rose wine is made with 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir grapes with a hint of effervescence, is not to dry and not to sweet. The perfect way to begin the next chapter in your life.

A Toast to the Wedding Season

Debbie — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

The Rehearsal Dinner – It can be hard to please a room full of family, but a non-vintage Brut Champagne pairs well with almost anything and can help the evening go smoothly.

Notes From the Captain Lawrence Tasting Room, Vol. 10

Debbie — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Cinco de Derby

If ever a day was created to lift a few festive libations with friends, it may just have been May 5. A quick translation of the date into Spanish reveals, yes, Cinco de Mayo, and it happened to be the 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby as well. The Derby is known, of course, for the wearing of more preposterous bonnets than a royal wedding, and the quaffing of mint juleps. Headwear is optional for Cinco de Mayo, though some opt for sombreros, and the beverages of choice include Mexican beer or tequila.

Yet both events elicit a hearty ho-hum at the Captain Lawrence tasting room on this day. Ben Eggleston of Elmsford suggests the Derby’s tagline may as well be Run For the Poses. “It’s a women’s hat holiday,” he says. “Women trying to outdo each other with hats—I have no interest.”

It is worth noting that Eggleston happens to be sporting one of the finer chapeaus in the room, a stylish Burberry number perched rakishly atop his head. He sips the Brown Ale with pal Nick McCullough of Greenwich.

“I didn’t even know the Derby was today,” admits Nick.

Cut the man some slack—Nick’s an investment banker, and says he hasn’t had a free Saturday in some time. He looks like a man paroled.

Across the room, Cliff Galvin of Ossining says he may hoist a Corona or tequila later on at a comedy club. It sounds as though he’d rather sip Captain Lawrence in the tasting room—or at home. See, Galvin, who owns his own construction business, built a bar in what he calls an “extreme man cave” back home, and always has a keg of something Captain Lawrence on tap. (It’s currently a Freshchester Pale Ale.)

That of course prompts one to wonder why he schleps to the tasting room. “I come here to hang out with friends,” he says, nodding to Lauren Dykstra of Ossining and Danielle Noto of Deer Park, Long Island as they sip the Liquid Gold. “I like to see who I might run into.”

Galvin’s man cave sounds sweet, but across the room, Mike Dalleva, Martha Singerand their schnoodle—yes, schnoodle—Coco, see his tap and raise him two. The couple have no less than three Captain Lawrence lines on the kegerator at their Pomona home: Typically Liquid Gold for Mike, Imperial IPA for Martha, and a wild card.

“When you have people over, you need a light, a dark and something else,” says Martha.

They’ve crossed the Hudson to check out the newly bloomed peonies at Rockefeller State Park, and pop into the brewery. The three taps make for great entertaining, says Mike, even though the grown-ups usually affix themselves to the basement bar while the kids run amuck in the street.

The Clash’s “London’s Burning” fills the room. The Derby is still a few hours away, but over in London, Chelsea has defeated Liverpool for the FA Cup.

Back in Elmsford, wee Sean Mackiewicz, a three-year-old out of Tarrytown, is bouncing around like a young Beckham—still showing plenty of energy after a birthday party up the road at Sportime USA. After the kids romped around in the ball pit, took a spin on the Himalaya and traded their game tickets for loot, Sean’s parents, Ken and Keri, pulled rank and steered the family over to 444 Saw Mill River Road.

Keri holds three-month-old Ryan while Ken keeps a casual eye on Sean. “It was the convenience factor,” says Ken. “Also, we had to fill up our growler.”

They opt for the Liquid Gold; the Belgian-style ale seems to be as popular a pick today as Bodemeister down at Churchill Downs.

Meanwhile, Cliff Galvin—he of the extreme man cave—was correct about wondering who he might run into in the tasting room. His friend Erin Coats, a redhead out of Stamford, bounds in with her dashing dachsund Bandit.

Bandit eyes the schnoodle from across the room as Erin grabs a sample and catches up with her pals.

Finally, someone is doing something Cinco or Derby related: Erin will be heading over to a Derby party in Greenwich later on. But first, she’s catching up with Cliff, Lauren and Danielle—and filling up a growler.

“Everyone else will be sipping mint juleps,” she says with a smile. “I’ll be drinking Captain Lawrence.”

When that marquee race finally unfolded, a longshot horse fitting of such a festive day grabbed the glory. Indeed, could anyone but I’ll Have Another really have won?

–Michael Malone (malone5a@yahoo.com)

Captain Lawrence Brewing, at 444 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, is open Tuesday through Friday (retail 2-7 p.m., and samples 4-7 p.m.); and Saturday, with retail and samples 12-6 p.m., and brewery tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The author is paid by Captain Lawrence, partially in beer, for “Notes From the Tasting Room.”

Blending Whitecliff 2011 Sky Island

Debbie — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

All in a weekends work we were blending Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery’s 2011 Sky Island Blend. This is their Bordeaux style blend of red wine.

We tasted each of the varietals on their own before we began the blending process.

Merlot – astringent, high tannins, earth tones and light cherry
Cabernet Sauvignon – a little green, darker in color, tannins a bit flat and hint of black cherry towards finish
Cabernet Franc – very light in color. Cranberry, lacking a bit of fruit, high acid
50% each blend of Petit Verdot & Malbec – candied, color good, blackberry, best body.

The first blend began with base percentages that were used in the 2010 Sky Island which was 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc 32% Merlot 4% Malbec 4% Petit Verdot. The 2010 growing season was warm and the fruit was low in acid.

Blend # 1 which is the same blend as in 2010 Sky Island was lacking flavor on the front. Was acidic and lacks body and color. Weak fruit

Blend #2 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon 37.5% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot/Malbec. Nose of brown sugar and some bitterness. Flat fruit profile, tannins in the middle but fade and then come back

Blend #3 44% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot/Malbec 6% Cabernet Franc – more structure, balanced mouth feel, pepper on the finish. Tannins on the tip, light red fruit and some tartness.

Blend #4 42% Cabernet Sauvignon 32% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot/Malbec 1% Cabernet Franc – blueberry, cranberry, black current, smoother finish, not as harsh, spice on the finish. Not a wine to age for a long
time.

Now we revisited all 4 blends and these were the comments from the 9 of us on the tasting panel:

Blend #1 – Don’t like that
Blend #2 – This is wierd
Blend#3 – Like
Blend #4 – Liked the best.

So it looks like #4 is the blend. Remember, this is a drink now wine, don’t cellar it.