Vintuba

Vintuba http://blog.vintuba.com Where Everyman's Wine Snob meets Wine Snob's Everyman Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:11:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Vintuba is a podcast for the wine drinker, novice and expert alike, with a thirst for the journey of discovery, not just the destination of an empty bottle. Your host, ChrisO & JonM Where Everyman's Wine Snob meets Wine Snob's Everyman VINTUBA.COM http://vintuba.com/Images/vintuba1080_reflection%2072.jpgVintuba http://blog.vintuba.com wine, beer, mixology, review, drink, alcohol, vintuba no Vintuba LLC chriso@vintuba.com Vintuba TV – ZAP 19th Annual Grand Zinfandel Tasting http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/02/05/vintuba-tv-zap-19th-annual-grand-zinfandel-tasting/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/02/05/vintuba-tv-zap-19th-annual-grand-zinfandel-tasting/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:45:18 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1581 http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/02/05/vintuba-tv-zap-19th-annual-grand-zinfandel-tasting/feed/ 1 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9230921&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9230921&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> In this video ChrisO gives you the sights and sounds of the 19th Annual ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Grand Zinfandel Tasting held at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Stay tuned for more on the 19th Annual ZAP Zinfandel Event including a list of recommended zins. Cheers! In this video ChrisO gives you the sights and sounds of the 19th Annual ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Grand Zinfandel Tasting held at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Stay tuned for more on the 19th Annual ZAP Zinfandel Event [...] vintuba.com 00:05:22 Zinfandel, Wine, review, Zap, Vintuba, Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco, Chris Oggenfuss no Vintuba TV – The Naomi Campbell of Zinfandels http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/26/vintuba-tv-the-naomi-campbell-of-zinfandels/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/26/vintuba-tv-the-naomi-campbell-of-zinfandels/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:37 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1543 http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/26/vintuba-tv-the-naomi-campbell-of-zinfandels/feed/ 3 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8961725&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8961725&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> WARNING: If you are a redneck you may be offended by this episode! In this episode of Vintuba TV ChrisO reviews the 2007 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Zinfandel from Alexander Valley aka “The Naomi Campbell of Zinfandels”. We are talking some nice value for money at $28 a bottle! If you like Zinfandel you are going to want to watch this episode. <a href="http://www.stuhlmullervineyards.com/">Stuhlmuller Vineyards</a> is a small family winery located just past Healdsburg in Sonoma County. The winemaker is non-other then Leo Hensen, some of you may remember we featured Leo and his own label Leo Steen in the podcast entitled <a href="http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/04/25/podcast-14-leo-steen-wines/">“the wines of a great Dane”</a>. Thanks for watching and please leave us a comment on your thoughts. IF you know someone who loves wine we would appreciate you sharing our site with them. Cheers and Enjoy, <a href="http://blog.vintuba.com/about-2/">ChrisO</a> WARNING: If you are a redneck you may be offended by this episode! In this episode of Vintuba TV ChrisO reviews the 2007 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Zinfandel from Alexander Valley aka "The Naomi Campbell of Zinfandels". If you like [...] Vintuba.com 4:00 Vintuba, wine, review, Stuhlmuller, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, ChrisO, Leo Hensen, Leo Steen, Neomi Campbell, Redneck no Vintuba TV -Win Zap Tickets http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/09/vintuba-tv-win-zap-tickets/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/09/vintuba-tv-win-zap-tickets/#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:37:27 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1456 http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/09/vintuba-tv-win-zap-tickets/feed/ 1 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8629921&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8629921&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> We are giving away 2 sets of 2 tickets to the 19th Annual Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason ins San Fransisco on January 30th. Watch the video to see how you can enter to win. Good luck! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vintuba">Our Facebook Fan Page</a> <a href="http://www.zinfandel.org">More info on ZAP</a> We are giving away 2 sets of 2 tickets to the 19th Annual Grand Zinfandel Tasting at Fort Mason ins San Fransisco on January 30th. Watch the video to see how you can enter to win. Good luck! vintuba.com 00:02:43 ZAP, Zinfandel, Wine, Vintuba, Grand Tasting, San Fransisco clean Vintuba TV – Review Fontanafredda Barbera http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/03/vintuba-tv-review-fontanafredda-barbera/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/03/vintuba-tv-review-fontanafredda-barbera/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:30:03 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1428 http://blog.vintuba.com/2010/01/03/vintuba-tv-review-fontanafredda-barbera/feed/ 1 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8467026&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8467026&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> ChrisO takes a look at the 2008 <a href="http://www.fontanafredda.it/sito/set_uk.htm">Fontanafredda</a> “Briccotonde” Barbera which heralds from the Piemonte region of northern Italy. Come see what $11.99 will buy you. Enjoy, ChrisO ChrisO takes a look at the 2008 Fontanafredda "Briccotonde" Barbera which heralds from the Piemonte region of northern Italy. Come see what $11.99 will buy you. vintuba.com 00:04:44 Wine, review, Vintuba, Fontanafredda, snob, italy, piedmont, piemonte, value, barbera no Vintuba TV -Review 2008 Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/27/vintuba-tv-review-2008-veramonte-ritual-pinot-noir/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/27/vintuba-tv-review-2008-veramonte-ritual-pinot-noir/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:41:19 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1394 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/27/vintuba-tv-review-2008-veramonte-ritual-pinot-noir/feed/ 1 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8414393&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8414393&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> <a href="http://blog.vintuba.com/about-2/">ChrisO</a> reviews the 2008 <a href="http://www.veramonte.com/">Veramonte</a> “Ritual” Pinot Noir from Casablanca Valley Chile. See what cool climate, <a href="http://www.paulhobbs.com/">Paul Hobbs,</a> Chile and value wine have in common. ChrisO reviews the 2008 Veramonte "Ritual" Pinot Noir from Casablanca Valley Chile. See what cool climate, Paul Hobbs, Chile and value wine have in common. Vintuba.com 5:40 Wine. Pinot Noir, Veramonte, Vintuba, ChrisO, review, Chilw no Vintuba TV-Festivus 2009 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/24/vintuba-tv-festivus-2009/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/24/vintuba-tv-festivus-2009/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:59:37 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1379 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/12/24/vintuba-tv-festivus-2009/feed/ 3 <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="601" height="338" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8370384&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8370384&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> Vintuba celebrates <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">the season of Festivus</a>. In the true Festivus spirit ChrisO continues the tradition of the “airing of grievances” and the “feats of strength”. For more on the tradition of Festivus click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">here</a> JonM, ChrisO, JessicaL, and CatherineS wish you all very happy holidays no matter what tradition you celebrate. Vintuba celebrates the season of Festivus. In the true Festivus spirit ChrisO continues the tradition of the "airing of grievances" and the "feats of strength". What does this have to do with wine? Well you are just going to [...] vintuba.com 9:05 Vintuba, Festivus, 2009, ChrisO, Wine yes Podcast 20 True value wines under $25 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/30/podcast-20-true-value-wines-under-25/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/30/podcast-20-true-value-wines-under-25/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:15:23 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1248 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/30/podcast-20-true-value-wines-under-25/feed/ 1 <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1257" title="true value2" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/true-value2-300x199.jpg" alt="true value2" width="300" height="199" /> Subscribe to our audio and video podcasts on iTunes by clicking here: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=290586872" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft" title="iTunes_2" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/iTunes_2.jpg" alt="iTunes_2" width="144" height="32" /></a> In podcast 20 JonM and I explore some value wines under $25 from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_wine">Argentina</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_wine">California</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_wine">Oregon</a>. When we say “value” we by no means mean cheap, but what we do mean is a wine that delivers way above their price point. We think we found some wines that you are going to like. We also discus some of the limitations of wine retailers and the very arcane <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-tier_(alcohol_distribution)">system of wine distribution in the US</a>. The first producer we chose to focus on is located in Argentina and goes by the name of <a href="http://www.kaikenwines.com/">Kaiken</a>. Kaiken produces wines in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza_wine">Mendoza</a> and is owned by <a href="http://www.monteswines.com/">Vina Montes </a>winery located in Apalta, in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchagua">Colchagua Valley</a> of Chile. Some of you might remember that we highlighted another Chilean producer, in <a href="http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/02/podcast-18-drive-time-wine-review-value-across-the-andes/">podcast 18</a>, who is making Malbec based wines in Mendoza, Argentina. Do we see a trend developing here? Could this be because the Malbec category in the US is growing at an astonishing rate of 40% a year? The wines we tasted cost well under the $24 mark. The second producer we chose to highlight is is located in Napa, California. You might be asking yourself, “value wines from Napa? What have JonM and ChrisO been smoking?” Then you find out that <a href="http://www.pineridgewinery.com/">Pine Ridge</a> is involved, yes the Pine Ridge that produces cabernets that cost in excess of $100, and now you are saying to yourself, or to anyone who will listen that “these guys have let too much of the product go to their heads!” But hold on a minute, we might be idiots, but take a minute hear us out. What we and I bet you did not know is that Pine Ridge has launched a new venture called <a href="http://www.forefrontwines.com/?gclid=CI-UhLDOs54CFSn6agodZzxglQ">ForeFront</a>. The wines of ForeFront are truly at the forefront of value and retail under $24. How fortuitous that these wines hit the market just as the American and world consumer is looking to lower price points to support their wine habit. I hope that these wines stay priced where they are and don’t slowly creep up to a higher price point. GEEK WARING!!!! Here are my tasting notes: <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1275" title="IMG_0506" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/IMG_0506-225x300.jpg" alt="IMG_0506" [...] In podcast 20 JonM and I explore some value wines under $25 from Argentina, California, and Oregon. When we say “value” we by no means mean cheap, but what we do mean is a wine that delivers way above their price point. We think we found some [...] vintuba.com 47:59 argentina, california, wine, ForeFront, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Malbec, Vintuba yes Podcast 19 Two Guys and a “Date Night” Cabernet http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/19/podcast-19-two-guys-and-a-date-night-cabernet/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/19/podcast-19-two-guys-and-a-date-night-cabernet/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:55:12 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1173 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/19/podcast-19-two-guys-and-a-date-night-cabernet/feed/ 5 <img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1175" title="datenight" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/datenight-180x300.jpg" alt="datenight" width="180" height="300" /> What happens when you have ChrisO and JonM separated by 2,000 miles and you add a organically grown cabernet sauvignon from Napa? Why a “Date Night” of course. Listen in and learn about the latest release of the <a href="http://www.datenightwines.com">2006 Phifer Pavitt “Date Night” Cabernet Sauvignon</a>. We have some fun at our own expense and talk about <a href="http://www.enologyinternational.com/yeast/wildyeast.html">wild yeasts</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Valley,_California">Pope Valley</a>, winemaker Ted Osborne (no not Ozzy’s long lost brother), and the merits of a $75 Napa Cab in the current economic climate. ChrisO’s Tasting Notes: <img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1185" title="label_190x255h" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/label_190x255h.gif" alt="label_190x255h" width="190" height="255" /><a href="http://www.datenightwines.com/wine.htm">2006 Phifer Pavitt ‘Date Night’ Cabernet Sauvignon</a> In the glass it shows a dark ruby core that fades to a lighter ruby rim. Oak plays a leading role in the aromatics of this wine; aromas of Christmas spices, licorice, sweet vanilla pod and smoke, are backed up by fruit notes of blackberries, ratatouille, plum, cassis, and kirsch. There is also a more savory than sweet quality to aromatics. On the palate the wine reveals medium intense flavors of chocolate, tobacco leaf, hoisin sauce, dark berries, black cherries, plums, and liquid smoke. The tannins are fine grained well integrated but provide a nice structure and textural experience. A little more acid would give some needed lift to the fruit and add to the balance. I found the wine to possess a long pleasing finish that was punctuated by complexity and more savory then sweet flavors. This is a BIG wine and remained enjoyable to the last drop. If you are in search of a more elegant style this might not be for you, however if you are a fan of power house Napa cabs this is one to try. Drink this wine now or over the next 4-5 years. Retail $75 (from the winery). Cheers, ChrisO Subscribe to our audio and video podcasts on iTunes by clicking here: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=290586872" target="_blank"><img title="iTunes_2" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/iTunes_2.jpg" alt="iTunes_2" width="144" height="32" /></a> What happens when you have ChrisO and JonM separated by 2,000 miles and you add a organically grown cabernet sauvignon from Napa? Why a "Date Night" of course. Listen in and learn... vintuba.com 32:16 Wine, review, vintuba, cabernet, napa, pope valley, Pfifer Pavitt yes Podcast 18 Drive time wine review – Value across the Andes http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/02/podcast-18-drive-time-wine-review-value-across-the-andes/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/02/podcast-18-drive-time-wine-review-value-across-the-andes/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:47:31 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1129 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/11/02/podcast-18-drive-time-wine-review-value-across-the-andes/feed/ 0 <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3947254236_2379012dab.jpg"><img class="alignleft" title="value" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3947254236_2379012dab.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>This week my palate has taken a trip south of the border, no not to Taco Bell, but to South America. What I found was great quality and value galore! Finding great value wines from South America is by no means anything new. Chile and Argentina have been producing some good value wines since the early 1990’s. Both countries have chosen an obscure Bordeaux variety to call their own. Listen to our podcast here: Chile chose Carménère. It was not until 1994 that Carménère was discovered in Chile. A large number of the vines previously believed to be Merlot are in fact the historic bordeaux variety Carménère. It is presumed that the Carménère vine was imported directly from Bordeaux, France in the late 19th century. Known for its ability, at it’s best, to produce a wine with some of the charm of Merlot but with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, and at it’s worst, wines that exhibit stewed tomatoes on over-herbaceous characteristics. Argentina chose Malbec which originated like Carménère from France and can still be found in its home country. Before the Bordeaux frost of 1956, Malbec was quite popular, it is still permitted by all major red bordeaux appellations today, however total Bordeaux plantings have fallen significantly. The other major wine region in France that calls Malbec home is Cahors. However it is Argentina’s most important red grape variety. The wines that are based on Malbec are generally much more ripe and lush than their French counterparts, although some have proven that they are similarly capable of extended aging. The wines that I have chosen to review from the respective countries of Chile and Argentina are: <img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1142" title="imagen_archivo_etiquetas_etiquetasfotos_Label_PR05-10989" src="http://blog.vintuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/imagen_archivo_etiquetas_etiquetasfotos_Label_PR05-10989-150x150.jpg" alt="imagen_archivo_etiquetas_etiquetasfotos_Label_PR05-10989" width="150" height="150" />2006 Veramonte Primus, Colchagua Valley, Chile. Primus is a blend of 16% Carmenère, 31% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon. Veramonte is owned by the Huneeus family, who like the wine, herald from Chile. Incidentally the same family also owns <a href="http://www.quintessa.com">Quintessa</a> and Faust in Napa, California and is also responsible for producing the Argentinian Malbec listed below. The winemaker is young Cristian Aliaga, and he was assisted by the renowned Chilean consultants Alvaro Espinoza (one of the first in Chile to distinguish Merlot from Carmenere). As mentioned above the provenance of the grapes is the Colchagua Valley, an area that is located in one of the Rapel Valleyʼs two sub-appellations. In little more than ten years, the valley transformed itself from a sleepy, fertile farming area to a leading producer of some of Chileʼs finest red wines, and many long-time grape growers have established their own wineries and now offer wines under their own labels. Particularly worth watching are the expressive, full-bodied Cabernet, Carménère, and Syrahs. Colchagua lies closer to the low and rolling Coastal Range than to the higher Andes and benefits from the cooling breezes that blow in directly from the sea, effectively extending the growing season for a long, slow ripening period. In fact, temperatures vary widely on any given summer day, which further contributes [...] This week my palate has taken a trip south of the border, no not to Taco Bell, but to South America. What I found was great quality and value galore! Finding great value wines from South American is by no means anything new. Chile and Argentina [...] Vintuba.com 20:12 wine, vintuba, argentina, chile clean Podcast 17 A Swanson Song- The story of Chris Phelps http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/10/23/podcast-17-a-swanson-song-the-story-of-chris-phelps/ http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/10/23/podcast-17-a-swanson-song-the-story-of-chris-phelps/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:33:56 +0000 ChrisO http://blog.vintuba.com/?p=1101 http://blog.vintuba.com/2009/10/23/podcast-17-a-swanson-song-the-story-of-chris-phelps/feed/ 1 <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/topaz-mcnumpty/3525157648/"><img class="alignleft" title="Swan Song" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3525157648_a257e1630f.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>I had the fortunate pleasure of being invited to meet Chris Phelps, head winemaker for <a href="http://www.swanson.com">Swason Vinyards</a> in Napa. So this past Monday I made my way up valley to Rutherford to meet Chris at the winery. What follows is a podcast of me recounting my encounter to JonM. This is like the hearsay of interviewing techniques, Chris Phelps tells ChrisO who then tells JonM. If you like it make sure and tell someone else. Listen here: Tasting notes of the lineup of Swanson Vineyard wines I tried: 2007 Swanson Pinot Grigio – Very fruit forward aromas of citrus, melon, peach and apricot. The flavors were equally as expressive and reminded me of apple skin, ripe melons, and white peach that gave way to some bitter almond skin. The acid and alcohol were in balance and played nicely off the ripe fruit aromas. The finish was pleasing and medium in length. This is a nice effort and sure to appeal to many a wine drinker looking for a nice patio pounder on a hot summer afternoon by the pool. PRICE $22 (available nationwide) 2008 Swanson “Salon Wine Selection” Chardonnay – Fresh crisp aromas of green apple, citrus, pear and tropical fruits on the nose. No perceptible oak! Racy acidity gives a nice lift to flavors of baked apple, spiced apple cider, kaffir lime and pear. Alcohol feels in harmony with other components. A very refreshing Chardonnay. I was taken by surprise by it’s freshness and food pairing affinity. This is such a welcomed reprieve from over oaked chardonnays. The only issue I have with this wine is that it should be priced at the mid $20’s (especially since it does not see maturation is expensive new oak barrels) opposed to the $40 level. PRICE $40 (available only direct from winery) 2005 Swanson Merlot (80% Merlot, 15% Cab Sauv, 5% Syrah) – Developing aromas of dark plum, cassis, cedar, macerated black cherries and some cigar box. Very clean on the nose! Tannins are soft and well integrated and give the wine a nice texture and structure. Both acid and alcohol seem to be balanced nicely with the flavors of dark chocolate, dried lavender, coffee, dark fruits and oak. The finish is both long and shows some nice complexity. In a blind tasting I would have been very hard pressed to distinguish this wine from a Cabernet. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, it reminded me that Merlot when done right can be a sublime experience. This wine packs a ton of value at $36. This wine affirms that Chris Phelps time in the Right Bank of Bordeaux paid off! PRICE $36 (available nationwide) 2005 Swanson “Alexis” Cabernet Sauvinon (90% Cab Sauv, 10% Merlot) – Very expressive developing aromas of Creme de Cassis, blackberries, bilbery, eucalyptus, lingonberries, dark chocolate and tobacco leaves. The tannins are fine grained, tightly wound, giving this wine an incredible structure. Acid seems a little lacking, however the same can not be said for the flavors of bakers chocolate, espresso bean, graphite, dark plum, blackberries and raspberry jam. The finish is quite impressive in its length and complexity. I would recommend a further 3-4 years of cellaring to better integrate the impressive tannins. While not inexpensive this wine does deliver for the price point and I am sure it can currently be found for [...] I had the fortunate pleasure of being invited to meet Chris Phelps, head winemaker for Swason Vinyards in Napa. So this past Monday I made my way up valley to Rutherford to meet Chris at the winery. What follows is a podcast of me recounting my [...] 40:58 podcast, wine, swason, chriso, vintuba, napa no