Category: Living Napa Cabulous

Wine Wednesday Pour: Larkmead Red Wine (2010)

A Review of One of Larkmead Vineyards’ Newest Releases

Aside from offering one of the best and most scenic tasting experiences in Napa Valley, Larkmead Vineyards produces a spectacular line-up of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends. Over the years, we’ve struggled to hold onto our bottles of Cabernet, Firebelle, LMV Salon and Solari, instead opting to consume them shortly after purchase. With a history dating back to the late 1800’s, the team at Larkmead prides themselves on being farmers-first; this dedication to the care of their vineyards and grapes shines through in their wines. Larkmeads’ vineyards are located in Calistoga, one of Napa Valley’s newest AVA’s, which defines its distinctive flavors and velvety mouthfeel. Theirs are wines that make you sip and take notice because they’re so bold and intricately laced with complex layers of aromas, flavors and textures. With this consistent quality, it’s no surprise that Larkmead wines are harder and harder to come by. This is why we were so thrilled to learn about the 2010 Larkmead Red Wine. Continue reading Wine Wednesday Pour: Larkmead Red Wine (2010)

Now This is How You Host a Home Wine Tasting Party!

Inspiration and Tips for a Memorable Event

A colleague and fellow Napa wine enthusiast kindly invited us to participate in his annual home tasting party over the weekend. I knew we’d be in for a treat, but this event rivaled something you’d read about in Martha Stewart Living. As we entered, guests were asked to pick up one numbered wine glass that had been adorned with a homemade cork charm. (To create these, the hostess cut corks into thin, circular slices with a sharp knife, inserted a small jewelry hook into the top and tied them to each stem. I found a similar DIY charm tutorial at Naturally Savvy.) Next, we were provided with scoring sheets that asked raters to evaluate samples on their appearance, aroma, body, taste and finish at up to five points per category for a total of 25 points each. Then, we were free to begin tasting.

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Wine of the Week: Behrens Family Winery, “The Knockout” (2009)

Friday is my favorite night for wine; nothing helps to close out a long work week like good company and a stellar vino. Last night, we opted for a bold wine. Appropriately named, “The Knockout” is a rich, dark Cabernet (84%) blended with Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Like its cousin, “The Fighter,” this bottle showcases one of Les Behrens’ prized art pieces featuring a boxing ring and all the drama and glory contained within the ropes. Still young, this wine was dramatic, as well. As you might expect, it appeared a dark garnet color in the glass. We also didn’t give it much air or time to decant before taking an initial sip. A few swirls helped to release aromas of dark berries, anise and cedar. (Side note: I always like to take an initial sniff and then try again after I’ve covered the glass with my hand to make the experience more intense.)
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A Glass of Wine with Eric Asimov

New York Times Wine Critic Previews New Book

By following chief wine critic of the New York Times, Eric Asimov, on Twitter, I knew he recently launched a new book, “How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto.” Through the same means, I also was thrilled to learn he’d be conducting a #WineWednesday reading and wine tasting event at a local Chicago shop, The Book Cellar. As a burgeoning wine blogger and taster, I was eager to hear this longtime professionals’ perspective on honing one’s palate, as well as his candid personal accounts of sampling wines from around the world. He recalled a trip to Paris at age 14 that initiated his interest in food and led him to become a restaurant critic. He followed with wine in his late teens/early 20’s.

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