Category Archives: Brandalicious

Brandalicious delves into vino branding that captivates, whether it be by dazzling us, making us laugh, or blazing a new trail. These are the faces we like and the places you can ogle them.

Jun5

Wayne Gretzky Estates No.99 Collection Pinot Grigio 2012

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Wayne Gretzky Estates No.99 Collection Pinot Grigio 2012

No99_PinotGrigioIt came as a complete surprise to me to see the Wayne Gretzky Estates brand come out with two Okanagan wines this spring. As it turns out, the whole Gretzky wine brand was dealt to Peller Estates in 2011 by Ontario’s Creekside Estate Winery. And as far as I can tell, no draft picks changed hands.

As a wee Prairie boy growing up, the Wayne Gretzky signature – so easily recognizable to any Canadian kid – created an emotional response that has less to do with wine and more to do with hockey collectibles of years past than, and very much to do with my urge to see what the wine is all about, and in hockey fan lingo, “get closer to the game”.

So let’s see what’s in the bottle…

The 2012 Pinot Grigio is pale in color, with a nose of candied pear, peach, honey melon, and sweet peas.

On the palate, there are pears, peach, honey melon and a hint of citrus on the finish.

This is a medium-bodied wine, with medium acidity and a soft mouthfeel.

It’s an easy drinker, best served ice cold so perfect for a hopefully hot west coast summer, and definitely for drinking now.

About Wayne Gretzky Estates

Wayne Gretzky established Wayne Gretzky Estates to raise funds for the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which supports numerous charities, including minor hockey programs for less-fortunate kids.

Apr8

Church and State Coyote Bowl Meritage 2008

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Church and State Coyote Bowl Meritage 2008

We recently had a chance to taste the 2008 Coyote Bowl Meritage from Church and State, a winery in the Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada. I didn’t know much about the winery going in, and if you don’t either, here’s the dirty:

In the Okanagan Valley, Church and State farms 60 acres on estate land, mainly on the Black Sage Bench, and a further 30 acres through our partnerships with growers in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. They also have 11 acres of planted grapes on the Saanich Peninsula. Nestled in the Coyote Bowl Vineyard, the winery of the same name offers splendid views of the valley and graceful concrete and beam architecture.

And here’s what we found out about what’s in the bottle after some swirling, sipping, and such:

Church and State 2008 Meritage

Church and State 2008 Coyote Bowl Meritage (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blessed by the Meritage Alliance).

Developing complexity for what is still a young wine, the berry-dominant fruit plays nicely off the well-integrated oak, supported by smooth tannins. There’s a pleasant complexity here, with hints of hebality and smokiness.

According to the winery, “the fruit for this wine, sourced from different vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, was picked in late October, 2008. The juice was fermented in stainless tanks and transferred to French Oak Barrels – 20% new oak – where it was matured for 31 months before being bottled.”

Production was ramped up significantly from the 07 vintage, from 550 cases to over 1500 cases in 08.

The wine is not without critical merit, having won Gold at the 2012 New World International Wine Competition and another Gold at the 2012 All-Canadian Wine Championships.

Jan23

Francis Ford Coppola Presents “Inglenook Now”

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Francis Ford Coppola Presents “Inglenook Now”

Rubicon_Vineyard

Francis Ford Coppola, he of Godafther and Apocalypse Now cinematic fame, is probably even more known to some wine folk for his endeavors in California wine for many years now. And when it comes to wine news concerning Mr. Coppola, the recent news of him re-booting the Inglenook brand, and the old Inglenook property’s vineyards, after buying back the Inglenook trademark in 2011 is the cherry on the cake he’s been putting together when not busy bankrupting himself and avoiding Hollywood slavery while making groundbreaking films.Inglenook1941

Coppola bought the Niebaum mansion in 1975 and over the past four decades, he began buying back the property that had been sold in pieces, made it his family home, and poured money into it even when he wasn’t flush with money – but that’s what a labor of love does to you. It’s the one thing he has stuck with, even as he has easily abandoned Hollywood, parting with mainstream filmmaking, something most of the world knows him for. But then again, Coppola has always been one to walk his own path

IInglenook_Winerynglenook’s fame is decades old. Over a hundred years ago they were already making award-winning wine on this estate founded by, of all things, a sea captain from Finland. It garnered the kind of legendary status that has made it, as Robert Mondavi called it, “the most important winery property in the Napa Valley.” So to Coppola, it was a no-brainer to buy back the original Inglenook brand, and replace the Rubicon brand with it, when it became available.

But it doesn’t stop with just a brand. Coppola is intent on reviving the lighter style of wine that made it famous, Cabernets made with few of the modern techniques that seem mandatory in today’s winemaking process. He’s even ready to abandon the usually over the top, oaked fruit bombs of Cabs that Napa has made famous and turn to an older style, some would even say a more Bordeaux style. The shift also requires a change to the hundreds of acres of vines at Inglenook’s vineyards. Coppola has always been very attentive to the farming of his land, and is one of the only vineyard owners in the region to keep a full crew year round to better achieve this purpose.

Now we are beginning to see the first vintages, but a hundred years ago it was the long lasting quality of the Inglenook wines that made them special, so it could be expected that the success of the results of Coppola’s work can only be weighed years, if not decades from now. But if the long-lasting success of his greatest cinematic labor of love, Apocalypse Now, is any sign, there may be great things to come.

           

Jan3

A Brief History of Merlot

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A Brief History of Merlot

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you have a great 2013 in and out of wine.

2012 was fabulous. We had a chance to taste some great great wines, and there’s only one corked bottle among the bunch that comes to mind, which is a Dionysian blessing itself. Great new connections were made, and can’t wait to keep spreading these here Wineshout wings in 2013.

One of my favorite things from 2012 was a video that won the Wine Spectator video contest last year. It’s called “A Brief History of Merlot” and was made by the folks at Gundlach Bundschu, the oldest family owned winery in California.

Can’t embed it here, so we’ll link you up. Hop on over to http://www.winespectator.com/video/index/playerid/609848879001 for your viewing enjoyment!

Dec11

Tor Di Vento Barolo D.O.C.G 2008

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Tor Di Vento Barolo D.O.C.G 2008

The Tor di Vento Barolo DOCG 2008, from Nebbiolo grapes, comes from Terre da Vino in the Langhe region of Italy (although Terre da Vino no longer has the Tor di Vento on their website, so it has either been rebranded or something to that effect).

For a barolo, the Tor di Vento is surprisingly light in the glass.

On opening, a tight nose of sour cherries and maybe even cranberries, with some heat from alcohol.

Light on the palate. The sour berries follow through from the nose, and old-world earthiness.

There is a lively acidity almost reminiscent of a classic Pinot Noir. Tannins are moderate, and there’s a medium finish.

The Tor di Vento opens up slowly, with the heat cooling off and the fruitiness becoming more pronounced. It remains on the shy side, though with decanting, this wine goes from good to great, so make sure not to rush this one.

Like so many Italian wines, the Tor di Vento is a food lover. Spit-roasted chicken or a creamy pasta would go well.

At under 20 bucks at Wine Chateau, this Barolo has bang for the buck.

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Here’s some recommended reading on the wines and wine regions of Italy.

Nov22

Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010

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Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010

Our friends at Wine Chateau sent us a sample of this wine, and by the time it arrived at our door, the folks at Wine Chateau and in the rest of New Jersey had a nasty arrival at their doorstep in Superstorm Sandy. By the time of this writing, it’s good to hear that things are much better over there.

The Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010 (93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah) was sourced from grapes all over Sonoma in a 2010 growing season that, in Sonoma County, was considered by many the most challenging in generations. It started with record-breaking low temperatures in the spring, late bud break, and 20 days of rain in May (double the historic average). Yields were down, and cool climate varietals fared the best. Despite this, winemaker Eric Cinnamon has nurtured a big, bold Zinfandel.

On the nose, the 2010 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is immediately generous on opening. Zin’s familiar ripe, jammy blackberry is supported by hints of blueberry jam. Licorice notes develop more gradually.

The ripe berry fruit continues through onto the palate, reminding me of what they call in Scandinavia queen jam (a mixture of raspberry and blueberry), licorice, and very subtle hints of toasty oak. Timid palates beware, this Zin packs some heat that at 14.9% alcohol shouldn’t sneak up on anyone.

The overall impression is a big, bold – almost decadent – Zin, and I’d say a classic take on the grape that has become a poster boy for the new world trend towards big wines. It pairs well with rich holiday meals with the plate stacked high with turkey and fixings.

At just under 13 bucks at Wine Chateau, this Zin also has bang for the buck.

About Rancho Zabaco:

The Rancho Zabaco brand is owned by EJ Gallo, the name is derived from Tzabaco Rancho, a historic Mexican land grant, though the brand has no apparent link to this history beyond location. The only red wine winemaker Eric Cinnamon’s team makes is Zinfandel. The winery is located in Modesto, California and was founded in 2001.

Aug24

2006 St. Supéry Petit Verdot

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2006 St. Supéry Petit Verdot

If you love your licorice notes, then put down that Zin because I think you’ll take a liking to the 2006 St. Supéry Petit Verdot.

On the nose, classic floral notes come across in true Petit Verdot fashion, dominated by lavender, and then there’s the licorice – and I’m not talking here about the plasticy North American black Twizzlers or the Australian “almost there but not quite” variety, but the kind of real licorice root-derived black stuff that makes your mouth water and it seems can only be made in some northern corners of Europe (Finland, I miss your old-fashioned licorices!).

On the palate, plum comes on strong with subtler hints of something festive – cloves perhaps. The rich dark berries stay with you, reminding you this is most definitely a new world wine. The tannins are firm yet pillowy.

This wine is deep and dense, inky purple in color. It’s big as the Napa valley it comes from. Unfortunately, the price is equally big. I’d be hard-pressed to buy this wine for more than a special occasion, and there’s maybe “10 bones” as Gary Vee might say that could be shaved off the price (a discount which Club Members do actually enjoy, by the way).

The branding is something I’m a fan of. From the faux euro-sainthood in the name to the intricate details on the label, there’s a sort of mystique that I enjoy and don’t want to get behind to find out it’s perhaps just for the marketing. This is as Brandalicious a wine as any I’ve tasted this summer.

This is winery exclusive, which we picked up two summers ago at the winery as we made our way up through the valley a couple summers back. Tucked along St. Helena Hwy. in Rutherford, the St. Supéry Estate winery is an easy stop. Not as luxe and manicured as some of it neighbors – Mr. Coppola, I’m looking at you, sir! – the massive tree in its front yard is what I remember best, and that old white house. There was a sense of subtlety to the property.

Aug3

2009 Cassini Syrah

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2009 Cassini Syrah

The 2009 Cassini Syrah from Cassini Cellars harkens back sweet memories of Napa Valley and its bold reds, but this 100% Syrah hails from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.

A spicy, almost floral nose full of currants (black, not red, of course) and blackberry, the kind of authentic licorice only Scandinavians know how to make, and hints of pepper. It’s got muscle behind it’s tannins but with finesses – it’s not gonna wallop you. This is a full-bodied red perfect for steak and lamb.

This wine’s definitely ready to enjoy now, but I would be very keen on seeing how it has developed over the next 2 to 5 years.

According to Cassini, the wine was aged for 14 months in new and 2 year old barrels, 80% French and 20% American.

The branding is a hit, with the clean layout and colors. Words like noble and regal spring to mind. This is most assuredly a Brandalicious wine. The price point may be a tad high for some, but in a region of Canada known for high wine prices, it’s worth the extra chunk of change on a special occasion, and outpaces other competitors in the same bracket. And with only 700 cases produced, though an increase from the mere 390 cases produced of the 2007 vintage, it still might be worth getting yours sooner rather than too late.

For more thoughts on this wine, our shoutouts go to Wine Access who rated the ’09 as one of Canada’s top Syrahs (see their review here) and the Icon blog who gave it high marks in their review.

 

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For more on wines from the Okanagan valley, these are the best books I know.

May24

Novelty Hill | Januik Tasting

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Novelty Hill | Januik Tasting

The Novelty Hill | Januik Winery is located along with at elast a couple dozen other wineries in the quaint, little town Woodinville, Wa. just outside Seattle. Winemaker Mike Januik, a former back-country ranger, was the head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle for 10 years before leaving to start Januik Winery in 1999. Counted among Washington’s most acclaimed winemakers, he’s been making wine in the Columbia Valley since 1984.

Mike Januik makes wines for both of the winery’s two brands: Novelty Hill and Januik. The fruit for both brands comes from the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington. The estate vineyard is the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, a warm site known for its steep slopes and fractured basalt.

Both Januik and Novelty Hill wines have received praise from some heavy-hitting wine critics, and after tasting some wines in their expansive lineup, both brands showed very well. Here’s some thoughts on what we tasted that’s not so subtly slanted towards Novelty Hill wines (…and no Cabs in this roundup):

The Novelty Hill 2008 Stillwater Chardonnay (1,222 cases) from the Stillwater Creek vineyard, and barrel fermented and aged sur lie for 10 months, made me use the adjective “mouth-popping” for the first time ever. Don’t know where that came from, be it inspiration of the moment or a vestige of some review I had read in the past left behind in my noggin’. But yes, I dare say, there was mouth-popping pear on the palate with this Chard. The color of a pale lemon, with a silky smooth texture, and a creaminess to balance those poppin’ pears, this beauty’s ready to drink now (and the Wine Advocate says it’ll “provide enjoyment over the next 4 years” though you’ll need a few bottles for that kind of longevity).

At only 188 cases, the 2008 Novelty Hill Sangiovese from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard will most certainly be a hard-to-find wine. Aged 20 months in French oak. Ripe, stewed fruits on the nose, reminiscent of hot, southern Italy in my wandering thoughts. Spicy, peppery, with a slightly bitter finish. I wrote in my initial notes that it is intense, though winemaker Mike Januik said “intense” is an adjective best reserved for camping trips, so I’ll try to scratch that. My immediate thought was that this would pair well, if not perfectly, with flank steak fresh of the grill.

2006 Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Syrah – Dark, ripe fruit. An easy finish that lingered like a welcome dinner guest. The fruit for this wine comes 70% from the Stillwater Creek estate vineyard with another 30% from the Lewis Vineyard, both in the Columbia Valley.

The 2008 Januik Lewis Vineyard Syrah (only 415 cases made and now sold out) has received plenty of critical acclaim, with 91 pts from Wine Spectator and 90 from the Wine Advocate among others. Having spent 18 months in French oak and a year in bottle, it was now full of peppery spices and dark berries. The tannins had already mellowed nicely, and there’s a lovely acidity, and an elegant finish. This Syrah comes from 15-year-old vines cropped at two tons per acre in the Lewis Vineyard in the Columbia Valley just outside Prosser.

2008 Novelty Hill Roussanne (90 pts. Wine Advocate) – 296 cases with fruit from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, and Sur lie aged for 10 months. 100% Roussanne. Pleasant, fruity nose. Citrusy mouthfeel. Clean, balance acidity. Washington State is not at all known for Roussanne, but with this wine, it’s done right.

The 2008 Novelty Hill Spring Run rose (a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre from the Stillwater Sreek Vineyard) Pearly pink in the glass, offered very sweet, candy-like fruit. A pleasant though sugary finish. A fresh alternative for White Zin drinkers. Old time general store candy in a glass.

Architecturally, the Novelty Hill | Januik winery itself is worth the visit. The minimalist concrete and wood structure was a sight to behold, and the clean lines of the tasting room with massive windows opening up onto the sunken barrel and vat room impressively combine enjoyment and industry. I personally also loved the cool moods of the Nancy Farrar Coughlin surfer watercolors on the tasting room walls, and would clamor to get a pair of these on our walls.

For more on Januik and Novelty Hill wines, as well as other Washington State wines, wineries and winemakers, I’d recommend picking up Washington Wines and Wineries: Essential Guide in paperback or for Kindle.

Apr25

How I Met Your Cabernet: Clos Du Val’s Rise to TV Stardom

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How I Met Your Cabernet: Clos Du Val’s Rise to TV Stardom

Shortly after visiting the Clos Du Val Winery in the Stags Leap District of California’s Napa Valley, we noticed one of their bottles on an episode of Two and a Half Men. There was a pointed finger or two and a happy “Hey!” on our couch, and then time passed. But over the next few months, that same bottle with its easily identifiable terracotta-colored label with the squiggles appeared on How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, and several other shows. Turns out Clos Du Val’s product placement had been some time in the making.

As far back as 2004, both the LA Times and Decanter declared Clos Du Val the winner (or perhaps A winner) of the product placement game. Apparently back then at least “no one tracks wine placements in films and television programs, but Aaron Gordon, president of the Set Resources entertainment marketing firm in Santa Monica, believes that Clos du Val appears in more shows than any other brand”, according to the piece.

This aggressive PR push came on the heels of Clos Du Val having in the past couple years fallen from the elite group of must-have Napa wines. The prominent placements combined with national ratings and reviews, new branding and a price push proved to be a winning combination. Even Wine Spectator, who had gotten down on Clos Du Val for not adapting to the fruit bomb era that customers wanted, praised Clos Du Val in an article titled Napa Mavericks for defying trends.

So now, almost ten years since this change in direction, Clos Du Val is going strong with a vibrant, recognizable brand and a solid product in the bottle. Personally, we are perennial fans of the Carneros Chardonnay and some other delightful discoveries have been their uniquely-branded and old-world leaning Primitivo, which I believe hasn’t been made since 2009, as well as the Carneros Pinot Noir. And the brand, well yes, it is in the back of our heads and catches our eye every time I spot the squiggles and terracotta on TV or at the movies.

With all this visibility, I dare say some of us should get into a long-term drinking game with this. If you spot a Clos Du Val bottle, pour yourself a glass of Cab or Chard in the California fashion!