Sep/100
CARO Amancaya 2008
Dear friends,
If you are a fan of Bordeaux-style blends, this little gem from Argentina is impressive. This project is a joint venture between Catena and Rothchild, so it should be good!
Amancaya is a blend of Cab and Malbec. Grill a steak and sip away at $20/bottle.
Cheers!
-Kevin
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winemaker’s notes:
Deep purple-red color. Fruit driven wine, with appealing red and black cherry flavors, blackcurrant and plums with a hint of vanilla and cedar. On the palate it has a nice tannic texture, round and well-balanced.
Notes of vanilla and chocolate coming from the French oak.
critical acclaim:
“Bright red-ruby. Subtle, fresh and wonderfully aromatic nose offers complex scents of redcurrant, blueberry, strawberry, tobacco, mocha, graphite, leather and cedar. Penetrating and claret-like, with superb delineation to the redcurrant and tobacco flavors. Perfectly integrated acidity and an intriguing herbal nuance give this wine a light touch. Finishes with tactile, dusty tannins and lovely lift and persistence. Offers compelling complexity and class for the price. This is actually the second wine issued by this joint venture between Lafite-Rothschild and Nicolas Catena: the 2007 flagship bottling had not yet arrived in the market at press time. ”
91 Points
International Wine Cellar
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us atwww.corxwinebags.com
Aug/100
2008 Bogle Pinot Noir
Hi. I have been drinking Bogle Wines for nearly 10 years. They have been in my staple of good, everyday wines.
Historically, the Bogle Pinot Noir was just okay. I decided to try the 2008 vintage earlier this summer and was pleasantly surprised. It is quite good, and at $11/bottle I recommend it as a “buy.”
Cheers!
-Kevin
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Here is some more info on the Bogle Pinot Noir:
http://www.sacwineregion.com/2010/05/26/1527/mike-dunnes-wine-of-the-week-2008.html
Mike Dunne’s Wine of the Week: 2008 California Pinot Noir
Bogle Vineyards 2008 California Pinot Noir ($11)
Pinot noir’s rise to popularity and prominence in California began about a decade ago, though not until the release of the movie “Sideways” in 2004 did it get the traction it retains today. Before then, pinot noir even from regions now esteemed for the grape was relatively easy to find and to afford.
Thus, Bogle Vineyards of Clarksburg, best known for solidly made and attractively priced everyday petite sirah, chardonnay and merlot out of the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta, quietly began to release small lots of pinot noir from Sonoma County.
Over the past several vintages, Bogle’s pinot-noir output grew to some 44,000 cases, all of it bearing the name of arguably the state’s most highly regarded appellation for the varietal, Russian River Valley. No other winery in the country is believed to have made more pinot noir with “Russian River Valley” on the label than Bogle.
With the current release of its 2008 pinot noir, however, Bogle has traded in the Russian River Valley appellation for the broader “California” of most of its wines. That’s the price of success, given that the Bogles wanted to continue to increase their pinot-noir production but were faced with limited sources and escalating prices in Russian River Valley. (In addition to dropping Russian River Valley from the label, the Bogles have dropped the suggested retail price, from $13 for the 2007 to $11 for the 2008.)
Nevertheless, most of the fruit that went into the 2008 pinot noir – 60 percent – is from Russian River Valley. The rest comes from Monterey (27 percent) and Santa Barbara (10 percent), areas also recognized for fine pinot noir. Just three percent of the wine is from Clarksburg, and it isn’t even pinot noir, but chardonnay, a rare touch added by Bogle winemaker Chris Smith to heighten the wine’s aromatics, a practice he started several vintages ago.
The result is a pinot noir of charming delicacy and subtle complexity, yet true to type, from its light and bright blue-tinged garnet to its gentle suggestions of chalk dust, spice and mint in smell and flavor, all playing respectful backup to the wine’s clean berry and cherry fruitiness. The wine is everything an everyday pinot noir should be – fresh and spry, with the varietal’s telltale suppleness. Its spine is solid, traces of its year in French and American oak more caress than slug. A pinot noir of this caliber at this price is a major accomplishment, but not at all a surprise from Bogle, which from the outset has focused on making wines that balance high quality with high value.
Indeed, Smith suggests that the 2008, even without the Russian River Valley appellation, is an improvement over earlier vintages. On its own, pinot noir from the Russian River Valley can be almost too intense, probably because of new and improved clones of the variety that have been planted in the region. By tempering that forcefulness with more moderate fruit he’s crafted a finely harmonious pinot noir.
By the numbers: 14.2 percent alcohol, 55,000 cases, $11.
Context: Smith says he’s enjoyed the pinot noir with mesquite-smoked wild turkey stuffed with lemons, braised pork shoulder and grilled salmon. The Bogles suggest it be poured with “aged cheeses and unique pates, saucy mushroom dishes, poultry and pork,” but don’t prepare and serve any of those dishes with a lot of fussiness and weight; this pinot noir will be best with lighter representatives of those genres.
Availability: Bogle wines are widely available in the Sacramento area, with Nugget Markets especially keen on the new pinot noir.
More information: Check the winery’s Web site, www.boglewinery.com, or visit its tasting room, 37883 Road 144, Clarksburg, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Aug/100
We told you drinking wine will make you more intelligent…..
This is a short clip highlighting a seven year study conducted in Norway testing cognitive skills in women who drink wine versus those that do not. Now I know why my wife is so smart:) Are we encouraging you to drink yourself into oblivion in hopes of becoming the next Albert Einstein or Steven Hawking, not exactly. It is exciting though to see more health benefits tied to that bottle of wine we keep opening. So the next time dinner chit chat turns mentally stimulating is it really us, or is it the wine talking? Hmmmm…makes you wonder.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Aug/100
August is Washington Wine Month
August is Washington Wine Month
According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, “each August, state liquor stores broaden and diversify the selection of Washington wines and feature displays surrounding the annual theme. This year’s theme “Washington Wines… Our Passion, Your Pleasure” celebrates the unique Washington climates producing some of the very best in grapes and wines known around the world. This is the 26th Washington Wine Month celebrated by state liquor stores.”
The list of featured Washington Wine Month wines available at Washington State Liquor Stores can be found here.
Aug/100
2008 Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir
Greetings! My friends from Liner & Elsen have another wine recommendation…the 2008 Lange Pinot Noir. It has been awhile since I’ve tasted Lange’s juice, but I remember it being pretty good.
Enjoy the review below!
Cheers!
-Kevin
2008 Lange Estate Winery, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 18.99/203.00
Spotlighting the outstanding balance and superb terroir expression that marks the Willamette Valley’s finest 2008 Pinots, Lange’s so-called entry level release offers silky Burgundian texture and earthy terroir signature inside a solid core of classic cranberry and loganberry fruit. Writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jay Miller concurs: “[Lange’s] 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley provides an early look at just how good this vintage is. Very expressive aromatically with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, on the palate this medium-bodied wine has layered succulent fruit, superb balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for several years but will provide plenty of immediate gratification.” We think the 2008 Lange is a classically styled Willamette Valley Pinot, and we encourage you to buy a case for enjoyment now and another to cellar over the coming three years. Serve with braised duck, roast chicken, cedar-plank salmon, grilled summer squashes and roast pork preparations.
Wine Advocate—90 points; Best Value
http://www.linerandelsen.com/
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Jul/100
Swallow Pinot Gris & NLP
Recently, I ran across the Swallow Pinot Gris. Being an Oregon native, I decided to check it out and buy a bottle.
First off, I enjoyed the Pinot Gris with its melon and subtle mineral flavors. It is a great summer wine, especially at $10/bottle. In short, buy it!
What really gets me is the marketing genius of this wine. Yes, a swallow is cute bird found throughout Oregon. The word swallow is also a verb associated with eating and drinking. For those familiar with NLP or neuro linguistic programming, you will recognize this brand name as an embedded command. The cute little bird is saying, “Drink me!”
Whether Swallow Cellars meant it or not, they nailed it with their brand!
Cheers!
-Kevin
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For more about the winery and the wine, read below:
http://swallowcellar.com/descriptions/2008%20Pinot%20Gris.pdf
Swallow Cellar’s family of wines grown and produced in Oregon includes Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Our efforts start in the vineyard with over thirty years of planting and tending vineyards in Oregon. As winegrowers, we respect the nature of the fruit that we work so hard to grow in our vineyards, and our winemaking goals mirror these beliefs. We strive to produce wines that showcase pure, delicate fruit flavors, moderate concentration, subtle intensity and good balance. Simple attention to detail, good, honest winemaking and respecting the humble beginnings of the grape are our guiding principles. “Distinctive wines at a price you can swallow” also means that we aim to put an affordable bottle of wine on your table for everyday enjoyment.
2008 Pinot Gris
Vibrant aromas of pears, apples and melons mingle with subtle spice notes tempting you to take the first taste. The flavors are plump, juicy and delicious, balanced with just the right amount of tangy grape acidity to keep the wine pleasantly refreshing. Pinot Gris is versatile on the table, pairing well with a wide array of foods from salads and seafood to poultry and pasta.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Jul/101
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008 Rapel Valley – Wine Review
All in all an outstanding wine for the average price of about $10 per bottle! Enjoy!
Cheers!
- Brandon
Wine Overview:
Dark and deep purple color, with luscious fruit flavors, Dark plums, blackcurrant, black chocolate with hints of coffee and toasted American oak. Pairs wonderfully with all types of grilled meats, and tasty winter comfort foods.
Recent Awards and Recognition:
Expovinos 2010 – Gold Medal, the top award in the “Chilean wines, quality Carmeneres” category
Wine Spectators Online Daily Wine Pick - James Molesworth described this wine as “A flashy, very toasty style, with lots of licorice and spice up front, followed by linzer torte and fruitcake notes on the finish. Stays fresh enough, though atypical for the grape.”
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Jul/100
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA
http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/
Ninkasi is a regional craft brewery making beers in the Northwest style. Our location to regional access for our primary ingredients, which include: Water, Malt, Hops and Yeast, have created a great beer producing region here in Oregon. With the strong regional hop industry, and access to the McKenzie River, source of some of the cleanest water in the world, we are well positioned for our goal of brewing only the highest quality craft beers. We are a company that believes in forming strong relationships in the communities where we do business, and enjoy promoting the social and cultural aspects that beer consumption has facilitated throughout human history. We believe as the ancient Sumerians did, and whose goddess of fermentation, Ninkasi, we are named for, that beer is an important and valued part of civilization, and has been so since the very beginnings of modern society.
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Hop Heads unite! This Northwest-style IPA outsold every other beer 3:1 combined in my restaurants.
I cannot get it where I live, but enjoy it when I visit family in Portland!
Cheers!
-Kevin
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Jul/100
2008 Crowley Pinot Noir
2008 Crowley, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 21.99/235.00 case
Before launching his eponymous venture, Tyson Crowley spent a dozen years working for some of the Willamette Valley’s most prestigious wineries. Crowley’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as is immediately apparent in his deeply layered and textured 2008 Pinot Noir. A gorgeous ruby robe in the glass leads to bright, spicy aromas of pie cherries, cranberries, geranium, clove and fresh vanilla bean. On the palate the wine shows beautifully the 2008 vintage’s breed and balance as saturated, high-toned fruit plays with complex suggestions of cinnamon-roasted coffee beans, button mushrooms, smoke and toffee. Shimmering acidity and just enough tannin form a lovely frame for the wine’s fresh fruit profile and distinctive earthy undertones. Crowley scores again with a brilliant, complex Pinot that over-delivers for its modest tariff. It’s a natural complement to lighter fare such as grilled and sautéed summer vegetables, Chinook salmon, roast chicken, duck and everyday fare like burgers, light casseroles and stews. Enjoy it now for its brilliant fruit expression, or age it three years in your cool cellar to allow its earthy, mushroom undertones to develop fully.
© Liner & Elsen
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LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
http://www.linerandelsen.com/
Another great wine recommendation from my friends, Bob and Renee, Line & Elsen.
Cheers!
-Kevin
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Jun/100
Brancott Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
This wine’s structure and concentration make it an ideal match for a wide range of foods. It will match well with field mushroom pasta or risotto. It also lends itself to rare, grilled red meats or a variety of slow cooked casseroles including game meats, such as rabbit or fowl.
“The 2006 Marlborough Reserve is a blend of some of the best lots that do not go into the single-vineayard wines, a silken Pinot in 2006 with layers of transparent spice, umami mushroom and forest floor scents. It is an impressive Pinot from a large producer, and it would be delicious with roast arctic char and roast hen-of-the-woods on the side.”
91 Points – Wine & Spirits
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Had a bottle this $12 pinot noir last week. The Marlborough region continues to produce impressive, cool weather pinot noir.
Yes, Brancott is a large producer, but they continue to produce award winning wines. http://www.brancottvineyards.com/wine/accolades.php
Cheers!
-Kevin
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com