Thursday, May 28, 2009

Annapolis Wine Tasting

We recently held a tasting in Annapolis where we evaluated three very different red wines brought to us courtesy of the following wine makers:

SpindriftLogo.gif ElkRunLogo.jpg RoundPondLogo.gif
2006 Pinot Noir 2006 Cabernet Franc 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Spindrift Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir had a “ruby red” color with a “slight pepperiness” or “spiciness” to its nose for some while others felt it had “not much of a bouquet.” The wine’s “light to medium body” caused many to say it left a “dry” feeling on the tongue with a “cherry” or “hint of citrus” flavors. The “long lasting” finish led our reviewers to say it “would be good with pasta” and “I like it.”

Elk Run’s 2006 Cabernet Franc had a “very deep,” “purpley” red color with a “light” and “piney” bouquet. It had a “smooth” and “spicy” taste with “hints of nutmeg or cinnamon.” The “vanilla finish” “disappeared quickly,” but the wine “might go well with lamb.”

Round Pond’s 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was the favorite of the tasting. Its “deep ruby” “dark rich color” and “nutty” “dark cherry” aroma were very attractive to our tasters. The wine was “rich and full-bodied,” “complex” and “smooth” with a “spicy sweet” taste and “long lasting” finish that “mellowed over time.” “I would buy and serve it to guests too” said one generous reviewer.

Although some of these wines may be available in your local retailers, it is unfortunately a felony to ship any of them directly to Maryland consumers.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

University of Iowa Student Researches Wine Laws

Most law students say they learn how to think in law school but not actually the practice of law. I was encouraged by this student who clearly found out how alcohol regulations and business interests often coincide.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Women Like More Expensive Wine

I thought this article was fascinating about the way perception alters our taste. Today, the Maryland Wineries Association held its 3rd annual Winemakers Cup Tasting in which I participated, and it is a very different experience to taste wine without knowing anything about it. Your brain seems to be hard-wired to want to know the price, the bottle shape, the label, anything about it, while all that information does is cause you to make pre-judgments.