Friday, March 1, 2013

Gnarly Old Vines, Do they really make a difference?


Old Vines, Would you say YES?

If you ask that question to Winemakers and Owners around the world they endearingly say, YES!  As if these were their babies that they had nurtured them since birth.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting Owner John Geber of Chateau Tanunda Vineyards in Barossa Australia and tasted his 100 year old Vine Shiraz.  He told a story of recently out of the 120 old vines last year they lost 8 to death and you could hear the pain in his voice.

Simply put Old Vines typically 50 years or older depending on what area in the world you ask can make a difference in the taste and quality of the wine.  They are dependable and consistent in their quality where younger vines can be unpredictable.  The grapes are rarely unbalanced and ripen evenly.

Deep roots make a difference and the older the vines are the deeper they typically go.  In a rainy season young vines soak up the surface water, bloating the grapes and diluting the juice.  Old vines deep beneath the surface are unaffected by the rains.  In drought conditions, those old vines can tap water sources deep within the earth.

Bottom line as wines age and the young bright fruitiness deminishes, old vines create more depth and layers in the flavor and experience of the wine.

So Grapes being Grapes I’ll take an Old Vine Wine Everytime!
 
Check out my website at www.YourWineSage.com for some terrific deals on Chateau Tanunda Wines

Cheers,
Drew Feinberg
Sommelier
Owner/THE WINE SAGE

Monday, September 17, 2012

PISTACHE FRENCH BISTRO HARVEST CELEBRATION WINE DINNER


DREW FEINBERG~ THE WINE SAGE~ SOMMELIER

Presents

PISTACHE FRENCH BISTRO
101 North Clamatis St. ~ West Palm Beach FL  33460

French Celebration Harvest Wine Dinner
Join us as we Celebrate The French Harvest with a Traditional Harvest Feast!

Journey with me as we explore some of France’s  Premier Wine Regions Enjoying each Regions Cultural Expression of what the Wine Harvest means to them.  Indulge in the Savory Culinary Creations Julien Gremaud  Executive Chef at Pistache has prepared for us Expressing the Food fare from each Regions Harvest Festival


Sunday, September 23rd, 2012
4:00pm Reception
         Passed Hors D’Oeuvre

 ~Domaine St. Andre de Figuiere Rose 2011 Provence~

*Reservations  Required, Only 30 Seats Available $89.99 per person plus gratuity & tax
Please call Drew Feinberg The Wine Sage for Reservations at (561) 252-8160


1st COURSE
COLD SALMON DUO
Smoked & Fresh Rillette ~ Tartare

~Paul Blanck Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg 2008 Alsace~

2nd COURSE
 SEARED MOSCOVY DUCK BREAST
Braised Endive, Sweet Potato Puree, Walnut, Fig Gastrique

~Michel Gros Morey St. Denis Rue De Vergy 2006 Cote de Nuits Burgundy~

3rd COURSE
 LAMB DUO
Braised Lamb Belly, Pan Roasted Chops, Warm Lentil Salad, Baby Zucchini, Rosemary Jus

~Chateau Batailley Pauillac Bordeaux 2006~

DESSERT
 STRAWBERRY NAPOLEON

~Dosnon & Lepage Recolte Blanche NV Champagne~

Sunday, May 6, 2012

ROBERT HALL WINEMAKER DINNER AT IRONWOOD STEAK & SEAFOOD PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA



THE WINE SAGE
Presents

ROBERT HALL WINEMAKER DINNER
 BARBEQUE AT THE IRONWOOD STEAK & SEAFOOD PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA

400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Starts at 6:30 P.M.

Join me as Owner Robert Hall takes us on a trip to Paso Robles California to enjoy his Award Winning Wines Paired Perfectly with Executive Chef Gordon Maybury's Exquisite BBQ Themed Dinner.

Reservations are Required:  Only 30 Seats Available, $79.99 per person includes Tax & Gratuity

Please contact Drew Feinberg, THE WINE SAGE at:
(561) 252-8160 or Email: Drew@YourWineSage.com

Vanilla-Citrus Glazed Maine Lobster Skewer
Anson mills grits, green apple salad

~Robert Hall Chardonnay Paso Robles 2008~
***

Lamb Burger, Onion Marmalade
Duck confit, garlic aioli, pita

~Robert Hall Rhone de Robles Central Coast 2006~
***

Smokey Braised Short Rib of Beef, Cocoa-Bacon
Warm potato salad

~Robert Hall Syrah Paso Robles Paso Robles 2008~
~Robert Hall Merlot Paso Robles 2008~
***

BBQ Pork Loin “Mole Poblano”
Creamed corn, Caribbean slaw

~Robert Hall Meritage Paso Robles Hall Ranch 2006~
***

Orange Panna Cotta Shot

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Figs by TODD ENGLISH WINE DINNER

FIGS BY TODD ENGLISH WINE DINNER

PRESENTED BY THE WINE SAGE

Please join me for a casual evening at Figs where we will enjoy a bistro setting serving up Tapas Style food of some of Todd English's Specialties Paired Perfectly with Wines of the Central Coast of California

Tuesday April 10th, 2012

6:30PM

Figs by TODD ENGLISH in The Palm Beach Gardens Mall at Macy's

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED:  Only 25 Seats Available, Cost is $59.99 per person includes tax & gratuity.
Please contact Drew Feinberg, THE WINE SAGE for Reservations at:
(561) 252-8160 or Email: Drew@YourWineSage.com



MENU

1ST COURSE
CRAB & ARTICHOKE CAKE WITH CREAMY SHRIMP RISOTTO

~2010 Westberg Willow White, Sauvignon Blanc/Riesling Blend, Paso Robles CA~

2ND COURSESEARED SCALLOPS WITH CITRUS GASTRIC

~2007 Ojai Chardonnay Solomon Hills Santa Maria Valley~
3RD COURSESEARED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH STONE FRUIT COMPOTE

~2008 Daou Zinfandel Lodi CA~
4TH COURSETOURNEDOS OF BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH RASBERRY INFUSED BALSAMIC DEMI

~2009 Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, CA~

5TH COURSEFIG & PROSCIUTTO FLATBREAD
CHOCOLATE RASBERRY TRUFFLE TORTE

~2008 Westberg Turtle Rock Cuvee~Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Blend, Paso Robles, CA~

Saturday, January 14, 2012

THE CAPITAL GRILLE WINE DINNER EXPLORING THE WINE REGIONS OF TUSCANY

The Wine Sage
Presents
The Capital Grille Exploring the Regions of Tuscany
 Join me as Italian Sommelier Marco Uperi of Old Bridge Italian Importers takes us on a
Journey to the Best Wine Regions of Tuscany

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

7:00pm Reception

Prosecco D.O.C.G Superiore Giavi
SERVED WITH GRILLED AHI TUNA CROSTINI ~ LEMON CRÈME FRAICHE
~ MICRO GREENS ~ CRAB RISOTTO FRITTER ~ FONTINA STUFFED MUSHROOM

11365 Legacy Avenue ~Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33410

Reservations are Required, Only 20 Seats Available $115 per person includes gratuity & tax
Please call Drew Feinberg The Wine Sage for Reservations at (561) 252-8160

1st Course
WAGYU BEEF CARPACCIO, ARUGULA SALAD, LEMON VINIAGRETTE
~2010 ANSONICA SANTA LUCIA WHITE WINE~

2nd Course
LAMB RAGU PAPPARDELLE, FRESH RICOTTA, MINT JULIENNE
~2007 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPSA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA “CLEMENTE VII”~

3rd Course
PORCINI DRY AGED SIRLOIN, WILTED SPINACH & WHITE BEAN SALAD,
WITH OLIVE OIL DRIZZLE
~ 2006 CAMPGIOVANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO SAN FELICE~
TOP 100 #4 WINE SPECTATOR  96 Points ~

Dessert
CLASSIC CHEESE SOUFFLÉ
 ~2006 CASTELLO DI BOLGHERI DOC SUPERIORE SUPER TUSCAN~
90 Points WINE SPECTATOR~

Monday, January 9, 2012

WORLD FAMOUS ALBERT BICHOT GRAND CRU & PREMIER CRU BURGUNDY OFFERING

Burgundy France is virtually synonymous with the White Grape Chardonnay and the Red Grape Pinot Noir.
There are Six Major Subregions, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise, Maconnais, and Beaugolais.
The wines are Grouped into four levels, from least important to Most Prestige’s:  Bourgogne Rouge & Blanc, Village Wine, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru.
The wines featured below are all Premier Cru or Grand Cru.  Premier Cru, the smallest, most well defined place of all is a vineyard.  In 1861 the top vineyards of Burgundy were classified as either Premier Cru (11% of production) or Grand Cru (2% of production).  Grand Cru – The Highest Designation (Great Growth, only 33 Vineyards have this Designation.
Please see below the opportunity to purchase these wines
MOUTONNE CHABLIS GRAND CRU Domaine Long-Depaquit 2009
Usually $95.00 Discount $79.99 a bottle
La Moutonne is a 6-acre vineyard nestled in a natural amphitheatre in the heart of the Grand Cru sector of the historical age-old Chablis wine country.  Its shape and ideal spot make it a natural solar receptor.  It is also located on a major geological stratus from the second era known as kimmeridgian, with a clay and limestone soil.  This terroir lends to the amazing unique flavors of this wine.
Beautifully clear golden-green robe with very bright reflections.  Nose is fleshy fruit (peach, nectarine) with discreet citrus and floral notes (jasmine, violet).  Mouth is ample and generous with a very distinct marly minerality due to the micro-terroir.  Immense freshness, light and supple woody hints with an exceptional persistence.
MEURSAULT PREMIER CRU Domaine du Pavillon 2009
Usually $80.00 Discount $67.99 a bottle
Located in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, Meursault is one of the flagship villages and among the most reputed in Burgundy.  In fact, Meursault is often referred to as the capital of Burgundy’s great whites.  “Les Charmes” Premier Cru is a premium class vineyard and easily matches the great white Grand Crus of Burgundy.  There are two types of “terroir” in Meursault.  One lies on a clay which produces opulent and generous wines, whilst the other lies on finer soil, closer to limestone bedrock.  The latter gives a more mineral, airy and sculptured wine.  With an east-southeast exposure located in the “Charmes dessus” protion, our vineyard plot which covers over 3 acres is fortunate to sit on both these terroirs.  Consequently, we are able to produce potentially particularly complex nectar provided that it is respected from vine to cellar.
Our white Meursault 1er Cru “Les Charmes” has a beautiful golden robe worthy of the very best -Meursault.  Generous and flattering, this wine reveals notes of crystallized lemon, almonds, white flowers and freshly baked bread.  The mouth is suave and velvety without heaviness, with hints of warm brioche and spices.  Persistent and tasty, the finish mirrors the bouquet’s aromas.  The nose is discreetly toasty followed by elegant floral notes on a backdrop of light plum and pear fruity aromas.  The mouth is powerful, well-balanced and dense, with delicious brioche flavours.  The finish is persistent and very aromatic.
VOSNE-ROMANÉE Premier Cru – Les Malconsorts Domaine du Clos Frantin 2009
Usually $150.00 Discount $119.99 a bottle
Les Malconsorts is an exceptional Vosne Romanée .  We are lucky enough to own 3.5 acres of this jewel, which is situated close to legendary vineyards (neighboring “La Tâche” and less than 400 meters from Romanée-Conti, less than 600 meters from Richebourg).  Our vines, with the venerable age of 35 to 40 years are oriented East-Southeast on limestone rendzina soil.
Limpid, bright intense and deep ruby red with violet reflections.  Fine and complex with primary delicate and discreet woody aromas.   Notes of soft fruit followed by a spicy finale.  After a few minutes, sublte notes of peppermint and cedar will develop.  All the crispiness of Pinot Noir with a very pleasant tannic texture which smoothly envelopes the palate.  Powerful but silky tannins.  Nice finale with a hint of liquorice.  A promising future of complexity to look forward to on ageing.
CORTON-GRAND CRU Clos des Maréchaudes Domaine du Pavillon 2009
Usually $110.00 Discount $89.99 a bottle
This famed Grand Cru, located north of Aloxe-Corton where the Côte de Beaune meets the Côte de Nuits, is a monopole.  Our parcel sits on an east/south-east facing slope with a gradient of approximately 30 degrees.  The brown limestone soil overlies scree.  Proximity to the parent rock, shallow soil, a high proportion of clay, and considerable amounts of limestone all contribute to producing wines with finesse and power.
Beautiful, deep ruby in colour, our Corton Grand Cru Clos des Maréchaudes features well-balanced notes of vanilla and toast on the nose with nuances of raspberry.  Starts off very round, rich and powerful, a harmonious combination of richness and the finesse of the terroir.  The tannins are dense, mature and round.
Prices do not include sales tax or shipping/delivery and can be cancelled at anytime.  FREE delivery in Palm Beach County Florida with purchase of 12 bottles or more.

Please contact Drew Feinberg, The Wine Sage for purchase orders at (561) 252-8160 or Email- Drew@YourWineSage.com

Saturday, December 24, 2011

AMAZING WINE DINNER ~ ALBERT BICHOT BURGUNDY WINEMAKER DINNER AT PARADISO RISTORANTE

ALBERT BICHOT BURGUNDY WINEMAKER DINNER
Paradiso Ristorante
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
7:00pm  Reception
Cremant du Bourgogne Premier Cuvee & Stuzzichini
Reservations are Required,  20 Seats Available $150.00 per person includes gratuity & tax
Please call Drew Feinberg The Wine Sage for Reservations at (561) 252-8160

Winner of the coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Wine Enthusiast America’s Best Wine Driven Restaurant, Chef/Owner Angelo Romano and Albert Bichot Vineyards will tantalize your taste buds with an Epicurean culinary experience.
       
       MENU
1st Course
Salmone Bidogico Gravlex~Organic Salmon with Fennel Salad
 ~2009 Moutonee Chablis Grand Cru Domaine Long-Depaquit ~

 2nd Course
II Piatto del Mare ~ Fresh Market Seafood Plate with Maine Lobster and local Florida Seafood delights
 ~2009 Meursault Premier Cru-Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon~

 3rd Course
Filetto di Vitello ~ Roasted Veal Tenderloin with White Polenta & Porcini Emulsion
 ~ 2009 Vosne Romanee Premier Cru-Les Malconsorts Domaine du Clos Frantin ~

4th Course
Bistecca di Bisonte Aromatizzata al Cannella ~ Cinnamon Rub Bison Steak Strip with Chestnut Risotto
~ 2009 Corton-Grand Cru Clos des Maréchaudes Domaine du Pavillon~

Dessert
Petifores Pastry Chef Creations