Top 10 Wine Picks of 2010

Last week we started revealing our top 10 wines of the year. 
We'll continue to highlight two wines a week for the next 4 weeks, and then list some "honorable mentions."  If you did not read last week's two wines, you can review them through the archive at on our blog at http://vintageconnectionswineinfo.blogspot.com/

The top 10 are NOT in any particular order.

The top 10 are all different varieties, are from different wineries, and are from the USA and around the world. 

These are all wines we've written about during 2010.  We've updated information about availability in Pennsylvania and costs for those that are still available.

Give us feedback, telling us which (if any) of these were your favorites and if we left any of your favorites off of our list.

Bogle Vineyard Phantom

This excellent dark ruby red dry wine is a blend of 53% petite sirah, 44% old vine zinfandel and 3% old vine mourvedre.  It has rich aromas of black pepper, dark red berries and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon with aromas of blackberries and blueberries.  It was aged in 1, 2 and 3 year old American oak barrels.  Alcohol content is 14% by volume. 

Located along the Sacarmento River in Clarksburg, California, Bogle Vineyards is owned and operated by members of the Bogle family who established the vineyards in 1968. 

Richly complex, it will only get better with age, but wonderful to drink now.  Great when paired with hearty foods like beef and lamb. 

Phantom is still available in PA for $17.99, product code is 13432 but only at a few PLCB stores, and in limited quantities.  Search the PLCB Product Search Website, use keyword Phantom, and check locations near you.


Manatawny Creek Winery Cabernet Franc 2007  

This delicious Cabernet Franc is one of our favorites.  It has been consistently good year after year.  We have used it in many of our classes and benefit tastings and haven't been disappointed yet.  It has won numerous awards at many wine competitions.

It is rich, deep red in color with wonderful fruit aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and a hint of tobacco.  It is aged primarily in Pennsylvania oak barrels.  Available only at the winery, it sells for $14.95 a bottle.  Try it a grilled steak!  Great with a hamburger, too.

BUY THIS WINE SOON.  2007 was a very good year (weather, etc.) so this is the best vintage you'll be able to buy until the 2010 is released.  NOT that 2008 and 2009 will be bad, but 2007 was a very good year.  2010 should be better yet, but in the meantime, we've stocked up on 2007 (and 2005).

Joanne, the winemaker at Manatawny, also uses the Cabernet Franc to make her port.  At 18.95 for a 750 ml bottle, this is a bargain IF you like a slightly sweet port.  Delicious!

Spring 2011 Wine Classesnand  Gift Certificates

Wine Classes

We are reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.

Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers and LOTS of good information about wine.
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM

New Location - These classes will be held at the *PDIDA Office, 139 East High Street, right in downtown Pottstown.  Plenty of on-street parking.  *Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority.  

March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style - Learn about and taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc individually, then blend them and experience how they complement each other and how blending produces a more complicated aroma and flavor.

March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II - Learn about and taste wines from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Famous for Reisling, the Finger Lakes region also produces other excellent whites and in good years, excellent bold reds.

April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15 - It's often difficult to find a good wine priced under $15, but some are very good and reliable in this price range.  Learn about very affordable wines and taste a few of our favorites.

April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar - "Someday we're going to drink this!"    Tonight's the night!  We'll pull some of our favorites from our cellar, taste them and talk about wines that should be aged or not, and the effects of time in the bottle. 

Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
·    In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
·    $250 for up to 8 people.  Includes wine, cheese, and crackers
·    Add $200 for an additional 8 people*
*  Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.

Sample classes - Many other options are available.

Wine for Beginners      Basic Red and White        Wines of the World
                  Wines of the USA             Wines of the Finger Lakes    
          Wines of Pennsylvania                       What's in a Name     
Blending Wine Bordeaux Style             Surprising Wines under $15
              
OR - We'll design a CUSTOMIZED CLASS FOR YOU (costs may vary)

Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes

What a unique and fun gift!  Give the gift of a wine class.

$35 for a seat in any of our open enrollment Vintage Connections Wine Classes listed above.

$250 for a Home Schoolin' Wine Class as described above, for up to 8 people, provided in your home, business or other appropriate location (within 15 miles of Pottstown  - other locations may require a travel charge).

For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at  Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) us at 610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.

Checks and cash only.

Fun Fact!

Cabernet Franc is one of the five grapes used in Bordeaux Blends. 

There will be another quiz someday!

Over the next six weeks we'll be revealing our top 10 wines of the year.  We'll highlight two wines a week over the next 5 weeks, and then list some "honorable mentions." 

Originally, we were going to rank our top 10 (from # 1 to #10), but after reviewing our list almost all of them tied for first place.  So, the top 10 are NOT in any particular order.

The top 10 are all different varieties, are from different wineries, and are from the USA and around the world. 

These are all wines we've written about during 2010.  We've updated information about availability in Pennsylvania and costs for those that are still available.

Give us feedback, telling us which (if any) of these were your favorites and if we left any of your favorites off of our list.

Trapiche Sparkling Extra Brut

We only mentioned this wine in passing in our November 10 newsletter and blogs but used it several times at  wine tastings and dinners.  It has become our favorite dry sparkling wine in 2010.

This sparkler is a blend of Chardonnay (70%), Semillon (20%) and Malbec (10%) and is from Mendoza, Argentina.  It rested "on the lees" for 120 days so picked up that yeasty, toasted bread aroma and taste that is characteristic of much more expensive sparkling wines.

Amazingly, this wine is widely available at PLCB stores but usually only in small quantities so buy it soon.  We suspect it will disappear by New Year's Eve.

The product code is 7724 and is on sale now for only $11.99.   This wine was a bargain at the list price of $13.99.  Wow!



  
Sebastiani Pinot Noir

Our favorite Pinot Noirs this year is by Sebastiani.  Many Pinot Noirs cost more than our usual price range but this Pinot from the Sonoma Coast is affordable and excellent.  The 2007 vintage was the top wine in our Bottle Shock Blind Wine Tasting event this past September. 
This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir and is a multi-vineyard blend which creates fruit-forward wines "with richness and complexity".  It has fresh cherry flavors with hints of maraschino cherries and "hints of oriental spice, vanilla and mocha". The color is rich crimson.  The grapes were cold-soaked before crushing to prevent tearing, keeping the tannins low for early drinkability.  It was aged in Hungarian and French oak barrels for 5 months giving it hints of toasty oak flavors.  Alcohol is 13.5% by volume. 

The current PLCB sale price is $15.99, up from $12.99 earlier in the year.  Only the 2008 vintage may be available now, but because they blend this wine from Pinot Noir grapes from a wide geographic area of California, this wine changes very little year to year.  The PLCB product code is 4985.


Spring 2011 Wine Classes and Gift Certificate

Wine Classes

We are changing locations and reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.

Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM - Location to-be-determined
 
For more detail about each class, go to our longer blog at Vintage Connections Wine Info.
 
March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style
March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II
April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15
April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar 

Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
·    In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
·    $250 for up to 8 people.  Includes wine, cheese, and crackers
·    Add $200 for an additional 8 people*
*  Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.
Sample classes - Many other options are available.
Wine for Beginners      Basic Red and White        Wines of the World
                  Wines of the USA             Wines of the Finger Lakes    
          Wines of Pennsylvania                       What's in a Name     
Blending Wine Bordeaux Style             Surprising Wines under $15
              
OR - We'll design a CUSTOMIZED CLASS FOR YOU (costs may var 
Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes

What a unique and fun gift!  Give the gift of a wine class.

$35 for a seat in any of our open enrollment Vintage Connections Wine Classes listed above.

$250 for a Home Schoolin' Wine Class as described above, for up to 8 people, provided in your home, business or other appropriate location (within 15 miles of Pottstown  - other locations may require a travel charge).

For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at  Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) us at 610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.

Checks and cash only.


Weak Knee Home Brew

We've heard of this new beer and wine-making supply store in Pottstown for several months, but only recently visited and talked with Bill and Karen, two of the owners.

Wow!  We are impressed with their stock of beer and WINE-making supplies, kits, and books.  Sample a few of the beers and wines, talk with the owners, even take a class about beer-making or wine-making.  Visit their website, visit their shop, make and drink home brew, and have fun!


UPCOMING EVENTS

Vintage Connections Spring Wine Classes
See feature article in this issue.

Wine and Beer Classes at Weak Knee Home Brew
January 11
Wine Making Class

January 18
Beer Making Class

January 25
Wild Game and Beer Pairing Dinner

Contact us to register for classes,  to schedule a wine class or wine event in your home, at your business, or for your organization, or to buy a gift certificate.

Fun Fact!

Why a "Champagne Breakfast?"
Because the effervescence of sparkling wine complements the soft texture of egg dishes. 
We even think it pairs well with hot dogs!
There will be another quiz someday!

 Cheers and Happy Holidays from Vintage Connections



Galen Glen Winery Traminette NV
(click the link above for the winery's website)

This delicious white wine is made 100% traminette grapes.  It is lightly sweet with a rich floral aroma.  The bright fruit flavors with light floral hints makes this wine delicious with spicy foods.  It is very pale yellow in color.  Alcohol content is approximately 12% by volume.  Available only at the winery for $10 a bottle, we feel this one’s definitely well worth the trip to the winery.

Fall Colors at Galen Glen

Spice Route Winery Pinotage 2007

This medium to full-bodied, dry red wine comes from Swartland, South Africa.  It has rich aromas of plums with hints of spice.  The spice aroma carries over into the flavor added to dark red berries.  It’s tannins and fruit flavors are beautifully balanced giving a long and lingering finish.  Great with barbecue!  Alcohol is 14.65% by volume. 
It is currently a Chairman’s Selection, though may be hard to find.  PLCB product code is 30919. 






Spring 2011 Wine Classes and Gift Certificates

Additional information is available on our other blog at 

Vintage Connections Wine Info.


Wine Classes

We are changing locations and reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.

Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM - Location to-be-determined

March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style
March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II
April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15
April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar

Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
·    In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
·    $250 for up to 8 people.  Includes wine, cheese, and crackers
·    Add $200 for an additional 8 people*
*  Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.

Sample classes and other information is available on our other blog at
Vintage Connections Wine Info.

For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at  Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) us at 610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.


Fun Facts

"Body" refers to the mixture of fruit and alcohol and the "feel" of the wine in your mouth.  A full-bodied wine is alcoholic and fruity, a light bodied wine is crisp and low in alcohol. 

There will be another quiz someday!

We are changing locations and reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.

Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM - Location to-be-determined

March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style - Learn about and taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc individually, then blend them and experience how they complement each other and how blending produces a more complicated aroma and flavor.

March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II - Learn about and taste wines from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Famous for Reisling, the Finger Lakes region also produces other excellent whites and in good years, excellent bold reds.

April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15 - It's often difficult to find a good wine priced under $15, but some are very good and reliable in this price range.  Learn about very affordable wines and taste a few of our favorites.

April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar - "Someday we're going to drink this!"    Tonight's the night!  We'll pull some of our favorites from our cellar, taste them and talk about wines that should be aged or not, and the effects of time in the bottle. 

Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
·    In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
·    $250 for up to 8 people.  Includes wine, cheese, and crackers.
·    Add $200 for an additional 8 people*. 
*  Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.

Sample classes - Many other options are available.

Wine for Beginners      Basic Red and White        Wines of the World
                  Wines of the USA             Wines of the Finger Lakes    
          Wines of Pennsylvania                       What's in a Name     
Blending Wine Bordeaux Style             Surprising Wines under $15
              
OR - We'll design a CUSTOMIZED CLASS FOR YOU (costs may vary)




Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes

What a unique and fun gift!  Give the gift of a wine class.

$35 for a seat in any of our open enrollment Vintage Connections Wine Classes listed above.

$250 for a Home Schoolin' Wine Class as described above, for up to 8 people, provided in your home, business or other appropriate location (within 15 miles of Pottstown  - other locations may require a travel charge).

For more information about classes, to register, or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at
Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) at   610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.

Checks and cash only.

Fun Fact

Corked wine.  Sometimes the cork can become contaminated allowing the wine to spoil.  A musty, woody or vinegar taste is evident when a wine is "corked".

Cheers from Vintage Connections!

Ehrhart Cremant d'Alsace, NV

This wonderfully dry sparkling wine, made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, comes from the Alsace region of France.  It is clear, light yellow in color with numerous mid-sized bubbles.  With yeasty aromas of citrus, it boasts flavors of fruit with toasty overtones. 

A Cremant is the term the French use for any sparkling made outside of the Champagne region.  Cremants from Alsace tend to be excellent and affordable.  We will be using this Cremant for the upcoming Wines of the World tasting, part of Pottstown's Holiday Celebration series of events.

This wine is excellent when paired with any appetizer.

An excellent, affordable sparkling for the holidays.  It is available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores for $14.99 a bottle and is currently a Chairman's Selection.  The PLCB product  code is 30929.


Trapiche Broquel Malbec

Made from 100% malbec grapes from around the area of Mendoza, Argentina, this medium to full bodied dry red wine is rich, dark red in color with hints of purple and ruby.  The aroma is richly satisfying with hints of black currents, black cherries and smoke.  Flavors echo the aromas with a long satisfying finish.  Not at all tanniny or hot. 

We'll be using the 2005 Trapiche Broquel Malbec at the upcoming Wines of the World tasting as part of the Pottstown Holiday Celebration series.   

Excellent when paired with red meats and chocolate!  Available at many PA Wine and Spirit stores for $14.99.  PLCB product code is 7179.

Wines of the World

A hometown holiday wine tasting.  This fun event is sponsored by PDIDA (Pottstown Development Improvement District Authority).  It will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 from 6 PM until 8 PM at the PDIDA office in Pottstown at 139 E. High Street and is part of Pottstown's "Hometown Holiday Celebration". 

We will be taking you on a tour of five different countries known for their wines. We will start in France with Ehrhart Crement d'Alsace, a sparkling wine, then "travel" to Marlborough, New Zealand to taste their Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. 

Our next stop will be in South Africa where we will taste their signature wine Pinotage from Spice Route Vineyards.  Then on to Italy to sample Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, ending in Argentina to taste their signature wine Malbec from Trapiche Broquel. 

These wines will be paired with food prepared especially for the event by "Panevino" and music will accompany your tasting by "Zach and Dan". 

Tickets are available for $45 per person.  Contact Leighton Wildrick at 610-323-5400 for more information and to purchase your tickets. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to link to the beautiful poster which includes more information.


Fun Facts are Back

Allowing a young tannic wine to "breathe" for a short time either in the open bottle or in a decanter lets the flavors open up and soften.  Allow approximately 1/2 hour "breathing" time.

There will be another quiz someday!