This is Part 3 of our top 10 wines of the year.  We'll continue to highlight two wines a week for the next 3 weeks and then list some "honorable mentions." If you did not read the last two weeks' wine recommendations, 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.

Errazuriz Chardonnay 2007 

This Chardonnay is from the Escultura Estate in Casablanca Valley in Chile, this Chardonnay was made from wild yeasts that are naturally present on the grape skins and in the air.  Grapes are hand-picked, the juice fermented at low temperatures and then allowed to sit for 10 months in French oak barrels.  It has tropical fruit aromas with toasty, nutty flavors and a long finish.

La Escultura Estate is located just twenty miles from the Pacific Ocean, so it benefits from the moderate temperatures of the Pacific breezes during the ripening period.  In 2007 when the grapes were ripening the weather was unusually cool allowing the grapes to mature slowly which benefited the final product by allowing the grapes to "maintain their natural fruit flavor and acidity".

Allowing the juice to ferment with wild, native yeasts "produces different concentrations and proportions of by products, adding distinctive flavors - and therefore more complexity - to the wine". Seventy percent of the wine also went through malolactic fermentation.

Errazuriz Chardonnay is light  yellow straw colored and is medium bodied.

We were a little concerned with what this wine was going to taste like having been made using the wild, native yeasts rather than the tamer yeast additives usually used.  But we wanted to try it anyway.  "Nothing ventured...."  We were very happily surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the wine.  So much so that we have decided to use it paired with plantain chips at the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Gallery School in Pottstown.

Alcohol is 13.5% by volume.  PLCB product code is 22502 and is sold for $14.99 a bottle but only a few PA Wine and Spirit stores have any left.  Search the PLCB website using the product code for availability, or ask your local store if they can ship any to their location for you.

J. Lohr South Ridge Paso Robles Syrah

We've enjoyed this wine several times and recommended it to friends who have enjoyed it as well.

This remarkably well-balanced Syrah is made from 2 clones: French Chapoutier and Australian Shiraz #2 grown in the Estrella Hills area of Paso Robles, CA.  With aromas of black cherry and blackberry, it is rich, dark and fruity with a light toasted oak flavor.  It underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel, then malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels for 14 months.  A great wine with grilled meats.  The J. Lohr Syrah is still available at a few local PA Wine and Spirit stores for $15.99.  PLCB product code is 6311. Alcohol is13.5% by volume.

Spring 2011 Wine Classes and Gift Certificates

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.  Sounds like a Quiz question.

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 vary)
Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes

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


For more information about classes, see last week's blog.

Questions 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!

Syrah is the same grape as Shiraz (Australia just has to be so DIFFERENT).
There will be another quiz someday!