Wine 101: Intro to Wine, April 22nd

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Gunderloch 2005 Dry Riesling, Rheinhessen (GR)

Second Flight
1. Beyond 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia (SA)
2. Cousiño-Macul 2006 Chardonnay “Antiguas Reservas,” Maipo Valley (CH)

Third Flight
1. Coldstream Hills 2006 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley (AS)
2. Falesco 2006 Sangiovese, Umbria (IT)

Fourth Flight
1. Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha, Catalyud (SP)
2. Craneford 2005 Shiraz, Barossa Valley (AS)

Fifth Flight
1. Falesco 2005 Merlot, Umbria (IT)
2. Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch (SA)


Leave a Comment

Warm-Weather Wines: Wines for Spring, April 25th

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Aminea 2005 Fiano di Avellino, Montemarano (IT)
2. Helfrich 2001 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru “Steinklotz,” Alsace (FR)

Second Flight
1. Kir-Yianni Estate 2006 Xinomavro, Naoussa (GR)

Third Flight
1. Mont St. John 2005 Pinot Noir “Madonna Estate,” Carneros (CA)
2. Fritsch 2005 Zweigelt “Red Soil,” Donauland (AU)

Fourth Flight
1. Ognissole 2005 Primitivo, Manduria (IT)
2. Tenute Rubino 2002 “Marmorelle,” Salento (IT)

Fifth Flight
1. Réserve des Vignerons 2005 Saumur, Loire Valley (FR)
2. Chateau Bouscassé 2003 Madiran, South West France (FR)


1 Comment

The April Newsletter

by Keith Wallace

Filed Under Wine Tastings

 

wine school logo

April 2008 Newsletter

The Wine School of Philadelphia’s Newsletter

 

www.vinology.com

The Post-Tax Sale

Thank heavens tax-season’s over. That really hurt. On to the sale!

25% off all wine classes held in April & May

Use the coupon code OUCH08

Summer Foundation Program Announced

We will be running a Wine Foundation Program this Summer. Classes begin Thursday, July 3rd. More information: Summer Foundation Program

Wine & Politics

by Beth Case

All the back and forth, the endless bickering. The outright lies, the hemming, the hawing. Well, it’s done my patience in. I am in need of one thing and one thing only - a big stinking red to quaff while getting through this big stinking election year.

If the debates and campaigning of late are any sign of what’s in store these upcoming months, well I may as well approach said campaign season with good old fashioned sought-after tippledness*. Indeed. Yes, I am in need of a big drink to get me going on a big drunk because this is one political season that begs one to ignore sobriety.

Thankfully, big stinky reds have a special place in our Fearless Leader’s heart and I have asked him to recommend some based on the following criteria.

  • Sports a distinct stink
  • Minty - as in mouthwash.
  • Possibly a bit too flowery.

So on to Keith to grant us all the foulest of things this great big earth offers in Big Nasty- albeit delicious - Red Wines.

*Tippledness. noun. The quality or state of being tippled. Synonyms: happiness, contentedness, bliss, enjoyment, satisfaction.

Vote Wino!

Who among the staff at the Wine School would you write-in to lead us as President of the United States?

Cast your votes and the Wine School shall endorse the Wine People’s Candidate!

The Presidential Wino Poll

franks logo

Every time you purchase a wine class with us, you get a 20% Discount on all wine purchases at Frank’s Union Wine Mart in Delaware. It’s one of our favorite wine shops, so this discount makes us very happy. Make sure to say “”hi” to Frank and tell him we referred you.

Upcoming Classes:

Beyond Italy: The Edge of Europe
Tuesday, April 29th
A great class for all of you looking to have a good time while exploring exotic wines and distant wine regions.

The Wide World of Beer!
Friday, May 2nd
Dean is back! Our favorite brewermaster is coming back for a special one-time-only class.

The Wine & Cheese of Spain
Tuesday, May 6th
Some of the most exciting wines and cheeses in the entire world come from Spain. Come and check it out.

Many more classes available at www.vinology.com

Stinky Pol Reds

by Keith Wallace
Most of you probably don’t know that I worked for a few politicos in the nineties. Possibly the worst speech writer to ever work in the biz. It’s a funny story, but also a story for another time. I am not nearly as burnt out as our dearest Beth (see article to the left). That said, here are my three picks.Truchard 2003 Syrah, Carneros

Under a waft of pork fat, the Truchard is tightly wound into a centrist-loving core of red fruits. The finish leaves you with a touch of dirt and lavender. In the good state of Pennsylvania, this wine is priced at $17.99 , which is a great deal.

Cims de Porrera Solanes 03 Priorat.

Once you get over the wet smell of an old cigarette and certain grittiness, this wine opens up into a barn-burner of flavors. Well tailored, this Priorat suffers from a slightly fleshy frame. However, the balance and structure make up for any faults. At $21.99, this is a lovely example of a classic Priorat.

Burgess 2000 “Enveiere” Meritage, Napa Valley

A decent example of the breed. While this wine had been rather pretty a few years past, the years have not been kind. The Burgess seems to have lost quite a bit of it’s finesse and charm. It’s palate of mint and chocolate is now just a bit too garish and simple and fleshy, without any structure to hold it up. The bouquet is marred by an unsettling aroma of oyster sauce.

While this may sound like a rather negative review, wines of this caliber often command prices that veer into the three digits. At $27.99, this is a good opportunity to explore the high-end of Napa wines without spending a mint.

Prices are for PA. Prices in other states will vary. To find any of these wines, make sure to use our Wine Finder!

Leave a Comment

Wine 101: Intro to Wine, April 16th

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Gunderloch 2005 Dry Riesling, Rheinhessen (GR)

Second Flight
1. Beyond 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia (SA)
2. Cousiño-Macul 2006 Chardonnay “Antiguas Reservas,” Maipo Valley (CH)

Third Flight
1. Coldstream Hills 2006 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley (AS)
2. Falesco 2006 Sangiovese, Umbria (IT)

Fourth Flight
1. Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha, Catalyud (SP)
2. Craneford 2005 Shiraz, Barossa Valley (AS)

Fifth Flight
1. Falesco 2005 Merlot, Umbria (IT)
2. Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch (SA)


Leave a Comment

Director’s Cut: Chairman’s Selection Wines 4/12/08

by Frank Cipparone

Filed Under Wine Tastings

Mastroberardino 2004 Sannio Falanghina, Campania (IT)
Ch. de Tracy 2005 Pouilly Fume, Loire (FR)

Marina Piper 2003 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills (OR)
Las Pizarras del Jalon 2005 Garnacha, Calatayud (SP)

Graham Beck 2001 Syrah “The Ridge”, Cape Peninsula (SAfr)
Dutschke 2003 Shiraz “St. Jakobi”, Barossa Valley (AU)

Badia di Morrona 2000 “N’Antia”, Tuscany (IT)
Veramonte 2003 “Primus”, Casablanca Valley (CH)


Leave a Comment

Wine 101: Intro to Wine, April 11th

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Gunderloch 2005 Dry Riesling, Rheinhessen (GR)

Second Flight
1. Beyond 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal Region (SA)
2. Cousino Macul 2006 Chardonnay, Maipo Valley (CH)

Third Flight
1. Coldstream Hills 2006 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley (AS)
2. Falesco 2006 Sangiovese, Umbria (IT)

Fourth Flight
1. Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha, Catalyud (SP)
2. Craneford 2005 Shiraz, Barossa Valley (AS)

Fifth Flight
1. Falesco 2005 Merlot, Umbria (IT)
2. Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch (SA)


Leave a Comment

How to Navigate The Wine Shop, April 8, 2008

by Frank Cipparone

Filed Under Wine Tastings

It’s Not All About Oak

Travis Chardonnay “Unfiltered”, 2006 Monterey (CA)
Cousino-Macul Chardonnay “Antiguas Reservas”, 2006 Maipo (CH)

The Name Game, With Reservations

Argiolas “Costera”, 2006 Isola dei Nuraghi IGT (IT)
Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, 2004 DOC (IT)

The Fame Factor

L’hiver Syrah, 2005 Mendocino County (CA)
Cline Syrah, 2006 Sonoma County (CA)

Location, Location…..

3 Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 (CA)
75 Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Amber Knolls Vineyard, Red Hills (CA)


Leave a Comment

Director’s Cut: Wines of the Chairman’s Selection, April 4th

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Marc Kreydenweiss 2004 Kritt Pinot Blanc, Alsace (FR)
2. Bramare 2005 Chardonnay “Marchiori Vineyard,” Mendoza (AR)

Second Flight
1. Gloria Ferrer 2003 Pinot Noir “Jose S. Ferrer Selection,” Carneros (CA)
2. La Cuvee du Pere Leonce 2005 Chinon, Loire Valley (FR)

Third Flight
1. Solanes 2003 Priorat (SP)
2. Las Pizarras del Jalon 2005 Garnacha “Old Vines,” Catalunya (SP)

Fourth Flight
1. Graham Beck 2001 Syrah “The Ridge,” Robertson (SA)
2. Journey’s End 2002 Shiraz “The Arrival,” McLaren Vale (AU)


Leave a Comment

Wine 101: Intro to Wine, April 5th

by Brian Freedman

Filed Under Wine Tastings

First Flight
1. Gunderloch 2005 Dry Riesling, Rheinhessen (GR)

Second Flight
1. Spy Valley 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)
2. Cousiño-Macul 2006 Chardonnay “Antiguas Reservas,” Maipo Valley (CH)

Third Flight
1. Coldstream Hills 2006 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley (AS)
2. Falesco 2006 Sangiovese, Umbria (IT)

Fourth Flight
1. Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha, Catalyud (SP)
2. Craneford 2005 Shiraz, Barossa Valley (AS)

Fifth Flight
1. Falesco 2005 Merlot, Umbria (IT)
2. Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch (SA)


Leave a Comment

Exotic Wine Regions, March 26, 2008

by Frank Cipparone

Filed Under Wine Tastings

Kir-Yianni “Petra” 2005, Florina (GR)

Vina Godeval “Cosecha” 2006, Valdeorras (SP)
Porta do Fontelo Dao 2004, Dao (PORT)

Battistoti Marzemino 2001, Trentino (IT)
Ballast Stone Petit Verdot 2003, McLaren Vale (AU)

Pavlou-Kagas “Klima” Xinomavro 2005, Macedonia (GR)
Quinto da Cortezia Touriga Nacional 2004, Estremadura (PORT)

Dehesa de Rubiales Prieto Picuda 2005, Castilla y Leon (SP)


Leave a Comment
« go back — keep looking »