Archive for the 'Licorice' Category

2006 Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza

100% Tempranillo Brilliant red cherry with violet hues. Elegant ageing aromas with fruity notes. It shows good balance on the palate coming from the sweet and elegant tannins.

From the Wine Maker – “Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is generous yet delicate. Not heavy, but vivacious.”

The wine is delicious paired with cold starters, pasta, cheeses. Also perfect as a wine by the glass.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2006 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $11.99 a bottle, $64.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $115.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#20337

2009 Château Les Grands Marechaux Premières Côtes de Blaye

Chateau-Les-Grands-Marechaux-Bordeaux90 Pts Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate “An absolutely outrageous sleeper of the vintage, the tiny yields of 26 hectoliters per hectare produced wine made from a blend of 84% Merlot and the rest the two Cabernets. Natural alcohol is a whopping 14.5%, and it will come as no surprise that Stephane Derenoncourt is the consultant. Deep plum/ruby, with a big, sweet kiss of mulberry, black cherry jam, licorice and incense, this ripe, fleshy, medium to full-bodied wine has terrific fruit on the attack, mid-palate and finish. This unctuous 2009, which often gets a recommendation from me, is the best Les Grands Marechaux I have ever tasted.”

From the Wine Maker – “The 2009 Bordeaux presented flavors of black jam confiture, cola and licorice and velvety mouthfeel. This small production red (2500 cases produced) is aged in 20% new oak and the grapes are hand-picked. Owned by Guillaume Touton, who has been importing Bordeaux into the United States for over 30 years, the Les Grands Marechaux estate has sandy clay soils in the appellation of Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux.”

Great with rack or leg of lamb, roast pork, or tenderloin. Also try with Parmigiano, Romano and other hard cheeses as well as cheddar and other savory, firm cheeses.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by The Wine Advocate.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $21.99 a bottle, $118.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $211.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#24403

2011 Don Miguel Gascon Colossal Red Blend

Don-Miguel-Gascon-Colossal-Red-BlendHailing from a region that is deeply rooted in Malbec, it is no surprise that Don Miguel Gascón wines similarly revolve around the now-famous Bordeaux grape.  However, before introducing Malbec varietal wines, Don Miguel crafted distinctive red blends from a variety of Argentine grapes. This wine has been brought back to life through our new Malbec-led Red Blend, Colosal: a blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the Wine Maker – “Since 1884, the wines of Don Miguel Gascon have been recognized for the rich, smooth flavors that come from Argentina’s Mendoza wine region. First introduced in Argentina in 1890, Colosal is a bold and delicious Malbec based red blend that displays the ripe red and black fruit flavors of Bonarda and Syrah, and the deep, rich character of Cabernet Sauvignon. Colosal’s soft and round tannins are complemented by layers of blackcherry, dark cherry, spices and licorice.”

Enjoy with baked, barbecued, broiled or roasted chicken, Chicken Cacciatore, chicken in mushroom or red wine sauce, chicken marinated in herbs and grilled, Coq au vin.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2011 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $12.99 a bottle, $70.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $124.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#29248

2009 Mercedes Eguren Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 6 months in oak barrels, Mercedes Eguren is made by Heredad Ugarte located in the Rioja Alavesa subregion of Rioja. The Mercedes Eguren shows the modern, international side of Cabernet from Spain with a rich, supple texture and soft tannins. This is a steal and blows away most of the Cabernet Sauvignon coming out of California at this price.

This red shows good focus, with black currant, licorice, smoke and light herbal flavors that drive over the polished texture to the long, fresh finish. A bit grapey now, but has the balance and depth to age well. — Wine Spectator, 2011

From the winemaker – “Visual aspect: Dark purplish red — Nose: Candy and wood berry aromas — Palate: Powerful to the palate, juicy, full and fruity. Velvety, long aftertaste with a ripe fruit bouquet.”

Enjoy with cornish game hens, duck or turkey prepared in rich, hearty or heavy sauces or hard cheeses like Parmigiano or Romano and firm cheeses like Cheddar.

Rating:

This wine was previously given a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $11.99 a bottle, $64.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $115.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#28764

2009 Horse Heaven Hills Les Chevaux Red Wine

The vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills are the source and inspiration behind the H3 wines. The hills have been home to Columbia Crest winery for more than two decades, and it is this heritage, combined with innovative winemaking and vineyard knowledge, that allow our winemaker to create wines that capture the unique terroir of the region.

From the winemaker – “Aromas of fresh blueberries, anise and earth lead to firm and supple tannins on the palate. This red wine blend presents incredible depth, with layered flavors of candied nuts, licorice and dark chocolate that lead to a mocha finish featuring ample, sweet tannins.

Foods with complex flavors match the complexity of red blends. Pepper steak, well seasoned beef or lamb, rich stews, pâtés and strong cheeses such as blue cheese and stilton, are great pairings.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $13.99 a bottle, on sale for $11.99 a bottle 11/07/2012 to 01/02/2014. SKU#26971

2009 Henry Fessy Moulin-a-Vent Beaujolais

Andre’ — “I would imagine that my introduction to Beaujolais isn’t much different from most people. Around the third Thursday of November the Beaujolais Nouveau arrives! (Just in time for Thanksgiving). For me it was as a recent culinary school graduate. I was then and still am today, drawn into the excitement or hype surrounding an annual event. Back then the new Beaujolais was a big deal. The French government decided long ago that if you wanted to grow grapes, produce wine and sell it with the vintage listed on the label that the third Thursday of November was the absolute earliest that you could release a quality product, So the hype surrounding the release of the newest vintage was quite grand. The trip from vineyard to airport, a ride on the Concorde and then a limo into Manhattan. Which would be the first restaurant to serve the Beaujolais nouveau? Although a relatively simple wine it was good. The problem was that you were paying for that flight on the Concorde. You were paying for the hype.  As time went on, the wine became less and the media attention waned. I can remember receiving the wine a day early as long as we promised not to sell it until the correct hour. Unfortunately many people’s only taste of Beaujolais is the nouveau. A less than special wine at an inflated price. Which on an off-year can taste much like a slightly alcoholic grape juice.

The real story of the Beaujolais lies in the Cru Beaujolais. All of these wines are made from the Gamay grape. (Beaujolais is the region in which the grapes are grown) Within that region lies , from north to south  Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. Which brings us to the heart of the matter, Henry Fessy Moulin a’ Vent 2009. The last time I checked it’s 2011 and the vintage of this wine is 2009. Nothing nouveau about that.

This is a perfect summer red. Medium bodied with ripe cherry fruit and a touch of cola. The slight spiciness will help it stand up to almost anything that you are pulling off the grill. I tend to chill Beaujolais a bit. Don’t put it in the fridge when you get home. But, if you are entertaining let it cozy up to the whites in the ice bucket for a few minutes.

If you have never tried Beaujolais I hope you’ll give this wine a go. If you have tried Beaujolais and not been impressed, then you owe it to yourself to take this wine home tonight.”

From the winemaker:

“This wine has impressive colour and intense aromas of red and black fruits such as blackberry and blackcurrant. There are also spicy notes along with liquorice on the finish. With great balance, this is a concentrated, well-structured wine with very pleasant silky tannins.”

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $14.99 a bottle, $80.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $143.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#25925

About the Chef:

Andre’ de Waal is the owner of Andre’s Restaurant &Wine Boutique in Newton NJ. For more information about Andre’ and his restaurant, visit www.andresrestaurant.com

2007 Monte Antico Toscano

The 2006 vintage of this wine appeared on the Wine Spectator’s 2009 Top 100. Since the 2007 vintage was equally good in Tuscany, expect similar praise for this yet-unreviewed version.

From the Wine Maker – “Deep ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate — round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile. “

Enjoy with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2007 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $12.99 a bottle, $70.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $124.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#33690

2008 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes Du Rhône

Andre’ — “The spectrum is applied to wine in many different ways. For example sweet to dry or light to full-bodied. Today I would like to use the spectrum to explore how wine and food work together. When you look at the middle of the spectrum you have a wine that accompanies food very well. Like a well made Sancerre for instance, happy to be invited to the party. If you travel to one end of the spectrum you will find a wine that doesn’t need or want a “food pairing”. Like a Big California Fruit Bomb, It’s a stand alone wine that may taste great with your porterhouse, but it doesn’t NEED it. This blockbuster Cali Cab is almost a main course all by itself. At the opposite end of the rainbow, you have that clunky little obscure Italian wine. Without the benefit of a nice plate of pasta, a touch of garlic and some sun-dried tomatoes the wine makes you sort of pucker. Think…wallflower finds the right partner and wins Dancing with the Stars.

At this point I would like to remind you, If You Like It It’s Good!

That being said the majority of wines will fall in the middle of the spectrum. However there is no right or wrong choice here. Personally, as much as I love the Big Guns. I am much more inspired, can I say “turned on by” the really perfect pairing of a well made, slightly awkward wine, with a dish that has its roots in the same region. Letting the flavors of the Wine and Food bounce around in my head and make new taste combinations with each bite.

I think the Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes Du Rhône Falls somewhere between food happy and food needy. Very fruit forward right after opening… this fades to the underlying funk of a good Rhone after a few minutes in the glass, with a touch of acidity for balance. As the weather turns colder I can absolutely picture myself enjoying a glass all by itself on a Sunday afternoon. However I think it would be a shame not to try your own experiment. Enjoy it on its own, and then try it with food.

Intimidated by food and wine pairing? Here is a simple cassoulet. Not authentic, but still good,simple and inexpensive.

In an oven proof dish, brown one large diced onion in 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add 3 tablespoons chopped garlic and cook 2-3 minutes more. add a splash or two of red wine, 1 can of Muir Glenn Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, 1 small can Goya White Beans, and one cup of chicken stock. Some thyme and bay leaf. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjust the seasoning. Stir in some spicy sausage cut in thick slices, 6 pieces of Duck Leg Confit. (I believe you can find these at the Butcher Counter in Shop Rite) Top the whole thing with a thick layer of bread crumbs and put in a 300 degree oven for  1 1/2 -2 hours. It should be deep golden brown with a thick bubbling crust. Start with a simple salad, make sure you have a nice crusty loaf of bread on hand and don’t forget an extra bottle of wine!

The Cassoulet serves Six. As for the Wine… I guess that’s up to you.”

From the winemaker:

The colour is purple-tinged garnet. The aromatic range of the nose goes from fresh berries (wild raspberry, blackcurrant, blackberry) to spices. The palate is big and full-flavoured, with silky-smooth tannins and aromas of the fruit already mentioned. The finish introduces touches of liquorice and pepper.”

Rating:

This wine was given a 86 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2008 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $15.99 a bottle, $86.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $153.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#18859

About the Chef:

Andre’ de Waal is the owner of Andre’s Restaurant &Wine Boutique in Newton NJ. For more information about Andre’ and his restaurant, visit www.andresrestaurant.com


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Good 08/28/2018 - 09/11/2018

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