Hudson Chatham 2007 Merlot - Reserve

2007 - A banner year in the Hudson Valley. I once again find myself drinking a wine with a little disappointment.

At first when we opened this bottle there were a lot of tannins. The wine was earthy with a nose of Anise and spice.  My first sip can be described in 5 words - Dr. Browns Black Cherry Soda and spice on the finish. The wine was thin for a Merlot but had good color.

Paul decided to decant the wine to minimize those tannins.  What we didn't expect was for the wine to lose it's fruit and pepper on the finish.  Should we have put the wine in the decanter, most likely not, but we did and learned a lesson.  Should have left it in the bottle and let it open in that manner.  Oh well.

Celebrate Riesling Month at Applewood Winery's New York Riesling Experience

May is Riesling Month in New York State and Applewood Winery is celebrating this weekend May 1 & 2 with their annual New York Riesling Experience which begins at 12pm each day.

There will be food and wine pairings, chef demonstrations, recipes, comparative Riesling tastings and live entertainment. Admission is $10 in advance (must be purchased by Friday, April 30) and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased http://thenewyorkrieslingexperience.eventbrite.com/

According to Jonathan Hull - Owner/Winemaker at Applewood "Riesling vines are tough. They thrive in cold climates, on steep hillsides, and in marginal soil. The green-skinned grapes ripen later than many other varieties, and sometimes are left hanging on the vine to produce sweet late harvest wines or even ice wines when the grapes actually freeze on the vines. The aromas in the wine that the Riesling grape produces tend to be pear, apple, jasmine, lime, honey and some spice. The flavors range from bright, fresh citrus to ripe tropical fruit. During the New York Riesling Experience, customers will have the opportunity to taste the many different variety of wines the Riesling grape produces."

This event is the beginning of a very active event season in the Hudson Valley Wine Country.  I will be covering many of the upcoming events. I will be attending the New York Riesling Experience on Sunday.  Look for my review later next week.  I hope to see some of you there.

Planting Vidal with Jonathan Hull - Applewood Winery

Jonathan Hull owner/winemaker of Applewood Winery takes us to the vineyard to plant Vidal.

Wine Chronicles from the Babysitter - Pasta Primo Vino Part 1

Contributor -  Chrystal Corsino aka "The Babysitter"

After a few pushes and some education from the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess and my culinary graduate brother I finally at 27 discovered wine at the 2009 pasta event. Last year was my first experiences with Hudson Valley wine, and wine that wasn’t Sutter Home or the 5.99 Walmart special. I was hooked immediately and a year ago sweet white wines were all I would drink and taste. Fast forward a year later to the 2010 event where it was slightly noticeable my palette for wines is maturing and changing. Prior to the event I had begun to enjoy more red wines and slightly dryer wines as well. This is my experience on the wine trail with my mom, Ashleigh and the 17 year old DD who I babysat for when he was 3.

We started our trek at Palaia, venturned to Applewood, Warwick, Brotherhood, Brimstone, Baldwin, Whitecliff, Adair, Glorie, Stoutridge, Benmarl.  For 10:15 AM Palia was hopping with a slightly older crowd. Mom fit right in - the tasting bar was full so we started with their pasta as our breakfast. I was very happy to finally get to taste there mead wine which I enjoyed very much as it wasn’t as thick as Brotherhoods Carol Mead. Had to leave with a bottle as they were giving a 10% discount. The mead and joyful pink were definitely our two favorite picks here but of course maybe the reds were just not right for breakfast.  We decided a nice long ride to the Warwick wineries was in order so at least it would be closer to noon for the next tasting. This is where the pouring got to be half glasses rather then the normal tasting size, we were going to be in trouble for sure.

Arriving at Applewood Winery the Rigatoni Provencal was delicious and the pairing with the International Red was perfect. I really enjoyed this red as it was on the sweet side of course. Mom’s favorite was the hard cider mixed with blackberry wine - guess I know what her mothers day gift will be.  This is where the event seemed to slow down.  There were less and less people at each winery as our day progressed.  Many times we were the only people at the winery. As we were leaving Applewood mom came up with the quote of the day (yes after 2 wineries) “I’m not drunk, I’m happy”.  

Next stop was one of my usual favorites Warwick Valley.  Unfortunately they were out of all of my favorites and  the Pinot, Cab Franc,  and the Riesling they did have was less then impressive to me. They were all very dry. Even to dry for my mother who usually enjoys the drier wines. Ok thank goodness a 20-30 min ride to regroup - off to Brotherhood.  Brotherhood was more crowded than the other two wineries we had left. My type of crowd – they a very happy loud young crowd. Just what I needed to brighten up the dull day.  I really enjoy their Riesling as it is a little dry with a sweet finish but isn’t to sweet like some Riesling I have tasted. The Pinot Noir was also very smooth, peppery and smoky and enjoyable a sign of my changing taste. By the time we left Brotherhood mom and I were less than sober and mom was looking a little green. She was definitely still having fun and with 2 more wineries for her before she switched off with Ashleigh it was getting scary. 

Mom opted out of going in Brimstone and who could blame her is all I can say.  Brimstone is less then impressive.  Next and last stop for mom was Baldwin. They were also busy with a few large groups arriving in limos, we walk up to the wine bar and the list has 8 yes 8 tastings, I thought mom was going die when she saw this. They were more then generous with the food portions and the wine. Last year my favorite was Josephs Vintage and  this year it was way to sweet for me…instead I enjoyed there Chardonnay dry and smooth, the Port which is perfect for putting on top of ice cream and the new Blueberry Wine-a-Rita was superb. There Merlot smelled like berries but was smoky dry and very bitter, the illusions which I also enjoyed last time was flavorless.  At this point my DD is very amused by the shenigans between mom and I it was a great day with her sipping wines and enjoying eachothers company, yet mom needed a nap for sure and I still had 5 wineries to go yikes.

Wine Blogging Wednesday #68 - Got Gamay

I haven't participated in a WBW in a while. Partly because I don't see it posted. If I do, I write it down on a sticky note and misplace it. I really have to start paying more attention, because I do like participating in these events.

This month Wine Blogging Wednesday is hosted by Frank Morgan of Drink What You Like and he decided on Gamay. Gamay Noir is a cross of a Pinot Noir and the ancient white variety Gouais. Gamay is grown in the Loire Valley and among other places in the Hudson Valley.

For this Wine Blogging Wednesday I chose a Whitecliff Vineyards, 2007 Hudson River Region Gamay Noir.  This wine is estate grown at Whitecliff and he is the only Hudson Valley producer of Gamay. I made Paul dig this out of our cellar and it was a good thing he did.

2007 was a banner year in the Hudson Valley and in all of New York.  It was one of the best harvest ever.  Some wines are met to drink sooner than later and this wine is a sooner.  This tasting was in two phases.

Phase 1 - After opening the bottle and pouring it, I noticed a strong earthy, barnyard nose.  Very much like the barn I pass on my walk every morning.  The wine had a plumish hue to it and was thin in texture.  There was some sour cherry upfront with an acid finish.  Hmmmm....

Phase 1.5 - As the wine sits in the glass it seems to open a bit and the barnyard smell seems to lessen. Some fruit comes back and I can taste a bit of strawberry.

Phase 2 - Remembering that the winemaker had told us to serve it slightly chilled we stuck the bottle in the fridge for a bit.  I will say it did make a difference slightly chilled.  The berry flavor comes forward more and the acid softens a little.

I served this with grass fed beef Kielbasa, caramelized onions and sauerkraut.  It was a nice pairing.

In conclusion, if anyone is holding the 2007 Whitecliff Gamay Noir, open it and drink it now.  Don't wait much longer.

Pruning with Jonathan Hull

Jonathan Hull, owner and winemaker of Applewood Winery takes us out to his vineyard to prune the vines.

New Contributer - The Babysitter

I introduced Chrystal a while ago when we went shopping and stopped for wine at Hudson-Chatham Winery.  Chrystal will be a new contributer to my blog.  Her opinion as a young wine consumer will bring a new light to Hudson Valley Wines and events.

A little about Chrystal. Way back another lifetime ago, I worked with Chrystal's dad and met her when she was 5 years old, pigtails and roller skates.  I realize I might be dating myself, but flash forward  8 years when she was 13 and I hired her to babysit for my then 3yr old and 8 month old.  Now flash forward again to 3 years ago, when she gets hired as the sales secretary at my day job.  (we both later get laid off, her last spring, me this month)

Conversation and education begin to build around wine. Along with the help of her CIA graduate brother, Chrystal's palate begins to mature.

Chrystal will be attending the Shawangunk Wine Trail's Pasta Primo Vino this weekend and will give you her view of the event and some of the wines she'll be tasting.

Don't worry, Chrystal has her own Designated Driver - the 3yr old who she use to babysit for, will be turning 18 in June - he will be driving Miss Chrystal.

Tousey Winery

I began the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail on Saturday at Tousey Winery.  From my understanding Tousey has been doing farmers markets for the past year or so but hasn't opened a tasting room until last Saturday. A nice addition to Hudson Valley Wine Country!  Welcome!

We arrived just after they opened their doors.  Although you can tell there is still work to be done in the tasting room, Ben and his wife (didn't catch her name - along with her infant daughter) and Bruce (the winemaker) were there welcoming us with open bottles.

The first wine we tasted was their Seyval Blanc,their Hudson Heritage Wine. The grapes were purchased from Doug Glorie's Farm in Marlboro, NY.  There was 15% of Cayuga blended in.  I am not a big Cayuga fan, but this did bring a touch of fruit (grape) to the wine which was not overbearing.  It was a citrus blend with a soft grape/fruity smooth feel.

Next up was their 2008 Vidal.  These grapes came from Fino Farms in Marlboro, NY.  I right away picked up on the sugar in this wine.  When I asked for the RS, my question wasn't answered.  He told me the grapes were picked at 25 1/2 brix.  This was as semi dry wine with a nice mouth feel.  Sweet nose with hints of melon.

Now we moved along to try the Chambourcin.  The grapes here were sourced from Glorie Farm Winery in Marlboro, NY.  The wine was decanted and probably needed a little more time in the decanter.  It was a dry wine and you could taste the cherry.  It was thin and acidic.

The final two wines we tasted were their Plum Wine and Cassis.  Ray and Ben grow the fruit for the Plum Wine.   It was dry to sweet and slightly acidic.  The finish was all plum, like biting into a juicy one.  Nice.

Then the Cassis.  The cassis was made with honey from their farm.  It was sweet but had a tart finish. Would go great with cheesecake!

I wish Ray, Ben and Bruce the best of luck!  For Ben's wife (whose name I didn't catch) the best of luck with your jams (and baby).  She has produced a nice selection of homemade jams that are on sale in the tasting room.

Pasta Primo Vino

These are busy times in Hudson Valley Wine Country.  This past weekend was the opening of the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail and now this upcoming weekend is the Shawangunk Wine Trail's Pasta Primo Vino.

Pasta Primo Vino is a great way to introduce yourself to the Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries, celebrate Spring and Bud Break all for one low ticket price of $22 plus tax.  That one price allows you tasting at all 11 wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail for the day and they will each be offering free samplings of a pasta dish.  The event runs from 10am to 6pm - so you have 8 hours to taste at 11 wineries if you choose to visit all of them.

Here is what they will be serving:

Adair Vineyards - Spring Orzo Salad.

Applewood Winery -  Rigatoni Provencal

Benmarl Winery – Gnocci with sage & Butter sauce

Brimstone Hill – Pasta Provencal

Glorie Farm Winery – Kicked up Mac & Cheese

Whitecliff Vineyards - Pasta Fagioli

Warwick Valley Winery – Lasagna Bolgnese & Vegetarian Lasagna

Palaia Vineyards - Penne Chicken Pesto Ragazzi

Stoutridge Vineyards – American Cold Pasta Salad

Brotherhood Winery- Orzo Pasta with wild mushrooms, herbs and truffle oil

Baldwin Vineyards - Baked Four Cheese Pasta

I am sure many of the wineries will have some of their new releases available, especially the 2009 whites.  I encourage you to purchase you tickets in advance.  Advance ticket sales end April 15 at 6pm.  Tickets sold at the door will be at a higher cost.  

I am looking forward to hear about your experiences on the trail during Pasta Primo Vino.  Here is a look at some of my experiences from the event.

Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail Opening this Weekend

Since I last wrote about the creation of the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail, two wineries have joined them.  These wineries are located not in NY, but in Massachusetts, just over the New York border.  Furnace Brook Winery in Richmond, MA and Les Trois Emme in Great Barrington, MA - Welcome!  


The festivities begin on Saturday April 10 at 12-noon with Pasta and Sauce.  You can purchase a Pasta Passport for $15 from any of the members of the trail.  A Pasta Passport will entitle you to a complimentary tasting flight of wine, beer or spirits at each location on Saturday.  Along with the tasting you will receive a taste of a special pasta dish.


I am a bit confused on what time the event ends.  I have a press release that states 5pm but on their Facebook Fan Page  and website it says 4pm.  I am sure they won't close the door on us.  


I am looking forward to this event and tasting at places that are new to me, especially if I make it over the border before 5p.  If I do, can anyone make an recommendations for dinner in Great Barrington, MA.  I haven't been there since my kids learned to ski at Butternut. (which I might add is a great place to for kids to learn, their ski school is excellent!)


Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail Members - Hudson-Chatham Winery, Brookview Station Winery, Tousey Winery, Furnace Brook Winery, Les Trois Emme Winery, Chatham Brewery and Harvest Spirits.

Coming into Port

I am not much for sweet after dinner wines, but the more I taste and experience, the more I am beginning to like them.  I don't know if that's good or bad.

This Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery's 2007 Port is made from 100% Frontenac and the grape brandy was distilled from their Seyval.

Tasting notes one word - Craisin. Yes - a little cranberry, a little dried cherry and a juicy raisin on the finish. That juicy raisin finish is like taking a handful of Sunmaid Raisins and tossing them in your mouth.(like you did when your were a kid)  Sweet but not overly sweet was this Port.

It was nice to sit back an relax with this port after a wonderful dinner.  

Your Summer Ticket to Hudson Valley Wines

 Hudson Valley Wine Country has a great way for you to explore their wineries this summer with the "Summer Passport Ticket."  This ticket allows you to receive a complimentary standard wine tasting at 14 participating wineries in the Hudson Valley.  This is a great way to taste at the different wineries in the valley. You can pack a picnic lunch and spend an afternoon at one, while two weeks later you can do the same in another part of the region.

The 14 wineries that are participating are:

• Adair Vineyards - 82 Allhusen Road, New Paltz NY  845.255.1377
• Applewood Winery - 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick NY 845.988.9292
• Baldwin Vineyards - 176 Hardenburgh Road, Pine Bush NY 845.744.2226
• Benmarl Winery - 156 Highland Avenue, Marlboro NY 845.236.4265
• Brimstone Hill Vineyards - 61 Brimstone Hill Road, Pine Bush NY 845.744.2231
• Brotherhood Winery - 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr. Washingtonville NY 845.496.3661
• Clinton Vineyards - 450 Schultzville Rd. Clinton Corners NY 845.266.5372
• Glorie Farm Winery - 40 Mountain Road, Marlboro NY 845.236.3265
• Hudson-Chatham Winery - 1900 State Route 66, Ghent NY 518.392.WINE
• Millbrook Vineyards & Winery - 26 Wing Road, Millbrook NY 845.677.8383
• Palaia Vineyards & Winery - 10 Sweet Clover Rd. Highland Mills NY  845.928.5384
• Stoutridge Vineyard - 10 Ann Kaley Lane, Marlboro NY  845.236.7620
• Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery - 114 Little York Rd. Warwick NY  845.258.4858
• Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery - 331 McKinstry Rd. Gardiner NY 845.255.4613

Tickets are on sale now through May 31, 2010.  You can purchase the tickets directly from the Hudson Valley Wine Country Website.  This will be a great ticket to have this summer!  Tickets to the tasting room!