Friday Wine Tasting... A Special Anniversary and Wedding Weekend!

Happy 1 yr. Anniversary, Abby & Andrew!!

Photos by Leila Brewster Photography, Abby & Andrew!

Photo by Christina B. Ward, Mary & Dave!

I can hardly believe that this weekend marks the one year anniversary of an incredibly special couple that got married a year ago at the Ocean House, Mr & Mrs. C!  And will become the new anniversary for a dear family friend that has been like a sister my whole life, with our moms best friends since high school!  I feel so honored to be a part of their special day, as Mary & Dave say "I do" on Saturday.  Both Abby and Mary are two of the most genuine, caring, dedicated, loving, full of life, people I know and found partners that compliment them perfectly.  They are the type of people that will make you smile just because and laugh so hard that it hurts.  Thinking of you both this weekend and toasting to two very special couples, full of so much love! 

Wine of the Week...
Mumm Napa Brut Rose
$19.99

Tasting Notes
The color is pale peach, with plenty of strong bubbles. The nose has a light touch of apple, along with strawberry and fresh cherries, with a faint smell of baking bread. It tastes of both raspberries and pink lemonade, a nice sweet and tart sensation.  The mid-palate brings creamy strawberry, lemon and a touch crusty bread. There is a good deal of acidity and the acidity helps the citrus finish last and last.

 

Friday Wine Tasting... Edna Valley Pinot Noir

Wine of the Week 

Edna Valley Pinot Noir

$19.99 

For all of the Pinot fans out there this is one you will want to try.  I received this bottle as a gift for my birthday a few months back and was saving it to enjoy at the perfect moment.  With our schedules lately finding time to sit down, relax and really enjoy a glass of wine without interruption has been a rare occasion.  So on the perfect summer night, computer shut down, husband home from Boston, we found one of those moments and both agree this is a yummy Pinot! 

 

winemaker's notes:

Fragrant, floral and redolent with black-cherry fruit, the Pinot Noir exhibits the delicacy and allure of this captivating varietal. Hints of rose petal, caramel and forest floor weave through the jammy fruit core. The mid-palate is pleasant and smooth with fine tannins. Subtle cola and perfume nuances alight the finish for lingering enjoyment of this pretty red wine. Enjoy with gamey flavors such as duck, venison or wild mushroom pasta.

Friday Wine Tasting... Because I'm Addicted to Watermelon!

 via Because I'm Addicted blog

 

I love the blog world because I am continuously inspired by different people's sites and never get bored with the content because there is always a new site to stumble upon.  This morning while browsing through my friends' site over at Styled Creative I came across one of her favorite daily reads, Because I'm Addicted, and I must admit that it is easy to become addicted to. It is filled with fashion, fun cocktails and recipe ideas. I have been obsessed with watermelon lately and want to have it in everything including this perfect summer drink recipe that I found on their blog.  YUMMM!!!  
Happy Friday!  We are at Saltwater Farm Vineyard tomorrow for one of the most adorable couples I have had the opportunity to work with, so excited for you Emily and Justin!  Can't wait to share pics from this one! Cheers!

HOW TO: The Watermelon Picnic Cocktail

You will need:
2 Parts Kanon Vodka
2 Parts Watermelon Chunks
2 Parts Lemon Lime Soda
1/2 Part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup (easy recipe here)

1. Chop watermelon and muddle in a mixing tin along with lemon juice and simple syrup, add Kanon, shake it like a polaroid picture.

2. Strain into a glass over ice, top with lemon lime soda, garnish with a slice of watermelon. Enjoy!

Friday Wine Tasting... St. Germain and Champagne!

 

Leila Brewster Photography

This weekend we are setting up camp in Rhode Island at the Ocean House for two very special couples' weekend of events.  We are also helping to coordinate and design a 40th birthday bash on the shoreline.  It is going to be a full weekend of events and we couldn't be more thrilled to be involved with so many incredible vendors, all of the details, logistics, and planning leading up to one really big weekend.  Of all of the things I can control onsite for the execution of the event I am always asked if I can guarantee sunshine, and while I can't control the weather, this weekend I am positive the sun will be shining all around them.

Drink of the Week: 

This is the perfect cocktail for a Summer Wedding or Birthday Soiree!Cheers! And Happy Friday! 

Friday Wine Tasting... Buzzworthy Red

Wine of the Week...

Renieri Invetro

$15.99

Happy Friday!  Everyone is buzzing about this super Tuscan blend so I had to pick up a bottle to see what the hype was about.  I haven't blogged much lately about great reds since the temps have been so ridiculously hot here in the Northeast but this wine is fabulous!  It is definitely a steal priced under $20, which is always my favorite find!  This is a must try for the weekend.  Cheers!

Tasting Notes: Superbly rich ruby-red in color. This blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot is very complex on the nose, with crisp fruit fragrances melding beautifully with earthy notes. The palate exhibits a solid structure with impressive depth, and great length and finish that will keep you licking your lips to re-live this wonderful taste experience.  -Wine Expert, Stew Leonard's

Friday Wine Tasting... I heart cucumber and mint

The other night I was having dinner at Whitfield's in Guilford, which happened to be their Taco Night and I had the most incredible Margarita (Cucumber/Blueberry, sounds like an interesting combination but it was amazing) which prompted me to get creative tonight for our happy hour on the deck.  I must admit I am turning into quite the mixologist these days, I love fresh ingredients in cocktails and since we are growing some of my favorites on our deck this summer it makes it easy to experiment.  This is a recipe you have to try!

Ingredients (Cucumber/Mint Syrup)
Handful of Mint Leaves
1/2 Cucumber Juice
4 shots St. Germain
1/4 lime juice

Muddle the mint in a mortar and pestle, Juice 1/2 of a cucumber through a juicer, and then combine together with 4 shots of St. Germain. Then add two shots of tthis mixture with 2 shots of patron, a cup full of ice, juice of a 1/4 of a lime and top it off with club soda for the perfect "sarahrita"

This weekend we have two amazing weddings going on and couldn't be more thrilled for Meghan and Ben and Laura and Kevin.  The weather is looking amazing!!  Cheers to you both, and Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Friday Wine Tasting... Kick off to Summer, Memorial Day Cocktails

 via image

Bring out the barbeques, sunscreen, bikinis, lounge chairs, and cocktails, it is Memorial Day Weekend, one of my favorite weekends of the year!!! Because in my mind it is the start of another fabulous summer!  Today we are onsite at Saltwater Farm Vineyard for Carol and Kevin's intimate wedding celebration at the winery, but then we are kicking back and enjoying a couple of days off.  I think it is the first Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend I have had off in 5 years, and I am ready to embrace every minute of it.  

Some fun plans this weekend: Birthday Cocktails at one of the hottest new Restaurants on the CT shoreline, Fresh Salt, backyard bbq with family and friends, the incredible Nicole Frechette is performing live at Chamard Vineyards on Sunday, and we are packing up our bags for a day at the beach in Old Lyme at Pavillion.  What are your plans this weekend?

Memorial Day Weekend Picks

Wine of the Week

Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

$14.99

Winemaker's notes:

Let’s get down to brass tacks. This Cabernet Sauvignon is about the purity of the varietal flavors and California terroir. Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic rich layers of currant, cherry and blackberry fruit that is framed by nicely integrated oak, which adds a touch of spice. This small lot Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from California's Central Coast that is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. This maritime influence creates an extended growing season that yields wines with full flavor development and great acid balance.

Food Pairings: Perfect with anything off the grill!
What the Experts Say:

"Very nice for the price. Dry and smooth, with blackberry, cherry, cola and currant flavors that have a scoury mouthfeel, because of the tannins. Lots of class and even some complexity. Editor's Choice"

88 Points

Wine Enthusiast 

Cocktail of the Week

John Daly Light

1 part Firefly Ice Tea Vodka

1 part Light Minute Maid Lemonade

Cup full of Ice

Garnish with a lemon

Friday Wine Tasting... Birthday Weekend

 Wine of the week...

Aria Estate Brut NV, D.O. Cava, $10 

This weekend I feel like drinking something bubbly, both Abby and I are celebrating our birthdays!  and while there is all this buzzing about the world ending on my birthday I am reminded to embrace life and all of the things I love about it.  I can't believe how fast this past year went by, while I have checked off a few more things on my list to do before I die, I still have so many more adventures to experience, moments to embrace and memories to create.  So in celebration of another fabulous year, and many more to come, cheers to our birthdays!  And a very special bride and groom that I am working with tomorrow in Mystic, Holly and Tryfan, Congratulations!

Tasting Notes: A blend of the three Cava varieties. Fermented at lower temperatures than the regular Brut Reserva. Aged 15 months on the lees. Delicate nose of green apple, quince and spice. Crisp, bright with lively mousse. More fruity than the regular Brut Reserva. Smooth across the palate with fresh orchard fruit flavors.

What the experts say:

The Aria is a little richer and more full bodied than basic cavas like Cristalino and Freixenet, and is probably a little closer in style to champagne. But it's still cava, with the typical fresh, clean lingering finish, a minimum of fruit, and a notable absence of yeast and oak. In all, a lot of wine for not a lot of money.

Read more: http://www.winecurmudgeon.com/my_weblog/2011/02/wine-of-the-week-segura-viudas-aria-estate-brut-nv.html#ixzz1MvVXYyMO

Friday Wine Tasting... Spring into Summer wtih Rose

Wine of the Week...

Mulderbosch 2010 Rose

$11

Finally we had a week of gorgeous sunny weather. Excited about the change of seasons from what seemed like the longest winter ever, I thought it would be appropriate this week to pick up a bottle of Rose. 

This wine is a real treat!  Great price point, and delicious chilled, while sitting on the back deck.  Tried and proven, it is the perfect way to toast the start of my favorite season.  Cheers to the weekend!

What the experts are saying:

winemaker's notes: 

This sexy, sophisticated dry rosé combines mouthwatering flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate with graceful notes of lavender and herbes de provence. It's a versatile and accessible pink for all seasons!

The Mulderbosch has always been one of my favorites, and this year it's even more interesting. Would that all South African wines were this well done. This year's vintage is bone dry, with a mineral finish and just enough berry fruitiness. It's very well made and should get better over the next 10 or 12 months. And did I mention that it costs a couple of dollars less this year? - The Wine Curmudgeon

Read more

Friday Wine Tasting... Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Today kicks off our first wedding of the year at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, the perfect backdrop for a spring wedding or place to visit this season.  On Sundays throughout May you can find an incredible line up of musicians playing in the tasting room.  Be sure to check out their calendar of events to see what they have going on throughout the summer.  One thing I have been so anxious to try is their yoga in the vines on Tuesday mornings, can't think of a better way to begin the day.  Cheers to Dom and Jen as they get ready to say "I do" on this gorgeous May day.

  

**One of my favorites in the tasting room is their 2008 Estate Chardonnay.

Friday Wine Tasting...Belle Pente 2008 Williamette Valley Pinot Noir

Wine of the Week... 
Belle Pente 2008 Williamette Valley Pinot Noir
Rated #1 for 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir by NY times
$23

This is a gem!!  A huge thanks to sister and her boyfriend for discovering this incredible Pinot Noir from Oregon, and bringing us a bottle over Easter.  I kept hearing great things about the 2008 crop from Oregon for Pinot Noir and this is proof that it was a fabulous year!

The NY Times also agreed in rating it number one when tasting between 20 bottles.  I am loving Pinot Noir as we transition from winter to summer!  Let me know if you have tried any other fabulous Pinots recently.  Always looking for new wines to taste and feature.  Cheers!

Friday Wine Tasting... Easter Weekend Prosecco

Wine of the Week
Zardetto Prosecco
$13.99

Tonight we are tasting bubbly for Easter Weekend.  My sister in law is hosting Easter Brunch and asked us to bring the bubbly so I picked up a bottle at Stew Leonard's based on their recommendation and Robert Parker's who says this wine is 88 points.  Perfect for the holiday weekend!

Wishing everyone a Happy Friday and a wonderful Easter!  Cheers to spring and warmer days. 

What the experts are saying: "This delicious Prosecco (primarily Prosecco with about 5% Chardonnay included) is a light, frothy, fresh, lively sparkling white with a touch of creamy sweetness. With excellent fruit, freshness, and purity, it is ideal for drinking over the next year." - Wine Advocate

Friday Wine Tasting... Pink Prosecco

Wine of the Week...
Riondo Pink Prosecco Raboso
$13.99 (Country Roads in Marlborough)

This weekend we are thinking of everything girly and everything pink as Abby and I get ready for a weekend full of events I couldn't help but talk about one of my favorite pink proseccos.  This is the perfect party wine!  Happy Friday Everyone!  Can't wait to share all of the details from this weekends events.  Cheers!

What Other people are saying: Transparent and very pretty pale rosy pink, frizzante but not fully sparkling; frothy bubbles quickly fall back in the glass. Delicate red berries and fresh herbs on the nose; crisp, prickly and fresh on the palate, subtle fruit shaped by good acidity. There may be a distant hint of fresh-fruit sweetness, but with the tart acidity and a pleasant, very slight bitter note in the finish, it comes across as dry. - via winelovers page

Friday Wine Tasting... Ballou's Wine Bar

This week Erica Tannen, the mastermind behind the E-List hosted another girl's night out in Guilford, and hundreds of ladies turned out for an incredible night of great food, wine, lots of laughs and shopping. It was the first time I had the chance to visit Ballou's Wine Bar, which really has something special going on. There are over 90 wines by the glass, an incredible bar bite menu, with spiced almonds, delicious cheeses and jam, and a lobster menu that made my mouth water. In addition to the extensive wine menu they also have a new addition to the restaurant which is just in time for all of the hot summer days that lie ahead. A frozen drink machine that offers a wine cosmopolitan and the most incredible sparkling bellini.

For all of you wine lovers this is a fun place to try, and during the week they have some great specials. You can enjoy a wine flight for just $10 every Monday & Wednesday. Which is my favorite way to sample new wines. Happy Friday! Cheers!

Friday Wine Tasting... Schug Chardonnay

Wine of the Week
2008 Schug Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$24.00

This has been a favorite ever since I had a glass at Todd English's restaurant Tuscany at Mohegan Sun.  Recently the winery was running a case special and we had some shipped to our house and I was reminded just how much I love this Chardonnay.  This is one you will want to keep in the house, sometimes hard to find so when you do stock up.  Happy Friday Everyone!  Cheers.

What the Experts are saying...

This lithe Chardonnay has a wonderful hint of citrus on the nose. It is really easy to drink, beautifully crisp and refreshing in the mouth, and sleek and juicy on the finish. You just get peaches and nectarines forever. I swear I dribbled it on my chin, just like biting into the ripest, most wonderful pure essence of summer peach. A great way to keep summer flowing in your house.- Appelation America

Friday Wine Tasting... 2007 Wildass Red

Wine of the Week
2007 Wildass Red
$19.95

I always love to try the wines that are local to an area while visiting and while we were out the other night all of the Canadian wines on the menu at DNA Restaurant were half price during happy hour.  You can't beat that!  We ventured to try the 2007 Wildass Red which was fantastic!  I only wish we could have found it in the local wine stores so I could take a few bottles home with us.  This one might be hard to find in the States but if you ever get the chance this is one you will want to remember.  Happy Friday Everyone!! 

From the Winery: Don’t all stampede to the order button at once! This is the finest breed of Wildass Red yet. You could say it is the Secretariat of the mule family, the Northern Dancer of the herd. 2007 gave the winemakers of Niagara the finest growing conditions in 5000 years (most of that is speculation Your Honour). Fully ripe, red fruit on the vine meant a selection of barrels that, once put together, produced a wine of complexity, ageability, but as well, with instant reward... ability.
Summary Tasting Note: Delicious!

What the Experts are saying: The 2007 Wildass Red is redolent with lush black currant, blackberry, and cranberry notes which captivates the senses immediately. Blessed with marvelous growing conditions, this single vineyard, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine is soft on the palate with currant notes on the mid-palate. The finish has a slightly flinty note, and the fresh acidity carries the rich fruit flavors through to a long lingering finish, an indication of a very good wine. The ripe fruit is testament to the strong 2007 vintage. This is a softer, sexier Wildass than years past. The team at Stratus continues to develop quality wine at the Wildass level.

—Mark Moffat
The Wine Guy

Friday Wine Tasting... Irony Russian River Pinot Noir

Wine of the Week
Irony Russian River Pinot Noir
$16.79

This week's Friday wine tasting is coming from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It is going to be so hard to leave after having the most incredible week in paradise.  Sister and I ventured out the other night to what was one of the most amazing restaurants, Pikayo, at the Conrad Hotel (a must visit).  From the ahi tuna lolipops at the bar, beet salad and scallops, prepared to perfection for dinner, to the chocolate souffle and espresso for dessert, it was amazing!  As was the wine!  We tried a bottle of the Irony Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, which I couldn't get enough of. Definitely a new favorite.

Happy Weekend Everyone! Cheers.

From the Winery: The 2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with complex aromas of raspberry, strawberry, lemon thyme and caramel with hints of earthy sauteed mushroom.  Fresh berry fruit, dark blackberry, baked rhubarb, caramel and a touch of bacon fat round out the concentrated palate, balanced by firm, fresh acidity and silky tannins.

Friday Wine Tasting... Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir

Wine of the Week
Willamette Valley Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir
$24

This was a new wine we tried on Valentine's Night.  I have been stuck on Cabs lately so it was a real treat to try a delicious Pinot Noir from Oregon.  I can't take the credit for finding this one but so glad husband came home with it.  One of the best I have had in a while, great fruit balanced with a smokiness, and a really soft finish.  Happy Friday wine tasting!!  Cheers!

p.s. I also recently stumbled upon a great blog that talks all about wine.

Friday Wine Tasting... Jonathan Edwards Winery 2008 Napa Valley Merlot

Wine of the Week
Jonathan Edwards 2008 Napa Valley Merlot
$25

Last Week Abby and I had the chance to visit Jonathan Edwards Winery to discuss the design for their upcoming Winemaker's Dinner, catered by the Ocean House. We were so honored to be asked to collaborate with them on this big event. And while we were there we couldn't pass through the tasting room without sampling some of their latest releases, one of which has become a new favorite, their 2008 Napa Valley Merlot. I took home a bottle and husband and I enjoyed it with our Valentines Dinner on Saturday night. This is a local wine you will definitely want to try!

Friday Wine Tasting... 90+ Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine of the week
90 + Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 32
$15.99

Super excited for Friday Wine Tasting today!  What a week of snow, sleet, ice and messy weather we have had here in Connecticut (and most of the country)!  It is the perfect weather for curling up on the couch in front of the fire with a bottle of wine, which is exactly what we did the other night (well minus the fire).  Husband brought home this wine from the wine store and was intrigued by the concept of the wines. They are able to source some of the best wines from wineries all over the world and bottle them for the consumer at such great prices, because they are a virtual winery.  This is a label you will want to try!  Cheers to the weekend!

About the Wine: This lot is a perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. We sourced this wine from a world class vineyard located at an elevation of 2,000 ft on the Sonoma Valley side of Mount Veeder. The steep, southern-facing slopes consist of soils called the Sonoma Volcanics, these soils result in small, concentrated flavored grapes with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place. This is a special occasion, weekend wine that now you can enjoy any day!

Taste: This wine offers rich flavors of cassis and mocha enhanced by smoky notes. The velvety mouthfeel and long, elegant finish add style to this classic Cabernet Sauvignon, which is perfect for pairing with herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb, grilled rib eye steak and hearty cheeses. Fire up the grill and open a bottle!

From the Winery: 

The wines we purchase must have a pedigree of 90 or higher ratings, best buy or gold medal accolades from a respected wine authority or publication.
Other companies with a similar concept are usually buying the winery's excess or distressed wine. We are buying a winery's best and most highly rated finished wine, which they would normally sell under their own label. Wineries are willing to work with us because they either produced more than they need or sales have slowed. In return, they are promised complete anonymity, which we take very seriously.
The wines of 90+Cellars are great values because we are a virtual winery, we don't own any land or bottling facility. In fact, the source wineries bottle and label our wines for us. We simply search out world class wine, negotiate a great price and then pass the savings on to our customers. 

While we don’t necessarily advocate buying wines based on their ratings (because everyone’s personal taste is different), we think only selecting wines that are well-structured enough to earn a 90+ rating in the first place is a great place to start. When you purchase a 90+ Cellars wine, you’re getting premium quality at value pricing–a great way to win over sophisticated wine buyers on a budget.- 


90+ Cellars is now sold in over 20 states.