March Featured Wines -2021 Blazon Chardonnay & 2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California

February 29, 2024 · by ·

The March Oak Ridge Winery selections come from the multigenerational Maggio family of winemakers. The family tradition continues at Oak Ridge with a twist. Its operation is overseen by three great grandaughters of the partiarch, Angelo. Their Maggio label has been a wine club selection with Maggio Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. We also offered Maggio Estates Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at a great price as a holiday duo. (We still have some of these special bottles on hand.)

This month’s wines are under the Blazon label. What makes Blazon wines different from some of the other Oak Ridge Winery labels is the relationship of wine and oak. Both wines 2021 Blazon Chardonnay and 2021 Blazon Merlot are aged 10 months in oak, the Chardonnay primarly in French Oak and the Merlot in Hungarian Oak. Both of these wines will offer a chance to better understand how oak affects fermentation and taste values. Once again, for those who “think” they do not like Merlot, the Blazon may change your mind.

2021 Blazon Chardonnay, Lodi, California $11

This Chardonnay has a rich, creamy texture and medium-bodied; tropical notes with aromas of pineapple, mango and ripe peach. Toasted coconut with a slight hint of vanilla contribute to a lingering finish. It is 95% Chardonnay topped with 5% Pinot Grigio. A nice well-balanced and full bodied wine. Alcohol: 14.5%

2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California $11

One review calls this a “fantastic wine! Easy to drink, soft tannins, fresh fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Really enjoyed this!” This is a perfect way to get past Merlot’s reputation This is in fact 84% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah 6% Petit Verdot so there is a nice soft mouth and light tannins. Alcohol: 14%

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Featured Wines for February – 2019 Kila Cava Brut & 2022 Breca El Nacido, Catalonia, Spain

December 7, 2023 · by ·

This month I am offering a sparkling wine which I do not do very often. After getting through the holidays with people asking for sparkling wine suggestions, I decided it was time to have our wine club members enjoy a Spanish Cava if they have not discovered this lovely sparkler. The word “Cava” means cave or cellar where the Spanish aged the wines. Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo are the varietals mostly used in Cava Bianco. Cava Rosado uses Garnacha tinta, Monastrell, Trepat, and Pinot Noir varietals. Our February selection Kila Cava Brut Bianco will be great for a Valentine’s Day toast! If you like Cava, we have several others to try.

2019 Kila Cava Brut, Catalonia, Spain $15

This Spanish Cava boasts impressive balance between its flavors of pear, white flowers, and zesty citrus and its firm, crisp finish.This is Cava has subtle flavora and a firm finish. A pleasant toast or a nice pairing with a festive dessert and you could think it is Champagne!

2022 Breca El Nacido, Catalonia, Spain $15

This Garnacha is a young, primary fruit expression of the oldest clones of Garnacha in the world, The altitudes of Catalonia produce a wine of tremendous character and concentration, balanced by fresh acidity that provides balance, and drinkability, and elegant minerality.

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Wines of the Month— 2010 La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc & 2009 La Grand Ribe Centenaire

September 5, 2012 · by ·

Featured wines for September are 2010 La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 La Grand Ribe Centenaire

 

La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France 2010

label for 2010 La Porte de L'Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc

“The 2010 vintage produced racy, fresh, delineated wines that rely on mouthwatering acidity and pure fruit . . . it’s a vintage that should let the Loire show what it does best. They are ideal food wines best for matching with spring and summer fare.” -James Molesworth  of Wine Spectator

A more elegant, restrained expression of Sauvignon Blanc, the Porte de l’Abbaye opens with aromas of fresh lemon, white flowers, and Pouilly Fume’s signature flintiness.

Henri Bourgeois Pouilly-Fumé “La Porte de L’Abbaye” 2010 was meant to be enjoyed young, and enjoy it you will, as it is a “textbook Pouilly-Fumé.” The wine received 91 points from Wine Spectator. $20.00

La Grand Ribe Centenaire, Rhône, France 2009

Label from a bottle of 2009 La Grand Ribe CentenaireLa Grande Ribe, Rhone red blend from Cotes du Rhone Villages Centenaire is a true value wine.

Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity. This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer.$13.00

 

 

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Artist of the Month Maurice Spector

September 5, 2012 · by ·

Painting by Eastern Shore artist Moe Spector of a man under water with colorful fishMaurice Spector

Bishop’s Stock Gallery’s September featured artist is Maurice Spector. A resident of Onancock, Moe paints as well as creates three-dimensional work from observations of the world around him. Over the spring and summer he has spent most of his creative time focusing on painting and wood sculptures. Some of Moe’s most recent painting includes use of watercolor canvas but he is still drawn to ink and watercolor on paper.  It is no surprise to see humor, whimsy and tiny creatures throughout his paintings. Included in the show are small sculptures in wood and a lovely “new lady.”

 

 

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Wines of the Month— 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino & 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

August 7, 2012 · by ·

Featured wines for August are 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino and 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

 

 Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino,  Rias Baixas, Spain 2010

Label from Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 201

Rias Baixas it the Spanish “Denominacion de Origen” (DO) for wines located in the Northwest region of Galicia, Spain. Albarino grapes are the most renown from this region. Deusa Nai clearly reflects true Albariño’s character. Thjis is a Limited production wine – just 6,600 cases. It has an attractive golden straw color with pale green highlights. The bouquet is fresh and fragrant with mineral notes mingling with a hint of grapefruit and mandarins. This wine has full flavor and refreshing acidity. Deusa Nai wines marry well with fish and seafood. It is ideal for sipping as an aperitif then serving with a meal. Alcohol: 13.5% $17.00

Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2008

label for Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2008Rioja is the DO for wines grown and produced in La Rioja in north central Spain. Most of the grapes grown in the region are Tempranillo and Garnacha. This is a rich, full-bodied wine made from 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Garnacha and Graciano grapes. Aging  in oak give this wine great depth. It has spicy aromas, berry fruit flavors and a velvety finish. There is a hint of roasted coffee and delicate spice. The balance is smooth and the tannins very soft. This wine needs to be opened an hour or so before drinking. It is a great pairing for grilled meats and hearty meals. Alcohol: 13% $14.00

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