In the News
Wine of the Week: 2009 Conquista Cabernet Sauvignon
Las Vegas Review-Journal by Gil Lempert-Schwarz June 8, 2011
"...balanced black fruit, smashed black currants, brambleberries, cocoa butter and soft vanilla...It's a nicely crafted wine from the masterful winemakers at Conquista."
Happy Hour: Limoncellato
Neiman Marcus Blog NMdaily by Frank Zack May 13, 2011
"This is the perfect almost-summer drink to remind you of the simple pleasures that await." Click on the link for the drink recipe, using Il Tramonto Limoncello and Luccio Moscato d'Asti or visit a NM restaurant this summer to try the cocktail.
Wine of the Week: Le Grand Noir GSM 2008
Winona Daily News by Chris and Sherry Hardie May 6, 2011
3 ½ Stars - “We’ve enjoyed other Le Grand Noir labels (known for the black sheep) and find this one to be delightful as well, with plenty of red berry fruit flavors and a very smooth finish.”
A salute to wine makers as stewards of the Earth
NewJersey.com by Joe Iurato April 21, 2011
"Winemakers are, first and foremost, farmers…It’s no surprise, then, that many have chosen to be advocates of the Earth with organic and sustainable farming…Releaf (Red Blend 2009) is both environmentally and socially conscious…offers chocolate, cherries, spice and a hint of leather followed by a long, warm finish and soft tannins. It’s got some muscle but is also completely approachable right out the gate."
Give Love: Salvatore Principe Prosecco
Jackie-ology by Jackie Morgan February 8, 2011
"Heading to your (insert cheesy term of endearment here) on February 14th? News Flash: sparkling white wines are hot, Hot, HOT! With one of Salvatore Principe’s gorgeous hand painted hearts adorned on this delicious sparkling, you’re sure to score extra brownie points. Bring along some fresh cheeses and have it with raspberries as a pre-dinner treat. Not in to sparklings? The Malbec is amazing as well!”
Uncorked: Lessons for wine, and life
Special to the News & Record by Ed Williams April 7, 2010
“Everyday Bargain Bet - 2007 The Rhoning Stones: Obviously some tongue-in-cheek aimed at boomers. Usually I shy away from such nonsense. But in a flight tasting of reds at a favorite restaurant, this stood out...It's a solid bet...Gorgeous dark berry fruit, hints of spices and an earthy backdrop. Looking for a change-of-pace? Look here.”
Think inside the box; If the taxman leaves you any cash in your pocket, spend it wisely on wine bargains
Winnipeg Free Press by Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson, March 6, 2010
“Broke Ass 2009 White Mendoza, Argentina...This could be tax-time wine for the name alone...Good bang for your buck.”
Broke Ass 2009 Red Wine Argentina
FermentedReviews.com by Bob Bacchus, February 26, 2010
“...Some pretty pronounced notes for both your taste buds and nose.”
Great Wines for Your Budget: Le Grand Noir and Manyana Tempranillo
Fox 11 Living wine Amy recommendations by Mary Beth Leopold from Red & White February 25, 2010
“Love wine and live on a budget? Here are some great wines for less than $10.”
Le Grand Pinot Noir (France, 2006)
JustaGrape.com by Mike, February 21, 2010
“Simple yet enjoyable...this wine is fine if you want to just sit down and have something to drink after work that tastes good.”
Astoria Lounge Cuvee and Astoria Lounge Rose
Serious Eats: Affordable Sparkling Wine for Valentine's Day by Maggie Hoffman February 10, 2010
“Two of our favorite inexpensive sparkling wines were from Astoria Vini...Astoria Lounge Cuvee...well integrated, refreshing and light with delicate mineral notes...We enjoyed Astoria's lively and crisp Lounge Rose even more...it's perfect for a romantic aperitif for Valentine's Day or for stocking up for summer evenings on the balcony.”
2007 Overstone Sauvignon Blanc - 88 Points
Chatterberries - The Essential Wedding Planning Site by Dana Linton, February 3, 2010
Luccio Moscato d’Asti
Atlanta Wine Guy by Atlanta Wine Guy January 18, 2010
“I haven’t had a Moscato d’Asti in quite a while and enjoyed this particular bottling... It was a nice wine with aromas and duplicate flavors that tasted like honey poached peaches with a fine mist of freshly peeled navel oranges…”
2007 Astoria Millesimato Prosecco
Atlanta Wine Guy by Atlanta Wine Guy January 11, 2010
“I was impressed with the distinctive character of this wine, so I give it high marks in the terroir department, for whatever that matters. While I was expecting more of the usual peach and apricot I associate with Prosecco, the different nature of this wine added to the tasty experience.”
2008 Conquista Malbec
BestofNewOrleans.com by Brenda Maitland January 11, 2010
“Many high-end wines come out of Mendoza, but this acclaimed bottling is a good value.”
Day 220: Starling Castle Riesling at $7.50 at Costco
365 Sweet Wines $20 and Under in 365 Days Blog posted by SWEETWINES January 10, 2010
“We drank the wine with pizza and wings and it went pretty good.”
Winners of the 2010 Trials
The Wine Trials 2010 by Robin Goldstein & Alexis Herschkowitsch
Le Grand Noir Pinot Noir
Le Grand Noir Chardonnay
Le Grand Noir GSM
Gaucho Club Malbec
Manyana Tempranillo
Conquista Torrontes
Conquista Shiraz
To view a video about the evaluation process for The Wine Trials, please click here.
Sip of the Week: 2008 Bree Riesling
Charlotte Observer.com by Catherine Rabb December 1, 2009
“I had a huge surprise this Thanksgiving. The bottle of wine I bought as an afterthought in a mixed case just because it looked pretty, the wine I was sure wouldn't be very good? Could have knocked me over with a feather, but it was the hit of the party. Ripe, rich and a bit of sweetness, it was a hit with my guests who only drink beer, with family members who like something a little sweeter, and, surprisingly, with the younger crowd. A friend even called the next day to confirm the name, as she planned to buy a case. This might be a smart party wine to stock up on.”
Stress over holiday meal, but not wines
The Journal Gazatte by Dan and Krista Stockman November 21, 2009
“We started with Starling Castle 2006 Riesling…It was almost lemony and was interesting and complex, with lots of acids to go well with food. If your crowd is a mixture of sweeter drinking people and those who prefer drier wines, this could be a good fit for both over a turkey dinner. It was easy drinking and didn’t clash with anything.”
Salud! Thanksgiving wine made easy
The Capital Times by Lindsay Christians November 19, 2009
“Malbec has gained popularity in recent years because of its price range and its similarity to cabernet sauvignon. The simple, fruity Conquista Malbec is a steal…”
Wine Wednesday – Budget French Wine – The Black Sheep, Le Grand Noir
Jennifers Review Let’s Wine About It Blog by Jennifer November 10, 2009
“Budget wine from France…. seriously? Doesn’t that get the winemaker run out of France? Is it possible that we here in American can actually partake of a French wine on a low budget?! ….YES IT DOES! Enter Le Grand Noir 2007 GSM”
Wine Wednesday – and it’s pretty bad A$$!
Jennifers Review Let’s Wine About It Blog by Jennifer November 4, 2009
“It may not be 2 buck chuck …. but it’s ‘3 buck ass’…“No frills great value wine” is what this company labels their 2008 (Broke Ass) red wine from Argentina. I think what I like even better is that on the back label the slogan is “Bandage your Budget”. This wine is a blend of Malbec and Syrah wine, has a smooth beginning and kick end. It’s a nice warm velvet wine…”
2006 Starling Castle Riesling
Idaho Press-Tribune July 16, 2009
“…Not only is the bottle beautiful, but the wine is wonderful as well…opens with full aromas of melon and peach. Flavors of pear, pineapple and grapefruit are dominant and are accented wonderfully with vanilla and cinnamon…”