WOW: Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards

Uncorked is pleased to welcome Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards to North Carolina.  North Carolina is one of just a handful of states in which Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards has chose to be distributed.

Do not miss the opportunity to try all three of these fine wines today! 

Winery Description

Since inception in 1983, Anderson's Conn Valley winery has been commited to the production of fine wines.  "After graduating from University of Pacific in Stockton, CA with a degree in Geology Todd Anderson went to work for a small geophysical firm that was on the cutting edge of technology for seismic oil and gas exploration. Todd soon realized the corporate world was not for him. Although he loved the industry he was in, he continually had thoughts of the outdoors and getting back in touch with the soil. These thoughts, along with the mention from his parents of starting a “small vineyard”, are what led to the creation of Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards." - Winery Notes

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 Tasting Notes

Medium mouth feel with full mouth aftertaste. Peach, mineral, pineapple. Crisp, steely style with very good fruit. Hints of spice and oak. Will improve with age 4-7 years, hold for 10 more.

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009 Tasting Notes

Bright red and black fruits, Red Cherry pie with baked crust, black cherry cola. Amazing silky mouth feel that you should expect with Pinot but with great length and power.

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Reserve Cabernet 2009 Notes

Medium to full bodied mouth feel with full mouth aftertaste. Powerful concentrated dark berry fruits are elevated by brighter red fruits but then are counterbalanced by earth, leather and graphite like minerals. The fruit and earth components are so tightly woven that once you grasped one element, the wine moves into another.

WOW: Lake Chalice "Cracklin" Savie" Sauvignon Blanc

WOW: Wine of the Week

Lake Chalice "Cracklin" Savie" Sauvignon Blanc

No need to develop a cleaver "catch" for this week's WOW!  Lake Chalice did all of the hard work themselves, with a hint of bubbles in their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it only seems appropriate that it bear the name "Cracklin' Savie!"

Billed as the perfect wine for a barbeque, this new gem arrives just in time for the upcoming weeks of families, friends and coworkers huddled around an open flame!

For under $18 per bottle, this is the perfect wine to bring as a hostess gift or if you just want to be the talk of the party...when was the last time someone that you know brought a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc?!

Product Description

"Lake Chalice Wines is one of the few remaining privately and locally owned wine companies in New Zealand and is located in the country's main wine-growing region, Marlborough.  Launched in 1989 on a 11ha (28 acre), stony paddock in Rapaura, Wairau Valley, Lake Chalice Wines now owns four key vineyard sites, as well as sourcing fruit from several carefully selected contract growers. Founders Chris Gambitsis and Phil Binnie, who were joined in 1998 by winemaker Matt Thomson, share a simple philosophy: to make quality varietal wines from Marlborough grapes.
The Karearea or NZ falcon emblem features on the Lake Chalice Wines' label. In a land with no native mammals, this rare, endemic raptor has always flown fearlessly above the rest. Lake Chalice Wines is a proud sponsor of the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust, dedicated to preserving New Zealand's raptors." - Winery Notes

Lake Chalice "Cracklin’ Savie" Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes

"Pale straw in appearance with green hues, and some little bubbles.  An intense bouquet with aromas of passionfruit and blackcurrant.  A crisp, medium bodied on the palate, wine bursting with classical varietal flavours of passionfruit, blackcurrant and gooseberry, with a hint of sparkle." - Winemaker Notes

Lake Chalice "Cracklin’ Savie" Sauvignon Blanc Pairings

"Seafood, white meat, antipasto or whatever you’ve got on the barbeque. You’ve got your hands on a tasty crowd-pleaser." - Winemaker Notes

WOW: X Winery: Super "Nova" (Vineyard) Zinfandel!

WOW: Wine of the Week

X Winery: Super "Nova" (Vineyard) Zinfandel!

Just in time for Father's Day, grab this BIG, BOLD Super "Nova" (Vineyard) Zinfandel for the special man in your life!  This Zinfandel is not for the weak of heart - or palate!

Here is the sad part though:  X Winery is phasing this product out of its portfolio FOREVER!  Well, at least for the foreseeable future.  With low yields and three years of colder vintages, X Winery has determined that following this vintage, they are going to focus on alternative products with higher yields.  NOW is the time to pick up this beauty at just $15 per bottle!

With this price and quality you can afford to get your Father a nice bottle of wine and a new tie, power tool, gadget, etc. without breaking the bank...your secret is safe with Uncorked!  Remember to mention this wine was also rated 87 points by Wine Advocate and you'll be your Father's hero for the day!

Product Description

"Planted in the mid 1960’s, Nova Vineyard is located on the bench lands of Kelseyville in Lake County, California. The vineyard is on an ancient alluvial riverbed at 1600 feet elevation near the base of Mount Konocti volcano. This Certified Organic Zinfandel Vineyard is planted on a 10 x 10 spacing. It is being farmed for the highest possible quality. This is achieved through proper timing of cover cropping, pruning, suckering, leaf removal and adjusting crop load." - Winery Notes

X Winery "Nova" Vineyard Zinfandel 2009 Tasting Notes

-87, Wine Advocate

X Winery "Nova" Vineyard Zinfandel 2009 Tasting Notes

"Zinfandel has always been the varietal of choice for those pushing the limits. The X Zinfandel is redolent with deep, vibrant flavors and intoxicating aromas that will challenge your expectations and expand your horizons of wine appreciation. The bell just rang champ, step into the ring and take this big boy on, you can handle it. The 2009 Nova Vineyard is a California Certified Organically Farmed wine.  Experience aromas and flavors of cinnamon and black pepper, along with notes of jammy raspberry and blackberry." - Winemaker Notes

WOW: New Zealand, New Values!

WOW: Wine of the Week

New Zealand, New Values: The Ned!

Ever seeking new wines, new values...look no further than New Zealand!  Two new products to the Uncorked portfolio of products are from The Ned Winery in New Zealand.

New Zealand is quite well known for its value priced wine and critter labels...but The Ned focuses on serious wine (no critters here!) and value.

To was in 2003 when Brent Marris began his search for a special vineyard property that could become the iconic hub of a future winery.  Relying on a vast knowledge of the area built up as youngster exploring the landscape that is Marlborough he discovered an exceptional 268 hectare property on the banks of the Waihopai River.after a time-honored Washington State practice used to protect grape vines from frigid winter temperatures. Low-growing vine canes (shoots) are buried under the soil, then unearthed after winter freezes pass. Buried Cane wines are named with terms common in woodcut printing.

Washington State wine country has warm sunny summers and cold frosty winters. One time-honored practice to protect grape vines from damaging cold is to bury low-growing vine canes. These buried canes can be unearthed after winter freezes pass, assuring a grape harvest in the following season." - Winery Notes

The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Tasting Notes

Zesty and fruity, with a brilliant smoky, herbal twist, this delicious sauvignon Blanc has characteristic blackcurrant and gooseberry flavours. Made by Brent Marris in a modern winery on the banks of the Waihopai River, The Ned is named after a rugged peak nearby.

The Ned Pinot Noir 2010 Tasting Notes

Chocolate and dark berry fruit abound integrated with spice and savoury aromas. It presents a delightful texture with excellent length and a richness that is supported by seamless tannins.
 

WOW: Buried Cane Wines, Washington!

WOW: Wine of the Week

NEW: Buried Cane Wines, Washington!

New to the Uncorked portfolio of products are two special selections from Buried Cane Winery in Washington State.

Well known for its Rieslings, Buried Cane Winery is no exception in producing a value driven (under $12 per bottle!) quality white wine.  AND, for the red wine lovers amoungst us, fear not, Buried Cane has also perfected a Cabernet, also under $12 per bottle!  Both wines are a fine example of the quality that we have come to expect from our friends in the Pacific Northwest. 

Buried Cane Winery: What's in a Name?

"Buried Cane wines are named after a time-honored Washington State practice used to protect grape vines from frigid winter temperatures. Low-growing vine canes (shoots) are buried under the soil, then unearthed after winter freezes pass. Buried Cane wines are named with terms common in woodcut printing.
Washington State wine country has warm sunny summers and cold frosty winters. One time-honored practice to protect grape vines from damaging cold is to bury low-growing vine canes. These buried canes can be unearthed after winter freezes pass, assuring a grape harvest in the following season." - Winery Notes

Buried Cane Riesling 2009 Tasting Notes

The Buried Cane Riesling is 100% Riesling. It’s a ripe, off-dry wine with bright, yellow/ straw color, and effusive floral aromas of jasmine, lily and heather. Background notes are of starfruit and pineapple. On the palate the wine is expansive and rich, focused on intense mango and white peach flavors. The mouthwatering finish is long and finely-textured.

Buried Cane Cabernet 2008 Tasting Notes

The finished wine is dark ruby in color, and quite opaque. Red fruits and florals dominate the nose, complemented by raspberry, cherry, violet and rose, with scents of cedar and juniper in the background. One the palate, black cherry and a dark earthy minerality meld with cedar-accented bright fruit.  Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Syrah.
 

WOW: Rosé-ing to the Occasion!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Dom. Houchart: Rosé-ing to the Occasion!

Uncorked is constantly asked: What are YOU drinking?!  Truth be told: last night ushered in what will hopefully be a long and wonderful Summer in Charlotte!  Over Pad Thai, the glow of citronella candles and with great company, this rosé rose to the occasion!

At just $10.39 per bottle, take a risk on this rosé and stop listening to all of the nay-Sayers of "pink wines!"  This rosé will be the perfect companion to spicy summer dishes, sushi or a refreshing treat after a long day at the pool! 

Product Description

"Over the course of the centuries and throughout their family history the Quiot family, winemakers since 1748, have established wonderful properties which are constantly being enlarged.  The story begins in the Vaucluse, at Chateauneuf-du-Pape where Antoine Quiot acquired a few hectares of vines in 1748. Today, the Domaine du Vieux Lazaret comprises more than 100 hectares with some of the land located in the Côtes du Ventoux region. The 13th generation of the family currently work the estate.  Next, close to Aix en Provence at the foot of Mont Sainte Victoire, the Domaine Houchart came into the family in 1890. It was added to with the Domaine de Verlaque in 2002. Today, Florence and Jean-Baptiste are the fifth generation to work the estate.

Back to Chateauneuf-du-Pape where the Domaine Duclaux was established in the 1750s and has been worked by the Quiot family since 1987. The Duclaux family’s final descendant, Emmeline, passed away in 2001 and left the estate to Florence and Jean-Baptiste.  In 2000, the Quiot family diversified into wine selection, complimenting the range of wines from their own estates.  Finally, after looking to expand into the Rhône area for a long time, the Quiot family bought the Château du Trignon in 2006 and in 2008 enlarged it with 10 hectares of Vacqueyras grapes and 2 hectares of Beaumes de Venise grapes." - Winery Notes

Domaine Houchart Rosé Côtes de Provence 2010 Tasting Notes

"This juicy rosé is salmon pink with aromas of strawberries and red currants. It is lively and fresh on the palate with citrus notes and plenty of fullness." - Winemaker Notes

Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine Houchart Rosé Côtes de Provence 2010 Pairings

Pair this wine with simple fruit tarts, salads, and Asian dishes.

WOW: 89 point Napa Valley Cabernet - Under $15/bottle!

WOW: Wine of the Week

89 Point Napa Valley Cabernet - Under $15/bottle!

Again Uncorked continues our search for quality AND value.  Do you need a new "everyday" red wine?  Consider Rutherford Ranch Cabernet.  Direct from Napa Valley, it is hard to believe that such quality fruit (89 points, Wine Enthusiast) is UNDER $15 per bottle...that is IF if you buy it from ShopUncorked.com!

With classic packaging and very minimal retail exposure, this wine is perfect as a hostess gift or as your new everyday Cabernet.

Product Description

"Rutherford Ranch favors substance over pretense. We don't waste our resources on fancy wine centers or fanciful stories. We don't need to. When it comes to making a good impression, we believe that the only thing that matters is the genuine quality and value of our Napa Valley wines. The entire family of Rutherford Ranch wines proudly bears the Napa Valley appellation. Across our full spectrum of wines, you may expect wine flavor profiles that are fresh and contemporary, yet rich and naturally fruit forward.  The winery and estate vineyards are certified 100% Organic and meet the strictest State and Federal guidelines for environmentally progressive winegrowing." - Winery Notes

Rutherford Ranch Cabernet 2009 Reviews

"Lots of richness in this Cabernet. It shows the sunshiney ripeness of well-grown Napa fruit, bursting with flavors of blackberries, cherries and cassis. Easy to like, with some real complexity." - 89, Wine Enthusiast

Rutherford Ranch Cabernet 2009 Tasting Notes

"A lovely ruby color with aromas of boysenberry and currant, vanilla and earthy hints of forest floor. A full-bodied wine with a rich tannins. Big, delicious flavors of boysenberry, toasty caramel and cranberry. Well-balanced, perfect to drink now or can age nicely for 4 to 5 years." - Winemaker Notes