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

WOW: Mother's Day 2012 Promotion

Mother's Day 2012 Promotion

"Much Love for Mothers" Two-Bottle Gift Box

Don't panic, BUT, Mother's Day is just 6 days away!

We all know that :
1.  Appliances: NOT appropriate.
2.  Flowers: Die.
3.  And how many pieces of jewerly can one woman really wear at one time?!

That makes WINE the perfect Mother's Day gift for the special woman in your life.  Give her the chance to enjoy herself, to have a moment of liquid relaxation.  Uncorked has packaged the perfect pair for your Mother: Two french blends that tell her just in the name that she is your belle!

Time is of the essence, Uncorked is here to make your Mother's Day gift perfect, but all orders but be placed by Wednesday, May 9 (remember to plan accordingly...didn't your Mother teach you that?!)  for adequate delivery time.  For only $25 per box, Uncorked will deliver to your recipient a beautifully packaged gift box featuring two wines and finished with a delightfully Signature Uncorked box, gift card enclosure and tasting notes for the wines.

Product Description

Did you drive your Mother to drink?!  This is the perfect gift to tell her how much you really care (and that you are sorry!) for Mother's Day.

Belle Provençale White Blend Tasting Notes

"Beaucastel is at the top of any list of high quality producers in the Rhone.  One of the virtues of Beaucastel is its ability to offer interesting wines at very reasonable prices, in this case, crisp and tangy white Provencal wine.  Bright yellow with tints of green.  With a nose of green fruit, wheat and hazelnuts.  The mouthfeel is soft, delicate and aromatic." - Winery Notes

Belle Provençale Red Blend Tasting Notes

"Deep cherry red.  With a nose of ripe fruit, rich and spicy.  Good solid red wine on the palate with pleasant tannins." - Winery Notes

WOW: Bubbling Into May!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Bubbling Into May!

It is hard to believe that May is just one day away!  And to celebrate, Uncorked is sharing our new favorite bubbly secret...Charles de Fère "Jean-Louis" Blanc de Blanc.

This bottle of bubbles is perfect for hot summer days, crisp early morning Mimosas and affordable for ALL large gatherings!  Summer means that social calendars will be filling up and what better gift to offer guests or the hostess than a beautiful bottle of bubbles?!  And at just $10.39 per bottle, buying these bubbles by the case is just the right thing to do!

Stay tuned for Uncorked's Mother's Day Promotions and give that special woman in your life what she really wants:  WINE!

Product Description

"The secret of sparkling wines is the blend, whether they are from Champagne or other regions of France. This is the winemaker’s art. It is the choices he makes that determines what is often referred to as the House style. The style of Charles de Fère is to voluntarily refuse territorial limits, building close partnership relations with growers so that we can select cuvées from northerly vineyards for their freshness and elegance, together with cuvées from southern vineyards for ripe fruit, body and smoothness. This bold approach adds finesse, structure, and a complex harmony of flavors that makes Charles de Fère what it is today.'" - Winery Notes

Charles de Fère Cuvée "Jean-Louis" Blanc de Blancs Brut Reviews

"Spry and alert, with crisp apple aromas and some baking spice for good measure. Equally crisp on the palate, where lime, green apple and pepper run the show. Moderate but extended in terms of feel and finish; tasty and snapy overall." - 87, Wine Enthusiast

Charles de Fère Cuvée "Jean-Louis" Blanc de Blancs Brut Tasting Notes

Enticing pale gold color with especially elegant, fine bubbles.  The aromas are fresh and fruity in style.  Light and crispy to the taste, Cuvée Jean-Louis is full-bodied with a long finish.

Charles de Fère Cuvée "Jean-Louis" Blanc de Blancs Brut Pairings

Ideal as an aperitif.

WOW: Hittin' The "Honey Pot!"

WOW: Wine of the Week

Hittin' The "Honey Pot" White Blend 2010

Ah, the sweet smells and sounds of summer are all around, it's a honey of a season!

From Edgebaston in South Africa, this white blend is the ideal for warm summer days and spicy summer fare.  A  blend of 38% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Sémillon and 13% Viognier, this wine scored 87 points from Wine Enthusiast.  And Uncorked is just enthusiastic to bring this honey of a wine to you at just $12.93 per bottle!   Stock up and enjoy...everybody will love hittin' the "Honey Pot!"

Stay tuned for Uncorked's Mother's Day Promotions and give that special woman in your life what she really wants:  WINE!

Product Description

"Edgebaston is synonymous with modern winemaking on South Africa’s Western Cape.  Originally from Scotland, the Finlayson family has for three generations made outstanding wines in Stellenbosch and has in recent years been instrumental in transforming the Cape wine industry from a dwindling domestic business to a thriving international venture receiving worldwide acclaim.   The father and son team of David and Walter Finlayson present impressive credentials.  Walter made wine at South Africa’s Blaauwklippen winery for more than 15 years where he twice received “Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year” awards in addition to a host of other prestigious awards.  While still at Blaauwklippen, Walter purchased the now renowned Glen Carlou farm in Paarl, which he and son David transformed into one of South Africa’s leading wineries.  Subsequently, Walter has become best known for producing South Africa’s wine of the year in 2005.
In addition to his award winning work at Glen Carlou, David Finlayson has honed his winemaking skills at a number of prestigious addresses.  David performed winemaking stints at Peter Lehmann, one of Australia’s iconic wineries, and world renowned Château Margaux before starting Edgebaston.  In 2003 Walter and David sold their shares in Glen Carlou (although Walter still serves as Glen Carlou’s Managing Director) and purchased what is now Edgebaston, a beautiful estate on the hills overlooking Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier appellation and wine town.  From the beginning, critics have lauded Edgebaston for its quality, value and innovation, and we count the Finlaysons’ budding Edgebaston winery among our best finds of the year." - Winery Notes

Edgebaston "Honey Pot" White Blend 2010 Reviews

This blend of 38% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Sémillon and 13% Viognier is ripe but balanced with brisk acidity and lively citrus flavors against the tropical fruit and melon backbone. Prickly grapefruit flavors dominate the mouthwatering finish." - 87, Wine Enthusiast

Edgebaston "Honey Pot" White Blend 2010 Tasting Notes

"A floral, fresh wine with hints of asparagus, lanolin and honey on nose. Palate crisp and fresh entry with a smooth , honeyed finish. Lingers on the tongue. A delicate fruity wine that rewards with aromas of tropical fruit and citrus that carriesthrough beautifully on the palate."  - Winery Notes 

Edgebaston "Honey Pot" White Blend 2010 Pairings

Great with slightly spicy dishes such as chicken korma, thai sweet and sour beef and chilli shrimp.