The Halby Herald

ALL ABOUT RED!

2011-10-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our Latest Release!

All About Red

Region: California

Alcohol: 12.5 %

Varietal: 40% Zinfandel, 33% Merlot, 17% Cab Sauv,

10% Petite Sirah

UPC 7-84255-86744-0

This voluptuous new California wine is a sexy blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah that combines the most desirable traits red wines have to offer. The result is a well-balanced, smooth wine, ready to pair with your favorite meal or to save for a special occasion. Opens with aromas of ripe red

fruits and dark berry notes, with hints of white pepper that lead to a fruit-forward, medium to full-bodied, lingering aftertaste.

For giving someone the red carpet treatment, painting the town red, or just trying to keep the wolf from your door, it really is All About Red!

Welcome!

2011-06-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to my blog!

My objective is to inform you about the wines and spirits available from Halby Marketing in an entertaining and useful format, with a focus on the Florida market. Relevant items of general interest may also find their way here on occasion.

By law, we sell only to licensed wholesale distributors who, in turn, sell our products to local stores and restaurants. We cannot sell directly to the public.

However, if you're not in the trade, or you're not in Florida, and you see something here that tickles your fancy, don't hesitate to get in touch and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

I've personally developed and/or aggregated the material here, so you won't find it on the official Halby Marketing web site (http://www.halbymarketing.com/), the individual product web sites, or anywhere else.

To find the information you're looking for, since the earlier entries are now archived, in the upper left hand corner of this blog you will see a link called "ARCHIVED CONTENTS." When you click on that, it will bring you to a contents page with links to all of my previous blog entrees. Just follow the link to the subject you're interested in. Or, if you'd prefer, you can use the "search" feature.Plug in a brand or key word, then click on the "search" button, and you're in business!

I'd love to know your thoughts about this blog, so please feel free to add your comments to the individual entries or send me an email.

Cheers!
Alan Kratish
email: grapewiz@aol.com http://www.halbymarketing.com/ OUR FAMILY OF BRANDS AVAILABLE IN FLORIDA
Distributed by The Opici Wine Company (561) 842-3113:
Santa Alicia, Maipo Valley, Chile http://www.santa-alicia.com/
Thomas Halby, Napa Valley, CA http://www.halbymarketing.com/
Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA http://www.fogartywinery.com/
Twin Beaks, Southeast Australia
Maison Prunier Cognac/Pineau des Charentes/Menorval Calvados, France www.cognacprunier.fr/prunier.htm
Gioia Luisa Lemoncello, Sorrento, Italy http://www.gioialuisausa.com/
Moselland, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany http://www.moselland.de/Klostor, Germany
Bago de Touriga, Douro Valley, Portugal
Kittling Ridge, Ontario, Canada http://www.kittlingridge.com/
El Reformador Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico http://www.elreformador.com/
Old Coach Road, Nelson, New Zealand http://www.oldcoachroad.com/

Distributed by United Distributors
Hot Rod, California, Germany
Side Yard, California, Chile, Germany

Santa Alicia Cabs Rated 90+ in Wine & Spirits Magazine

2011-06-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wines & Spirits Magazine

Issue: June 2011

Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Best Buy 91 pts!

From an intriguing aroma of black tea, this cabernet moves toward ripe red fruit flavors-strawberries and sweet raspberries-that charm with their depth. It finishes on a soft, smoky touch that lasts. This is a delicate enough to drink with smoked ham.

Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Best Buy 90 pts!

Scents  of menthol and light notes of leather give this wine complexity, its  gentle texture spreading out across the palate quietly, as if waiting  for permission. An elegant cabernet for braised veal.

Santa Alicia Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Best Buy 90 pts!

The ripeness of the fruit flavors gives this cabernet a sweet and soft character, balanced by a touch of herbal freshness. It comes together with time in the glass, the wine’s scents of leather and earth blending into the whole.

Santa Alicia Millantu Blend Receives 91 pts from Robert Parker!

2011-06-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Santa Alicia's new Millantu just came off the boat from Chile and its reputation has preceded it... the 2006 Millantu received a 91 point rating from Robert Parker!

"Santa Alicia's 2006 Millantu is made up of 48% cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Carmenere. A glass-coating opaque purple, it gives up a reticent nose of cedar, spice box, cinnamon, sage, violets, blackcurrant, and blueberry. Round, ripe, and surprisingly forward, this is an elegant effort that can be enjoyed now but can be cellared for several years."

For the curious among you, "Millantu" means "golden sun" in Mapudungun, the language of the native Chileans.

NEW ADDITION TO KLOSTOR LINEUP - MEDIUM DRY RIESLING

2011-06-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

We already had some accounts using this product successfully as a special order item. Now, Opici will be maintaining it in stock as a regular item.

With a residual sugar of 14.4 g/l, this Pfalz Riesling is considerably drier than either Moselland's Blue Bottle Riesling or Moselland's Window Bottles, each with a residual sugar around 30.0 g/l.

Line priced with the rest of the Klostor wines, this is a fine choice for those who prefer a dry style riesling.

It Should be a Crime Not to Have Fogarty Gewurztraminer at Thanksgiving!

2010-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Wine  Spectator has named the 2008 Thomas Fogarty  Gewurztraminer as one of the Top 200 Best Valued Wines of the  Year.

Fogarty's perennial award winner pairs so well with  the traditional holiday meal that it ought to be a crime NOT  to have it at the table. 

Still a couple of buying days left before Turkey  Day!

Additionally, some other Fogarty wines are featured  in the current issue of Wine and Spirits Magazine (December  2010)!  
2005 Lexington Santa Cruz  Mountains Meritage: 92 points and also Named  “One of the Year’s Best Blends”

2005 Santa Cruz Mountains  Cabernet Sauvignon: 90 points/Best Buy and also  Named  “One of the Year’s Best Cabs"

Unfortunately, these wines will be a bit difficult to find in Florida but they are worth seeking out. Ask your favorite retailer to special order them from our distributor, The Opici Wine Company. 

Outrageously Simple Sangria Recipe

2010-11-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

At a recent consumer tasting event, we discovered what is possibly  the simplest Sangria recipe ever! (OK, it might be slightly  easier to open a box and turn on the spigot,but not much.)

Pour one bottle of chilled Klostor Sweet  Red into a carafe. Add a few ounces of Prunier Liqueur  d'Orange. Add ice and fruit if desired.  It's so good it will make you  proud.

You Can't Believe Everything You Read in the Paper...

2010-11-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

Last weekend's issue of USA WEEKEND Magazine had an article entitled Gifts from the Kitchen in which celebrity chefs suggest consumable treats that can be made at home and given as gifts. 

Everyone's favorite TV chef, the delightful Giada De Laurentiis (whose equally famous grandfather, filmmaker Dino De Laurentiis, sadly passed away last week) offered up her home brewed recipe for orangecello, prefaced by her comments that it's "the one people really ooh and aah over. I make it with orange peel to give it a sweeter finish," she says. "It's extremely simple and an unbelievably fabulous gift because you can't buy it anywhere." De Laurentiis says she pours it into a beautiful glass bottle presents it with a tag that includes a recipe or two. for such goodies as Orangecello Cheesecake. 

As much as I hate to differ with Giada, clearly, she doesn't know about our Gioia Luisa Orangecello, made with only the finest oranges from Sorrento, a quality that makes it impossible to duplicate in a home kitchen. And, like Giada's homemade version, it comes in Gioia Luisa's own beautiful signature octagonal sided bottle with a colorful art deco label and a neck tag with recipes!

As my own mom always says, why bother to spend the time, effort and money to make something if the version you can buy in the store is just as good as or better than what you can make at home? 

What Giada surely means is that you can only buy orangecello in select spirit shops whose owners are clever enough to know they should be stocking it. If your favorite retailer doesn't carry it, ask them to order it for you from our FL distributor, The Opici Wine Company.

Santa Alicia Reserve Cab Earns Spot on Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys

2010-11-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

In the current, November 2010, issue of Wine  Enthusiast, Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon  2009 received 88 points AND was listed as #49  of 100 Top Best Buys of 2010!

"A good deal in value-priced Cabernet. Aromas of  mocha, chocolate and ripe berry fruit are well molded and the palate is warm,  rich and full of clean, tasty raspberry and plum fruit accented by another dash of mocha. Fruity and thick  and with natural oak flavor."

The Ultimate Menorval Calvados Cocktail Recipe and More

2010-11-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

One of the "classic" spirits in the Halby Marketing  portfolio is our Menorval Calvados, a delicious apple brandy  from the Normandy region of France.

Although it sells year round, it's especially  suited for the fall/winter holiday season when the food magazines and TV cooking  shows are replete with recipes utilizing Calvados as an ingredient. I've written  about this before and, for your convenient reference, you can find my previous  ramblings and Calvados recipes at the following links:

On Cue, Bon Appetit Publishes Calvados  Recipe 11-19-08
Holiday Season Favorites - Menorval Calvados & Thomas Fogarty  Gewurztraminer 11-4-08
RECIPE: TROU NORMAND - APPLE SORBET WITH MENORVAL  CALVADOS 11-26-07 
Menorval Calvados Perfect for Holiday Recipes 10-29-07  

Although most well-stocked bars have a bottle of  Calvados buried somewhere, in the rare event that someone calls for it, it's not  one of those spirits that gets reached for very often. However, I've just  discovered a delicious sounding cocktail in the Salon.com Kitchen Challenge  that comes with this  warning:"Drinking calvados may cause giggling or the  urge to hug. It has been noted over the centuries that when drinking this brandy  with others, love occurs."

If this tastes nearly as good as it looks on paper  (or on a computer screen,) I know what I'll be drinking this holiday  season! 

 photo and recipe by Diana Adams

The Winter Angel:   

Ingredients

1/2 ounces vodka  
1/2 ounces Menorval Calvados   
ounces freshly juiced apples, or store bought apple juice  
 
 Directions: Fill a martini shaker with ice, add all ingredients and shake  gently to mix. Pour into a cold martini glass, and garnish with a slice of  apple.

Though the Winter Angel is my  clear favorite among this year's crop of Calvados recipes, it's hardly the only  contender.

Derek Brown's recipe from The  Atlantic for a cocktail called 

La  Vie Antérieure utilizes not only Calvados but also El Dorado 5 Yr. Old Rum,  another product distributed by Opici!

TasteSpotting has  twenty (20!) recipes utilizing Calvados, including desserts, sauces and  cocktails. This recipe for  

Churros,  with Apples Sautéed in Calvados Crème is perfect for South Florida's ethnic  cuisine melting pot. Yum!

Rounding out this season's crop of Calvados recipes  is Heirloom Apple Tart  with Almond Filling and Calvados Cream from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,  which also contains this piece of advice: "The Calvados is not cheap -- I paid  $36 for a bottle -- but its appley goodness is well worth it. And you'll have  plenty left to pour your guests for after-dinner sipping."

For all of you coffee drinkers, here's a bonus  recipe, which doesn't use Calvados, but does utilize a number of other Halby  Marketing spirits:

Winter  Coffee

oz Gioia Luisa Lemoncello Crème Liqueur
oz Prunier  Liqueur d’Orange
oz Prunier VS or VSOP Cognac
oz Black  Coffee

Pour coffee then add remaining liqueurs. Garnish with whip cream,  biscotti and cinnamon stick.

Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer Reviewed in NY Times

2010-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

New York Times wine writer, Eric Asimov, covered American Gewurztraminer in his column today and recognized Thomas Fogarty's rendition as a standout, which is certainly not a surprise to me, but may be news to those of you who have not yet had the pleasure...

"Our top bottle from California... was the 2007 Thomas Fogarty from Monterey County, which had an almost Alsatian richness and purity, with a fine, balancing acidity."

"Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer - 2 1/2 stars
California Monterey County 2007
Clear, true grapefruit and floral aromas; touch of sweetness."

Full article at:
http://events.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/dining/reviews/23wine.htmlpagewanted=1&sq=fogarty&st=cse&scp=1

I've written numerous previous entries about the Fogarty Winery in my blog and you can find links to all of them at: http://halby-herald.blogspot.com/p/archived-contents.html. Of course, for the latest, up to date info on Fogarty, you can go straight to the source at the winery's own web site www.fogartywinery.com.

Off topic, but possibly of interest to some, while using the NYT search engine to find the article above, I stumbled across a recent interview with former Creedence Clearwater frontman, John Fogerty, who will be playing at this year's upcoming Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.

Although not actually related to Thomas Fogarty, (note the different spellings,) the musician's name frequently comes up in conversation, when either drinking or talking about Thomas Fogarty wines. In the interview, John Fogerty tells the story behind his hit song, Centerfield. See http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/john-fogerty-tells-the-story-behind-centerfield/

Interview with Wine Industry Pioneer Thomas Halby | The Jacksonville Wine Guide

2010-05-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this interview with Tom Halby, conducted during our recent visit to Jacksonville!

Interview with Wine Industry Pioneer Thomas Halby | The Jacksonville Wine Guide

Lemoncello Cartoon in April New Yorker Magazine

2010-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's not every day that you see a lemoncello cartoon in a major magazine like the New Yorker...

"If they gave us lemons, you'd make lemonade, but I'd make limoncello." at The New Yorker

And while there are lots of lemoncello brands out there these days, I'm partial, of course, to our own Gioia Luisa, the ORIGINAL lemoncello from Sorrento.

Which brings to mind that I've been remiss in this blog and have not yet mentioned the latest addition to the Gioia Luisa product line... Pomecello... made from pomegranates grown in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Gioia Luisa is the first to market this original product and has wisely trademarked the name "Pomecello," so you'll find it nowhere else.

From the Gioia Luisa web site:

"This pomegranate liqueur opens with a unique aroma, followed by a gentle sweetness and finishes as a tasty, slightly tart delight! This delicious ingredient is versatile and will take any average cocktail or dish to the next level. Sweet reduction syrups, sauces and more will delight even the most discriminating palate. Explore your culinary talents and let the creative juices flow! Signora Luisa suggests Pomecello be stored in the refrigerator and enjoy it neat or in one of our creative dishes and cocktails."

Additional serving ideas and recipes at www.gioialuisausa.com

Tom Halby Visits North Florida

2010-05-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tom Halby toured Ocala, Gainesville and Jacksonville during the last week of April. Below are some trip highlights.

THOMAS HALBY WINE DINNER AT URBAN FLATS, The Villages, Ocala

Tom Halby with Silvia Muste, Urban Flats Sommelier

Chris, Proprietor of Urban Flats, Tom Halby, Silvia Muste and Opici Sales Rep. Rita Miller

MENU

Southern Style Baked Brie paired with with Thomas Halby Napa Chardonnay 2007

Chef's Salad paired with Thomas Halby Central Coast Pinot Noir 2006

Bistro Steak with mushroom morell sauce and rosemary roasted potatoes paired with Thomas Halby Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Creme Brulee with tropical fruits paired with Thomas Halby Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, 2007

TOM HALBY VISITS GAINESVILLE'S LEGENDARY WINE & CHEESE GALLERY

established 1973

Tom Halby with proprietor Wade Tyler.

Wade Tyler, Marjorie Speer, Opici sales rep., Tom Halby, me.

Wade Tyler and Bunky Mastin, co-owners, Wine & Cheese Gallery, with Tom Halby

LUNCH AT O!O TAPAS & TINI'S, Gainesville

Shrimp & Grits

Mediterranean Salad

Seafood Paella

O!O proprietor Kelley Washington on the right, Tom Halby Center, friend of Kelley's, left.

THOMAS HALBY WINE DINNER AT PARAMOUNT GRILL, Gainesville

First Course:

Risotto cake with smoked salmon, cucumber, avocado and ginger oil, paired with Thomas Halby Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2007

Second Course:

Organic greens tossed in olive oil with bleu cheese, raspberries and bacon finished with a port wine reduction. Paired with Thomas Halby Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007

Third Course:

Herbed lamb meat loaf with potato and leek gratin, asparagus and portabello mushroom duxelle.

Paired with Thomas Halby Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Fourth Course:

Dark chocolate and goat cheese cake with fresh blackberry and sour cream sauce.

Paired with Thomas Halby Vintner's Reserve Meritage 2004

Opici rep. Marjorie Speer, Chef-Owner Clif Nelson, Blythe Libert, Tom Halby

THOMAS HALBY WINE TASTING AT THE GRAPE, Jacksonville

Kris Chislett, Sommelier at The Grape, Tom Halby, Opici District Manager for Northern Florida Dan Libert

Tom Halby and Kris Chislett have a tete a tete.

Moselland Bottle Depicts one of "World's Most Beautiful Castles"

2010-03-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Budget Travel Magazine lists Neuschwanstein Castle, the very same one depicted on our Moselland Riesling bottle, as one of the The World's Most Beautiful Castles.

Notice that Starling Castle, which you may have seen on that "other" riesling bottle, is nowhere to be seen on the list.

Moselland Riesling. Better wine. Better bottle.

We've Got Your Number with New 786 Wines!

2010-03-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

305 is so old school. From Miami Beach to the Florida Keys, all the cool kids are 786.

When you dial up our three delicious new California varietal wines, it’s never a wrong number...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you noticed that it seems like every major news story has a South Florida angle?

For example, although headquartered in NY, confessed Ponzi schemer, Bernie Madoff, stole much of his ill-gotten $50 billion from South Florida investors. 

Or how about this one... When news of the 9/11 attacks broke, it wasn't long before word got out that, for several months, the hijackers had lived and gone to flight school in Florida.

And it's not always bad news, either. Consider that recent appointee to the US Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic named to the Court, is proud of her South Florida connections. 

And so it is with Halby Marketing's brand new 786 wines.
Frankly, the head honchos at Halby Marketing weren't thinking about South Florida when they created these wines.
Rather, inspired by the visual appeal of another wine with three digits on the label, Tom Halby decided to name them after the street address of the Halby Marketing office in the town of Sonoma, 786 Broadway. From the 786 back label: 

"A grand Queen Anne Victorian style home located just a short walking distance from the historic Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma CA. The Bancroft family began construction of the site in 1896 and by 1906 called it their home. One of the many prestigious visitors to this estate, General Vallejo gave the gift of a Pepper tree to the Bancroft family, ( a symbol of good luck); this tree still stands, as a stately figure on the grounds today. 786 is rich in history and folklore and the place Halby Marketing is pleased to call home." 

That's all very interesting if you live in California.
Fortunately, the wines stand on their own... they are affordable, fruit forward and fun.

But, (there's always a "but,") as in the news stories above, there's also a South Florida connection...

Originally, 305 was the telephone area code for the entire state of Florida and, today, still serves Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. With Miami's growth came great demand for new phone numbers and, in 1998, when the 305 numbers were running low, the 305 area code was "overlaid" by 786. Since 2008, the 786 overlay has also covered the Florida Keys. This means that most new number issued since then, especially many cell phone numbers in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale have received the new 786 area code.

And that would be fine on its own, but there's more!

PGA BLVD

A bit over an hour's drive from Miami, in North Palm Beach, lies an important 8.7 mile long stretch of highway known as State Rd 786. It is home to a number of upscale restaurants, gourmet markets, The Gardens Mall and even the PGA Resort & Spa, from which State Rd 786 gets its other, more famous name: PGA Blvd.

We hope to make 786 Wines the "house" wines of PGA Blvd!

786 Chardonnay 2008
76% California Chardonnay, 24% Mixed CA. Whites
13% alc, Residual Sugar 0.7 g/100ml.

This Chardonnay was tank fermented with a small portion of the blend fermented in oak. This fraction was then aged for 5 months in French and American oak. Exhibits aromas of baked apple tarts, pears and slight honey and lemongrass notes. The flavor profile is pear with a hint of pineapple into mid-palate and citrus notes that carry to the finish. 

786 Merlot 2007
77% California Merlot, 9% Ruby Cabernet, 7% Rubired, 5% Cab Franc, 2% CabernetSauvignon

13.5% alc. Residual Sugar 0.64 g/100ml.

50% of this Merlot was tank fermented with the remaining 50% of the blend fermented in French and American oak for 9 months. Starts with aromas of ripe berry and plums that leads to a slight sandalwood and black olive fragrance. The flavor profile is berry fruit up front followed by a soft mid-palate finish.

786 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
76% California Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% California Ruby Cabernet, 7% Rubired, 4% Cab Franc and 4% Mixed Red.
13% alc, Residual sugar 0.61 g/100 ml.

Fragrances of cassis, dark plum, wild plum and a slight dried herb aroma. The flavor profile opens softly, then leads to plum and cassis fruit flavors that carry through mid to late-palate and finish with berry notes and soft tannins.

Ruby Cabernet is a hybrid of Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon developed in 1948 by Dr.Olmo (UC Davis). Ruby Cabernet has Cabernet Sauvignon aromas, color and fruit but lacks Cabernet Sauvignon flavors, hence you will always see this as a blender.

Rubired is a hybrid of Alicante Ganzin crossed with Tinto Cao and Royalty (a hybrid of Alicante Ganzin and Trousseau) in 1962 by Dr. Olmo and Dr. Koyama (UC Davis) this grape is a more flavorful version of Alicante Bouschet but is still only a blender for some color and tannin.

Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Enthusiast Rating

2010-02-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Just posted Santa Alicia's February Wine & Spirits Magazine ratings for our Reserve Carmenere, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. Now comes word of this upcoming Wine Enthusiast rating for our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon...

March 2010

Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

BEST BUY! 87 points

"Nothing wrong with this under-$10 Cab and in truth it’s really quite good and drinkable. Black cherry, cola and other common aromas lead to cassis, blackberry and other standard flavors. With good tannins and structure, this is your quintessential value-priced Cabernet from Chile."

More important than the score itself is the description... The phrase "quintessential value priced Cabernet from Chile," has a nice ring to it.

Merriam-Webster defines "quintessential" as "typical" or "representative." For a wine, that's a fine compliment because it means that the wine is varietally correct and that there are no surprises. It's exactly how you'd want or expect a cabernet sauvignon to taste.

I also like that the review calls attention to Santa Alicia's "under $10" price point that's suitable for everyday drinking, even in these recessionary times.

Santa Alicia Ratings in Wine & Spirits Magazine

2010-02-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

The February 2010 issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine has been out for a few weeks and here's what it has to say about Santa Alicia:

Santa Alicia Reserve Carmenere 2008 Best Buy 90 pts!

"Delicate on the surface while firmly tannic underneath, this wine delivers fresh fruit that gains nuance from herbal scents of tea leaves and tobacco. For beef empanadas."

Santa Alicia Reserve Malbec 2008 Best Buy 88 pts!

"This wine's deep blueberry flavors meet Andean menthol scents and the warmth of alcohol. Serve it cool with smoked pork chops."

Santa Alicia Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Best Buy 87 pts!

"Beneath this wine's generous white peach and red apple flavors, a deliciously crisp acidity helps to refresh the appetite."

Klostor Adds Gewurztraminer and Sweet Red to Product Line

2009-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

The last time I wrote about Klostor wines was over two years ago, in May, 2007. Since that time, the Klostor Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir have continued to sell briskly at the German pavilion at Epcot and a number of other establishments but, other than that, there hasn't been much to write about... until now.

Klostor's brought on some new additions that kick the line up to a new level.... Gewurztraminer and Sweet Red.

With Thanksgiving approaching, this would seem like an especially opportune time to write about the new Klostor Gewürztraminer, from the Pfalz region of Germany.

From WineLoversPage.com comes this explanation of why Gewurz pairs well with turkey and fixin's...

“...It can be challenging to come up with the right wine match for the bird that's traditional for Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S.

Turkey has light and dark meat, and its meat has an oily quality that's not always friendly to dry wines. I call my solution "the cranberry sauce principle." Cranberry sauce goes well with turkey because it's both fruity and tart; so choose a wine with similar characteristics -- Beaujolais or Zinfandel if you want a red, or Riesling, Gewurztraminer or Chenin Blanc if you're inclined to a white.”

With a price that's easy on the pocketbook, Klostor Gewurztraminer is sure to find a place on many a holiday table this year.

Klostor Gewurztraminer is fermented with selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to showcase its fresh fruit flavors. It's a delightfully aromatic white wine that is perfect for casual enjoyment with meals or on its own.

In addition to pairing well with Thanksgiving dinner, it's also excellent with spicy ethnic cuisines.

And then there's Klostor's Sweet Red. Seattle Times wine writer Paul Gregutt sums it up quite well...( http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2010112415_pacificpcases01.html )

"Klostor 2007 Sweet Red ($10). The name says it all. Well, almost. It's a sweet red wine all right, but what's the grape? After a little digging, I learned it is 100 percent dornfelder; and for a sweet red wine, it's dorn good. A light-bodied, fruity red from the Mosel, the sweetness is charming, and the fruit tastes like ripe raspberries, while the alcohol is just 9.5 percent. "

Klostor Sweet Red is fermented and stored in stainless steel tanks. Intensely fragrant blueberry aromas precede a light/medium bodied wine with a sweet, very pleasant finish. Enjoy with pizza, pasta, barbecue and other fun foods. Perfect for a picnic or sitting out by the pool. Also makes a fine sangria or wine cooler. Serve slightly chilled.

There are lots of dry reds on the market but few that are sweet. Klostor fills a niche that will surely be enjoyable for many wine drinkers.

Santa Alicia Visits South Florida

2009-10-26T11:25:00.001-07:00

Daniel Soto, Export Director of Chile's Santa Alicia Winery, visited South Florida 10/12-10/16. Here are a few photos from his travels.

Henry Barrow, Wine Director, La Bottega, Daniel Soto, Barry Alberts, Berries to Wine, Alan Kratish, Halby Marketing at Jaguar Ceviche, Coconut Grove.

Carlos Fonseca, Opici Wine Company, Daniel Soto and Fulvio Sardelli, Fulvio's Restaurant, at Vino Wine Bar, Hollywood

Alan Kratish and Daniel Soto at Vino Wne Bar, Hollywood

Daniel Soto samples the new Santa Alicia "Wrap Around" Cabernet Sauvignon from the Enomatic at Vino.

Daniel Soto and Charles of Delaware Chicken and Seafood

Chef Rob Granado, Jimmie's Chocolates and Daniel Soto

Thomas Halby Vintner's Reserve Wines

2009-07-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

In addition to the portfolio of Thomas Halby wines that you already "know and love," we've got two delicious, new "Vintner's Reserve" additions to the line, now in stock at Opici...

Vintner’s Reserve Meritage ‘04
100% Napa Valley

Varietal Blend:
52% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petite Verdot

Aging:

Barrel aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels (40% new). Average aging period of 17 months.

Tasting Notes & Pairing:
Starting with aromas of concentrated cassis, cherry, slight mint, some caramelized oak notes on the nose. The dark fruit flavors carry into the mouth and concentrate mid-palate. Long finish, lingering flavors of cassis and ripe plum. A well-balanced and intensely flavored wine.

Enjoy with hearty foods such as pot roast, grilled red meats or duck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ‘05
100% Napa Valley

Varietal Blend:
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot, 1% Syrah
Aging:
Barrel aged in a mix of French and American Oak barrels (40% new). Average aging period of 17 months.

Tasting Notes & Pairing:
Starting with aromas of concentrated cassis, cherry, slight mint, some caramelized oak notes on the nose. Followed by ripe cherry flavors, good depth and concentraton with some minerality in the mid-palate. Lingering finish with "bittersweet chocolate" tannins. Well-balanced and intensely flavored.

Enjoy with hearty foods such as roasted red meats or duck.

New Santa Alicia Wrap Around Bottles & New Labels

2009-07-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's summertime and, as the song says, the livin' is easy, fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high. But while all of that may be true, here in Florida, summer wine sales are a bit tepid, even in the best of times, let alone in the current economy.

Wouldn't you like to see something new, something different, something that will bring a little excitement into an otherwise dull summer day?

Hmm, let's see what Tom Halby and the fine folks at Santa Alicia have pulled out of their back pockets...

TA DA!

For your visual pleasure, the new Santa Alicia "Wrap-Around" Bottles, now in stock at Opici! Chardonnay "leaf bottle" on the left, Cabernet Sauvignon "oak cask bottle" on the right...

If you think they look good in the pictures, just wait until you see them in person!

The bottles are wrapped with a thin, printed plastic film to create their strikingly unique appearance.

We all know the importance of packaging in today's marketplace. One need look no further for an example than our own Moselland Ars Vitis line. But what's inside the bottle is also important and these are filled with the same high quality wines as our Santa Alicia Reserve line.

Judging by early response, these are going to be a hit!

In addition to these two new items, the packaging has been revamped for the entire Santa Alicia product line and the new labels should start showing up in the marketplace shortly.

Santa Alicia's done a great job modernizing their labels in recent years... I've dug back into the ancient archives to find this picture of what the Santa Alicia Reserve labels looked like way back in the Stone Age, 1999, when I began working for Halby Marketing.

Caution... you may want to cover your eyes for this...

Ugh...that was painful.

There have been a lot of interim changes, including the most recent version (link provided toward the bottom of this blog entry,)but here's what everything looks like now. I think you'll agree, it's a pretty drastic improvement:

VARIETAL (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)

RESERVE (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec)

What's up with the bird, you ask?

It's the Andean Condor, a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador,Peru and, of course,Chile. It plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the South American Andean regions, similar to the role the Bald Eagle plays in North America.

GRAND RESERVE (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)

In keeping with our mission to educate as well as amuse, the image on the Grand Reserve bottles is that of a Nautilus shell, which are found only in the western Pacific. Its name comes from the Greek nautilos, which means "sailor". What this has to do with wine, I haven't a clue, except maybe that you don't have to "shell" out a bunch of money for a bottle of Santa Alicia's Grand Reserve...

LATE HARVEST MUSCATEL

We've actually had the new packaging on this item for several months already so, if you've been paying attention, you've probably already seen it!

.

In case you've already forgotten what the "old" labels look like, you can see them here , along with descriptions.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think of Santa Alicia's new look!

Tom Halby Visits South Florida

2009-05-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

Tom Halby went on a whirlwind tour of South Florida last week, conducting a series of tasting events, wine dinners and account visits. He worked the whole time... no beach photos here!

Bill Siegel, Vino, Tom Halby, Opici Sales Rep Nilton Rodrigues

Tom pours his pinot noir for guests at a wine tasting at Vino DeSantis, Coral Springs

Ron Barnhart, Vino DeSantis, Tom Halby, Opici Sales Rep Luciana Rodriguez

Tom discusses his wines with guests at a wine tasting event at Rustic Cellar, Boca Raton

Deb Brubaker, Rustic Cellar, Tom Halby

Tim Bubar, Sales Rep Opici Wine Company, Tom Halby, Joe Simon, District Manager, Opici Wine Company

Tom regales guests at a wine dinner at Vienna Cafe, Davie, with anecdotes about his forty plus years in the wine business.

Per Jacobsen, Vienna Cafe & Wine Bar, me, Tom Halby

New, Improved Moselland Patriotic Cats

2009-04-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

After a long absence, the Moselland Patriotic Cats are back and they're better than ever!

This mixed case of red, white and blue bottles still contains the same soft, fruity riesling as always, but now, each bottle is adorned with a patriotic ribbon to honor our veterans.

To back that up, for each case of Patriotic Cats sold, Halby Marketing donates $6.00 to veterans hospitals.

The new, improved Patriotic Cats from Moselland are now in stock and available in Florida from The Opici Wine Company, just in time for Memorial Day and July 4th! Ask your rep for details.

More News & Reviews from Hagafen

2009-02-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

With Passover just about six weeks away, the good news and reviews continue to roll in from the Hagafen Winery:

The Beverage Tasting Institute (tastings.com) is the Consumer Reports of the wine world, taking no advertising, and tasting as a panel for a more objective analysis.

Here's how Hagafen Cabs did in a recent BTI tasting:

93 Points, "Exceptional" -- Hagafen 2005 Estate Bottled Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

94 Points, "Exceptional" -- Hagafen 2006 Estate Bottled Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

________________________________________

Hagafen proprietor Ernie Weir made the observation that if you search yelp.com for "winery" in Napa Valley, guess who comes up first? Yes, it's Hagafen!

If you're not familiar with yelp.com, it consists entirely of consumer generated reviews... In other words, real reviews by real people. As of this writing, there are 46 reviews posted by people who have actually visited the tasting room at Hagafen. (Another brand in the Opici portfolio, the Elyse Winery, comes in second, with 21 reviews.)

As with any such forum, comments are mixed. Some loved the winery and the wines, a few did not. But delving a lttle deeper, most of the negative comments have to do with the tasting room being small and overly crowded with people, so you could easily conclude that during busy periods Hagafen is a victim of its own popularity!

It makes for some interesting reading, so check it out when you have the chance.

Hagafen Wines Play Starring Role for Passover

2009-02-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. There are lots of "romantic" wines for the occasion, including our own Moselland Riesling in red, white and pink cat bottles! But once the chocolates and Champagne are gone, do you know the next holiday in which wine plays a starring role???

It's Passover, which begins this year on the evening of April 8th. On each of the first two nights of this holiday, observant Jews celebrate with a ritual dinner called a "seder" and, according to tradition, each adult at the table drinks four full cups of wine! You've gotta love a holiday that cries out for a designated driver!

But not just any wine will do. Not even an everyday kosher wine can be served during Passover.

Hagafen Cellars, located in Napa Valley, is a smart choice for this special holiday. While the high quality, award winning wines of Hagafen will please the most discriminating consumers year 'round, all of their wines are also 100% kosher for Passover, which makes the next few months a busy time for Hagafen.

Since Passover will be here before you know it, here are the latest ratings and write-ups to whet your thirst for Hagafen wines...

Hot off the press results from the 2009 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Wine & Food Festival:

Double Gold, Nominated for Best of Show: 2008 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Gold, one of the top 3 Rieslings 2008 Napa Valley White Riesling
Silver, one of three awarded 2008 Lake County White Riesling, CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) from organically grown grapes

_________________________________

From the Baltimore Sun:

Wine Find: 2008 Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc
By Michael Dresser - February 4, 2009

"This, lively, dry kosher wine hasn't given up a molecule of its fruit in the flash-pasteurization process. It's an intensely flavored, mouth-filling wine with hints of pineapple, grapefruit, lime and herbs. Kudos to Hagafen, which continues to produce wines with interfaith appeal, for getting this wine into the market while it's at the peak of its freshness."

Link at: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-fo.winefind04feb04,0,4770614.story

_____________________________

The Hagafen Winery was nominated by the San Francisco Chronicle as a "Best of the Bay" winery. Owner/winemaker Ernie Weir says he's happy just to be nominated, but if you'd like to show your support for the cause, you can vote for Hagafen at: SFGate - Hagafen Cellars - Best of the Bay

Also, Hagafen's 2005 Estate Bottled Merlot earned a "Best of Class" designation and a Gold Medal at the influential 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Lastly, two Hagafen wines were featured in Stars of 2008, a compilation of the Chronicle's top choices from their weekly 2008 Wine Selections. This list includes both domestic and imported bottlings reviewed by The Chronicle's tasting panel:

TWO AND A HALF STARS 2006 Hagafen Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

TWO AND A HALF STARS 2007 Hagafen Devoto Vineyards Lake County Riesling

To learn more about Hagafen Cellars, Passover wines and kosher wines in general, please see these previous blog entries:

Hagafen Wines Praised in Sun-Sentinel 9-4-08
Hagafen "Cult" Wines Score High Marks from Influential Wine Critic Daniel Rogov 7-28-08
Don't Pass Over Hagafen Cellars 4-23-08
Miami Herald Recommends Hagafen Wines for Passover 4-21-08
Hagafen Wines Rated by SF Chronicle 2-28-08
Hagafen Winemaker to Receive Service Award 2-13-08
Hagafen Wines in Florida 1-22-08

Hagafen wines are distributed in Florida by The Opici Wine Company.

Thomas Fogarty Winery Earns Multiple Gold Medals at 2008 American Fine Wine Competition

2009-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Second Annual American Fine Wine Competition was held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on November 3 & 4, 2008 and I have been remiss for not posting this information sooner, especially in light of the outstanding showing by our Thomas Fogarty Winery, which earned a gold medal or higher for each of its three entered wines.

Fogarty's 2003 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon, which I wrote about in a previous entry for being listed as one of The Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections of the Year, was awarded a double gold medal, which means it received a gold medal score from each and every judge at the competition.

Also receiving gold medals were the 2004 Lexington Meritage and 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay.

Fogarty was the ONLY participating winery to win at least a gold medal for each wine that it submitted!

The American Fine Wine Competition is one of the most prestigious wine events in the country, accepting only wines in certain price categories from wineries that have been specifically invited to participate.

The panel of judges reads like a "Who's Who" of the South Florida wine scene:

Charlie Arturaola- Wine educator; wine consultant
Fred Barger- Wine writer, Ocean Drive magazine; wine consultant, Crown Wine & Spirits
Jenny Benzie- Sommelier, Café Boulud Palm Beach
Chip Cassidy- Wine educator FIU; Buyer, Crown Wine & Spirits
Simone Diament- Publisher, South Florida Gourmet
Dr. Barry Gump- Author of Wine Analysis & Production; Professor- Analytical Chemistry & Enology at FIU
Keith Higdon, Owner, The Rustic Cellar, Boca Raton
Jen Karetnick- national wine writer, editor of the Wine News
Angelo Morinelli- Chef/owner Cucina d’Angelo
Virginia Philip, MS, The Breakers, Palm Beach
Monty Preiser- Wine educator; Publisher of Preiser Key to Napa
Angelo Romano- Chef/Owner Paradiso, Lake Worth
Oliver Saucy- Chef/Owner Café Maxx, Pompano
Delius Shirley- Owner/wine buyer- Ortanique, Coral Gables
Zachary Smith- Sommelier, Opus 5 Boca Raton
Patrick Sullivan- Wine educator; wine writer Dine magazine

Fogarty Santa Cruz Cab Ranked in Wine Enthusiast Top 100

2008-12-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

Thomas Fogarty Winery is pleased to announce our 2003 Santa Cruz Mountains CabernetSauvignon was ranked #67 in this year's Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Top 100 Cellar Selection Wines for 2008!

A very limited number of cases is available right now, from our Florida distributor, The Opici Wine Company. Please ask your Opici rep for details.

"Thomas Fogarty 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains); $50.

93 Points

To begin with, it's a very fine, well-structured Cab, rich and vibrant in cassis and smoky oak flavors. It shows the deep integrity that the best Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernets possess. However, it's quite tannic, which gives it a palate astringency. So, will it age? Odds are strongly in favor of it. Best 2009-2015. Cellar Selection. "

Values for Trying Times - Santa Alicia and Thomas Halby

2008-12-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

I needn't waste time and bytes telling you that the economy's tanked. You already know all about that. So, what are wine drinkers doing about it?According to various articles I've read, including "Wine Industry Worries About the Economy" and "Across the Country, Restaurants Feel the Pinch" and Wine buyers are sobered by Wall Street meltdown, a couple of trends have emerged:

Consumers are trading down. In restaurants, instead of buying expensive bottles of wine, they are looking for values.

Consumers are eating at home more often and buying more wines to drink at home. Again, value is key.

Although the Halby Marketing portfolio has always been known for great value, two of our product lines stand out during these trying times.

Our Thomas Halby wines offer some of Napa Valley's best values. It's hard to beat our Napa Cab for under $20 retail. For the whole story on these wines, see: Thomas Halby on the Label Means Quality & Value

Santa Alicia Reserve wines have been consistently rated by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as Best Buys. In fact, our 2006 Santa Alicia Reserve Carmenere received 88 points and a listing as one of the Top 100 Values of 2008 in the current Best of Year issue:

Here are the rest of the Best Buy ratings on Santa Alicia's current vintages:

Santa Alicia Reserve Shiraz 2006 86 Pts Best Buy For the budget-minded, this Shiraz has ample spice, pepper, chocolate and fruit. It has a deepness and ripeness that’s admirable, and while it’s a standard wine that doesn’t pick up complexities with airing, what’s in the glass is more than satisfactory. — M.S. (5/1/2008)

Santa Alicia Reserve Chardonnay 2007 86 Pts Best Buy Smooth on the nose, with some warmer-weather characteristics such as caramel, baked apple, pear and even acacia. The flavor profile includes ripe apple, melon and a bit of citrus, and the finish is sizable and healthy, with decent acidity and carry-over flavors of peach and melon. Good and not too heavy, especially for a Maipo Chardonnay. M.S. (5/1/2008)

Santa Alicia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 87 Pts Best Buy Lavender and licorice on the nose; the palate mixes shy black cherry and cassis flavors with a bit of Chile’s patented leafy character. The finish is round and offers a touch of vanilla and mocha. For the money this is solid and very easy to drink. — M.S. (7/1/2008)

Santa Alicia Reserve Malbec 2006 86 Pts Best Buy Malbec from Chile may not seem as natural as from Argentina, but you will not go wrong with this stocky, soft, lightly baked offering. The palate has a touch of herbal lift to accent the black fruit, while the finish is firm, comfortable and consistent. — M.S. (11/15/2007)

SHELF TALKER

Tasting Event at Roy's Liquors, Ft. Pierce

2008-11-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

Opici rep Anna Valencia, although partial to Valencia oranges, loved sampling Prunier Liqueur d'Orange, Gioia Luisa Lemoncello and other wines and spirits from the Halby portfolio at an in-store tasting event at Roy's Liquors in Ft. Pierce last Sunday. That's Roy's proprietor Keith Andersen on the left, getting a hug from Anna.

On Cue, Bon Appetit Publishes Calvados Recipe

2008-11-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

As sure as the appearance of turkey recipes in November, as if on cue, the December issue of Bon Appetit arrived in the mail a few days ago with this Calvados recipe... Note that the editors apparently felt that some readers would be unfamiliar with Calvados and thus found it necessary to explain parenthetically that it's an apple brandy!

Readers of this blog certainly won't need similar prompting, since I predicted forthcoming recipes when I wrote about Calvados a few weeks ago.

Of course, our Menorval Calvados is perfect for this warming recipe and many others during the holiday season...

HOT BUTTERED APPLE CIDER

12 SERVINGS/Forget the rum. This warming cocktail gets its kick from brandy.

3 cups Calvados (apple brandy)
7 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
12 cups apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
12 cinnamon sticks
Whole nutmeg

Bring Calvados, brown sugar, and butter to simmer in large pot over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Add apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks: bring to boil.

DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.

Ladle cider mixture into 12 cups. Add 1 cinnamon stick from pot to each. Grate nutmeg over and serve.

Holiday Season Favorites - Menorval Calvados & Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer

2008-11-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Every year at about this time, the pages of food magazines like Bon Appetit, Gourmet and Saveur are filled with festive holiday recipes and, as in years past, it's a safe bet that at least a few of those holiday recipes will send readers scampering to their local spirits shop in search of a required ingredient, Calvados, the unique apple brandy from the Normandy region of France.

Hopefully, when they arrive there, they'll find a bottle of our Menorval Calvados on the shelf. As one of the few authentic, reasonably priced brands available, it's a perennial favorite at this time of year.

Here are a couple of links to previous blog entries to give you an idea of just a few of the applications for this versatile product:

Recipe: Trou Normand - Apples Sorbet with Menorval Calvados 11-26-07
Menorval Calvados Perfect for Holiday Recipes 10-29-07

For Thanksgiving Turkey time, another seasonal favorite in many households is Gewurztraminer. But don't take my word for it... Here's what some of the experts say...

WINEANSWERS.COM - “Turkey sandwich with cranberry relish — A floral and aromatic Gewurztraminer is a wonderful compliment to turkey, especially when it is served with sweet/tart cranberry sauce.”

EasyWine.net - “Turkey can be served with a variety of different wines. Light reds such as Beaujolais Nouveau and Pinot Noir are good choices. A great white wine option is a dry Gewurztraminer that can balance the flavor of the turkey with a spicy aroma and a full flavor.”

wineloverspage.com - “...It can be challenging to come up with the right wine match for the bird that's traditional for Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. Turkey has light and dark meat, and its meat has an oily quality that's not always friendly to dry wines. I call my solution "the cranberry sauce principle." Cranberry sauce goes well with turkey because it's both fruity and tart; so choose a wine with similar characteristics -- Beaujolais or Zinfandel if you want a red, or Riesling, Gewurztraminer or Chenin Blanc if you're inclined to a white.”

With just over 3 weeks until Turkey Day, there's not much time to remind your customers that Opici carries one of the best dry Gewurztraminers produced in the US, our Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer from Monterey. See The Halby Herald: Gewurztraminer - Is Fogarty's the Best of the Wurzt?

Opici still has a few cases of the gold medal winning 2006 vintage, which Wine Enthusiast rated 90 points and called "Fogarty's best Gewurz ever." See: The Halby Herald: Fogarty Recognized with Awards and Ratings. When that's gone, we'll move on to 2007.

For a special Thanksgiving dessert, our spectacular Fogarty 2003 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer is also still available.

Grape Merchant Food & Wine Festival

2008-11-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely fall Sunday afternoon in South Florida as Opici rep Luciana Rodriguez and I poured wines at The Grape Merchant Food and Wine Festival at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens.

From the Halby portfolio, R-Fusion Riesling and Thomas Fogarty Skyline Red were crowd favorites...

Wine Geek Alert: What's a "Mistelle?"

2008-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Any day when you learn something new is a good day.

Earlier this week, when I presented our Prunier Pineau des Charentes to Jason Adams, astute wine consultant for a restaurant group in Ft. Myers, FL, he surprised me by calling it a "mistelle," a word that I'd never heard before.

A "mistelle" is a fortified wine in which alcohol is added to unfermented grape juice, rather than partially fermented wine, thereby halting the fermentation process before it even gets started, and allowing the grape juice to retain its characteristic sweetness.

I'd always just referred to Pineau des Charentes as a "fortified wine," not knowing that there was a more specific term that could be used. I think I'll continue to do so, since "mistelle" is probably a bit too wine geeky for general use... as if "fortifed wine" isn't already geeky enough!

Thanks, nevertheless, to Jason for adding a new word to my personal wine lexicon.

For a good description of how fortified wines, including mistelles, are produced, see: DiWineTaste

Opici Holiday Show 2008

2008-09-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

For the trade only!

Business credentials required for admission

You are cordially invited
to visit us

and

sample the Halby Marketing wine and spirits portfolio

The Opici Wine Company
Holiday Wine Tasting/
Gourmet Foods International
Fall Preview

Sunday, October 12, 2008
12:00-6:00pm

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
(866) 503-7529

To the Glory of the Cat

2008-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

We recently introduced these new "To the Glory of the Cat" Bordeaux wines, whose labels feature comic character "Le Chat," created by artist Philippe Geluck. Although little known in the US, the "Au Gloire du Chat" comics are hugely popular in France and Belgium, with more than two dozen books, posters, tshirts, DVD's and other assorted bric a brac devoted to the character. The labels are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. You can even join Le Chat Wine Club and you'll get a FREE Le Chat cartoon emailed to you each month. Normally, you'd need a top secret password to join the club, which can only be found on the necktag on each bottle of To the Glory of the Cat wine, but if you email me and tell me you read about Le Chat in the Halby Herald, I will send you the password that will allow you to access the web site.

NEW!

"Au Gloire du Chat"
featuring the cartoon character, "Le Chat," created by artist Philippe Geluck

AOC Bordeaux - Mise en bouteiile à la propriété

Bordeaux white - 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Muscadelle. This dry, sightly golden, fruity wine with hints of exotic fruits is round in the mouth with a crisp and fresh taste. Excellent as an aperitif. Also goes well with delicatessen foods, shellfish and fish.

Bordeaux rosé - 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.. This wine has light ruby red highlights with aromas of red fruits. It is clean and fresh on the palate with a soft and smooth finish. Goes well with snacks and light meals, sliced meat, delicatessen foods, white or red meat (only lightly seasoned,) lightly flavored cheese.

Bordeaux red - 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Long on the palate, ruby red color with light purple reflections. A smooth beginning on the palate is enhanced by spicy aromas. Pairs with all red and white meats, cheese and delicatessen foods.

Distributed in Florida by: Uva Cellars

Hagafen Wines Praised in Sun-Sentinel

2008-09-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

With the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, coming up at the end of September, the timing of Bob Hosmon's column about kosher wine in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel couldn't be better. And, of course, our Hagafen wines got a favorable mention...

"Wine & Dine Tasting Notes

September 4, 2008

News flash: Kosher wine isn't just for the observant anymore.

Today, several wineries are producing kosher wines that are very good, and sometimes excellent. Sweet kosher wines have been replaced by delicious, dry cabernet sauvignons, merlots, chardonnays and wines made from just about any other premium grape. Almost every wine-producing country, including Chile, Australia and Spain, makes at least one dry kosher wine from premium grapes.

Consumers' reluctance to try these new kosher wines results from a misperception of how kosher wines are made. It's produced in accordance with Judaism's ancient religious laws, but they have no effect on the taste of the wine. Indeed, just like any other wine, kosher wine can be good or bad depending on the quality of the grapes, the places where the grapes are grown and the skill of the winery's winemaker.

For a wine to be certified kosher, certain requirements must be met, such as only certified kosher products (yeast, etc,) can be used in itsproduction and no artificial coloring or preservatives can be added. Obviously this is a good thing.

Those wanting to experience well-made kosher wines should start with some favorites from California, including Hagafen Pinot Noir, Hagafen Chardonnay, Baron Herzog Zinfandel and Weinstock Cabernet Sauvignon... "

Moselland Holiday Pre-Sell Ends this Week!

2008-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Like Beaujolais Nouveau and Thanksgiving turkey, our annual Moselland Holiday Season Pre-Sell is a rite of passage into the holiday season. While most of our beautiful Moselland "window bottles" are available year 'round, Opici brings in just enough of our "Holiday Scene" and the non-denominational "Winter Scene" to satisfy those customers with the foresight to pre-order them.

Your Opici salesperson should have already reviewed this with you but, just in case they haven't, let this serve as a reminder that the deadline for turning in your orders for these seasonal favorites is this week! Order now to avoid disappointment later.

Jupiter Lighthouse Designated as Federal Outstanding Natural Area

2008-09-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

On May 9, the Jupiter, FL Lighthouse, the very same lighthouse depicted on our Moselland Jupiter Lighthouse bottles, became the second lighthouse in the United States to receive the federal Outstanding Natural Area designation. Pour yourself a glass full and read all about it at Florida lighthouses.

New Zealand's Old Coach Road Wines Go Green!

2008-08-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce the latest addition to the Halby Marketing portfolio, that will be arriving soon at Opici (UPDATE: 10/20/08: Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir are now in stock.) Produced by the Siefried Estate, one of New Zealand’s oldest family owned wineries, Old Coach Road wines display the pure, fresh lively fruit characters that New Zealand wine is famous for. The wines are classic, cool climate styles, with plenty of fruit concentration and acidity to give delicate length and structure.

Siefried's vineyards are scattered throughout the picturesque Nelson region, at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the country's top vacation destinations, and with over 2,400 hours of sunshine each year, it is the sunniest place in New Zealand. The cool inviting waters of Tasman Bay are surrounded by golden sand and native bush, with snow-covered mountains (in the winter) as a backdrop.

Old Coach Road runs along a ridge in the center of the Moutere area. During the 1850’s the first regular mail deliveries were carried by foot and then by horseback.

Old Coach Road wines were introduced in the early '90s, in order to enter the market with a range of wines in a fruit driven style, designed for early consumption.

The wine industry in Nelson is tiny by international standards, however, Siefried's efforts have shown that they are capable of producing some of the finest wines in the world, gaining international recognition.

Sauvignon Blanc - Fresh, lively and herbaceous with a fragrant passionfruit nose. Perfect with seafood, chicken or enjoyed on its own, in the company of friends.

Chardonnay (Unoaked) - Youthful and fresh with crisp citrus and peach notes. Great with a salad of summer greens or a creamy chicken pasta dish.

Riesling - Up-front peach and blossom notes with subtle minerality and crispness. Complements prawns, mussels or scallops, a light curry or delicious on its own.

Pinot Noir - Lively and fruit driven, with mouth-coating cherry, berry flavors and a warm, spicy finish. Enjoy with a selection of mild cheeses, red meat or salmon.

WE’RE GREEN!

All Old Coach Road wines are grown in beautiful New Zealand in Seifried’s sustainably accredited Nelson Vineyards. This status incorporates all areas of winemaking and grape growing. The emphasis is on minimal environmental impact by working in harmony with the surroundings.

Sustainable accreditation for both winery and vineyard practices highlights forward thinking and care for the environment.

Hagafen Wines Score High Marks from Influential Wine Critic Daniel Rogov

2008-07-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves California "cult wines" because of their limited availability and inherent mystique. So we don't mind at all when Israel's most influential and pre-eminent wine critic, Daniel Rogov, refers to our Hagafen Napa Valley wines that way.

Rogov writes weekly wine and restaurant columns in Haaretz (The Land,) Israel's oldest newspaper, and contributes regularly to two prestigious international wine books - Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book and Tom Stevenson's Wine Report. His book, Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines, is the definitive annual guide to the wines from this region. Additionally, he maintains an online wine discussion forum at http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewforum.php?f=28

I think we can safely stipulate that the man knows a thing or two about wines from Israel, in general, and kosher wines, in particular. So he's well qualified to compare the high quality Napa Valley kosher wines from Hagafen against kosher wines from Israel.

As Rogov points out, "Some may think that shipping kosher wines to Israel is somewhat akin to selling ice to Eskimos, but in this case the Hagafen wines are a most welcome addition to local shelves...."

With Rogov's highly complimentary tasting notes and ratings at 89 points or above for all of the Hagafen wines, one might easily conclude that he's an easy grader... until you see the scores he gave to an Israeli winery that he reviewed in the same column, which I've left intact for comparison.

So, if your customers are into "cult wines," be sure to offer them these gems from Hagafen. And they don't have to go to Israel to get them.

Distributed in Florida by The Opici Wine Company.

Wed., July 23, 2008 Tamuz 20, 5768

*Wine and Spirits / A California Cult Winery (And Kosher, Too)*

By Daniel Rogov


No half-educated wine lover these days has a problem with kosher wines, but nearly everyone knows that after a few months in bottle, most mevushal (flash pasteurized) wines tend to offer cooked aromas and flavors, and too often remind one more of oxidized fruit compote than of fine wine. No one is quite sure how Hagafen winemaker Ernie Weirdoes it, but his are among the very few flash pasteurized wines to have escaped thisfate, and his wines, frequently earning scores of 90 or above, tend to be rather long lived. Some may think that shipping kosher wines to Israel is somewhat akin to selling ice to Eskimos, but in this case the Hagafen wines are a most welcome addition to local shelves.... Hagafen, Chardonnay, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2006: Golden straw in color, this medium- to full-bodied white shows tantalizing hints of toasty and spicy oak. Begins with citrus and apple aromas and flavors on a lightly creamy background, and then opens to reveal notes of ripe peaches and citrus peel. A white that will go equally well with fish, chicken or veal. Drink now-2009. Score 90. K Hagafen, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2006: Light golden straw in color, certainly one of the best dry whites to date from Hagafen. Like many of the Hagafen wines, this one opens with a complex and concentrated nose, in this case showing citrus and grapes, which go on to orange peel and hints of mango and freshly mown grass, with an underlying hint of bitterness set off by lively acidity. Drink now-2010. Score 91. K Hagafen, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2005: Medium-dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins and concentrated fruits. Opens with an appealing note of freshly turned earth, which continues with spicy, almost chili-pepper scented blackberry, currant and plum fruits. Softens and turns gentle and elegant on the long finish. Approachable now but best 2009-2012. Score 90. K Hagafen, Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, 2006: Cherry red to garnet in color, floral on the nose, a stylish and supple wine, showing a generous array of cherry, pomegranate and red currant fruits, on a background of green tea and vanilla. Soft tannins linger on a finish of minerals and cedar wood. Drink now-2011. Score 90. K Hagafen, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 2005: A well-focused wine, medium-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins and just the barest tantalizing hints of spicy oak. Opens with black cherry and sage notes, those going on to reveal ripe plum, licorice and mineral notes. Long and generous. Best 2009-2011. Score 90. K Hagafen, Syrah, Napa Valley, 2003: With itschocolate covered cherry flavors and generous spicy oak, this wine calls out California in a big way, but with its firm tannins, spicy oak, tobacco, and leathery and meaty overlays, it calls out no less the Rhone Valley. In any case, a lovely wine - dark garnet with green and purple reflections, full-bodied with firm tannins now integrating nicely. Long, concentrated and intense. Enjoyable now but with time will show elegance. Best 2009-2012. Score 90. K Hagafen, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2003: Dark garnet, full-bodied with firm tannins and generous near-sweet cedar-wood, the wine opens in the glass to reveal blackberries, currants and citrus peel. Give this one a bit more time, and it will also show chocolate and tobacco notes. Best 2009-2012, perhaps longer. Score 89. K I recently tasted four recent releases from Noah, which, to the best I understand, is not so much an independent winery as it is a branch of the Hevron Heights Winery. Hevron Heights Winery, Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, Noah, Tevel, 2005: Aged in barriques for 12 months, a dark garnet blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium- to full-bodied, with blackberry, plum and black cherry fruits on a lightly spicy background. Not complex. Drink now. Score 84. K Hevron Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Noah, 2006: Dark garnet, medium-bodied, with firm, chunky tannins. A hint of barnyard aromas that linger, and on the palate a note of mold that hides the skimpy berry fruits. Score 69. K Hevron Heights Winery, Merlot, Noah, 2006: Garnet to purple, medium- to full-bodied, with too flabby tannins and somewhat muddy berry and cherry flavors. Score 69. K Hevron Heights Winery, Emerald Riesling, Noah, 2007: Straw-colored, light in body, with generous floral and citrus notes. Acidic, thin and cloyingly sweet. Score 68. K Hevron Heights Winery, Village Superior, Noah, n.v.: Garnet red, medium-bodied, with aromas and flavors of grape and berry juice more than of wine, and finishing with a hint of muddy water. Drink now if at all. Score 65. K

Tags: kosher wine, daniel rogov,hagafen winery, hagafen, ernie weir

New Look for Santa Alicia Late Harvest Muscatel

2008-07-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

OLD NEW

Remember the old Miller Lite Tastes Great--Less Filling Commercials? That pretty much sums up the story of dessert wines. If you sometimes finish up a big meal and couldn't possibly eat another bite, but still have a craving for something sweet, nothing fills the bill like a fine dessert wine such as Santa Alicia's Late Harvest Muscatel.

I've previously written about the wine here...

The news flash is the new packaging, which will be landing on store shelves and restaurant wine lists soon. I like the fresh, new look. What do you think?

Tags: dessert wine, Santa Alicia, Late Harvest Muscatel, Limari Valley

The Sky's the Limit with Thomas Fogarty Skyline Red

2008-07-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

With the invented word "Meritage" celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, Bordeaux style blends are more popular than ever. One of my favorites is the Thomas Fogarty Skyline Red, made primarily from Merlot, with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Although the label says only "California Red Wine," it is comprised of high quality grape lots bearing prestigious appellations such as Napa Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Clements Hills (Lodi) and Bennett Valley (Sonoma.) Indeed, some of the very same grapes that go into Fogarty's Vallerga Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon are also blended into Skyline Red.

According to winemaker, Michael Martella, "Skyline delivers classic Bordeaux aromatics of cigar box, plum, blackberry, cedar and sweet herbs. It is medium bodied with rich flavors and lush tannins. The finish is long and juicy. While meant for current consumption it will continue to develop over the next few years."

Why isn't it called "Meritage," you may ask? And that's a fair question!

As you may know, the term "Meritage," coined to indicate a wine blended solely from Bordeaux varietals, is a combination of "merit" and "heritage" and its purpose was to identify wines that represent "the highest form of the winemaker's art." As such, this has been interpreted to mean that only the single best Bordeaux style blend from each winery may be labeled as Meritage.

At the Fogarty Winery, that honor belongs to the Lexington Meritage, a limited production (only 416 cases,) full bodied, single vineyard beauty with a retail price approaching $50.

So, with the name Meritage already spoken for, Fogarty selected "Skyline," as a proprietary name for its other Bordeaux blend, after Skyline Boulevard, the serpentine road on which the winery is located.

I know you'll find Fogarty Skyline Red to be a delicious bottle of wine and a fine example of why at Fogarty, the Sky is the Limit!

PS For a refreshing, crisp summer quaffer, don't forget about the companion to Skyline Red, Fogarty's new "unoaked" Skyline Chardonnay.

Thomas Fogarty wines are distributed in Florida by The Opici Wine Company. Please ask your rep for pricing and additional information.

Tags: Thomas Fogarty, Meritage, Skyline, Bordeaux Blend

Don't Pass Over Hagafen Cellars

2008-04-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

This article about Hagafen wines, from Boca Raton/Napa Valley based wine writers Monty & Sara Preiser, also appeared just before the Passover holiday:

Don't Pass Over Hagafen Cellars

Tags: Hagafen, Passover Wine, Kosher Wine, Napa Valley

Miami Herald Recommends Hagafen Wines for Passover

2008-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just in time for this past weekend's Passover seder, Fred Tasker's wine column in the Miami Herald last week described the "stunning range" of today's kosher wines, compared to the sweet, viscous concord grape wines of a generation ago.

Of the handful of wines he reviewed, Hagafen rated a pair of recommendations:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

2007 Hagafen White Riesling, Lake County - "juicy and crisp, almost spritzy, with flavors of apricots and honey, slightly off-dry"

RECOMMENDED:

2007 Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley - "lively and crisp, with zingy citrus flavors, tart finish"

SHELF TALKERS

Tags: Hagafen, Fred Tasker, Passover wine, Kosher wine

Pinot Envy & Late Harvest Gewurztraminer

2008-03-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

OK, I know the "Pinot Envy" thing has been overdone, but considering the dearth of good, steadily available, reasonably priced pinot noir and the post-Sideways perpetual demand for same, it was recently suggested that I point out that Halby Marketing offers a number of appealing options, at various price points, that may have escaped your notice, so I'd like to take this opportunity to aggregate and highlight them for you.

First, at the entry level end of the spectrum, at a price that will fit any budget, are a couple of fine choices from Germany...

Our light bodied, fruity Klostor Pinot Noir has been a huge success at the Wine Cellar of the German Pavilion at Epcot at Walt Disney World and could sell nearly as well for YOU!

A similarly light, fruity wine in an eye-catchingly attractive vessel is the Moselland Avantgarde Pinot Noir, which is now available to the general market for the first time. The empty bottles make a beautiful bud vase which would look equally great accenting restaurant dining tables or brightening up home kitchens.

At an affordable mid-level price point is our Thomas Halby Central Coast Pinot Noir. If Tom Halby put his own name on the label, you know it must be good! A healthy supply of the 2005 vintage is still available and the 2006 vintage is already bottled and in the Halby warehouse, assuring uninterrupted availablility for the foreseeable future, so this is a great by-the-glass wine for restaurants.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the Thomas Fogarty 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir.

With an extremely small production and inversely high price, the two previous vintages of Fogarty Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir never made it to Florida. Now, for the first time in nearly two years, our Florida distributor, The Opici Wine Company, has Fogarty Pinot Noir in stock and this silky smooth, brightly cherry scented wine with its delicious flavors of raspberry, tea and a hint of earth is once again obtainable.

Fogarty produced a respectable 2,109 cases of the 2006 vintage, a sufficient quantity to enable this wine to be sold at a price point that reflects its quality, without breaking the bank. Fogarty's stellar reputation, consistent high quality and high ratings make it a superb choice for fine dining establishments and upscale retailers.

Although this has nothing to do with pinot noir, I want to point you to another Fogarty wine that may have escaped your attention when it unceremoniously arrived in Florida a few months back.

Until recently sold solely at the winery's tasting room, only 473 cases of the Thomas Fogarty Scheid Vineyards Late Harvest Gewurztraminer were produced. A gold medal winner at the 2005 Orange County Fair, the 2006 San Francisco International Wine Competition AND South Florida's own American Fine Wine Competition, this incredible dessert wine is almost beyond description. If you are looking for something really special, this is IT!

Hagafen Wines Rated by SF Chronicle

2008-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Chronicle is Northern California's most prominent newspaper and is the first and only major U.S. newspaper to publish a weekly section devoted entirely to wine! As such, it holds a unique and important position as a source of information for and about the wine industry. The Chronicle has had lots to say recently about the latest addition to the Halby Marketing portfolio in Florida, Napa Valley's Hagafen Winery:

Hagafen's 2006 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc received TWO AND A HALF STARS in the Chronicle's review of Napa Valley Sauvignon blancs. Here's what they had to say:"Winemaker Ernie Weir has produced a wine from Napa Valley's eastern foothills that has tropical fruit notes like pineapple and guava, plus ripe peach, grapefruit rind and a touch of mineral character on the nose. A concentrated palate offers ripe, snappy fruit that also displays a hint of residual sugar and ends with a hint of pomelo skin."

Hagafen's new 2005 Napa Valley Zinfandel was also well received, with TWO STARS from the Chronicle:

"Owner-winemaker Ernest Weir has a made a riper Zin without going over the top. Aromas are reminiscent of raspberry cream with tawny Port-like notes and savory soy sauce undertones. A bit of sweetness is left in the wine; an overt oak presence contributes to its good structure and fine tannins, which bode well for some longevity."

In addition to receiving two stars from the San Francisco Chronicle, Hagafen's 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has received considerable recognition from other sources, including gold medals at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and the Hilton Head Wine Fest, 89 points and "highly recommended" by tastings.com and 87 points from Wine Enthusiast. Indeed, Hagafen's Napa Cab has won gold medals from one competition or another for all previous vintages dating back to 1995.

Two of Hagafen's wines were named in the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Wines of 2007 ! The 2005 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Chardonnay and the 2006 Estate Bottled Napa Valley Mayeri Vineyard White Riesling were named as being among the best wines their staff tasted and rated all year long!

Unfortunately, the winery has long sold out of both of these wines, however, our Florida distributor, The Opici Wine Company has a small inventory of 2006 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Chardonnay in stock.

Also now available from Opici is Hagafen's first ever wine produced from organically grown grapes: 2007 Lake County Devoto Vineyard White Riesling.

In the past when Hagafen wines received high marks and were named Top 100, the winery has sold out subsequent releases very quickly (the 2004 OKD Chardonnay was also a Top 100 wine, and the 2005 Estate Riesling received 2 1/2 Stars). Last year's Zin won four gold medals in international competition and was sold out by April 1st...

All Hagafen wines are made in very small quantities and availability is always limited so, if you have the opportunity, get them while you can!

Observed in Orlando

2008-02-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

OBSERVED IN ORLANDO

Marquee above a bottle shop:

Photo by Melissa H. Kratish

Green Cats for St. Pat's!

2008-02-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

We Have Jupiter, Still 29 FL Lighthouses to Go!

2008-02-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

In the more than eight years that I've worked for Halby Marketing I learn something new nearly every day. Today, I spoke with a gentleman in Fort Myers who was trying to locate a bottle of our Moselland Jupiter Lighthouse Riesling, that's been written about HERE previously. He informed me of the existence of a St. Augustine based organization called The Florida Lighthouse Association, whose mission is the preservation of the remaining 30 historic lighthouses that line Florida's coastline.

Among other things, the Association's web site features photos, histories and descriptions of all thirty Florida lighthouses, including the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse depicted on the Moselland bottles.

Now, if Moselland wants to do another Florida lighthouse scene, I'll know where to look!

Hagafen Winemaker to Receive Meritorious Service Award

2008-02-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Hagafen wines just arrived at our Florida distributor, The Opici Wine Company and, although they already have some presence in the market here, we are excited to re-introduce them and to create further awareness and distribution of these special wines.

Coincident with Hagafen's renaissance in Florida, it was recently announced that owner/winemaker Ernie Weir will be honored by the Jewish Vintners Association with the Al Brounstein Meritorious Service Award. The announcement is reproduced below.

ANNOUNCING THE 2nd ANNUAL

Al Brounstein Meritorious Service Award

PRESENTED TO

ERNIE WEIR

Vintner, Dreamer, Community Leader

Al Brounstein

The Al Brounstein Meritorius Service Award is presented to a fellow vintner in the spirit of recognizing his or her meritorious service to our industry and community. The award is named after Al Brounstein, one of the Napa Valley's most prominent vintners, and who in his lifetime was an icon of service to the industry and community. This is only the second year this award has been presented and the Vintners Committee searches diligently before naming a recipient possessing the many qualities symbolic of such a prestigious honor.

We are delighted to announce that we are bestowing the Al Brounstein Meritorious Award of 2008 upon Vintner/Winemaker Ernie Weir, because he continues to sow new seeds, tends the vines, teaches and leads and shares his bounty with the entire Napa Community. He continues to travel along the iconic path of generosity of spirit and loving kindness that was Al's, for a lifetime.

Ernie first visited the Napa Valley in the early 1970's and knew that he had found the place to "plant his roots". He returned to Napa and worked at Domaine Chandon while attending UC Davis, studying viticulture and enology. He earned his B.S degree in Viticulture and began making his own wine under the name Hagafen. Hagafen in Hebrew means "the vine.” Ernie’s first Hagafen vintage was in 1979 and over the next 20 years, while Ernie continued his work at Domaine Chandon as vineyard and nursery manager, he expanded Hagafen's production from three hundred bottles in its first year to three hundred cases in its second year, to three thousand cases by the end of the 1980's.

Ernie Weir

In 1997, Ernie left Domaine Chandon to build the Hagafen Cellars winery and tasting room on the Silverado Trail. Today, Hagafen Cellars has a yearly production of 8000 cases. The wines have earned numerous awards throughout the years and were first poured at the While House in 1981.

Ernie has been an involved member of the Jewish Community of the Napa Valley and presently, serves as the president of Congregation Beth Sholom. Born in Los Angeles, Ernie has successfully planted his roots in Napa where he and his wife, Irit, are raising their 3 children, Jonathan, Tamar and Maya. His dedication and evolution as a successful business owner, along with his tender efforts to reveal the inner secrets of the grape, have been a gift to the Napa Valley.

The Al Brounstein Meritorious Award will be presented at this year’s Jewish Vintners Celebration. The eventdates are June 20-22, 2008. For further information send an email to: info@jewishvintners.org

Fogarty Recognized with Awards and Ratings

2008-02-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

More good news from the Thomas Fogarty Winery!

Locally, and I use that word advisedly, since Sandestin, located in the Florida Panhandle is about as far away from my home base in South Florida as you can get while remaining in the state, Fogarty's 2006 Monterey Gewurztraminer won a gold medal at the 2008 Sandestin Wine Festival.

5/7/08 UPDATE:

The same wine also received 90 points and an "Editor's Choice" rating in Wine Enthusiast Magazine: (April 2008 issue)

"The best Fogarty Gewurz ever. A blend of two well-known vineyards, Ventana and Scheid, it has the weight and racy acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc, but with the distinctive Asian spiciness of Gewurztraminer, along with the nuances of rose petals, water chestnuts, pineapples and sweet green baby peas."

Not to sound blasé about it, but, vintage after vintage, Fogarty's Gewurztraminer, with its highly aromatic, floral nose and explosive tropical fruit flavors, has consistently received so many medals and accolades that these hardly come as a surprise.

Wine Enthusiast also rated Fogarty's 2005 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay at 90 points.

"Fogarty’s basic ’05 Chard shows an exciting crispness and minerality that, good as it is, makes you long for the single-vineyard bottling to come. There’s an elegant angularity to the wine despite the succulent pineapples, kiwis and new oak, and a brisk acidity that makes it finish vibrantly clean."

Tags: Fogarty, Gewurztraminer, Sandestin Wine Festival, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay, Gold Medal

Classic Piesporter Goldtropfchen Wines from Moselland

2008-01-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

Readers of this blog are probably already aware that the Moselland Winery has mastered the art of clever packaging. Don't know what I'm talking about? Click here, here, here and here.

So you may not even realize that Moselland also produces classic style German wines with traditional labels, like this trio of rieslings from the famous slate soiled Goldtröpfchen Vineyard in the town of Piesport.

These wines are fermented and stored in stainless steel, temperature controlled and cold sterile bottled. They are classified as Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP), an indication of the amount of sugar in the grapes at harvest, from least ripe to ripest: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese.

Moselland Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Kabinett

Residual Sugar: 37.7g/l
Acidity: 6.8 g/l
Alcohol: 9.0 vol.%

The taste of this Kabinett wine is full, crisp and fresh, showing a nice sweetness, balanced by the typical Riesling acidity. It goes well with chicken dishes and Asian cuisine, but also with fish and seafood, or on its own as an aperitif.

Moselland Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese

Residual Sugar: 43.7 g/l
Acidity: 7.1 g/l
Alcohol: 8.9 vol.%

This well-balanced Spätlese wine shows a fine fruity Riesling bouquet and a nice level of sweetness. It goes well with chicken dishes, Asian cuisine and desserts but can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.

Moselland Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese

Residual Sugar: 48.9 g/l
Acidity: 6.9 g/l
Alcohol: 9.0 vol.%

This Auslese wine is full-bodied, complex, crisp and fresh, showing an elegant bouquet with lots of of sweet, ripe exotic fruit. This is a wine for special occasions, to be enjoyed with fruity desserts or on its own as dessert!

Like the rest of the Moselland product line, these wines are available in Florida from The Opici Wine Company.

Tags: Moselland, Piesporter Goldtropfchen, Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Riesling, Mosel

Hagafen Wines in Florida

2008-01-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

In Florida only, Halby Marketing is now representing the high quality wines of Hagafen, the first and only winery located in Napa Valley producing all kosher wines.

President Ronald Reagan began serving Hagafen wines at the White House to foreign dignitaries in 1981, and the tradition continues today in the George W. Bush administration.

In 1995, President Bill Clinton had dinner with some of the most powerful and influential men on the planet. Gathered around the table were vice-president Al Gore, Israeli prime minister Rabin, Israeli foreign minister Peres, Yassar Arafat, King Hussein of Jordan, and President Mubarak of Egypt. As these men discussed crucial world affairs, they sipped Hagafen Cellars 1991 Chardonnay Reserve.

At last count, Hagafen Cellars wines have been served at eighteen White House state dinners.

These wines are now in stock at our distributor, The Opici Wine Company,in plenty of time for the Passover holiday which, this year, begins on the evening of April 19.

Here's some background about the winery and the wines that Opici is stocking:

http://www.hagafen.com/Hagafen Cellars is located in the Napa Valley, in the heart of California's premier wine grape region.
Less than a mile south of the famed Stags Leap District and twenty yards from the Oak Knoll District -- Napa's newest and most exciting of American Viticultural Areas -- our well-drained soil is ideal for the growth and production of ripe and rich, intensely fruity small lot estate bottled wines.
Owned and operated by Irit and Ernie Weir, the winery was founded in 1979, and the first commercially released vintage was harvested in 1980. Since then, we have grown to a well-established wine company whose wines are distributed throughout North America and overseas. Our wines have won numerous medals and have been served on many occasions at the White House to visiting foreign dignitaries.

Lake County Riesling - made from organically farmed grapes at the renowned Devoto Vineyards in Lake County, a cool climate perfect for the long-ripening necessary to produce its tropical bouquet and lush mouthfeel. Aromas of citrus, peach, cherry, and honeysuckle. This gorgeous effervescent wine fills the mouth with a fusion of candied pineapple, mango, Satsuma, and a hint of honey. With a long finish, this well-integrated wine works well as an aperitif or paired with a wide variety of foods needing a bit of sweetness to balance the use of chiles or soy sauce.

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Highly aromatic, showing a lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, andmandarin orange nose. This crisp, clean, long-finishing food friendly wine fills the palate with a well integrated mix of bright fruit, including lemon drops, limes, and citrus zest, with just a hint of tingly liveliness. Balanced and with solid structure, it works well with a variety of fish and lighter, roasted game dishes.

Oak Knoll District Chardonnay - With its light sunflower hue and green apple, citrus, papaya, and kiwi bouquet, presents an integrated, melodious blending of bright apple, apricot, and lemon, and a kiss of toasty oak. With 100% malo-lactic fermentation, yet light on the palette, this long-finishing, solidly structured Chardonnay works wonderfully with a range of fish and lighter game dishes.

Napa Valley Merlot - From the Freethy-Monticello Vineyard inthe Eastern foothills. Highly aromatic, showing dusty rose petal, cherry licorice, cinnamon, and cloves. Deep ruby-garnet in color, and a classic Californian "Right Bank" wine, this mouth-watering and long-finishing Merlot presents notes of black cherry, black licorice, roasted cocoa, and pumpkin pie spices, accented by silky tannins. It is a perfect accompaniment to most chicken, soups and bisques, and veal.

Napa Valley Zinfandel - Gives a rich combination of blackberry, boysenberry, and sweet oak on the nose. On the palate is a superb blend of cherry and black cherry, accented by anise, clove, and roasted cocoa. Firm, silky tannins work in concert with the long finish, giving a lower alcohol Zinfandel designed to be food friendly, especially served with barbequed or roasted meats or tomato-based sauces.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - This intensely inky-colored wine is grown in the well-drained, stoney and iron-rich soils of the Weir Family Vineyard along the Silverado Trail, one mile south of the famed Stags Leap appellation and ten yards from the Oak Knoll District, the Valley’s newest sub-appellation. The rich, spicy nose of bakers chocolate and black cherry compliments the brooding and spice-filled black licorice, black cherry, plum and cranberry on the palate. The addition of 11% Cabernet Franc enhances the complexity of the wine, as well as adding to our trademark robust and silky mid-palate. Aged for 19 months in small French and American oak cooperage, our Cabernet Sauvignon will flourish with bottle age.

Update -3/25/08 - Opici will also be carrying Hagafen's Napa Valley Pinot Noir!

Napa Valley Pinot Noir - Gold Medals for every release since 2000

On the nose, this intense, extracted Pinot Noir shows ripe strawberry and cranberry, followed by roasted coffee, smoky black licorice and fresh, loamy earth. This full-bodied wine has a soft and silky structure coupled with spicy and complex strawberry jam, black cherry, and boysenberry that finishes with notes of roasted coffee and toasty cocoa. A blend of two vineyards, the ripeness and heritage of old mid-Valley vines represented by Yountville’s California Soleil, and the fruity raciness seen in the fog-cooled south Valley’s Fagan Creek, this wine reflects a passion for site-specific Pinot Noir that has evolved with each successive vintage release since 1999. Its Old World structure combined with New World integration will age well for many years to come.

FAQ

How is "Hagafen" pronounced?Hah (as in harvest) - Gah (as in garlic) - Fen (as in fennel)

What is the meaning of Hagafen?

Hagafen is Hebrew for "the vine." In the Jewish tradition, the blessing said before drinking wine concludes with the phrase "boreh pri hagafen," - Who created the fruit of the vine.

What is the meaning of the Hebrew word printed on the cork of Hagafen wines?

It is a customary Jewish toast, L’Chayim, meaning "to life!"

What does it mean for a wine to be "kosher?"

In order for a commercially sold wine to be kosher, it must be produced according to Jewish dietary laws and must display a "hechsher," the "seal of approval" of a supervising agency.

The word "kosher" is not anywhere on the label. How do I know that the wine is actually kosher?

Hagafen wines are identified as kosher by the presence of the graphical symbol of a circled U on the back label, signifying that the wine has been certified kosher by the Orthodox Union, one of the largest organizations that supervises the production of kosher foods.

What is the meaning of the "P" following the circled U on the back label?

A wine may be certified as kosher and still contain ingredients that prohibit its use for the Passover holiday. The "P" symbol indicates that the wine is kosher for Passover.

What is the meaning of the word "mevushel" (pronounced meh-voo-shell) on the back label?

When a wine is "mevushel," literally "cooked" or "boiled," this indicates that an extra step has been taken in its production that will allow the wine to keep its kosher status regardless of who handles the wines after bottling.

In years past, the boiling process used to make a wine mevushel killed most of the fine mold or "must" on the grapes, and greatly altered the tannins and flavors of the wine. The result was typically a weak, insipid wine. Rather than being full red in colour, it often displayed an opaque, brownish color.

Hagafen uses a relatively new "flash pasteurization" process, in which the wine is heated to temperatures of 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit for less than a second, which avoids causing the wine to boil and has a minimal, if any, effect on the color and flavor of the wine. An argument can even be made that it actually improves the taste of the wine! The non-kosher winery Château Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhône wine region, flash pasteurizes and its wines are very highly regarded.

Tags: Hagafen, kosher wine, mevushel, flash pasteurization, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Organic Wine, Organic Riesling, Lake County

Wine Highlights of 2007- Dragon Seal Sparkling Blanc de Blancs

2008-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

You know all those year end lists purporting to name the top ten movies, top ten restaurants, top ten celebrities, etc.? Well, Miami Herald wine columnist Fred Tasker, bless his heart, saw fit to include our Dragon Seal Sparkling Wine in his list of Top 5 Wine Surprises for 2007!

WINE

Top '07 sips include surprises, bargains

Posted on Thu, Dec. 27, 2007

By FRED TASKER ftasker@MiamiHerald.com

Elsewhere in today's Food & Dining section, The Herald's restaurant critics and columnists each enumerate the five best dishes they tasted this year. Not to be outdone, I've compiled my list of top sips.

But stop at five? You've got to be kidding. I tasted 2,000 wines this year, and I'm supposed to narrow them down to five? Tell you what: I'll list the top wines in some interesting categories:

• Most unexpected wine: Nonvintage Dragon Seal Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine. It's from Hebei province, 100 miles north of Beijing, in China. It's pretty good, with long-lasting bubbles and tart lime flavors, at just $13 a bottle. Look it up if you go to the Olympics. Or, to find out where to buy it in your area, contact Alan Kratish at grapewiz@aol.com.

Distributed in S. Florida by Uva Cellars

R U Ready for R-Fusion Riesling?

2008-01-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

A new product in the Halby Marketing portfolio is R-Fusion Riesling, produced by the fine folks at Moselland, though you wouldn't know it from the label. Moselland, it seems, only puts their imprimatur on wines from the Mosel Valley, and this riesling comes from Nahe.

What's the "R" stand for?

Duh! Riesling, of course!

Designed primarily for Asian restaurants, it's delicious with everything from Pad Thai, to Sushi, to Kung Pao Chicken.

R – Fusion Riesling QBA 2005 Nahe

Grown in the beautiful vineyards of Germany’s Nahe region, west of the Rheinhessen, which it borders, and east of the Mosel. The Nahe’s vineyards thrive in a variety of soils along the steep slopes of the Nahe River and its tributaries.

R-Fusion Riesling was made to compliment Asian or any hot or spicy dishes. It expresses clean, ripe fruit and crisp acidity that can also be enjoyed on its own.

Santa Alicia Recognized as Chilean Wine Producer of the Year

2007-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Halby Marketing is extremely pleased to announce that the

Santa Alicia Winery

has been selected as

2007 Chilean Wine Producer of the Year,

awarded for highest overall performance nationally,

by the

International Wine & Spirit Competition,

the most prestigious wine competition held in the UK.

See results at: The Competition's Special Awards The International Wine and Spirit Competition

Tags: Santa Alicia, IWSC, Chilean Wine Producer of the Year

New Vintage, New Look for Terroso

2007-12-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

Old Label New Label

Talk about a change that's like the difference between night and day, here's a preview of the new label of our Terroso, from Bago de Touriga, a small independent winery in Portugal's Douro Valley, where Luis Soares Duarte and João Roseira aim to make balanced, food-friendly wines that express the unique terroirs of the Douro.

While I haven't yet had an opportunity to taste the new 2004 vintage, from the winemaker's notes, I can see that it spends a few more months in oak than its predecessor, undoubtedly resulting in somewhat more complex, layered flavors and longer aging potential.

Since I'm a long time Terroso fan, I look forward to trying this vintage when it arrives shortly in Florida, at our distributor, The Opici Wine Company

According to the notes: Terroso de 2004 was made from selected grapes of Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, grown at Cima Corgo.

The grapes were 100% de-stemmed, with vinification and malolatic fermentation in tank. The wine was then aged 12 months in tank and 5 months in French and American oak barrels before being bottled in April of 2006.

Terroso de 2004 is an elegant and fresh wine, balancing Douro’s fruit aromas and flavors with fine tannins and acidity. Enjoy over the next 5 years. Serve it at 16-17°c with monkfish with fava beans and morels or grilled loin of rabbit with smoked bacon.

SHELF TALKER

Tags: Bago de Touriga, Terroso, Douro, Portugal

Gewurztraminer - Is Fogarty's the Best of the Wurzt?

2007-12-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

GEWURZTRAMINER - IS FOGARTY'S THE BEST OF THE WURZT???

Robin Garr's Wine Lover's Page initiated a discussion yesterday on the rarely discussed, hard to pronounce wine known as Gewurztraminer. This excellent primer on an often unheralded grape can be found at: WineLovers Discussion Group - Gewurztraminer.

My own particular interest in this topic stems from the wonderful wine produced by the Thomas Fogarty Winery where, year after year, winemaker Michael Martella makes what I consider to be one of the finest examples of this varietal that you will ever taste.

With its amazingly floral, perfumey nose and distinctive tropical fruit flavors, the Fogarty Gewurztraminer is unique and instantly recognizable.

Although Fogarty produces fabulously high quality, sometimes pricey Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons and other heavy duty wines, you might say the Gewurz is the tail that wags the dog for the winery, since it was one of the first wines they produced and has won more awards and accolades than anything else in their portfolio.

The new 2006 vintage, which is just now finding its way into the marketplace, is, for the first time, bottled under a Stelvin closure to insure freshness and to avoid any possibility of cork taint spoiling those wonderful fruit flavors and aromas.

The winery's notes on the 2006 vintage are provided below. Take it from me, this one's always a winner!

2006 Gewurztraminer

Monterey

Tasting Notes
We bottled this wine under screw-cap to eliminate the possibility of cork taint. It should help preserve the clean fresh disposition we expect from our Gewurz’. Our ’06 bottling is one of our strongest ever. It has tell-tale Gewurztraminer aromas of rose and ginger, without being to cloying or ‘over- lycheed.’ There is pronounced minerality and acidity to help balance and complete the experience. Drink now and drink often!

2006 was a long vintage with consistently fine weather during harvest. We picked many varieties a full week to two weeks later than normal. The mild weather allowed for ripe flavors at lower sugar levels than in previous years. There was some Botrytis pressure in certain lots, but meticulous work ensured the elimination of any infected bunches.

Vineyards

We harvested our Gewurztraminer from Scheid Vineyards and Ventana Vineyards from September 19-26. Approximately 20% of the grapes were crushed into tank overnight. While the practice of skin-contact is fairly rare for modern white wines, we feel it adds to the texture and varietal character of our Gewurztraminer.

Winemaking

The grapes from both vineyards (Scheid and Ventana) were fermented separately using two separate yeast isolates from Alsace and Austria. A long, cold fermentation lasted into November when we finally achieved the sugar balance we wanted. At this point we racked the wine off its lees and chilled it to near freezing to arrest the fermentation. While the two separate lots had interesting characteristics of their own, the final blend is more complex and complete.

Technical Data

Appellation:

Monterey

59%Ventana Vineyard

41% Scheid Vineyard

Finished alcohol:

14.5%

Acid/pH:

.688 / 3.52

Residual sugar:

0.4%

Bottle date:

January 24, 2007

Total production:

2543 cases

Release date:

October 1, 2007

Tags: Fogarty, Gewurztraminer, Wine Lovers Page

PRUNIER LIQUEUR D'ORANGE BESTS COMPETITORS, HALBY HERALD "SCOOPS" LOS ANGELES TIMES

2007-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've said all along that our Prunier Liqueur d'Orange beats the competition, and at about 2/3 the price of Grand Marnier... Now, no less of an authority than the Los Angeles Times backs me up! The relevant passages are reproduced below.

Grab that Gorgeous Bottle

By Leslie Brenner, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 21, 2007

...So why not perform a clever flip in the wine shop... this season there are so many intriguing bottles in the higher-proof aisles -- the ones where you find the aperitifs and liqueurs. Just grab a bottle or five... and you've got gift-giving practically wrapped up. Or at least off to a good start.

You may have noticed some of those less familiar bottles and wondered: What does a walnut liqueur from Austria taste like? Is that French orange liqueur any better than Grand Marnier? Or what's behind the mysterious-looking Italian vermouth with the 18th century pedigree?

We tasted through a couple of dozen intriguing selections... Happily, we've turned up some pretty exciting stuff -- for every budget....

Prunier La Lieutenance Liqueur d'Orange. Not only does this make a great gift, but tasting it side by side with Grand Marnier and Cointreau makes it clear that it's time to rethink one's house orange liqueur. A beautiful burnished orange color, the Prunier La Lieutenance has candied orange peel scents and a deep flavor that'sa bit more sophisticated and less sweet than the big two. A natural for mixing in cocktails, it's also terrific to sip on its own.

RECIPE: TROU NORMAND - APPLE SORBET WITH MENORVAL CALVADOS

2007-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

RECIPE: TROU NORMAND - APPLE SORBET WITH MENORVAL CALVADOS

The printed sales sheet for our Menorval Calvados always referred to it as the "true Normand." Without giving it much thought, I guessed that this just meant it was an authentic product, from the French region of Normandy.

The actuality is considerably more colorful, as I was surprised to learn when I stumbled across a reference to Trou Normand in an old issue of Saveur magazine.

Literally translated from French, it means Norman hole and is used to describe a glass of calvados, gulped down between courses to create a "hole" in one's stomach enabling further feasting. While calvados certainly has the "heat" to warm your insides, if the thought of making a hole in your stomach sounds more than a little bulemic for your taste, the term has also evolved to to mean a much more appealing liquor-splashed sorbet eaten at the end of a meal.

With holiday season repasts upon us, here's a simple to make, refreshing Trou Normand, to be consumed as an intermezzo between courses or as a finale to a festive dinner. Adapted from Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark Bittman:

TROU NORMAND (Apple Sorbet with Menorval Calvados)

Bring 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until sugar dissolves. Transfer syrup to a medium bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Juice 8 cored granny smith apples in an electric juicer, skimming off any foam. Stir apple juice and juice of 1 lemon into syrup. Process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions.

To serve, scoop sorbet into small dessert bowls, make a divot on top, and add a splash of Menorval Calvados. Serves 4.

Tags: Calvados, Trou Normand, Menorval

Fogarty Lexington Meritage Rated Exceptional By Dan Berger

2007-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Still more news from the Fogarty Winery... This write-up comes from well known wine journalist Dan Berger.

The Lexington Meritage is now available, for the first time, in Florida...

Santa Cruz

One of the most important fine wine regions in California is this small, hilly region south of San Francisco. But it’s one with only 3,000 acres of vines, and numerous little pockets in which microclimate differences are evident.

Alas, the region is populated by many small, struggling wineries and few people have ever taken a hard look at what the sub-regions of Santa Cruz do and have the potential to do.

I met with Thomas Fogarty Winery wine maker Michael Martella and assistant Nathan Kandler for lunch yesterday and tried a number of superb wines that I hadn’t before tried. Some day a more thorough analysis of this region will be done, but for now I can say that the Fogarty property does quite well with the Cabernet varieties, as our Tasting Notes will attest. The wines are designed for Bordeaux lovers and for those who’ll serve them with food. They defy numerical rankings.

Exceptional

2003 Thomas Fogarty

Lexington Meritage, Santa Cruz Mountains

A Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Cab Franc blend, with a stylish aroma of dried herbs and dried red and black fruit; classic Claret-like entry and the stuffing to age at least a decade.

2007 Harvest at Thomas Fogarty Winery

2007-11-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Fogarty Winery has been bombarding me with news lately... I guess it's their way of getting back at me for not having written about them in my blog until just recently.

To read about the 2007 harvest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, complete with photos from the Fogarty vineyards, check out: Palo Alto Online : A hesitant harvest.

Tags: Thomas Fogarty, Fogarty Winery, 2007 harvest, Santa Cruz Mountains

Menorval Calvados Perfect for Holiday Recipes

2007-10-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

This time of year, retailers often get requests for Calvados, the apple brandy from the Normandy region of France that's an essential ingredient in many holiday recipes.

Since there are only a few brands of Calvados available locally, please consider our Menorval Prestige Calvados, available from Opici, which fills a niche for a reasonably priced, high quality, authentic product. Our Menorval XO Calvados, recommended for sipping, is also available.

To get you into a festive holiday mode, here's a simple to make dessert recipe from a recent issue of Gourmet that looks(in the words of Rachael Ray) "Yum-O": RUSTIC APPLE TARTS WITH CALVADOS WHIPPED CREAM. I personally prepared this recipe last holiday season and it was literally "easy as pie." It came out just like in the picture...and it tasted as good as it looked!

If you're still in a cooking mood, here are a few more recipes for you:

RECIPES

Chicken Calvados (may also be made with medallions of veal or pork)

In a sauté pan, melt 5 tablespoons clarified butter over medium-high heat. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken breasts to a heated platter and set aside. In the same pan, sauté 2 tablespoons minced shallots, 1 tart green apple, peeled cored and finely chopped, until browned. Reduce heat. Add 3/4 cup calvados and 1/2 cup chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and return the chicken breasts to the pan. Cover and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the chicken breasts to a platter, leaving the juices in the pan; keep warm. Add 1/2 cup cream, 1/4 cup chicken stock and 2 tart green apples, (peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds) to the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the chicken breasts and apple rounds on individual plates and pour equal amounts of sauce over each.

Calvados Caramel Dessert Sauce
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons Menorval Calvados

2 tablespoons unsalted butter.

In a dry heavy saucepan (about 2 quarts) cook sugar over moderate heat, stirring with a fork, until melted and cook without stirring, swirling pan, until a golden caramel. Remove pan from heat and carefully add water and brandy down side of pan (caramel will bubble and steam). Return pan to heat and simmer, stirring, until caramel is dissolved. Stir in butter. Sauce may be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Reheat sauce to warm before serving. Yield: about 1 1/4 cups.

SHELF TALKER

Tags: Menorval, Calvados, Apple Brandy, Apple Tart

Fogarty Goes Gold (and Silver!) at American Fine Wine Competition

2007-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Several Thomas Fogarty wines were entered into the inaugural South Florida Business Journal American Fine Wine Competition, held this past week at the Boca Raton Resort, resulting in a gold medal and two silvers:

2003 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Scheid Vineyard, Monterey

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Vallerga Vineyard

2004 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Additionally, I was a "Wine Angel" at the $250 per plate Gala dinner event last night, which means I got to spread my wings and pour Fogarty wines for some of the more than 400 guests and, as always, the wines were extremely well received.

Here are the complete official results from the competition's all-star judging panel: New wine competition chooses winners - South Florida Business Journal

Tags: American Fine Wine Competition, Thomas Fogarty, South Florida Business Journal

Thomas Fogarty Wines Have Heart

2007-10-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of TomTom, the portable GPS Navigational System?

Although it may sometimes seem as if I don't know where I'm going,at Halby Marketing, we have our own TomTom and it's not a GPS!

Yes, our two Toms are Thomas Halby,(see my previous blog posting) and Thomas Fogarty. Although not related to John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival & Centerfield fame, in certain circles, cardiovascular surgeon, teacher and inventor, Dr. Thomas Fogarty, is perhaps even more famous than his musical namesake, having invented in 1969 the Fogarty embolectomy catheter that literally revolutionized medicine.

The last time I wrote about the Fogarty Winery in The Halby Herald pre-dates this blog but, as my good friend Jan Boxer-Sitko is fond of saying, a fortunate "confluence of events" brings these wines to my top of mind.

First, Anne Krolczyk, Fogarty's Marketing Director was in town last week to participate in Opici's Holiday Trade Show and gave me an opportunity to taste through the current vintages and new releases of Fogarty wines that will soon be available for sale here in Florida. It was a welcome reminder of just how good these wines are.

Second, a spate of stellar ratings in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, (including some 95 pointers!)confirms what my own taste buds told me. Due to technical space limitations, the ratings won't fit into this blog entry, so I've included them separately in the next post.

Also in the "good press" department, a few weeks ago, Wall Street Journal wine columnists, Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, had some favorable comments about the Fogarty Winery arising from their visit to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Finally, I've been following with amused interest a blog on Sunset: Life in the West called One Block Diet, where a team of editors from Sunset Magazine chronicles their experiences in raising or growing all of the necessary ingredients for a made-from-scratch feast, right in their own garden. Of course, no feast is complete without wine to accompany it and, although the Sunset crew has planted grapevines, they won't be producing wine-worthy fruit for at least three years. So, they've decided to purchase grapes from the Fogarty Vineyards.

If you've ever dreamed of working the harvest and picking grapes to make your own wine, you'll want to check out this blog, especially beginning with this September 20th posting.

The Fogarty wines that are currently available in Florida (or will be available soon, as noted) are as follows:

2004 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

2005 Monterey Gewurztraminer

2001 Santa Cruz Mountains Merlot

2004 Skyline California Red (Bordeaux blend)

2006 Skyline California Chardonnay (Unoaked! New item, already in stock!)

2003 Lexington Meritage - sourced from Jon Anderson's Camel Hill Vineyard (arriving soon!)... (No, not THAT Jon Anderson, THIS Jon Anderson, but congrats on your classic rock trivia expertise.)

2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Vallerga Vineyard (arriving soon!)

2003 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Scheid Vineyard, Monterey (First vintage, arriving soon...sold only at the winery until now!)

Click here for tasting notes to these great Fogarty wines.

And, lest we forget, Fogarty winemaker,Michael Martella's full-bodied and delicious exercise in blending: 2001 Martella "Hammer" California Syrah is also still available.

Thomas Fogarty Wines and Michael Martella's Hammer Syrah are distributed in Florida by The Opici Wine Company. Please contact your Opici rep for further details and pricing.

Tags: Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mountains, Michael Martella, Fogarty Winery

Thomas Fogarty Ratings in Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2007-10-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

RATING
95

2004 Thomas Fogarty Damiana Vineyard
Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

Absolutely delicious, first-rate Chard from this veteran producer. Shows the prettiest balance of all its parts, and just about as good as California Chard gets. Ripely opulent in tropical fruit, apricot and tangerine flavors and crisp in limey acids, the wine’s 50% new oak adds luscious notes of buttercream, toast, smoke and vanilla. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
95

2004 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard M Block
Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

This luscious Pinot is impressive now for the power of its black currant, cherry, raspberry, vanilla, cola and Provençal herb flavors, with their firm backbone of acidity. It’s the kind of Pinot that dazzles from the first sip to the last, as it evolves in the glass. The tannins are sweet and gentle, but supportive enough to allow this gorgeous wine to age for six to eight years. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
94

2004 Thomas Fogarty Estate Grown
Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45
An Editors' Choice

A low-yield (one ton to the acre) mountain wine, tremendously complex and probably ageworthy. With concentrated cherry, black raspberry, cola and mocha flavors weighted by a deeper, earthier, mushroomy note and tons of Asian spice, it’s entirely dry, with a beautiful tannin-acid balance. Drink now–2010. — S.H. (2/1/2007)

RATING
93

2004 Thomas Fogarty Camel Hill Vineyard
Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

Creamy and crisp, this Chard is ultrarich in fruit, with lemondrop, pineapple tart filling, crème brûlée and buttered toast flavors. Really delicious and complicated, it’s from a vineyard on mountainous slopes in the heart of the Silicon Valley suburb of Los Gatos. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
93

2004 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard B Block
Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

A very big Pinot, obviously chosen for its special designation due to the concentration of fruit. Almost Grenache-like in cherries, cassis, cocoa and glyceriney richness, it’s a dry, silky wine whose elaborate oak finishings add opulence. Despite the Loire-like weight, it’s a compelling Pinot that evolves as it warms in the glass, suggesting ageability. Drink now–2010. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
92

2004 Thomas Fogarty Portola Springs Vineyard
Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

There’s a minerality to this Chard that makes it bracing, although it also shows the opulence of Fogarty’s other ’04s. A tang of gunmetal undergirds the tropical fruit and vanilla custard flavors that are wrapped into a creamy texture. Almost begs for shrimp, lobster, crab, the more richly prepared, the better. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
92

2004 Thomas Fogarty Albutom Vineyard
Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

Here’s a wonderfully balanced Chardonnay. It’s rich, ripe and oaky, with crisp cool-climate acidity boosting the pineapple and papaya fruit, but there’s also a mineral, diesel note throughout that adds complexing interest and firmness. Should hold for five years. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
90

2004 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard
Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $45

Beautiful; fully drinkable now for its soft, delicate structure and harmonious finish. Not a powerhouse, it shows nuanced varietal flavors of cherries, blackberries and cola, with elaborate oak shadings and a long, spicy finish. — S.H. (10/1/2007)

RATING
90

2002 Thomas Fogarty Vallerga Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $59

Drinkable now for its thick but ripely sweet tannins, this Cab has blue and black fruit and berry flavors, like blackberries, plums, black raspberries and cola, enhanced with spicy, charry oak. What a long, beautiful finish. — S.H. (9/1/2006)

RATING
88

2004 Thomas Fogarty Estate
Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, $27

Oaky and deeply flavored, with a wealth of passionfruit, mango and pineapple custard flavors, this Chard hails from a cool part of the mountains, but it’s from a hot vintage. The combination of ripeness and acidity works well. — S.H. (2/1/2007)

RATING
87

2005 Thomas Fogarty
Gewürztraminer, Monterey

Most of the grapes come from Ventana’s vineyard in the Arroyo Seco, one of the most underestimated white grape terroirs in California. The vineyard’s capacity for producing ripeness with acidity is amply shown in this dry, crisply fruity wine. Its dusty brown spice, white and yellow stone fruit and wildflower flavors are just delicious. — S.H. (2/1/2007)

Santa Alicia Best Buy Ratings in Wine Enthusiast

2007-10-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Cream always rises to the top.

Several visitors to the Halby Marketing table at last week's Opici Holiday show singled out our 2003 Santa Alicia Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for recognition and I will be the first to agree that it was tasting mighty good. When you factor in the bargain basement price of under $15 retail, it's hard to beat.

Now, the just out November 15, 2007 issue of The Wine Enthusiast is also in accord, rating it 88 points and a Best Buy, along with similarly favorable ratings for a number of other Santa Alicia wines:

88 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2003 Gran Reserva Cab Sauvignon Maipo Valley

For Full-bodied, true Cabernet at a reasonable price, Santa Alicia’s 2003 Gran Reserva, is a winner. The plum and berry flavors are clean and supported by proper creamy oak and the tannins are pliable and add backbone.

88 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2005 Reserve Shiraz Maipo Valley

Big and burly, with aromas of ground spices, leather, roasted meat and blackberry. The flavors of plum, wild berry and espresso draw no complaints. Overall this is one good, ripe, big-boned wine with texture and body. Best if you like saturated but balanced modern reds.

86 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2006 Reserve Malbec Maipo Valley

Malbec from Chile may not seem as natural as from Argentina, but you will not go wrong with this stocky, soft, lightly baked offering. The palate has a touch of herbal lift to accent the black fruit, while the finish is firm, comfortable and consistent.

86 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2005 Reserve Carmenère Maipo Valley

Round and warm on the nose, with turned earth, baked tomato and red plum aromas. The palate follows the nose by dealing back plum and earthy/herbal accents, while the finish is harmonious. With a good mouth feel, the wine comes across fairly generous.

85 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

Made in the heavier, denser style. That means the aromas are rich and jammy, while the wine has a soft, doughy texture supplemented by pruny berry flavors. Texture is the wine’s focal point; it finishes with some spicy heatand stickiness.

84 pts Best Buy Santa Alicia 2005 Reserve Merlot Maipo Valley

Leafy and dry at first, and then more lively and bruising as it opens. The palate shows herbal plum and berry flavors along with spiky tannins and plenty of acidic snap. Not a dull wine, but it rates as rugged and demanding.

For further information about the entire Santa Alicia product line, see Santa Alicia Wines from Chile.

SHELF TALKERS

Tags: Santa Alicia, Gran Reserva, Grand Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Enthusiast, Best Buy, Chile