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Cincy WineFest in the spotlight — and under the microscope
I’m counting on Uncorked readers to fill us all in on how the Cincinnati International Wine Festival’s Grand Tastings went Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturning night. How’d it go?
I attended a Friday afternoon tasting for those involved in the wine business, and that experience is not the same as the Grand Tastings, so I’m not qualified to weigh in on the full experience. Did anybody go? What was your experience?
Here are a few broad observations about the wines:
— The California wine-producing regions of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara — which trail California “wine country” of Napa and Sonoma in terms of prestige and hype but are quickly narrowing the gap in quality — continue to impress. The Robert Hall Winery in Paso is producing some delicious reds, including the 2005 Rhone de Robles ($19.99). From Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Winery pinot noir and syrah and LaFond Winery pinot are delicious, as are the Rhone varietals such as Roussanne and Viognier from Zaca Mesa. Napa who?
— Ohio wines are also stepping up. Cincinnati-based Vinoklet Winery makes a dry white from Vidal Blanc grapes that it calls “Tears of Joy,” and while it didn’t prompt that extreme of a reaction, it was well-balanced and tasty. The Firelands Winery, located in Sandusky, produces a crisp and aromatic gewurtztraminer for a scant $8.49 a bottle. I’m tellin’ ya, if Ohio winemaking were a stock, I’d buy it.
— At the risk of making a sweeping generalization, the 2005 vintage in Europe — France and Germany in particular — is shaping up to be a dream vintage in which inexpensive bottlings are a significant cut above the normal and taste more like their more expensive brethren. I’ve formed that early impression based on German Rieslings and White Burgundies, but one of the first reds I’ve tasted from the ‘05 vintage — the 2005 Paul Jaboulet Parallele 45 Cotes-du-Rhone — did nothing to shatter the belief. It’s a $12.99 wine that could pose for a Gigondas. Although there certainly wasn’t a thing lacking in the 2004 Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes-du-Rhone ($15.99) or the 2004 Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence ($14.99) either. It’ll be fun to compare the ‘05 versions of those wines with their excellent ’04s.
— Milla Handley from Handley Cellars is a breath of fresh air — down-to-earth and fun to talk to, with dazzling whites (and pinks) including the 2005 Pinot Noir Rose and the 2006 Gewurtztraminer, both $18.99.
— Wine values abound. Go to Arrow Centerville today and chat with Covey Run winemaker Kerry Norton and taste through his array of reasonably priced, high-quality wines from Washington State, including a 2003 Syrah for something in the neighborhood of $10. Or seek out an eclectic duo of bargain Spanish reds: 2005 Veroleon Grenache-Merlot and 2003 Encuentro Tempranillo, both $13.99 and drinking like they should cost much more.
The festival seems to be attracting greater numbers of winemakers, which is a positive sign. But enough of my wine babbling. What did you think of the Cincy WineFest?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Comments
By Gordo
March 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
I went on Friday evening. I got in early because I also attended the Litton Chamber Music / Champagne tasting just before the Grand Tasting. As others have already said, there was plenty of wine, plenty of food. Also,as others have said, the lines to get the wine or food were very short. However, there were two things really stood out for me that have not been mentioned yet. They include the food at the food station provided by Kroger. There were 3 chefs cooking at this station. They prepared blackened, seared sea scallops served with a ginger soy and a wasabi sauce dribbled over the scallops. They were heavenly. Also, the dessert tables had an incredible variety of offerings, and they never ran out. The 4 oz. cylindrically shaped glasses (like a pony glass in mixologist’s terms) filled with dark chocolate mousse and topped off with flourless dark chocolate cake with a bit of caramel drizzle on top was my favorite and was not to be missed! I’ll definitely go back next year!
By Patty
March 26, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
This was my first time attending the Wine Fest. What a good time! The talk about not being enough food for the past several years was simply not true this time around. The food was plentiful and excellent! The lines were not long at all. I expected a wait and it wasn’t there! I can’t wait for next year!
By Jeff Bruce
March 26, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
One of the questions hanging over the Grand Tastings was answered positively: would the food hold out. Tables were well stocked with munchies until 8:30 p.m. when it seemed everyone was gravitating to the silent auction area to elbow their way in for one last bid. Overall, we found the event to be well-organized and friendly. Waits at the pouring booths were minimal. Some lovely wines. Couple to note: The 2004 Stag’s Leap Artemis cab was killer (and at $51 a bottle retail it should be). We were delighted with a new entry in the market, a light, fun “monster” of a zin — Zinzilla. It went on sale Sunday morning at a pouring at Jungle Jim’s. If you were among the first there you got a commemorative autographed bottle. We did.
By Ray
March 26, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
I’m a first-timer and I thought the festival was fantastic all the way around. Terrific choices of wine. No long lines (I can’t remember waiting more than a minute to get my glass filled). And the food? It didn’t run out. There was plenty, and it was good (sandwiches, cheese, veggies and dessert, mostly). I’ll go again
By Michelle
March 25, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Handley was our overall favorite, both for the conversation and for the wine. It was the one location where we enjoyed all of the wines on the table. We also enjoyed the Aranleon Encuentro and the Aranleon Veroleon blend from Spain at the Penssive Concepts table. Like you, we really enjoyed several of the offerings from LaFond and Santa Barbara.
By jens at cincinnati wine
March 24, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Like you I skipped the Public event, but at the Trade Show enjoyed Robert Hall, Graziano, Styring, San Leonardo, Zaca Mesa and the 1991 Ridge Montebello under the table at the Ridge booth. Say the secret word to get a taste!