John Byrum Patagonia Wine Tasting

March 26, 2012 – 10:09 pm

Thursday, March 29th: John Byrum Patagonia Wine Tasting 5 to 6:30 PM. Wines from Argentina! The line up:

Baudron Chardonnay 2010 – A tropical Chardonnay oaked for only 2 months. This is not quite an unoaked Chardonnay but the light oaking does provide it with some balance. Tropical Floral nose and peach, pear, and pineapple on the pallet.
Baudron Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – Dark Ruby color with a plumb nose. Dark berries and a little pepper on the pallet, medium bodied with some rich oak tannins.
Solar de Urbezo Garnacha 2010 – 89pt Robert Parker. Sourced from a 60 year old parcel, this old vine garnacha has aromas of leather, black cherries, and cigar box. Aged 3 months in French oak, this medium bodied wine has great balance and a long finish.
Finca Don Carlos Calathus Chardonnay 2010- A green yellow Chardonnay that is heavily oaked (70% French 30% American Oak). Valle de Ucco, Mendoza, Argentina.
Finca Don Carlos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – A dark ruby colored Cabernet aged in 70% French and 30% American oak for 11 months. A persistent Cabernet with great balance and old world stylings. (reminds me of an aged Bordeaux type Cab)
Finca Don Carlos Pinot Noir 2007 – A dark brick colored Pinot Noir (This is just the color of Pinot in Argentina). Robert Parker 90 points. Oaked 8 months in French and American Oak. This is a medium bodied Pinot Noir with silky black cherry and raspberry flavors. unfiltered.
Finca Don Carlos Malbec 2008 – Silver Medal Argentina Wine Awards – This unfiltered Malbec has black and blue fruit flavors with complex flavors of earth, black cherry, and spices. Great balance and a lengthy finish.
P2 Malbec by Walter Pecile 2008. Ok…this is a serious specialty item. Only 1200 bottle made per year. This is Patagonia Wine’s signature wine.

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Naked Mountain Raptor Red 2008 (VA)

March 25, 2012 – 10:13 pm


August 16th 2010, Randy and Meagan Morgan became the newest stewards of a great tradition and one of the most well known wineries in Virginia.

The first vines were planted on this site in 1976 by Bob and Phoebe Harper, who were led here by the theory, “If you can find a place peaches will grow, grapes will grow too.” It started with four rows, but over the years grew to 6 acres producing over 6,000 cases annually. With Chardonnay that has been served at the White House twice (once during a State Dinner hosted by President George H. W. Bush, and again at a meeting with State Governor’s held by President Bill Clinton) the Harpers built a tradition of high quality wines accompanied by spectacular views.

I came across a bottle of Naked Mountain Raptor Red 2008 at the Eastern WIneries Exposition in Lancaster, PA. Obviously, someone Randy and Meagan were there, though we never met that I know of.

Raptor Red is a blend is approximately 31% Tannat, 30% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 19% Cabernet Franc (this is an approximation from the 2007 vinetage).

Thw inemakers notes for the 2007 were as such, so I am assuming they were the same for the 2008:
All of the grapes were harvested and chilled in a refrigerated trailer overnight. The subsequent mornings the grapes were destemmed, crushed and were allowed to cold soak for a few days in one ton bins where they were punched down at least twice a day. Each red wine must was inoculated with BM45, D80 or D254 yeasts.

Following fermentation, when all of the grape sugar was converted to alcohol, the wine was concurrently inoculated with malolactic bacteria while it was pressed into stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation, a second, bacterial fermentation is where the malic acids are converted to softer lactic acids. Following 24 hours of settling the wine was racked into barrels where it would spend the next 10 months. The wine was stirred weekly for two months and then monthly for eight months. Stirring, or Sur Lies aging, introduces the lees back into the juice to enhance the structure and mouth feel of a wine, give it extra body, and increase the aromatic complexity. Lees also absorb oxygen, and help maintain a slow and controlled oxidation during maturation. Lees stirring increases the release of yeast compounds into the wine, resulting in the creamy, viscous mouth feel of our Raptor Red. Stirring also helps integrate the wood or oak characteristics into the wine.

The wine was wonderful! Lots of dark berries and cocoa came forth from the glass. And a whiff of vanilla. Once on the palate the dark berries came through – dark raspberry, black cherry, and hints of cassis. Good fruit up front, nice acidity and low tannins.

This was a wonderful wine and a lot of fun! Very, very good! Excellent!

East Coast Wineries

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Airport Transfers Are not Just For Well known Resorts

March 25, 2012 – 10:16 am

I needed an exotic getaway this calendar year but I did not desire to shell out the earth for it. Several of the prices that I bought from deal getaway corporations were certainly absurd and much outside of the budget I had allotted. I went to a lot of offer holiday getaway organizations, both equally on the net and on the substantial avenue but they had been literally more than a thousand kilos more than I had been prepared to shell out, equally simply because I couldn’t manage it and since I merely did not think that it actually price that considerably. I decided as a substitute, to guide my airport transfers, flights and accommodation individually myself and it actually finished up coming in beneath my genuine funds!

If you wish to cut costs, this really is a great way to undertake it. I knew that travel agents additional a top quality but several of the costs are astronomical, significantly the mark up on airport transfers I have been billed in the previous. Ahead of booking my airport transfers or everything like that, the initial thing I did was checked that the resort I needed to remain in was basically offered for the dates I required – certainly you must do that initially, following all – you don’t choose to book your airport transfers and flights and after that discover you may have nowhere to remain.

I discovered the accommodations official website and sent then an enquiry email immediately, they were being prompt in responding and the rate they quoted me was a portion of that a journey agent would have charged me.

I then booked my flights which is a great way to save lots of cash, I even opted to not have an in-flight meal, just after all – over 50 for two individuals is really high-priced after you feel about it, you are able to take in at a good restaurant for that cost. Why spend that once you can grab a snack at the airport for far a smaller amount.

The remaining part was the airport transfers. Our location was really unique and off the overwhelmed track so to become sincere I was fifty percent expecting airport transfers businesses to not present it but I had been surprised to find they all did. I had saved so much money with the flights and accommodation that I decided to splash out on the airport transfers and booked non-public transportation but it really was nonetheless really low-priced for a 3 hour drive and the entire holiday break arrived in under my spending budget. I believed airport transfers have been just for well-liked resorts nonetheless they give transport in quite a lot of different far more exotic locations.

Build up your likelihood for prosperity with airport transfer competent advice. You can also get instructional courses available for the airport transfers.

Airport Transfers Are not Just For Well known Resorts was first posted on March 25, 2012 at 7:54 am.
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François Dumas, Wine Importer in Japan

March 24, 2012 – 10:24 am

François Dumas Roppongi, Tokyo We had the chance recently to meet François Dumas, who is possibly the first to have set up a wine-import business in Japan centered around French natural wines : his company Le Vin Nature is entirely…
Wine Tasting, Vineyards, in France

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March 15, 2012-Newsletter

March 23, 2012 – 10:27 pm

We’re honoring St. Patrick’s Day. Come on in.

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Vacationing Overseas To Visit Stonehenge

March 23, 2012 – 8:55 pm

There are many wonderful tourist destinations across the globe that inspires a sense of mystery throughout the world. One of these destinations is Stonehenge. Stonehenge is located in Great Britain and is a series of large rock formations that seem to have been strategically placed. However, nobody has ever figured out how these rocks got there or who put them there. They do not seem to serve a purpose, yet it is clear they were put there for a reason. If you are looking to take an international vacation you must remember that you will need a passport. If you need to update your passport with services like pass port name change or passport renewal, you can go online and find a passport services agency to help you.

Passport Needs

Passports are important documents when it comes to international travel. Without them access to a foreign country is prohibited. They act as permission to cross an international border as well as re-enter the country of origin. All US citizens must have a passport if traveling internationally. That includes infants and children. Their passports are subject to different guidelines, but child passports and infant passports are necessary. Due to technology and the internet expedite US passport renewal are much easy to acquire than before.

World Famous

Stonehenge is on of the most famous sites in the world for ancient monoliths. It is a prehistoric monumental structure that is nestled in the English county of Wiltshire. It is a site that is composed of large standing stones set within earthworks in a circular setting. It is in the center of a dense complex of both Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, this even includes over hundreds of burial mounds.

Research

Archaeologists suggest that the monolith monument was constructed anywhere between 3000B.C.E to 2000B.C.E. However, some radiocarbon dating has implied that the first stones were actually put up in 2400-2200B.C.E. Stonehenge was constructed in three different phases, with the earliest phase being the circular earth bank and ditch that surrounds the monument, this dates to about 3100B.C.E. Scientists have also estimated that the total of all three construction phases entailed more than thirty million hours of hard labour.

Debate

When it comes to the actual purpose of Stonehenge, this is where many debates and controversies arise. Some believe it is an ancient sun dial and on the solstice of every year thousands of pagans flock to Stonehenge. Archaeological evidence shows that for at least the first 500 years it was used as a burial site, as remains of cremated humans have been found in the sediment. The theories regarding Stonehenge vary from ancient human sacrificial site to astronomy related ventures; ultimately it was created by a culture that left no written records, so it is all up for interpretation.

Tickets

Stonehenge was declared an UNESCO World Heritage site and has been protected as such. It is currently owned by the Crown of England, and the land is owned and operated by the national trust. Since its first archaeological exam in the mid-1600’s Stonehenge has gone through many restorations to make it the awe inspiring site it is today. Extensive research has also been conducted on the site which has now identified the source of some of the rocks.

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Michael Stephen Kavic 2008 Merlot (PA)

March 23, 2012 – 10:30 am


Michael and Patricia Kavic have known each other along time. Since their college days. Michael completed medical school and became a general surgeon. His wife, Patricia Fleck Kavic, who is a registered nurse, completed graduate studies in social work and practiced in the field.

Together, they started Michael Stephen Kavic Winery. Patricia’s brother, Patrick J. Fleck, Jr., joined them last year as Manager of Operations at the Winery.

The winery is urban, located within 10 minutes of downtown Pittsburgh. All their grapes are locally grown, using local labor and local products. Their own vineyard, under development, will be within 5 miles of the winery. Until then, they make wine with the grapes they can get.

Michael and Patricia Kavic make quality wines. I had the oppotunity to try their 2008 Merlot New York. The grapes were grown in New York. But the wine was made in Pennsylvania.

The merlot was a dark, dry red wine. The nose was pregnant with plum, ripe cherries, and a hint of chocolate. The fruit on the palate was defintely cherries, plum, and again the subtle hint of mocha. The fruit and acids were balanced, and the finish was soft with low tannins.

Very nice. Congrats to Michael, Patricia, and Patrick and everyone at Michael Step
hen Kavic Winery!

East Coast Wineries

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Visiting The Dominican Republic For Spring Break

March 22, 2012 – 3:53 am

It is that wonderful time of the year for students across the country again! Of course, I’m talking about Spring Break. Students all over the country are getting ready to start planning where they are going to be traveling to. One of the most popular destinations of the past few years is Punta Cana. It is important for potential international travelers to remember, however, anyone heading outside of the country must have a valid United States passport. If you do not already have a passport, you can get an online passport application.

Passports

Passports are necessary documents for international travel. Any person wishing to visit popular destinations such as Punta Cana must have a American passport in their possession. Without these necessary travel documents access to a foreign country may be denied as well as re-entry back into the country of origin. Now, with the internet and technology passports are easier to obtain than they ever were before.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic. It has many beautiful and scenic beaches and a fast-paced nightlife for travelers to enjoy. Since the 1970’ Punta Cana has been a favorite among students who are looking to go somewhere unique for Spring Break. Punta Cana is very easy to get to and there are many direct flights from the United States that go there every day. The best way to find a great deal on a trip to Punta Cana is by going online well in advance of your vacation and looking for travel specials on travel agency websites.

Punta Cana Activities

Aside from the lushes sugar white sand beaches that Punta Cana has to offer there are over twelve professional golf courses. As well as the cultural sites featured in the nearby 500 year old city of Higuey. Higuey features the Basilica Catholic Monument; this structure was built in 1962 and was devised by two French architects. This is a popular tourist site in the province. These sites combined with the resort area of Punta Cana make it a perfect destination for a vacation.

Hotels And Spas

If you are going to be visiting Punta Cana for Spring Break you can go online and try to find hotel deals so you can have a place to stay when you are there. There are many spectacular resorts and spas located in the Dominican Republic that cater to travelers. Punta Cana has many incredible restaurants for tourists to dine at and get a better understanding of the local culture. Residents of Punta Cana are generally very friendly towards visitors and are happy to show people all of the wonderful attractions their town has to offer.

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Snooth, Gregory Dal Piaz Rave About Six Hudson Valley Wines

March 21, 2012 – 10:47 pm


Editor-in-Chief Gregory Dal Piaz recently raved about six Hudson Valley wines. Here’s what he has to say, with the links to prove it!

Hudson-Chatham Baco Noir Old Vines 2010
Lightly scented with notes of black plum, grape and wood spice topped with a touch of muskiness and a touch of dried cilantro. Bright on entry, this is medium bodied with a nice base of supple tannins. The fruit is fairly intense, picking up the black plum notes from the nose, yet a touch simple. More wild plum notes on the palate are joined by well-measured oak and blackberry notes that lead to the light, fresh black-fruited finish. Very well done in a style that gently recalls Northern European red wines. Very gluggable. 85pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/wine/hudson-chatham-baco-noir-old-vine-2010/#ixzz1pkVcgUP4

Whitecliff Chardonnay 2010
Nicely gentle on the nose with a subtle complexity married to fine freshness. Notes of apple, apple skin, orange, herb and lime great the nose with support from a very gentle shading of oak. This is very bright in the mouth. It explodes in lightweight vibrancy with big acids that stretch out the apple, herb and slightly earthy flavors on the palate before showering fresh citrus fruits on the moderately long finish. Perhaps not terribly complex, this is succulent, balanced and just terrific. 91pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/wine/whitecliff-vineyard-chardonnay-2010/#ixzz1pkW3aMIn

Benmarl Cabernet Franc Ridge Road Estate 2010
A bit spicy on the nose with nice notes of rose stems, pink peppercorn, mineral red fruit and a touch of salt with hints of melon rind. On the palate this shows a fine mineral edge, it’s small scaled but very well balanced and transparent with lovely ripe raspberry fruit. The tannins are quite ripe and the acid fully integrated. On the back end this shows a lean nature, slightly austere though very fresh with cranberry and cherry pit fruit that carries through on the modest finish. 86pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/wine/benmarl-cabernet-franc/#ixzz1pkWZe8pN

Brotherhood America’s Oldest Winery Dry Riesling 2010
A bit sweet smelling and slightly oily with a nutty, cashew-like quality to the ripe sweet orchard fruits that have a touch of pit/backing spice to them. Drier than the nose would lead one to believe and in fact really fairly dry with rich, fairly fresh fruit in the mouth. This really offers up wonderfully aromatic apricot fruit in a lighter bodied style with nuanced honey and spice notes adding detail. There’s just enough sugar here to balance out the acid, leaving this quite dry feeling and pretty delicious. 87pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/articles/dry-riesling/#ixzz1pkY3QpiF

Tousey Pinot Noir 2010
A lovely, pale wine. This smells wonderful. A bit stemmy with a slight pine needle cast to the bright, red-fruited nose that is complex and delicate at the same time. On entry this has a fine leading edge of sweet red fruit, wild strawberry tone and more stemmy accents and a darker base. The texture is quite elegant and bright with the tannins firm yet layered under the ripe fruit. The long finish continues the theme of strawberry, herb and some cherry with maybe a bit of creamy oak rounding things out. Tense and a bit severe even, this is just lovely Pinot and it makes a statement. 90pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/wine/tousey-pinot-noir-2010/#ixzz1pkXHPYF5

Millbrook Tocai Fruliano 2010
Clean and crisp with bright, cleansing acidity backing up nice citrus and kiwifruit character on the nose with just a hint of lime blossom. This is a touch lean in the mouth but refreshing and has a wonderful springtime appeal. 86pts

Read more: http://www.snooth.com/wine/millbrook-tocai-friulano-2010/#ixzz1pkYwnJrA

Watch the Vitrual Tasting on Wednesday, March 21, 2010 at 8pm.
http://www.snooth.com/virtual-tasting/video/hudson-valley-virtual-tasting/?track=hvwc

East Coast Wineries

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The Original Mayan Town of Tikal

March 21, 2012 – 7:49 pm

Anyone who is interested in doing any international traveling knows how important it is to have a valid United States passport on hand. Without a passport, a person is not allowed to travel internationally. If you are trying to figure out how long does it take to get a U S passport, you will have to go online and find a passport agency. There, you will need to fill out a passport application and choose how quickly you want to receive it. Once you have your new passport in hand, you can start to plan your international vacation. If you are trying to decide where to go, consider taking a trip to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.

Passports

Without a valid United States passport, it is impossible to do any international travel. If you are someone who is trying to get a new United States passport, you can go online and fill out the U S passport application on a passport agency website. Thankfully, it is easier than ever to apply for and receive a United States passport. Unlike in the past, now even young children must have their own individual United States passport. This policy was enacted because of all the child abductions that were taking place overseas.

Tikal

Today Tikal is known as one of the largest archaeological sites for the Mayan civilization. It is found in the region of the Petén Basin in what is modern day Guatemala. The archaeological artifacts found at this site and excavations have given much insight into this ancient Mayan city as well as the Mayans who lived there. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that grew to be one of the most powerful kingdoms during the time of the ancient Mayans.

History

The ancient city of Tikal has been restored partially by the University of Pennsylvania and Guatemala. It is one of the biggest Mayan cities of the Classic period and is also one of the largest cities in the Americas. Even before the actual excavations began, the locals new of the ancient city, it wasn’t until 1951 when a small airstrip was built near the ruins that the Tikal Project got underway. From 1956 to 1970 the site was mapped out by many archaeological excavations.

Visiting Tikal

Visiting Tikal will open your eyes to the ancient Mayan civilization. Some of the best sites to see include the Great Plaza, The Central and North Acropolis’, the Mundo Perdido, as well as the Temple IV. An added bonus will be random monkeys in the trees above. In addition to these sites there is aso the Sylvanus G. Morley Museum, also known as the Tikal Museum. This museum features many of the artifacts unearthed from the excavations. In addition to the Tikal sites and museums there is are also tours of the jungle available, which is an added bonus to any trip.

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