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Mixed Case 6 Bottle 3 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Chianti Classico Viticcio 2009

Liz Johnson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:00:05 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week
Chianti Classico Viticcio 2009: Dark berries, red cherry and spice are inviting on the nose. Full bodied on the palate with chocolate and plum. Refreshing acidic verve and long clean finish. Region: Tuscany, Italy. Price: $18. Goes with: Rich pasta dishes, especially with Bolognese or marinara or fully-loaded pizza. Why we chose it: Ciao! This is the perfect wine for “la tavola.” Whether it’s pizza Friday or a family reunion, this classic Italian red is a local favorite.

This is Bottle No. 3 in our sixth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case from Suburban Wines in Yorktown Heights.
Mixed Case from Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.

Meet our expert here:

For 12 weeks, we feature a wine, and include tasting notes and suggestions for pairings. At the end of the 12 weeks, we’ll review our Mixed Case, and recap the choices. Each mixed case will be chosen by a local wine shop owner, who will also become our wine expert-in-residence during his or her tenure. (So should we need recommendations for a holiday, for example. we’ll ask.) We’ll get a new expert for each case. Right now, we’re working on our Mixed Case chosen by Brian Mullaney of Zachys in Scarsdale..

The post Mixed Case 6 Bottle 3 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Chianti Classico Viticcio 2009 appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 6 Bottle 2 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Chaz Point Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Liz Johnson — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:00:06 +0000

Chaz Point Cabernet Sauvignon 2010: Medium bodied with leather, tobacco, black fruit and hints of cedar, and spice. Rich texture with well integrated tannins, long finish. Region: Columbia Valley, Wash. Price: $17.99. Goes with: barbecue, especially grilled steak and seasoned kebabs. Why we chose it: Fire up the grill! From burgers to kebabs to steak, this is a hearty red with spice that wraps around any grilled dish you throw at it!

This is Bottle No. 2 in our sixth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 6 Bottle 2 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Chaz Point Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 appeared first on Small Bites.

Meet Our New Wine Expert: Brian Mullaney of Zachys in Scarsdale

Liz Johnson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:45:02 +0000

Brian Mullaney was carrying cases around the warehouse at Zachys when he noticed that the Chateaunuef du Pape boxes were heavier than a lot of the other wines.

“That piqued my curiosity,” he says. He looked into it, and found that the bottles, made with heavy glass and packed in wooden boxes, were selling for between $65 and $100 each. He became even more inquisitive, and started a journey learning about wine.

It was the beginning of his 12-year (so far) career at Zachys, a world-renowned wine company that’s earned a reputation for superior-quality wines. Today, he is the manager of operations.

“I started in the warehouse and worked my way up, literally carrying cases,” he says. “And now I’m helping to organize .. move all those cases.”

And by move, he means sell. In retail, including at the Scarsdale storefront, Zachys sells more than 100,000 cases a year, from French Burgundy to California chardonnay to everything in between.

“Zachys is strong in many different regions — our California, our Italy, our Bordeaux, our Burgundy are really stellar,” says Mullaney. “We’ve gone to great lengths to research, travel to and seek out the top labels and vintages.”

It’s for this reason that we’ve chosen Mullaney to be our wine expert-in-residence for the next three months. For the next 12 Wednesdays in Life&Style, he’ll choose our LoHud Wine of the Week, and include tasting notes and suggestions for pairings. At the end of the 12 weeks, we’ll review our Mixed Case and recap the choices assembled by Mullaney. Then we’ll introduce a new expert.

Read the rest of my profile on Brian and the team behind Zachys at lohud.com/food.

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Bayten Sauvignon Blanc 2012: LoHud Wine of the Week | Mixed Case 6 Bottle 1

Liz Johnson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:07:18 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week
Buitenverwachting Bayten Sauvignon Blanc 2012: Ripe, clean fruit with hints of kiwi, white peach and classic Sauvignon Blanc pink grapefruit. Long clean finish with vibrant acidity and mineral backbone. Region: Constantia, South Africa. Price: $13.50. Goes with: Grilled fish, especially tilapia, and chicken salad. Why we chose it: It’s a crisp and light, but a flavorful value white that is perfect for pool-side lounging.

This is Bottle No. 1 in our sixth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Obsidian Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: LoHud Wine of the Week | Mixed Case 5 Bottle 12

Liz Johnson — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:40:39 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week
Obsidian Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: Aromas of wild blackberries, plums, roasted coffee, sugar cookies and clove. The palate sports dried cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate supported by dusty spices. Region: Red Hills, Lake County, Calif. Price: $23.19. Goes with: Lamb burgers, short ribs, spicy lamb stew. Why I chose it: There are few North Coast Cabernets that can come close to the quality and precision of this Lake County single-vineyard example for under $50.

This is bottle 12, our final bottle, in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk
Mixed Case from Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry.

Meet our expert here:

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Ravines Meritage 2008: LoHud Wine of the Week | Mixed Case 5 Bottle 11

Liz Johnson — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:33:02 +0000

Ravines Meritage 2008: Made of Cabernet, Merlot, and Cab Franc on the shores of Keuka Lake, this is an elegant, currant-laden, Bordeaux-like red with hints of tobacco, pencil and licorice. Region: Finger Lakes, N.Y. Price: $19.19. Goes with: lamb, pork, stews. Why I chose it: This Meritage ups the ante for great wine grown in the rapidly improving Finger Lakes region, and is certain to change the region’s reputation. Mark Memorial Day with this.

This is bottle 11 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Juan Gil Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell 2011: LoHud Wine of the Week | Mixed Case 5 Bottle 10

Liz Johnson — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:03:28 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Juan Gil Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell 2011: Dramatic and dark-fruited, with robustness, herbaceousness, and savory tannins integrated within a sweet, ripe framework. Full-bodied and satisfyingly long. Region: Jumilla, Spain. Price: $7.19. Goes with: Steaks, burgers, pizza. Why I chose it: Here is proof that solidly-made, compelling-to-drink, organically-farmed wine can be had for well under $10.

This is Bottle No. 10 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Francois Pinon Vouvray Les Trois Argiles 2010 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Mixed Case 5 Bottle 9

Liz Johnson — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:13:12 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Francois Pinon Vouvray Les Trois Argiles 2010: All the great aspects of Chenin Blanc are in here: Subtly sweet fragrances of lanolin, quince, and almond oil; Dense flavors of pineapple, herbs and wet stone. Region: Loire Valley. Price: $15.97. Goes with: Shellfish (particularly shrimp and lobster), squash casserole. Why I chose it: I can’t understand why the noble Chenin Blanc grape isn’t more popular; A great Vouvray like this one will appeal to the red and white wine drinker alike.

This is Bottle No. 9 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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LoHud Wine of the Week: Mountain Door Malbec 2011 | Mixed Case 5 Bottle 8

Liz Johnson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:02:49 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Mountain Door Malbec 2011: Ripe and polished, with a plush core of plum, blackberry, raspberry, morello cherry, violets and mocha, this is the new-world wine lover’s dream. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Price: $9.59. Goes with: ribeye, meatloaf, empanadas. Why I chose it: I’m proud to see a cooperative of Malbec growers in Mendoza creating a wine of dimension, that tastes like the expensive stuff, and keeping it under ten dollars.

This is Bottle No. 8 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Union Wine Co Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir 2011 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Mixed Case 5 Bottle 7

Liz Johnson — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:00:38 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Union Wine Co Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir 2011: Raspberry-driven red fruit flavors, with surprising complexity in its price range. Smoke, spice, and cinnamon notes ground this Pinot as very Oregon! Excellent acid balance. Region: Oregon. Price: $10.97. Goes with: baked salmon, beef tenderloin, roasted chicken. Why I chose it: It’s not only versatile with foods, it’s the best darned Oregon Pinot I’ve ever tasted under fifteen bucks!

This is Bottle No. 7 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Mixed Case 5 Bottle 6 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Jean Michel Blanc de Meunier Brut 2007

Liz Johnson — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:04:46 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Jean Michel Blanc de Meunier Brut 2007: A refined and seductive Blanc de Noirs from the chalky soils of Moussy. Uniquely rich, gripping, and a touch biscuity. Built to age. Region: Champagne. Price: $33.97. Goes with: quiche, truffled mac and cheese, artisanal cheese board. Why I chose it: Not only is this a beautifully detailed, vintage, grower Champagne, but it is a rare bird, being made entirely of the red Pinot Meunier variety.

This is Bottle No. 6 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 5 Bottle 6 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Jean Michel Blanc de Meunier Brut 2007 appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 5 Bottle 5 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Chateau de Vaugaudry Chinon Cuvee Prestige 2009

Liz Johnson — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:10 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Chateau de Vaugaudry Chinon Cuvee Prestige 2009: A fragrant, structured and elegant Cabernet Franc with chalky minerality, notes of bell pepper and herbs, and a focus on fruit and earth rather than oak. Quite charming. Region: Loire Valley, France. Price: $12.79. Goes with: game hen, polenta and mushrooms, cassoulet. Why I chose it: Single-estate Cab Francs like this Chinon have more sophistication and vineyard nuance than almost any other affordable red wine. Recommended by: Michael Koehler of Suburban Wines & Spirits in Yorktown Heights.

This is Bottle No. 5 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Mixed Case 5 Bottle 4 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Rodano Chianti Classico 2007

Liz Johnson — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:57:55 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Rodano Chianti Classico 2007: A beautiful Sangiovese that smacks of the distinctive Tuscan earth. Bold flavors of tart cherry, plum and cinnamon have rustic underpinnings and mouth-filling intensity. Region: Tuscany, Italy. Price: $15.19. Goes with: veal shanks, venison, pasta with sausage and white beans. Why I chose it: Because of its modern, less rustic style, I use this Chianti to lure the California wine customer over to the European side. Success rate is 100 percent. Recommended by: Michael Koehler of Suburban Wines & Spirits in Yorktown Heights.

This is Bottle No. 4 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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Mixed Case 5 Bottle 3 | LoHud Wine of the Week: Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Shotfire 2010

Liz Johnson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:22:42 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Shotfire 2010: Fat cherry fruit aromas are backed up by cacao, herbs, and cracked pepper. Chewy in the mouth, with medium acidity. It’s perfect with the Easter feast. Region: Barossa Valley, Australia. Price: $15.99. Goes with: Lamb Roast, Baked Ham, Meat Lasagna. Why I chose it: For me, recommending an untamed Aussie Shiraz is going out on a limb; But this one just really nails it, with its balance and charm. Recommended by: Michael Koehler of Suburban Wines & Spirits in Yorktown Heights.

This is Bottle No. 3 in our fifth series. More recommendations: food.lohudblogs.com/category/mixed-case.

Meet our expert here:

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LoHud Wine of the Week, Mixed Case 5, Bottle 2: Schmitges Dry Riesling 2011

Liz Johnson — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:59:53 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Schmitges Dry Riesling 2011: Aromatically intricate, minerally and slatey, it shows off the terroir of the Mosel. With rich, ripe acidity, it sets the appetite in motion. Region: Mosel, Germany. Price: $12.79 for 1 liter. Goes with: Sole in creamy sauce, sushi, potato latkes. Why I chose it: Bottlings like this 1-Liter non-commercial Mosel are the greatest white wine values in the world, and prove that perhaps the best Rieslings are dry.

This is bottle 2 in our series.

Meet our expert here:

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LoHud Wine of the Week, Mixed Case 5, Bottle 1: 2011 Edmunds St John Rocks and Gravel

Liz Johnson — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:05:44 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

2011 Edmunds St John Rocks and Gravel: A Rhone-style blend of Grenache and Syrah, it exhibits spicy wild cherry and brambly aromas and flavors, with floral highlights and smoked peppercorn accents. Region: Dry Creek, Calif. Price: $26.39. Goes with: Duck Breast, Roast Pork, Root Vegetable Saute. Why I chose it: Steve Edmunds’ wines are intentionally “anti-Californian,”,in that they focus more on purity and terroir, rather than on post-harvest manipulation. Gorgeous stuff.

This is bottle 1 in our series.

Meet our expert here:

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Mixed Case 4, Bottle 9 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Cabernet Franc Wölffer Estate

Liz Johnson — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:29:59 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Cabernet Franc Wölffer Estate: Earthy, rustic, floral nose with medium weight richness and a ripe long finish. Region: The Hamptons, Long Island (New York. Price: $18.99. Goes with: Call me crazy, but it’s February. Have this with a good meatloaf or a beef stew. Why I chose it: Wines like this will make New Yorkers proud that our state is the second largest wine producer in the country. We all need to drink more of our local wine.

This is bottle 9 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4, Bottle 9 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Cabernet Franc Wölffer Estate appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 8: LoHud Wine of the Week: 2008 Langhe Rosso ‘Ars Vivendi,’ Renzo Seghesio

Liz Johnson — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:33:47 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

2008 Langhe Rosso ‘Ars Vivendi,’ Renzo Seghesio: This wine’s aromas are practically alive, starting with floral, then earthy, then spicy, then fruity. The rich weight of Barbera, the subtle structure of Nebbiolo. Region: Langhe, Piemonte (Italy). Price: $24.99. Goes with: Think rich and earthy; mushroom risotto, white pizza with asparagus and porcini oil, or just pasta with a rich red sauce. Why I chose it: Piemonte is one of the world’s greatest winegrowing regions, yet I’m convinced that winedrinkers give it a pass because of the high prices for proper Barolo and Barbaresco. This wine is a perfect intriduction to Piedmont wines for under $25.

This is bottle 8 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 8: LoHud Wine of the Week: 2008 Langhe Rosso ‘Ars Vivendi,’ Renzo Seghesio appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 7: LoHud Wine of the Week 2011 — Teutonic Wine Co. Pinot Gris ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’

Liz Johnson — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:56:42 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

2011 Teutonic Wine Co. Pinot Gris ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’: This light, crisp wine is built like a dry Mosel Kabinett; fresh twinkle of acidity and notes of pear and apple. Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon. Price: $22.99. Goes with: Good Pinot Gris goes with everything, but pairs best with foods with garlic and spice. Why I chose it: You can’t spend all winter tucked away in the dark drinking red wine and this wine tastes like bottled sunshine, so why not?

This is bottle 7 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 7: LoHud Wine of the Week 2011 — Teutonic Wine Co. Pinot Gris ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 6: LoHud Wine of the Week 2007 Zinfandel ‘Dry Creek Valley’, Bella Vineyards

Liz Johnson — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:34:41 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Zinfandel ‘Dry Creek Valley’, Bella Vineyards 2007: A perfectly executed wine, from start to finish. Such wonderful spice, depth and richness without a bit of Zin’s usual pruney notes. Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Calif. Price: $24.99. Goes with: A great cheeseburger, herb and mushroom lasagna, a wintry chicken stew with tomatoes, Marsala wine and plenty of herbs. Why I chose it: It’s winter, it’s cold and the holidays are over. Sometimes, one just needs a rich, warm, delicious glass of wine to keep one’s spirits up!

This is bottle 6 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 6: LoHud Wine of the Week 2007 Zinfandel ‘Dry Creek Valley’, Bella Vineyards appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 4: LoHud Wine of the Week — Chateau de Pena Rivesaltes Ambré

Liz Johnson — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:05:02 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Chateau de Pena Rivesaltes Ambré: Orange blossom and spice notes mingle with caramel, coffee and dried fruit aromas. The sweet finish is balanced by wonderful acidity. Region: Rivesaltes, France (Roussillon). Price: $29.99 (500ml bottle). Goes with: An aged Gouda would be best, but try with any medium soft, raw milk cheese or country pate. Why I chose it: It’s the New Year and my resolution for you all: drink more dessert wines! Don’t be afraid that they’re sweet, delight in their diversity of character.

This is bottle 4 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 4: LoHud Wine of the Week — Chateau de Pena Rivesaltes Ambré appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 3 – LoHud Wine of the Week: 2009 Bouchaine Pinot Noir ‘Carneros’

Liz Johnson — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:44:55 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

2009 Bouchaine Pinot Noir ‘Carneros’: If anyone can showcase the subtle, spice-and-smoke aromas of Carneros Pinot Noir, it is our friend Mike Richmond. Medium-weight, round and satisfying. Region: Napa-Carneros, Calif. Price:$23.99. Goes with: All of the holiday leftovers. Why I chose it: Lots of flavors on the table between Christmas and New Year’s. You need a wine that can handle them all!

This is bottle 3 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 3 – LoHud Wine of the Week: 2009 Bouchaine Pinot Noir ‘Carneros’ appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 2 – LoHud Wine of the Week: Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Cima de Conegliano

Liz Johnson — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:38:09 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Cima de Conegliano: So much more stylish than, well, all other Proseccos, this wine very clean, subtle notes and a creamy mousse. Dry finish. Region: Veneto, Italy. Price: $19.99. Goes with: Friends, neighbors, family and absolutely any kind of finger food. Why I chose it: It is the week before Christmas and everyone is busy but the days are festive, too. Have a few bottles of this on hand whenever people come to visit.

This is bottle 2 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 2 – LoHud Wine of the Week: Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Cima de Conegliano appeared first on Small Bites.

Meet Our New Wine Expert: Jeffrey Wooddy of Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry

Liz Johnson — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:30:46 +0000

If you’ve ever walked the worn wooden floors of Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry, you’ve met Jeffrey Wooddy.

He’s the 6-foot-5 manager behind the counter who can find a perfect wine to pair with your dinner in five seconds flat, no matter whether you’re serving roast suckling pig or pigs in a blanket.

“Our job is to prepare ourselves with the best wines at various prices that we can get our hands on — and then be ready when a customer comes in,” he says. “We’re librarians and these are our stacks. And we need to be ready to say, ‘I think you should meet this wine. This will be perfect with what you’re having.’”

Wooddy — along with the shop’s owners, Dieter Kannapin and his son, Derek Kannapin — tastes between 6,000 and 7,000 wines to select the 1,700 they offer for sale at any one time, so Wooddy can tell you, for example, that Beringer Reserve Chardonnay has gone back to its original, no-oak style, or recount the time he lunched with Mount Eden Vineyards winemaker Jeffrey Patterson on his front porch, tasting every vintage of his wines going back to the 1990s.

“This is what Rochambeau does,” says Wooddy. “We don’t wait for the wine world to come to us, we go and seek it out. And that’s how we know everything that’s here.”

It’s this breadth of experience that led us to select Wooddy to be our wine expert-in-residence for the next three months. For the next 12 Wednesdays in Life&Style, he’ll choose our LoHud Wine of the Week, and include tasting notes and suggestions for pairings. (His first recommendation, a Bordeaux — 2009 Chateau L’Argentyre — is at the bottom of the page.) At the end of the 12 weeks, we’ll review our Mixed Case, and recap the choices assembled by Wooddy. Then we’ll introduce a new expert.

We’ll also turn to him for suggestions for pairing wines with meals, including for the upcoming holidays. And when we do, it’s likely he’ll go for something unexpected and delicious, which is how he describes his “best $20 bottle in the shop,” a 2009 Cartuxa Tinto Colheita, a red from Portugal that Rochambeau has carried every year since its 1993 vintage.

But getting Wooddy to part with any of his wines can sometimes be amusing.

“I think I’ve developed a kind of crazy reputation with my customers,” he says, deadpan. “One of the things that I think amuses people about the way I sell wine is that I’m very tactile. When somebody asks me for a food and wine selection, I’m known for actually carrying the bottle of wine around the store with me, occasionally stroking it as if I don’t want to let it go, but wanting to give it a good home.”

So imagine what his reaction will be when someone decides to buy the oldest wine in the store (a 1929 Domaine Bchelet Maury from the French Roussillon that sells for $149.99) or the more expensive (a $1,500 Screaming Eagle Napa Valley Cabernet)? We shudder to think!

Another wine that will be hard to let go is the 6-liter 2005 Shafer “Hillside Select” Cabernet which, at $2,200 a bottle, is the most expensive in the shop.

Large-format bottles are a specialty of Rochambeau, so Wooddy isn’t surprised when customers come looking for them.

“We think it’s fun and it’s a way we can distance ourselves from the competition,” says Wooddy. “We have as many large formats of Chateauneuf du Pape as probably some stores have regular bottles.”

Another draw? The specialty spirits. Cocktail aficionados from all over the region travel to Rochambeau to pick up their ingredients. There are 14 absinthes alone! Plus, there are nine varieties of Italian Amaro, bottles such as Creme de Violette (an ingredient in the Aviation), aperitifs with quinine (a bark) and gentian (a flower). And there’s an Evan Williams single barrel bourbon, bottled especially for Rochambeau. (Bottles costs $29.99 each and are sitting on top of the actual barrel they aged in near the front of the store.)

Maybe it’s fitting that old-fashioned spirits are among Rochambeau’s specialties. It originally opened in 1933, making it one of the New York’s oldest post-Prohibition wine shops. (The liquor license has one of the lowest numbers in the state.) Dieter Kannapin took over in 1977, and during the 1980s and 1990s, Rochambeau was among the top sellers of Bordeaux futures in the U.S.

Today, there is also a huge selection of fine scotches, whiskeys and bourbons, and, says Wooddy, “probably more specialty gin than maybe anyone outside of New York City.”

And while we’re on the topic of the metro area, we love that Rochambeau champions local and regional wines. You’ll find bottles from Connecticut, the Hamptons and upstate New York alongside the wide selection of wines from the Loire Valley, Piemonte, Tuscany, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Spain, California, and the Pacific Northwest.

“People are surprised that we know all these wines,” says Wooddy. “But we should — it’s our job. That’s why you come to us.”

The post Meet Our New Wine Expert: Jeffrey Wooddy of Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case 4 Bottle 1 — LoHud Wine of the Week: 2009 Chateau L’Argentyre

Liz Johnson — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:21:51 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

2009 Chateau L’Argentyre: This is a gorgeous wine: proper Bordeaux nose, structure both taut and supple; a long, ripe finish with very refined tannins. Lovely. Region: Medoc, Bordeaux, France. Price: $13.99. Goes with: Meat, mostly, is Bordeaux’s favorite companion, but try this with a whole roasted chicken and plenty of savory herbs. Why I chose it: Most wine drinkers have passed over Bordeaux as a region, choosing instead to find ‘bargains’ in Spain and South America. I’d like people to take another look at Bordeaux. This is a great start.

This is bottle 1 in our series.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.
Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

Meet our expert here:

The post Mixed Case 4 Bottle 1 — LoHud Wine of the Week: 2009 Chateau L’Argentyre appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case Bottle 12 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Rockledge ‘The Rocks’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Liz Johnson — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:30:08 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Rockledge ‘The Rocks’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: Velvety red plum, currants and cherry infused with subtle aromas of dark chocolate and mint. Region: Napa Valley, California. Goes with – Red Meat! There is a magical symbiotic relationship between the tannins in red wine and the fat and proteins in red meat. They each truly make the other taste better. Price: $32.99. Why we chose it: This wine has all the stuffing that you want in a Napa Valley Cabernet and compares quite favorably with the cult cabs in the $50 plus range. A great holiday gift idea!

This is bottle 12 in our series. To see the others click here: Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.

The post Mixed Case Bottle 12 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Rockledge ‘The Rocks’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case Bottle 11 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Ca’ Furlan ‘Cuvée Beatrice’ Prosecco

Liz Johnson — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:22:19 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Ca’ Furlan ‘Cuvée Beatrice’ Prosecco: Frothy apple and asian pear with hints of cinnamon and fresh herbs. Region: Veneto, Italy. Goes with: Appetizers, almonds, prosciutto, shrimp. Price: $10.99. Why we chose it: Party season is in full swing and this is a delicious, affordable sparkling wine that will help stretch your party budget.

This is bottle 10 in our series. To see the others click here: Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.

Wine Geek’s website is here.

The post Mixed Case Bottle 11 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Ca’ Furlan ‘Cuvée Beatrice’ Prosecco appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case Bottle 10 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Olivier Morin ‘Constance’ 2009

Liz Johnson — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:16:27 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Olivier Morin ‘Constance’ 2009: Crisp pear, mandarin orange and lemon notes balanced with a stony minerality. Region: Chitry, Burgundy, France. Goes with: Roast chicken, halibut, oysters and turkey! Price: $17.99. Why we chose it: The town of Chitry is a mere two miles outside of Chablis and this wine has all the crisp lemon and minerality of classic Chablis at a much more reasonable price.

This is bottle 10 in our series. To see the others click here: Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.

The post Mixed Case Bottle 10 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Olivier Morin ‘Constance’ 2009 appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case Bottle 9 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Illahe Viognier 2010

Liz Johnson — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 21:16:07 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Illahe Viognier 2010: This Viognier is sourced from two different vineyard sites and has notes of juicy white peach, pear and lemon with subtle aromas of wildflowers and vanilla. Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon. Goes with – White-fleshed fish, cheese and curry. Price: $19.99. Why we chose it: Be careful, this wine goes down easy; it’s like peach-flavored lemonade!

This is bottle 9 in our series. To see the others click here: Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk.

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.

The post Mixed Case Bottle 9 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Illahe Viognier 2010 appeared first on Small Bites.

Mixed Case Bottle 8 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Alvaro Palacios ‘Camins del Priorat’ 2010

Liz Johnson — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 21:07:30 +0000

LoHud Wine of the Week

Alvaro Palacios ‘Camins del Priorat’ 2010: Silky red currant, raspberry and cherry perfumed with cedar, café au lait, chocolate and candied violets. Region: Priorat, Spain. Goes with: Lamb, rabbit, manchego, cassoulet. Price: $24.99. Why we chose it: This wine tastes like Spain and as the evenings start to get chillier, that’s not a bad place to be transported to.

This is bottle 8 in our series. To see the others click here: Mixed Case from Wine Geeks in Armonk. .

To see previous experts in our Mixed Case series, click here:
Mixed Case by Aries Wine & Spirits, White Plains.
Mixed Case by Piermont Fine Wine & Spirits.

The post Mixed Case Bottle 8 — LoHud Wine of the Week: Alvaro Palacios ‘Camins del Priorat’ 2010 appeared first on Small Bites.