DUVAL-LEROY CHAMPAGNE BRUT BLANC DE CHARDONNAY - 1996

12% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Light gold color with a nose of dough, pie crust, lemon wafers, and yeast. Crazy acidity on the palate. Toasted citrus notes and minerality. Tart apple and graham on the finish with a hint of honey sweet and baking spices.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

93 PTS

This was given to me as a gift many years ago and has been sitting on the rack in my basement since. Simply sensational Champagne. Far exceeded expectations. I have no idea what the original price was on this bottle or what it sells for now. An astounding effort. Hard to stop drinking this one. I have a feeling the bottle age has simply turned what might have been a good bottle into something rather special.

GLORIA FERRER SONOMA BRUT - NV

85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay.

TASTING NOTES:

Golden color with apples, pears and yeasty bread on the nose. Crisp, smooth, with vanilla and pastry notes on the finish. Harmonious blend of fruit and dough.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

91 PTS

So easy to drink. Excellent quality, finesse, mouthfeel and flavor. For $16 a bottle this is an absolute steal of a sparkling wine. When you look at what is in the marketplace at this price point, this rises to the top.

3RD ANNUAL NEW YORK WINE EXPO

DON’T JUST ENJOY WINE – EXPERIENCE WINE

The 3rd Annual New York Wine Expo, February 26th - 28th, (28th for trade only) is an opportunity to swirl and sip wines from around the globe. French wineries and vineyards will have a significant showing this year, and as always, attendees can continue to look forward to Italian, German, Australian, and South American favorites. Not to be missed of course, local New York , Oregon and California wines. In all, the Grand Tasting offers attendees a chance to sample more than 600 wines from over 170 winemakers from around the world. Attend the Expo not just for the sampling, but for the learning experience as well. To date, seminar presenters include Gloria Maroti Frazee and Leslie Sbrocco. The event is being held at the Javits Convention Center in New York .

- Friday, February 26, 2010, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, February 27, 2010, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Use Promo Code: CENTRIC10 and receive $10 off tickets for the Friday or Saturday Grand Tasting.

Go to www.NewYorkWineExpo.com to purchase tickets and for updates on Seminar schedules.

I will be in attendance myself checking out this event for the very first time and will be back to give you a full wrap-up in case you miss it.

BIBI GRAETZ GRILLI DEL TESTAMATTA TOSCANA - 2006

13.5% alcohol. Made from 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Colorino.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple color. Black fruit and leather on the nose with a hint of licorice. On the palate there's black currant and spices. Good tannins and some power.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

A good food wine that may need some time in the bottle to come around. Retails for around $25 making it a questionable purchase.

CHATEAU CAP DE FAUGERES COTES-DE-CASTILLON - 2005

14.5% alcohol. A Michel Rolland wine. Made from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc.

TASTING NOTES:

Rich, dark purple color with heavy tannins. Nose of ripe blackberry, black currants, and plum. Big black fruit on the palate. Bold, robust, with hints of oak.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

91 PTS

A powerhouse of a wine. I purchased for $16 on futures and that's a steal. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise given how fantastic the 2005 vintage turned out to be. If you can find this wine for a good price grab it. Not only is it great now it will last for some time and even get better.

STONE'S ORIGINAL GINGER WINE

Currants are dried and rehydrated and then are steadily fermented in large vats. Powdered Australian ginger root is added and slowly absorbed, aided by the wine's natural acidity and alcohol. Short storage in wood casks. 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Amber color with ginger on the nose. Tastes like ginger ale with a spicy kick. Zippy.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

Pretty hard to give this a score because there's nothing to compare it too. However, I did not find it to be something I could really enjoy drinking. That said I marinated some cod with sage and spices and it made for a pretty good marinade. If you are a ginger fanatic or long for a different twist on mixed drinks this might be worth a try. Retails for around $11.