Bommaritto Estate Almond Tree Winery

Once in a while I find myself in the position of admitting I have made allowed my Driver and Scribe to make a mistake....  No, No, I admit it freely, sometimes it happens. 
But today was not that day. 

Today, the mistake was realized and admitted (finally) by Driver.  That is right, he may have slipped up for say, oh I don't know, YEARS! 

For several years, we have driven to Hermann and back visiting the area wineries - and hit nearly every single one on the way - at least once.  Over the course of the years we have passed and the miles we have driven, up and down Highway 100 we have never visited the Bommarito winery once.  We did try once, a few months back, after much coaxing and whining on my part (stomping my little Tiger feet firmly) - to find them closed that day.

Well, today, all was made well on our visit.  Every single wine we tasted was delicious and well executed - and we had a pure delight in our host, the owner himself, Nick.  The tasting room was well laid out - with plenty of indoor seating, big windows with a beautiful view of the sleeping vines on the slopes outside, and tastefully decorated, with a cozy fire laid in the fireplace, on this cool winter's day.  Outside was a nice little porch and below a patio with seating for the summer.  Since Nick so kindly invited us to come back soon, and bring a picnic lunch, we have already planned to do so - next weekend.  We plan to go back bringing along the kids (Driver and Scribes Son and his lovely bride), to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, next weekend - just us, the kids, a nice picnic basket of food - and Nick's wines by the fireplace.  I can say that I never felt more welcomed or wanted at another winery we have visited.

Being on a budget, we had to limit our purchases today but we tasted them all - and I can honestly say that I am so glad we did, and it was not an easy choice!  The tasting was complimentary, allowing us to purchase two of his beautiful tasting glasses and a bottle of wine.  We decided, after our taste and a nice long conversation - to purchase the Norton.  I can honestly say this is the finest example of a Norton we have had to date in the state of Missouri, and we have tasted every one we have had a chance at!

Our selections today to taste included: 

The 2008 American Oak Norton - This was a full bodied wine with a deep red color, with lots of dark berry (most notably rich cherry) notes.  The Pepper was there, mid palette for sure, but not overpowering - easily giving way to a long pleasantly lingering full fruit finish.  I can see how this can be compared to a Shiraz - but for me, I have to say full on Norton and well done for certain.  

Almond Tree Red (Signature Wine) - A Semi Dry tart wine with hints of spice, medium but creamy tannins - nice color and complexity, and a soft dry finish.  A 50/50 blend of Norton and St Vincent, we almost had to have a bottle of this one too!

2009 French Oak Chambourcin - Normally I am not a big fan of Chambourcin - in my experience it reminds me of a weak Merlot, usually.  This was definitely the exception to that rule!  I could so easily enjoy this one in front of a warm fire on the porch one cool evening to come.  The Plum and Cherry notes weave gently through the soft sweetness -with hints of vanilla, and subtle soft tannins, leaving you with a pleasant warmth and softness.

Dry Vignoles 2010 - This beautiful golden wine with the clean crisp finish was a welcome embrace.  The aromatic nose combined with the color and the complex notes of tart apple, lemony citrus and light florals created a pleasing layered experience.

2009 Sweet Vignoles - The nose on this wine was an experience all of it's own to be sure!  The strong aromas of passion fruit, pears and a soft hint of peaches - combined with the sweet late harvest complexity to envelope our palettes in a sweet  sensation of pineapple and citrus.  A nice porch wine, and one to be shared with a friend!

Solera Misssouri White Port - This specialty wine is produced every 4 years, and one to be appreciated.  The dry fortified blend of Chardonel and Vignole wine has subtle hints o9f stone frui on the front with nice bright white citrus notes of a stainless steel aged Chardonel, a warm spicy finishy and 18% Alcohol.  This would be the perfect aperitif with a soft creamy mild cheese.

2006 Missouri Red Port:  (described to me as the best Port in the USA)  I was very hard pressed to argue after tasting this one!  This 21.5% semi-sweet ruby red fortified wine was a dessert treat!  The winery only produces this wine in the even years, and ages it on average 3.5 years in French Oak Barrels.  The intense notes of blackberry, chocolate and vanilla finished with a brandy warmth.  This is a dessert in a glass and could be enjoyed with dark chocolate as well as strong cheeses.

Thanks Nick! We had a lot of fun, delicious wine, and great conversation!  What more could a Tiger ask for on a winter's Sunday afternoon?

Road Trip

So, me and the Roadies are off on a less than planned trip to the Lone Star State!  Here's hoping we find some good wine, and better weather than we have been having along the way.  By all reports it is supposed to be near 60 in Texas this weekend, now that sounds more like it!!

Stay tuned, more later!

Montelle Winery

Today, the Roadies, went to Montelle Winery for the afternoon.  It was quiet, only two other couples there, strange, apparently everyone else was busy hitting the supermarkets and Lowes stocking up for the "big storm event" that is looming. 

At any rate, the "back room" was open, a nice fire in the fireplace, and such a lovely view out over the Missouri River Valley, from all the windows!  The Lobster Bisque in toasted bread bowls was decadent, and with it a nice bottle of Himmelswein!

While eating and drinking one of the Roadies drew a sketch of the view out one of the upper windows, I am posting it so that you can all share in this small bit of a peaceful Sunday Winter's afternoon in the heart of Missouri Wine Country!

Wine makes everything better!  As always of course, all images are copyrighted by the artist, none other than The Painted Lady herself, V. Carra.

Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay

We know this is not a midwestern wine, by any means, coming from Columbia Valley, Washington.  However, this fine wine, from Washington's Founding Winery, deserves more than an honorable mention.  Tonight, the Roadies shared a bottle of this with dinner at home, as is often the case ( of course always finer in the Reidel glasses).  This wine can be found locally at Schnucks Markets and Target for a very affordable $10 - $12 a bottle.  This is a Chardonnay that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, as it is lightly oaked and has light harmonious flavors of apple and citrus, with just a hint of butter.  Tonight this was delicious, with our Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Cocktail, a must try, in spite of the fact that it is not a local, or midwestern wine, in our book!

Chandler Hill Friday Nite Winter Special

Let me begin by saying, Chandler Hill Winery (Missouri), has always in the past been one of our favorite go to wineries.  However, ...

Tonight the Roadies had nothing special planned, and since it WAS Friday nite, they decided to go check out the Chandler Hill Friday Nite Winter Special.  Obviously many others did as well, because when they arrived at 7:08, the place was full, and no tables were to be had.  Sad for the Roadies, Good for the Winery.  At any rate, a cozy spot on the snug and warm patio was available and since the sign said Seat Yourself, they did.  Twenty minutes later, still no wine in site, inquiries were made at the bar.  Yes, they were assured, there was a happy hour, yes wine could be had at $3.50 per glass, as well as $5.99 Appetizers and a nice Fried Chicken dinner for $9.99.  No, they were told, you could not order at the bar, to do that, you had to go through a server.  The Roadies politely asked if a server could be directed their way, and returned to their seats.  10 more minutes passed, no server. 

Aha!  A table opens up, inside, by the roaring fire!  Swooping in on the table, willing to take it in spite of the fact that it had not been bussed yet, the Roadies settled in.  Surely, they would be waited on here, right?  Well, not exactly....  Over the course of the next few minutes, though, a waiter DID clear the table.  A good sign?  Maybe!  Well, not exactly....

Over the course of the NEXT 20 minutes, no less than 6 servers passed by their table.  The Roadies made DIRECT eye contact with 4, including the server that had originally bussed the table for them!  Hello?  Table for two, no wine, no food, see anything wrong here?  Apparently, they did not.  After drinking the glass of iced water that they had helped themselves to, and waiting for over 50 minutes from the time they came through the front door, I am sad to report, the Roadies left.

On the way out though, they complained, to the bar tender that had originally promised service following the initial complaint.  Did he offer to have them sit back down and attempt to remedy the situation?  No.  What he did do is avoid eye contact and offer weak, muffled, "I am sorry's" and "We have been so busy's" ....  Not cool.

I have to say, in this Tiger's humble opinion, Chandler Hill's Friday Nite Winter Special, WAS NOT VERY SPECIAL.  Especially as they had driven an hour to get there, and still had had nothing to eat or drink.

Of special note, after driving an hour back to Washington, El Charro saved the day.  As always, warm, delicious, inviting and they seemed to genuinly like the Roadies!  Thumbs up, El Charro never disappoints!

Update - After a written complaint to the "contact us", at the Chandler Hill website, we are pleased to announce a very timely and gracious apology from one of the owners, and as way of making amends, a free lunch and bottle of wine for two.  Nice, very nice, we will post results of this visit soon!

Shawnee Winery, Vienna Illinois

Recently, yours truly (Nietzsche) and my crew (driver and scribe), visited Shawnee Winery.  Shawnee Winery is a cooperative formed to create a market for small grape growers in the southern Illinois area, and is owned by five growers.  This winery is supported by the USDA and the State of Illinois, and provides a secure market for each year's harvest, as well as a vehicle for the sale of wine made from the members' grapes.  We tasted wines, visited with Sonya, and had a great time.  In general what we found was a very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, and great wines at very affordable prices.  No matter what your preference, I think you will find something to your liking here.  The tastings are free, and the visit was well worth the drive.  In general, we definitely recommend a visit when you next find yourself in the area.  Hours are Mon thru Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun 12-6pm.

Visit  their website for more - http://www.shawneewinery.com/
Call for info - 1-888-659-WINE

Our favorites:

Just Peachy  - the description of this wine, does not do it justice.  In short, if you sip with your eyes closed, your brain will be confused!  I could have sworn I had just bitten into a sweet ripe peach on a warm summer day!  Mouthwatering from the first small sip, we brought home two bottles, one is a gift, one is being saved for the first warm day on our porch this spring.  A Definite Winner in our book.

Dreamcatcher - The description is "A Picnic in a Bottle".  This blend of Concord and Niagra grapes really has a sweet grapey flavor, and a very nice nose.  I would definitely agree with the winery to say this blush compares to a Muscadine.

Razzle Dazzle - A sweet raspberry flavored wine with a great light Chardonel nose and a blast of raspberry flavor, definitely has that WOW! factor.

Tiffany's Gold - Named aptly, this semi-sweet golden wine is a delicious blend of 4 locally grown grapes, and delivers a great nose with a pallet pleasing tropical twist. 

Chambourcin - 100% Illinois Chambourcin wine offering a beautiful ruby color, bare minimum of oakiness and no must.  The winery calls this a medium bodied wine, and compares it to a Merlot.  We say warm blanket in front of the fire, nice full glass of wine, instant contentment!

Voyage into Night - A delightful full bodied sweet dark wine, made from brandy fortified Dutchman's Port.  If you like the richness of chocolate , married to the sweet berry flavors, this is the one for you!

At last we meet...

Hello, allow me to introduce myself, I am Nietzsche the Wine Tiger.  I love to travel, see new places, meet new people and taste new wines.  Please visit my blog often and let me know what you think!  Please contact me at TheWineTiger@gmail.com, or visit my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Nietzsche-The-Wine-Tiger/158986210819460.  I would love to hear from you!