Johnson Brothers tasting: 34 wines, 1 tequila, 1 vodka, 1 Jones soda
Johnson Brothers are one of the big dogs in the Iowa market as well as across the country. They're in something like 26 states and are the 5th or 6th largest disrtributors in the country. They're actually 4 divisions that encompass wine giants Gallo Wines & Constellation Wines. They put on a large tasting in the conference rooms at Prarie Meadows (the past 3 years) and it includes beer, wine & liquor + sodas, waters & Riedel glassware. It's big, crowded (around the tables) and lots of fun. The food spread includes carving stations and it's a good opportunity the get caught up on all the current vintages of favorites like Peter Lehmann, Hess, Caymus, Mt. Veeder, Coppola, Montes & more. Plus it's a chance to try new items that your wine & food guy may not have had exposure to. The tasting can be leisurely, the wine booklet is good, spit buckets & water plentiful but there are a lot of folks that show up there to party and they park in and around the tables and yap so it can be a challenge to get to those buckets. So, what was good?
As always, the bubbly rates highly with Bollinger NV and Gloria Ferrer topping the list. I usually prefer the Ferrer Blanc de Noirs over the Blanc de Blanc but this years BdB is rich and toasty and wonderful. This is a great choice to sip by itself or to drink with food. As it's well known, Bollinger is the bubbly choice previously of Casa di Vino and ALWAYS of Casa Bernstein. Only Krug compares.
As far as whites go, Lagosta Vinho Verde from Portugal, my first 2011 is bright, crisp and lively and should be very reasonably priced. Buy it by the case and pour it freely throughout the holidays.
Winery Alert*** A fun pair of Greek wines, Elios White (Moschofilero/Chardonnay/Roditis & Savatiano) & Elios Red (Agiorgitiko/Cabernet & Syrah) are both fun, fruity, crisp & spicy. These are great all-purpose wines to drink on any occaision. With food or by themselves, these two make a nice change when you want to try something new.
Another new winery (for me), was Brophy Clark out of central California. Producers of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, I tasted two pinots from them preferring the 2009 Santa Maria Pinot over the 09' Santa Barbara. A nice balance of red and blue fruit with mild acidity and a bit of earthiness, this is a fine wine to grace holiday tables this coming season. Only 300 cases are produced so get out and grab a few bottles while you can. It should run you about $20 in the shops.
As far as reds go, the 2009 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet is a pleasant mouthful of northern California Cabernet and a good bang-for-your-buck wine. A beautiful dusty nose leads to a rich and satisfying wine that you'll want to drink with a bold, aged cheddar or gruyere or a nice hearty steak. This is cabernet to drink as the nights grow cool.
Lastly, for the big bucks crowd, the 2004 Ruffino Brunello and the 2007 Colome Reserva Malbec should put a smile on your face. The Ruffino (Italy) is drinking beautifully now as it reaches seven years old and will continue to show well for the next 6-8 years. Decant and enjoy. The Colome (Argentina) fills the glass with wonderful smells that translate on the palate to blueberries, tobacco, white pepper & tar. This is definately a winter red to go with red meats, stews & game. Not much of it around so get while the getting is good.
That's the lot. Next up is Okoboji Wines Fall Tasting. Until then may your glass be full.
Eat well, drink well, live well,
Howard Bernstein
Wine and Food Guy
Des Moines Wine & Food Connection
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