Top 10 Wine Picks of 2010 Part 2

Top 10 Wine Picks of 2010

Last week we started revealing our top 10 wines of the year. 
We'll continue to highlight two wines a week for the next 4 weeks, and then list some "honorable mentions."  If you did not read last week's two wines, you can review them through the archive at on our blog at http://vintageconnectionswineinfo.blogspot.com/

The top 10 are NOT in any particular order.

The top 10 are all different varieties, are from different wineries, and are from the USA and around the world. 

These are all wines we've written about during 2010.  We've updated information about availability in Pennsylvania and costs for those that are still available.

Give us feedback, telling us which (if any) of these were your favorites and if we left any of your favorites off of our list.

Bogle Vineyard Phantom

This excellent dark ruby red dry wine is a blend of 53% petite sirah, 44% old vine zinfandel and 3% old vine mourvedre.  It has rich aromas of black pepper, dark red berries and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon with aromas of blackberries and blueberries.  It was aged in 1, 2 and 3 year old American oak barrels.  Alcohol content is 14% by volume. 

Located along the Sacarmento River in Clarksburg, California, Bogle Vineyards is owned and operated by members of the Bogle family who established the vineyards in 1968. 

Richly complex, it will only get better with age, but wonderful to drink now.  Great when paired with hearty foods like beef and lamb. 

Phantom is still available in PA for $17.99, product code is 13432 but only at a few PLCB stores, and in limited quantities.  Search the PLCB Product Search Website, use keyword Phantom, and check locations near you.


Manatawny Creek Winery Cabernet Franc 2007  

This delicious Cabernet Franc is one of our favorites.  It has been consistently good year after year.  We have used it in many of our classes and benefit tastings and haven't been disappointed yet.  It has won numerous awards at many wine competitions.

It is rich, deep red in color with wonderful fruit aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and a hint of tobacco.  It is aged primarily in Pennsylvania oak barrels.  Available only at the winery, it sells for $14.95 a bottle.  Try it a grilled steak!  Great with a hamburger, too.


BUY THIS WINE SOON.  2007 was a very good year (weather, etc.) so this is the best vintage you'll be able to buy until the 2010 is released.  NOT that 2008 and 2009 will be bad, but 2007 was a very good year.  2010 should be better yet, but in the meantime, we've stocked up on 2007 (and 2005).

Joanne, the winemaker at Manatawny, also uses the Cabernet Franc to make her port.  At 18.95 for a 750 ml bottle, this is a bargain IF you like a slightly sweet port.  Delicious!

Spring 2011 Wine Classesnand  Gift Certificates

Wine Classes

We are reducing the cost of our Wine Classes to $35 per person for the classes below.

Open Enrollment Classes Spring 2010
$35 per person, includes wine, cheese, crackers and LOTS of good information about wine.
Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 PM

New Location - These classes will be held at the *PDIDA Office, 139 East High Street, right in downtown Pottstown.  Plenty of on-street parking.  *Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority.  

March 24 - Wine Blending Bordeaux Style - Learn about and taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc individually, then blend them and experience how they complement each other and how blending produces a more complicated aroma and flavor.

March 31 - Wines of the Finger Lakes II - Learn about and taste wines from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Famous for Reisling, the Finger Lakes region also produces other excellent whites and in good years, excellent bold reds.

April 7 - Surprising Wines under $15 - It's often difficult to find a good wine priced under $15, but some are very good and reliable in this price range.  Learn about very affordable wines and taste a few of our favorites.

April 14 - Wine Gems from Our Cellar - "Someday we're going to drink this!"    Tonight's the night!  We'll pull some of our favorites from our cellar, taste them and talk about wines that should be aged or not, and the effects of time in the bottle. 

Home Schoolin'
Wine Classes and Educational Tastings
·    In your home, at your business (within 15 miles of Pottstown**)
·    $250 for up to 8 people.  Includes wine, cheese, and crackers
·    Add $200 for an additional 8 people*
*  Additional discounts available for more than 16 people.
** Additional distance may require a travel charge.

Sample classes - Many other options are available.

Wine for Beginners      Basic Red and White        Wines of the World
                  Wines of the USA             Wines of the Finger Lakes    
          Wines of Pennsylvania                       What's in a Name     
Blending Wine Bordeaux Style             Surprising Wines under $15
              
OR - We'll design a CUSTOMIZED CLASS FOR YOU (costs may vary)

Gift Certificates for Spring 2011 Wine Classes

What a unique and fun gift!  Give the gift of a wine class.

$35 for a seat in any of our open enrollment Vintage Connections Wine Classes listed above.

$250 for a Home Schoolin' Wine Class as described above, for up to 8 people, provided in your home, business or other appropriate location (within 15 miles of Pottstown  - other locations may require a travel charge).

For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, email us at  Vintageconnections@comcast.net or call us (Dean or Lisa) us at 610-469-6164 or 610-310-9942.

Checks and cash only.

Fun Fact!

Cabernet Franc is one of the five grapes used in Bordeaux Blends. 

There will be another quiz someday!