We are pleased that The Blonde Bear Tavern will be participating once again in this year’s  30^th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival and celebrating the return of René Schlatter from Merryvale Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries.  René and I will be hosting a special wine dinner to guide guests through six of Merryvale’s most notable wines.  We have carefully developed the menu to highlight these wines in a way that will engage the palate of both wine connoisseurs and novice wine lovers alike.  Last year’s dinner proved to be simply magical; we’re working to ensure this year’s will be as well.

Merryvale Vineyards’ Cabernet-centric portfolio includes wines that are complex and rich, balanced and expressive of Napa Valley’s fruit but also reflective of classic styles. Merryvale’s winemaker Simon Faury’s meticulous attention to detail calls for handpicking grapes in small batches and using custom-made Rieger tanks tailored specifically for the character of the grapes in each vineyard block.

About René

Since his appointment as Proprietor & CEO of Merryvale Family of Wines in 2008, René Schlatter has firmly established the company as one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious and well-respected wine companies. Through an unyielding commitment to wine quality, customer service, and investment in the community, René continues to uphold his family’s legacy in the winegrowing world.

A native of Switzerland, René has lived in the U.S. since 1987, having attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas as undergraduate. A top junior in his country, René arrived in the U.S. to play Division I tennis at Trinity University, during which time he and his team were ranked among the top 20 schools in the country. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, René returned to Europe and worked for several years as a businessman in various industries. In 1994, René moved back to the US, earning a Master’s Degree from Arizona’s Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management.

In recognition of the success of the business, Wine Enthusiast magazine honored René with its prestigious “Person of the Year” Award in 2011. Presented at its Annual Wine Star Awards, the magazine included these comments: “Since 2008, the president of Napa’s Merryvale Vineyards has pioneered green initiatives while preserving the winery’s family legacy and excellence in producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.”

Says René: “I enjoy drinking wines from all over the world – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Switzerland, and Napa Valley. No matter what the origin I look for purity of fruit, personality, character and a sense of place. For a wine to be great it must stand the test of time.”

René and his family are very committed to protecting and preserving the Napa Valley for future generations using sustainable practices. Both of Merryvale’s estate vineyards have been Napa Green Farm certified. He and his wife, Laurence, live in the St. Helena community with their three young daughters, Jenna, Jade and Corinna.

Robert Parker on Merryvale’s 2012 “Profile”:

“92 points.  The flagship wine at Merryvale is their Profile, and the 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Profile carries a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Beautiful blueberry, white flowers, black and red currants, as well as some incense and camphor jump from the glass of this stunningly proportioned, complex wine. The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied with superb purity, enticing texture and oodles of beautiful ripe fruit that cascade over the palate. I think of it as a gracious and somewhat restrained, but authoritative Napa Red Wine. It should drink well for 12-15+ years.”

The Dinner

(Menu subject to change)

Hors d’œuvre

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP with 10 year-old Leonardi Balsamic Vinegar

Assorted Crostini

Ramequin Vaudois

Starmont Sauvignon Blanc

First course

Seared Scallop on a bed of Baby Lettuces with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay

Second course

Mushroom Bourguignon over Polenta

Merryvale Carneros Pinot Noir

Main course

New Mexico’s Four Daughters Land & Cattle Châteaubriand with Simple Red Wine Sauce

Duchess Potatoes

Balsamic Glazed Beets and Greens

Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

“Profile”, Merryvale’s Signature Bordeaux Blend

Dessert

Chocolate Caramel Tort

Merryvale “Antigua”

The Merryvale Vineyards Wine Dinner
Friday, January 29, 2016
6:00 pm
$125 per person plus tax and gratuity

The Blonde Bear Tavern
106 Sutton Place
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
575.737.6900

Reservations required

The post Merryvale Vineyards Returns to The Blonde Bear Tavern appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

We’ve already started preparing the five-course wine dinner that will take place next Thursday, January 30th.

I spoke with René Schlatter, President and CEO of Merryvale Vineyards, today to finalize details.

The wines have arrived, and our entire staff is excited to provide our guests a memorable experience of great wine and food.

A radio spot about the event is currently running on KTAO radio; you can listen to it here:

For details on this fabulous event, click here.  See you Thursday.

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The post Wine Dinner One Week from Tonight appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

We are pleased that The Blonde Bear Tavern will be participating once again in this year’s 28th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival and celebrating the return of René Schlatter from Merryvale Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries.  René and I will be hosting a special wine dinner to guide guests through six of Merryvale’s most notable wines.  We have carefully developed the menu to highlight these wines in a way that will engage the palate of both wine connoisseurs and novice wine lovers alike.  Last year’s dinner proved to be simply magical; we’re working to ensure this year’s will be as well.

.

THE WINERY

The first winery built in Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition, Merryvale is located in the heart of America’s premier wine region.  The winery’s focus is on crafting elegant, complex wines in the finest European style, yet reflecting the exuberant fruit from the Napa Valley and Sonoma appellations.

Merryvale’s white wines are whole-cluster-pressed to yield the clearest juice, and then fermented with native yeasts in French oak barrels.  The reds are made using traditional European methods and also aged in French oak barrels; they are then bottled unfiltered, which contributes to the rich, round flavors and supple textures.

In 1991, European businessman Jack Schlatter became a partner in Merryvale Vineyards.  A native of Switzerland, Jack’s lifelong love of wine drew him to the Napa Valley.  Within five years, Jack and his family became the sole proprietors of Merryvale Vineyards, expanding vineyard holdings to 75 acres and constructing the Starmont Winery in 2006.

“Napa Valley’s diversity of soils and microclimates allows us to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir just a few miles from Cabernet. There’s no other place in the world like it.” says Jack.

Jack has dedicated himself to making sure the winery remained true to its founding vision of crafting fine wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley’s noble vineyards. One of his earliest decisions was to allocate all of the winery’s resources to uncompromised grape quality and winemaking. Dramatic improvements were made in equipment, facilities, wine grape sources and personnel.

“I’ve always said that quality is Merryvale’s life insurance,” he says. As Jack is now looking forward to more free time with his wife, Lilo, their son René is now responsible for the winery’s day-to-day operations.

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RENÉ SCHLATTER

René upholds his family’s integrity in his broad role as president. Working his way up the Merryvale ladder the old-fashioned way, he has held progressively more responsible positions since 1995.  Also born in Switzerland (near Geneva), René grew up an expert skier and all things snow.  He has lived in the U.S. since 1987 and played Division 1 tennis at Trinity University and earned his MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management in Arizona.  He lives in St. Helena with his wife, Laurence, their three young daughters and two friendly dogs.

That Laurence’s family has owned a winery in Switzerland for five generations provides a special sense of tradition. “It’s very rewarding to continue this family heritage at Merryvale,” says Jack.

Together, Jack and René have developed long term partnerships with some of the best wine grape growers in the Napa Valley, as well as making the careful assessment to acquire three estate vineyards:

• 70-acre Saint Helena Estate Vineyard on a ridge top high above St. Helena ideal for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to which it is planted
• 55-acre Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard on the historic Stanly Ranch in Carneros ideal for the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah grown there
• Juliana Vineyard in Pope Valley, planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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In 2006, Merryvale completed construction on a second winery in the Napa Valley’s Carneros region. This state-of-the-art facility, called Starmont after the Merryvale wines of the same label, is “green” with 100% of winery process water being recycled and 54% of the winery operations powered by solar energy. The Schlatters are committed to protecting and preserving the Napa Valley for future generations using sustainable practices. Both wineries and estate vineyards have been Napa Green Certified.

Merryvale produces ultra-premium Napa Valley wines available throughout the US, Europe and Asia. The winery has earned numerous awards and continues to gain critical acclaim for its outstanding wines and hospitality.

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THE WINES

Starmont Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2012

This wine is sourced from several distinct growing regions within the Napa Valley, including Oak Knoll, and Rutherford, each contributing a different expression of the varietal. The wine is fermented in a combination of neutral French oak (60% of the blend; only 2% new) and stainless steel tanks (40%). The intent is to preserve and enhance the varietal nuances and texture complexity.

Tasting Notes:  Full and lush mouthfeel with refreshing acidity providing for a wonderfully long finish that ends with clean minerality of wet slate, and bright kumquat rind.

Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay , 2011

Sourced from the Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, the fruit for this Chardonnay is carefully sorted, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented using 100% native yeast. The wine spent 11 months in French oak barrels on the lees.

Tasting Notes:  Displays expressive aromas of pear, papaya, citrus, nectarine, pineapple, toasty oak and spice. The wine is medium weight with a round fleshy texture and a crisp sweet finish.

Merryvale Carneros Pinot Noir, 2010

Sourced from vineyards throughout the Carneros appellation, including Merryvale’s Estate Vineyard on the Stanly Ranch, this wine is a blend of favorite Pinot Noir clones including: Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777, and 823, along with Pommard and Swan. The Dijon clones bring good color, bright focused fruit, and concentration. The Pommard and Swan clones bring nuanced complexity, along with minerality and great texture.  The grapes were handpicked and carefully sorted. The wine was aged for twelve months in French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:  Soft, yet bright entry, round and pleasantly balanced on the mid-palate, medium weight. Finishes with delicate length.

Cabernet Napa Valley Sauvignon, 2008

This Napa Cabernet received choice lots from the Estate Vineyard located in the hills high above St. Helena, as well as fruit from other top Napa vineyards, including Stagecoach and Sugarloaf. The fruit was hand-picked and triple sorted before undergoing extended maceration and a long, cool fermentation for increased flavor, color and aroma. The wine was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak, including 20% of the wine coming from larger 500 liter (132 gallon) puncheons. The wine only racked twice and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:  Dark red/purple in color with lifted aromas of cassis, blackberry, violets and cedar interwoven with vanilla and toasty oak. The wine is plush and round in the mouth with resolved tannins and great intensity.

Merryvale’s Signature Bordeaux Blend, “Profile”, 2010

Profile is Merryvale’s flagship red Bordeaux blend showcasing the very best fruit from each vintage. Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the Petit Verdot are sourced from the St. Helena Estate Vineyard, planted fifteen years ago.  The favorite lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc are chosen for their concentration, depth of flavor and fine tannin structure to produce a wine that is rich, elegant and opulent. After extended skin contact, native malolactic fermentation in barrel and periodic lees stirring, the wine undergoes extensive tasting and blending until the final version of Profile is complete. The wine was aged the 2009 Profile for 21 months in 100% new French Oak barrels, and an additional year in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes:  Shows powerful aromas of cassis, blackberry, raspberry liqueur, licorice, sweet vanilla bean, complex oak and baking spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Upon entry on the palate, this wine displays a generous, mouth-coating texture, with very fine tannins and exceptional length.

“Antigua” Napa Valley, NV

This dessert wine is 100% Muscat De Frontignan from vintages 1970 to 1983, 1992 to 1994.  It is fortified with fine pot-still brandy, aged in French oak barrels and tanks with 11 years average aging.

Tasting Notes:  Golden/amber in color from its long aging in French oak, the wine is a complex combination of nuts and orange-peel aromas. Thick and rich in the mouth, the nuts and orange-peel theme continues from the entry through the long finish, highlighted by the many subtleties from the fine brandy and time in the barrel.

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THE DINNER

Hors d’Œuvre

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP drizzled with 10-year old Acetaia Leonardi Balsamic Vinegar
Pecorino Toscano Stagionato DOP with Maria Grammatico’s Quince Paste
Colavolpe Montagnoli Baked Figs wrapped in crispy Pancetta

“Starmont” by Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc

.

First Course

Medallions of Lobster Poached in Butter with Creamy Lobster Broth

Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay, 2011

.

Pasta

Mushroom and Veal Agnolotti with Butter and Sage

Merryvale Carneros Pinot Noir, 2010

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Main Course

Four Daughters Land & Cattle Chateaubriand with Simple Red Wine Sauce
Tasting of Potatoes with Black Truffles
Braised Fennel

Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

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Dessert

Soufflé au Chocolat with Champagne Sauce

Merryvale’s Signature Bordeaux Blend,  “Profile”, 2012

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Post-Prandial

Merryvale “Antigua”, NV

28^th ANNUAL TAOS WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

This year the Taos Winter Wine Festival will again provide wine enthusiasts many venues to pursue their passion. There are several seminars and dinners scheduled, along with two major tastings:

The Reserve Tasting will be held at the elegant El Monte Sagrado Resort, with many of Taos’ best restaurants serving signature appetizers alongside tastes of reserve wine from owners and winemakers from 36 participating wineries.  This Opening Night Reserve Tasting also features a silent auction of wine to benefit a local non-profit organization.

The Grand Tasting will be held right here in Taos Ski Valley, and will feature more than 155 different wines — and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants, including The Blonde Bear Tavern.

For more information and tickets, visit the Taos Winter Wine Festival website.  Please stop by our booth to say hello — and after the event, why not come to The Blonde Bear Tavern for dinner and a little more wine?

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The post Merryvale Vineyards Returns to The Blonde Bear Tavern appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

After each ski season, I assemble pictures and videos and we show them at our end-of-year staff party. This is the last chapter of four in the film we presented in April.

It’s titled “. . . Of Which We are a Small Part”, because, well, we are — when viewed  from atop Wheeler or Kachina Peaks.  In addition to my own filming, I shamelessly borrowed other pictures and video, some of which I found on the Internet.

As with Part 1, I think it’s a great way to gear up for the 2013 – 2014 season.  We received another 14 inches of show on Tuesday, with more to come.

Bring it on!

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Film Credits:

• Jay Goebel
• GoPro
• Mark Gordon
• Moby Dickens Bookshop
• Britt Runyon
• Taos Ski Valley, Inc.
• thiago1029
• Peter Walker
• Nate Wixom
  

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• Music by Mars Lasar
  

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Related:

• Are You Ready?  Part 1:  “Our Magical Workplace”

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The post Are You Ready? Part 2 appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

After each season, I assemble pictures and videos and we show them at our end-of-year staff party. This is the second chapter of four in the film we presented last April.

It’s titled “Our Magical Workplace”, because, well, we are lucky enough to work in such a beautiful place.  In addition to my own filming, I shamelessly borrowed other pictures and video, some of which I found on the Internet.

I watched this chapter the other day and think it’s a great way to gear up for the 2013 – 2014 season.  It’s already snowed five times up here, and we’re expecting up to 10 inches on Tuesday.

Bring it on!

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Film Credits:

• Jay Goebel
• GoPro
• Mark Gordon
• Britt Runyon
• Sky News 13
• Taos Ski Valley, Inc.
• thiago1029
• Peter Walker
• Nate Wixom

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• Music by Rodrigo Y Gabriela

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Related:

• Are You Ready?  Part 2:  “. . . Of Which we are a Small Part”

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The post Are You Ready? Part 1 appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

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The post The Taos Winter appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

The post Do You Know Taos? appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

We are pleased to participate again in this year’s 27th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival, by hosting one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries – Merryvale Vineyards – right here at The Blonde Bear Tavern.  President and manager of the winery’s day-to-day operations, René Schlatter, will be on hand for this special wine dinner to guide guests through six of Merryvale’s most notable wines.  Sous Chef Martha Jurardo, our kitchen staff, and I have meticulously developed a menu that will highlight these wines in a way that will engage the palate of both wine connoisseurs and novice wine lovers alike.

.

THE WINERY

The first winery built in Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition, Merryvale is located in the heart of America’s premier wine region.  The winery’s focus is on crafting elegant, complex wines in the finest European style, yet reflecting the exuberant fruit from the Napa Valley and Sonoma appellations.

Merryvale’s white wines are whole-cluster-pressed to yield the clearest juice, and then fermented with native yeasts in French oak barrels.  The reds are made using traditional European methods and also aged in French oak barrels; they are then bottled unfiltered, which contributes to the rich, round flavors and supple textures.

Ask Merryvale Proprietor Jack Schlatter about his background as a cotton classer in México, coffee taster in Brazil, or any of his other fascinating experiences and he’ll quickly steer the conversation back to his true passion – the wines of Merryvale Vineyards. A native of Switzerland, Jack’s lifelong love of wine drew him to the Napa Valley to become a partner in Merryvale.

“Napa Valley’s diversity of soils and microclimates allows us to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir just a few miles from Cabernet. There’s no other place in the world like it.” says Jack.

Jack has dedicated himself to making sure the winery remained true to its founding vision of crafting fine wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley’s noble vineyards. One of his earliest decisions was to allocate all of the winery’s resources to uncompromised grape quality and winemaking. Dramatic improvements were made in equipment, facilities, wine grape sources and personnel.

“I’ve always said that quality is Merryvale’s life insurance,” he says. As Jack is now looking forward to more free time with his wife, Lilo, their son René is responsible for the winery’s day-to-day operations.

.

RENÉ SCHLATTER

René upholds his family’s integrity in his broad role as president. Working his way up the Merryvale ladder the old-fashioned way, he has held progressively more responsible positions since 1995.  Also born in Switzerland (near Geneva), René grew up an expert skier and all things snow.  He has lived in the U.S. since 1987 and played Division 1 tennis at Trinity University and earned his MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management in Arizona.  He lives in St. Helena with his wife, Laurence, their three young daughters and two friendly dogs.

That Laurence’s family has owned a winery in Switzerland for five generations provides a special sense of tradition. “It’s very rewarding to continue this family heritage at Merryvale,” says Jack.

Together, Jack and René have developed long term partnerships with some of the best wine grape growers in the Napa Valley, as well as making the careful assessment to acquire three estate vineyards:

• 70-acre Saint Helena Estate Vineyard on a ridge top high above St. Helena ideal for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to which it is planted
• 55-acre Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard on the historic Stanly Ranch in Carneros ideal for the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah grown there
• Juliana Vineyard in Pope Valley, planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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In 2006, Merryvale completed construction on a second winery in the Napa Valley’s Carneros region. This state-of-the-art facility, called Starmont after the Merryvale wines of the same label, is “green” with 100% of winery process water being recycled and 54% of the winery operations powered by solar energy. The Schlatters are committed to protecting and preserving the Napa Valley for future generations using sustainable practices. Both wineries and estate vineyards have been Napa Green Certified.

Merryvale produces ultra-premium Napa Valley wines available throughout the US, Europe and Asia. The winery has earned numerous awards and continues to gain critical acclaim for its outstanding wines and hospitality.

.

THE WINES

“Starmont” Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, 2011

This wine is sourced from several distinct growing regions within the Napa Valley, including Oak Knoll, and Rutherford, each contributing a different expression of the varietal. The wine is fermented in a combination of neutral French oak (60% of the blend; only 2% new) and stainless steel tanks (40%). The intent is to preserve and enhance the varietal nuances and texture complexity.

Tasting Notes:  Full and lush mouthfeel with refreshing acidity providing for a wonderfully long finish that ends with clean minerality of wet slate, and bright kumquat rind.

Chardonnay Carneros, 2010

Sourced from the Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, the fruit for this Chardonnay is carefully sorted, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented using 100% native yeast. The wine spent 11 months in French oak barrels on the lees.

Tasting Notes:  Displays expressive aromas of pear, papaya, citrus, nectarine, pineapple, toasty oak and spice. The wine is medium weight with a round fleshy texture and a crisp sweet finish.

Pinot Noir Carneros, 2011

Sourced from vineyards throughout the Carneros appellation, including Merryvale’s Estate Vineyard on the Stanly Ranch, this wine is a blend of favorite Pinot Noir clones including: Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777, and 823, along with Pommard and Swan. The Dijon clones bring good color, bright focused fruit, and concentration. The Pommard and Swan clones bring nuanced complexity, along with minerality and great texture.  The grapes were handpicked and carefully sorted. The wine was aged for twelve months in French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:  Soft, yet bright entry, round and pleasantly balanced on the mid-palate, medium weight. Finishes with delicate length.

Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008

This Napa Cabernet received choice lots from the Estate Vineyard located in the hills high above St. Helena, as well as fruit from other top Napa vineyards, including Stagecoach and Sugarloaf. The fruit was hand-picked and triple sorted before undergoing extended maceration and a long, cool fermentation for increased flavor, color and aroma. The wine was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak, including 20% of the wine coming from larger 500 liter (132 gallon) puncheons. The wine only racked twice and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:  Dark red/purple in color with lifted aromas of cassis, blackberry, violets and cedar interwoven with vanilla and toasty oak. The wine is plush and round in the mouth with resolved tannins and great intensity.

“Profile” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2009

Profile is Merryvale’s flagship red Bordeaux blend showcasing the very best fruit from each vintage. Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the Petit Verdot are sourced from the St. Helena Estate Vineyard, planted fifteen years ago.  The favorite lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc are chosen for their concentration, depth of flavor and fine tannin structure to produce a wine that is rich, elegant and opulent. After extended skin contact, native malolactic fermentation in barrel and periodic lees stirring, the wine undergoes extensive tasting and blending until the final version of Profile is complete. The wine was aged the 2009 Profile for 21 months in 100% new French Oak barrels, and an additional year in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes:  Shows powerful aromas of cassis, blackberry, raspberry liqueur, licorice, sweet vanilla bean, complex oak and baking spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Upon entry on the palate, this wine displays a generous, mouth-coating texture, with very fine tannins and exceptional length.

“Antigua” Napa Valley, NV

This dessert wine is 100% Muscat De Frontignan from vintages 1970 to 1983, 1992 to 1994.  It is fortified with fine pot-still brandy, aged in French oak barrels and tanks with 11 years average aging.

Tasting Notes:  Golden/amber in color from its long aging in French oak, the wine is a complex combination of nuts and orange-peel aromas. Thick and rich in the mouth, the nuts and orange-peel theme continues from the entry through the long finish, highlighted by the many subtleties from the fine brandy and time in the barrel.

.

THE DINNER

Hors d’Œuvre

Parmigiano-Reggiano drizzled with 12-year old Balsamic Vinegar
Venetian Paté Crostini
Endive stuffed with Gorgonzola and Walnuts, drizzled with Chestnut Honey

“Starmont” by Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc

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First Course

Seared Scallop on a bed of Baby Lettuces with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay

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Pasta

Four-Mushroom Lasagne with Spinach Pasta

Merryvale Carneros Pinot Noir

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Main Course

Roast Beef with Mountain Gravy
Farro cooked in the manner of Risotto with Chanterelles
Roasted Beets with Crumbles of Mountain Gorgonzola and Walnuts

Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

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Dessert

Pots de Crème au Chocolat with Raspberry Sauce

Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon “Profile”

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Post-Prandial

Merryvale “Antigua”

27^th ANNUAL TAOS WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

This year the Taos Winter Wine Festival will again provide wine enthusiasts many venues to pursue their passion. There are several seminars and dinners scheduled, along with two major tastings:

The Reserve Tasting will be held at the elegant El Monte Sagrado Resort, with many of Taos’ best restaurants serving signature appetizers alongside tastes of reserve wine from owners and winemakers from 36 participating wineries.  This Opening Night Reserve Tasting also features a silent auction of wine to benefit the Taos High School Culinary Arts Program.

The Grand Tasting will be held right here in Taos Ski Valley, and will feature more than 155 different wines — and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants, including The Blonde Bear Tavern.  A silent auction of rare wines benefits the Taos Community Foundation.

For more information and tickets, visit the Taos Winter Wine Festival website.  Please stop by our booth to say hello — and after the event, why not come to The Blonde Bear Tavern for dinner and a little more wine?

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The post 27th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival – Featuring Merryvale Vineyards appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

From Aaron Teasdale:

“Just what makes a classic ski town? It starts, naturally, with skiing and snowboarding so good they attract people like youth-bestowing fountains. Then add an inviting mountain burg steeped in ski heritage, amenities, and culture. These are the 25 best.”

The article describes Taos Ski Valley as “a narrow valley engulfed by precipitous peaks.  The Swiss-style chalets at the area’s base exude an old-time European character while the town itself feels like a funky Southwestern artist’s colony.”

And the skiing?

“The mountain offers some of the finest steep skiing and boarding in the U.S., with powder that rivals Utah’s for lightness. You can ski double diamonds top to bottom here. The most challenging terrain—and best powder runs—come on the hike-access West Basin and Highline ridges and the area’s highpoint, 12,481-foot Kachina Peak (check in with ski patrol before attempting). Taos operates one of the country’s most highly regarded ski schools—for beginners and the already skilled—which is good because the terrain demands it. There are no high-speed lifts here, which somehow suits the mountain’s almost mystical, apart-from-the-world vibe.”

And the best ski run:

“The classic ski run at Taos Ski Valley for experts willing to climb ten minutes is Stauffenberg, named after the Nazi army officer who plotted to assassinate Hitler. It’s a classic steep chute with hundred-mile views! For something mellower, try Honeysuckle, a long groomer that’s sunny and scenic.”

National Geographic picks another one of my favorites:  Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, with its Enoteca Cortina wine bar and of course, Il Meloncino al Camineto.

Read the whole thing.

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Related:  TAOS!

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The post National Geographic names Taos one of the World’s Best Ski Towns appeared first on BELLAVITÆ.

I am constantly asked the question, “How do I improve my wine knowledge?”  To which I always respond, “Keep drinking!”   There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with wines than a wine tasting.  It’s a great way to experience new vintages of your favorites, and to explore other varietals and regions around the world.

This week the Taos Winter Wine Festival will provide you such an opportunity. There are several seminars and dinners scheduled, along with two major tastings:

The Reserve Tasting will be held at the elegant El Monte Sagrado Resort, with a dozen of Taos’ best restaurants serving signature appetizers alongside tastes of reserve wine from owners and winemakers from 30 participating wineries.  This Opening Night Reserve Tasting also features a silent auction of wine to benefit the Taos High School Culinary Arts Program.

The Grand Tasting will be held right here in Taos Ski Valley, and will feature more than 155 different wines from 30 participating wineries — and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants, including The Blonde Bear Tavern.  A silent auction of rare wines benefits the Taos Community Foundation.

For more information and tickets, visit the Taos Winter Wine Festival website.  Please stop by our booth to say hello — and after the event, why not come to The Blonde Bear Tavern for dinner and a little more wine?

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