2009 Wine Bloggers Conference: Fewer Words, More People Pictures

Live Blogging Fast & Furious

There’s been so much buzz about the Wine Bloggers Conference in Napa and Sonoma, CA this year.  With close to 300 attendees (and 75 waitlisted) the WBC has been a dominant topic of conversation for months now among many in the wine community.  There have been several posts already as I’m late to the game.  But I had to show you the Wine Bloggers Conference in pictures.  Recognize anyone?

Jeff Stai aka @eljefetwisted-One of the Best Social Brand Builders in Our Industry

Here we are at the Russian River Valley Winegrowers After Party

Jeff Lefevere Pouring for Dinner

Murphy-Goode's Hardy Wallace Bringin' On the Fun

Bottleshock's Marc Lhormer-Double Fisted

For truly exceptional blogger photos, see Bricks of Wine’s Eric Hwang’s photostream.

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Wine Bloggers Conference 2009-Live Wine Blogging Impresssions

Okay, a couple of quick impressions for you from the Live Blogging segment.

2008 Fish Eye Pinot Grigio NV:  a bit astringent on the nose, described as “light, fruity wine”, Central Valley. $6.99 for 750 ml, also comes in a 3 L box.  This is recommended by the winery representative for newer wine drinkers, for fun, mass appeal.  RS .70%

Pinot Evil Pinot Noir (France):  promoted as quality, value and eco-friendly.  Decanted but still tannic, light in style IMO.  Premium wine cask category grew by 30% in 2008.  Good for entertaining, put in carafes for guests.

2007 Cupcake Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% malolactic fermentation, aged in American Oak for 12 mos. This is marketed as an adult treat (cupcake).  Dark cherry in color, toasty on the nose, smooth rounded flavors.  $13.99 or on special for $9.99.  This is a good value wine to seek out.

Snows Lake Two Blend:  250 cases each of 2 varietals.  72% Cabernet Sauvignon 28% Cab Franc.  French Oak and New French Oak. Dark, dark in color smooth and supple for young fruit.  Retail $45. Available in NY/NJ as well as many other states.

2007 Line County Petite Sirah Lake County: Oak on the nose, described as afull-bodied Petit Sirah, but I found it to be more medium-bodied. Would pair well with many dishes similar to pairing ability of Pinot Noir.  Nice value at $10.

2007  Cline Ancient Vines Mouvedre: little oak (25% new French Oak) so as not to mute the fruit.  Mostly Mouvedre. Mouvedre was very popular in the ’30s but has almost disappeared. $16.00.  Peel back label.  This is my first Mouvedre and I will explore more of them.

2007 Tandem Manchester Ridge Chardonnay: family operation, Manchester Ridge.  Paired with Old Wente.  Skin contacting for 32 hours.  I got lemon on the palate.

2007 Foggy Bridge Chardonnay:  Australian winemaker formerly with Penfolds.  Very light straw in color.  190 cases.  Single label.

2006 Clif Gary’s Improv Syrah: dark cherry color, toasted oak nose.  Tasting a bit young though should round out with age or decanting.

2007 Benovia Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir focus, Russian River AVA, 370 cases, $55.  Minimal intervention, cold soaked.  Unfined, unfiltered.

2007 Lion’s Pride El Molino High School Russian River valley Pinot Noir: high school students have a winery permit .  100% of proceeds go back to the high school Ag program.  A labor of love. Celebrity winemakers donate time and materials to make the wine.

2005 Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Rodney Strong.  Sugary cherry on the nose like a cherry tart, hillside fruit.