I haven't been blogging but I have, in fact, been drinking wine! I have 10 empty bottles lined up on my office fireplace staring at me. "It's time", they are saying. So, here we are.
Being that there are 10 and being that I'm feeling lazy, I'm going to lump these together as best as I can.
In the I Was Disappointed column, we have:
Murphy-Goode 2007 Cabernet: this is made in Santa Rosa, which sits on the other side of the greater Napa/Sonoma region from me. I was anxious to try this one because I see it on restaurant menus a lot, which can sometimes indicate a general winner. I was disappointed, though. It was just ok. I'd be willing to try another year, but for the money, I wouldn't bother with another 07.
Rosenblum Cellars Vinter's Cuvee Cabernet 2008: This one comes from Sonoma. I've been hearing good things about this winery and was excited when I saw the label. I couldn't remember what wines they were known for or what their speciality was but I was in the mood for a cab so I thought, what the heck! This one was so unmemorable that I cannot, as it seems, remember anything about it. I just know I stuck the empty bottle in the no section of what was once my fireplace and is now my empty wine bottle holder.
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige: This is the champagne I chose for New Year's. The label is telling me this is their signature sparkling wine over at Mumm Napa, which is indeed in Napa. I like this one but was disappointed because I soooo loved the Chandon champagne I had recently (reviewed on this blog) and when this one wasn't as good I was just bummed. It normally goes for about $20 but I got it for around $12 so at least I had that. I'd drink it again but if all other things are equal, I'm going with the Chandon.
Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet 2007 Northern Sonoma: It kills me to put this one on the list because Frei Brothers makes some amazing wines. And this was a reserve wine. And $30. And the one I selected for Christmas. I don't know what to say - it was just lacking. I wanted luxury and boldness and I got simple and flat. Would I try another reserve wine from them? Heck yes, in a heartbeat. I can't explain this and I hope it never happens again. Especially if I'm the one paying.
In the I Was Pleasantly Surprised But Yet it Didn't Rock My World Completely column:
Layer Cake Cotes Du Rhone Vintage 2006 Rhone Valley France: This is the French wine I chose for us for our new tradition of French food on Christmas Eve. I know nothing about French wine except I once shared a $1 bottle of wine with some pals in Paris while playing Go Fish in our hotel room and it was so awful that when I was forced to Go Fish and take a drink I literally threw open the hotel window and spat it out. If you were walking in Paris near the airport in the summer of 1997 and red wine fell from the sky and hit you, I apologize. For the record, we were literally playing the go fish card game and not some drinking game. Though it became a drinking game somehow. Whatever. Also for the record, I believe this is now the infamous time we sent Robby to the hotel lobby bar with the said $1 bottle to have them open it, only to have him return embarrassed because it was a screw top. ANYWAY, back to this one....I was pleasantly surprised. It was lively and full and held in there with our Coq Au Vin like a champ. It was also good immediately - didn't even have to decant this stuff. It didn't blow my socks off, but I'd happily go for it again.
I got this one for about $12 at World Market.
In the Folks, We Have a Winner category:
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet 2008: This is another cabernet gem from the St Helena area in Napa County. I also see Joel Gott wines on menus a lot and this one didn't let me down. It isn't on my list of all time faves for cabernets, but it is darn good and I'd happily drink it and buy it again. Mid priced around $14 -$16. Not too big and spicy, so most all cab lovers would enjoy it. Get you some.
Charles Krug 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley: As I'm typing these I realize how little white wine I've had recently. Seems odd. Anyway, this is my first wine from Napa's oldest winery and I was quite happy with it. We all know I'm a sucker for a Sauv Blanc and this is a great one. It was dry, fruity (pear not apple), crisp and delicious. Can't wait to try it again.
Ridgeline Cabernet 2004 Alexander Valley: This was my husband's gift from his boss, who lives in Napa. Fabulous gift and fabulous wine. Retails for around $30 and didn't disappoint. It was rich and smokey and full bodied all the way through. I hope my husband's boss comes up with another reason to gift us. If you see any of this - indulge!
337 Cabernet 2008 Lodi: Well, it has been too long since I drank this one to recall any good details, but I definitely really liked it and will happily buy it again.
Deadly Zins 2007: This is a blend of old vine zinfandels and it never fails to be fantastic. I've been drinking this one since my friend Heidi's wedding a few years ago and is one of my favorite old vine zins. It is decently priced $12-$15 so you can drink it regularly. I encourage you to try this one if you like old vine zins.
12.23.2010
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Sonoma County 2009
Rumor is, this is another silver medal winner and 87 point getter. There are a lot of contests and people who get to assign point values. One day, perhaps I'll figure out just how many. I used to ignore these things and go with the bravado of "Who cares what some crusty old man in a windsor tie thinks? I'm going to drink what I want. Dammit." Then, I realized I liked all the wines that win awards and get big points. So, you do the math. For the record, I also like a man who can tie a windsor knot. He's in the shower right now, presumably not wearing a windsor tie.
Anyway, totally loved this wine. It was the perfect blend of crisp and fruity and dry - which is the Chard trifecta for me. I also love a buttery Chard but that makes 4 adjectives and there is no "trifecta" sort of impact to a quadfecta. And, besides, this wasn't buttery.
I served it really cold, which might be a no-no, but I like it that way. Plus, the steaming hot bowl of ham and beans demanded an icy cold sort of beverage.
Would absolutely drink this one again-- looking forward to it, in fact. Try it out for yourself. I'd like to try the '08, too.
Retails between $12-$14. Bought locally on sale for $9.99. Worth every penny!
Toasted Head Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
I've been avoiding this winery for years now, I admit. From a distance, the label looks like it has a bear vomiting fish. Only upon closer inspection do I realize the bear is actually breathing (or eating) fire. This is preferable, naturally, to a vomiting bear. Once I cleared this up, I bought a bottle of North Coast Cabernet to go along with my favorite TriTip roast for dinner the other night.
The fruit for this wine comes from the Lakes Region, a bit farther north from the Napa-Sonoma region I've been tasting wines from. Yes, I know I could rework that sentence so as to not dangle my preposition, but I'm feeling wild this morning.
I liked this wine in a "it's decent" sort of way. I don't really mean that as a slam - it was a decent cab and I was able to immediately drink it - no decanting. Sometimes, this is very much appreciated. It was a bit....man...I don't know the word I need here. It was a bit too light, or something like that. I like big, heavy cabs and this was sort of a nice and easy version. It smelled good and tasted good, though -- also did a great job standing up to my roast and brussel sprouts. That's right. I eat brussel sprouts. Shut your mouth!
For under 10 bucks, it's not a bad choice. I'd drink it again but it wouldn't be my first choice. Too many fantastic cabs out there.
The fruit for this wine comes from the Lakes Region, a bit farther north from the Napa-Sonoma region I've been tasting wines from. Yes, I know I could rework that sentence so as to not dangle my preposition, but I'm feeling wild this morning.
I liked this wine in a "it's decent" sort of way. I don't really mean that as a slam - it was a decent cab and I was able to immediately drink it - no decanting. Sometimes, this is very much appreciated. It was a bit....man...I don't know the word I need here. It was a bit too light, or something like that. I like big, heavy cabs and this was sort of a nice and easy version. It smelled good and tasted good, though -- also did a great job standing up to my roast and brussel sprouts. That's right. I eat brussel sprouts. Shut your mouth!
For under 10 bucks, it's not a bad choice. I'd drink it again but it wouldn't be my first choice. Too many fantastic cabs out there.
12.17.2010
Wattle Creek Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino 2007
The other day as I was standing there staring at all the fabulous wines I have yet to try, my eyes settled on this one. It has a couple of strange things going for it. First, let's be honest. The label has a picture of something that seriously looks like a penis and three balls. And we all know how rare a three baller is. Then there is the name. When I hear the word "wattle" I think of my chin and this is NOT a pleasant experience. I'd rather think about a three baller. So why would I pick this wine, you are asking. Well, I was intrigued by all that strangeness and by a sauv blanc from Cloverdale, CA. I don't even know where that is - pause while I go find out...got it! Northwest of Napa, straight up the old 101.
Anyway, enough about three balls, my chin, and locations. I really enjoyed this wine. It's a silver medal winner of some contest, which seems right to me. I must say though, that had it been a blind taste test I probably would have guessed it to be a Chardonnay. This says a lot about how totally unrefined I am. Whatever. But, the wine had a bigger, bolder and almost but not quite buttery sort of taste..like you'd associate with a Chard. I'm wondering if this is something more common in Sauv's from this particular region. I can't wait to find out.
I drank this wine by itself and with a homemade pasta dish (sauteed chicken breast over angel hair pasta with vodka sauce) and it stood up quite nicely. I'd definitely have it again.
Retails for around $14. Bought at Raley's for $8.99.
12.06.2010
Domaine Chandon -- Chandon Extra Dry Riche Sparkling Wine
Yesterday, I spent a little time at one of my new favorite places - Sepay Olive Oil Company. You can taste olive oils and vinegars, learn a TON about the industry, health benefits, etc., and shop to your heart's content. Truly a gem in Fairfield. Fresh off of that, I went grocery shopping. I knew I wanted to get some bread so I could dive right into my fabulous new assortment of oils and vinegars. As I was perusing the bakery selections, I spotted some fondue. Ah.....fondue. Dinner came together rather quickly after that.
When I was a kid, we had fondue with some sort of regularity. In other words, I don't see it as a special or extravagant thing. It is a fabulous rich and hearty winter time meal for any night. For our dinner, we had fresh bread cubes, a Bosc pear (cubed), a pink lady apple (cubed), and some leftover Thanksgiving ham. Somewhere in there, I decided we should have champagne with it. Why not class it up a bit?
I selected this sparkling wine because I've driven passed the winery numerous times and it was on sale. Yes, those really are the criteria. It was fantastic! We both enjoyed it tremendously. We don't like sweet wines, so I purposely chose the extra dry on this one. Top notch! I could drink this every day. It was crisp and flavorful and perfectly bubbly. It worked so well with the heaviness of the fondue. And, nothing says class like eating fondue out of a soup pot and drinking champagne out of cocktail glasses. (Somewhere I have a fondue pot and champagne glasses, but not in this house) Apparently the experts agree with me on this one -- it is a 92 pointer!
This sparkling wine is made in Napa, CA by the Domaine Chandon Winery. It retails for around $20. I bought it locally for $12.99.
When I was a kid, we had fondue with some sort of regularity. In other words, I don't see it as a special or extravagant thing. It is a fabulous rich and hearty winter time meal for any night. For our dinner, we had fresh bread cubes, a Bosc pear (cubed), a pink lady apple (cubed), and some leftover Thanksgiving ham. Somewhere in there, I decided we should have champagne with it. Why not class it up a bit?
I selected this sparkling wine because I've driven passed the winery numerous times and it was on sale. Yes, those really are the criteria. It was fantastic! We both enjoyed it tremendously. We don't like sweet wines, so I purposely chose the extra dry on this one. Top notch! I could drink this every day. It was crisp and flavorful and perfectly bubbly. It worked so well with the heaviness of the fondue. And, nothing says class like eating fondue out of a soup pot and drinking champagne out of cocktail glasses. (Somewhere I have a fondue pot and champagne glasses, but not in this house) Apparently the experts agree with me on this one -- it is a 92 pointer!
This sparkling wine is made in Napa, CA by the Domaine Chandon Winery. It retails for around $20. I bought it locally for $12.99.
11.17.2010
2008 Monogamy North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
The other night I was hunting for a new cabernet to try and found myself eyeball to label with this one. I've seen its clever little label before and never been interested. This time, I was. Partly because it was on sale. I was getting some "take out" for dinner last Friday. We've discovered that Raley's, our closest market, makes a stupid good BBQ TriTip roast. They can be found near the rotisserie chickens. I don't know why these things are so dang fantastic, but sweet mama dog, they are. So, TriTip roast in my basket I scoodled over to the wine aisle. Someone should analyze why I choose the wines I do. Someone -- but not me. The results sound interesting but not the work in getting there.
The Monogamy winery is in Santa Rosa, CA. Relatively close to my house, though on the other side of Napa and Sonoma. Haven't been there yet.
The wine was lovely. It was dry and had a nice deep, robust lingering sensation to it. That sounds...really like something else. But, I'm still talking about the wine. Really. Very enjoyable. Not over powering or too bold. Newer cabernet drinkers would likely be just as happy as self-proclaimed big cab lovers.
I would and will happily get this one again. For the money, it's right on. Got it on sale for right around $10. Normal retail around $14. And yes, it was super yummy with the roast. I can almost smell that roast. Mmmmm.....
The Monogamy winery is in Santa Rosa, CA. Relatively close to my house, though on the other side of Napa and Sonoma. Haven't been there yet.
The wine was lovely. It was dry and had a nice deep, robust lingering sensation to it. That sounds...really like something else. But, I'm still talking about the wine. Really. Very enjoyable. Not over powering or too bold. Newer cabernet drinkers would likely be just as happy as self-proclaimed big cab lovers.
I would and will happily get this one again. For the money, it's right on. Got it on sale for right around $10. Normal retail around $14. And yes, it was super yummy with the roast. I can almost smell that roast. Mmmmm.....
2007 Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Another joy of living in Northern California is the abundance of interesting groceries. A new favorite of mine is a chain called Grocery Outlet. They operate in a couple of western states, but I'd never been in one till moving here. Love! You literally never know what you are going to find there, because of the very nature of their business. Therefore, you must go often just to see what's there. Thankfully, I'm extremely good at going into stores and buying nothing. I do this more often than not. So, no harm done in going in a lot. Boy, what a digression. Anyway- the Grocery Outlet carries wine! Be still my heart! This is where I found a new fave, Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc.
This is a New Zealand wine. I don't think I've ever had a NZ wine I didn't like. You'll be the first to know should I encounter one. I felt confident about trying it for three reasons. I like sauvignon blancs. I've enjoyed sauvignon blancs from the Marlborough region before. It was cheap. There it is.
Fabulous. Truly. It is so good that Lance finally agreed to try it. He was stunned. He loudly exclaimed, "Write this down as my favorite and only sauvignon blanc. And go buy a case of it."
Dry. Crisp. Perfect.
The first time I had it, I munched my favorite meal of cheese, fruit and homemade bread. Last night, I had it again with some spinach tortellini. Wonderful in both cases.
Should you see this, get it. Air high 5 me right in the store and go home happy.
Paid $4.99. Apparently, it usually retails around $15.
This is a New Zealand wine. I don't think I've ever had a NZ wine I didn't like. You'll be the first to know should I encounter one. I felt confident about trying it for three reasons. I like sauvignon blancs. I've enjoyed sauvignon blancs from the Marlborough region before. It was cheap. There it is.
Fabulous. Truly. It is so good that Lance finally agreed to try it. He was stunned. He loudly exclaimed, "Write this down as my favorite and only sauvignon blanc. And go buy a case of it."
Dry. Crisp. Perfect.
The first time I had it, I munched my favorite meal of cheese, fruit and homemade bread. Last night, I had it again with some spinach tortellini. Wonderful in both cases.
Should you see this, get it. Air high 5 me right in the store and go home happy.
Paid $4.99. Apparently, it usually retails around $15.
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