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(In an effort to wake this community from its slumbers ....)
I have to say that there is nothing like several hours worth of very fiddly editing work to make me say, "Is it wine yet?"
(And but for the fact that I am OMG! beyond deadline on a piece I need to finish writing, it would be.)
So, chime in with a few of your "Is it wine yet?" moments. |
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Even though I live in Napa Valley and occasionally do the nice wines around here (just about all of them at the wineries are $30+), we've been on a kick lately of trying out $10-and-under wines from the local grocery store and Cost Plus.
Usually we decide these aren't even worth the $6-$8 we pay for them, but there have been a few exceptions. I was pleasantly surprised by Sterling Vintner Collection Meritage (mostly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with a little malbec and petit verdot)
Even though it's not perfectly balanced, it has some similarities to $30+ cabs I've tried around here. It's definitely for those of you who enjoy a somewhat hearty/rich wine... it has a balance of brambleberry and green vegetable flavors, with slightly chewy tannins (noticeable, enough to give it some heft -- better than most cheap cabs -- but not overbearing). To me, I get flavors of blackberry and green pepper with subtle hints of coffee and tobacco (slightly smoky/toasty oak flavor).
It's not perfect, but it certainly seems good for a full-bodied sub-$10 bottle. Usually I find the cheaper reds to be either too "ripe" and fruity tasting (like prunes or overripe something or another...), or too thin and alcohol-hot; at least this one avoids those fates.
Some other recent under $10 forays (red) we have enjoyed have been:
* Apothic Red (another blend, but no cab in this one so it's all fruit and a little oak, not so heavy on the tannins because it's mostly merlot and syrah)
* Fleur de Lyeth -- a blend of cabernet, merlot, and malbec. This one falls somewhere in between the Sterling Meritage and the Apothic Red. It's a little sturdier and not as fruity as the Apothic Red, but still has a weaker cab and stronger presence of merlot than Sterling does.
* Maggio Zinfandel (rich, quintessential Lodi/California zin flavors combining a nice balance of ripe, jammy fruit and a fair deal of spice. A mix of prune, raspberry jam, and hints of black pepper and clove)
* Greg Norman pinot (a rich red pinot with tart berry/cherry flavor)
* Concannon pinot (a lighter, ruddier pinot with strong oak presence)Current Mood:  mellow |
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Salut tout le monde! So, I have a few bottles of French wine I'd like some info on in terms of taste and pairing with edible accompaniments, anyone care to help? I brought them over as gifts for my family and friends, but haven't had much time to look into them, and some were left for me as gifts by some of my students who I'm sure are more wine-savvy than I.
I'd like to have my whole family taste the champagnes and the 1998 Sauternes, and I'm giving the Monbazillac, Loupiac, and Caprice de Clémentine as gifts to individuals. Any suggestions about what I can tell them to expect as far as taste, and what one would eat with those in terms of a meal or snack? Without further ado, here are the concerned wines and a photo if that helps!
Sauternes, Chateau Romer du Hayot, 1998, 14%
Monbazillac, Chateau Hut Bernasse, 2005, 12.5%
Loupiac, Chateau de Montalier, 2009, 13.5%
Le Caprice de Clémentine, Côtes de Provence, 2010, 13%
Champange Brut, Ruinart, Maison de Ruinart, Reims 12%
Champagne Brut, Charles Bove, Méthode Traditionelle 12%
Thanks in advance/merci d'avance for any kind of info or help you can give me! I wish you all a very gleðileg jól (Icelandic :), joyeux noël, merry Christmas, and chanukkah sameach! |
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I just got my first iPhone, and I'd love to download some wine apps, but I'm a little overwhelmed by the number available, even looking at online recommendations. Features I'm interested in:
food/wine pairing
tasting notes and prices
vintage charts
easy-to-use way to do my own tasting notes on the fly
They don't all have to be in the same app. And of course free is better, but I'm willing to pay a few bucks for one or more truly useful apps. Which apps do you like best, and why? |
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I've never joined a wine club before. I want wine sent to my home monthly. What are the best clubs, cost wise and wine quality?
:) Thanks in advance |
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A while back I made a post comparing two Trader Joe's "VINTJS" line of pinot noir -- one from Willamette (usually a source of great pinot, but I did not lot like the TJs offering, despite being made by a well-respected source) and one from Santa Lucia (which seems to be an "up and comer" in the pinot world, and so far I haven't met a Santa Lucia pinot I didn't like); both of these were about $8, and while neither was amazing, the Santa Lucia one was quite drinkable and I was pretty pleased for the pricetag.
Well, I decided to explore a few more low-end offerings I saw at my local grocery store: one is made by Concannon and the other by Gnarly Head. The Gnarly Head was a buck more, but they were both under $10 where I live (though they may have been on sale, I don't remember.)
And they were both pretty good! Now, just to set the record straight, I'm not someone who likes "big" pinots -- I don't want my pinot to be dark and rich; if I were in the mood for that, I'd drink something other than pinot. So I much prefer it to be delicate, somewhat light-colored and transparent, and with a good balance of fruit and oak. I also love mineral, mushroomy earthiness when I can get that in a pinot, but these California pinots don't seem to do that as well as Oregon ones do. They do, however tend to have some level of toasted oak mixed with sour cherry and/or cranberry flavors, sometimes a little black tea or cola shows up in the profile as well (I find that's usually in the higher-end ones, though. There are some great -- but too expensive -- examples of these from Etude in Carneros)
Having said that, both the Concannon and Gnarly head were pretty well-balanced; the Concannon had a touch more alcohol heat and a little more of a sour profile to it (which my gf likes so we now have 4 of them sitting in the rack); the Gnarly Head is slightly more fruity/berry flavor, so I think I liked it just a little more, but at this point we just pick up whatever's a good deal.
These aren't going to hold par with many of the $40 Oregon, Carneros, Santa Lucia, and Sonoma Coast pinots (although I believe Gnarly Head actually is Sonoma Coast grapes), but for $10 or so (I believe I got them for $8 and $9) they do a respectable job of representing the varietal -- and I mention them here because they can probably be found all across America.
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I have always been a white wine drinker. I lean mostly to the Riesling side of life. But, I really want to venture into Red territory.
My experiences with Red in the past haven't been great. Too dry and the tannins leave me with a head ache. I have been told that the RWH is all in my head (*sighs*) and that Red is no more likely to cause headaches than White.
So why do I want to go Red? Blame it on peer pressure. Or actually on wine tasting pressure.
I love wine tastings. But every time, I ask for whites only - I get this "look" - yeah, you know the one - it says "grow up and get with the program".
Not exactly in those words, but you get my meaning. Who says the world of wine is without snobbery?
I have been told that Red is an acquired taste and one must grow into it. Well, I am willing to give it a try.
Anyone have any suggestions on some Red to cut my baby teeth on? Be gentle - nothing too dry and too hearty to start.
Thanks!Current Mood:  sick |
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I have to admit that I have shied away from boxed wine in the past - to me it just said "cheap wine", but now I am a converted boxed wine drinker.
Last weekend was a girl's weekend - and of course it goes without saying - much wine was going to be consumed.
I was browsing the local Liquor Barn looking for something different - as we like to try new things. I am partial to Rieslings - for me a good Riesling is hard to beat if you are just sitting around drinking some wine and perhaps eating some salty dark chocolate (my secret vice).
Whoops, I digress - browsing the aisles of white wines and happen to strike up a conversation with a fellow Riesling lover and she recommended Bota Box 2008 California Riesling.
It comes in a 3L box (which equals FOUR 750 ml bottles) and priced at $18.99/box (which equals ~$4.75/bottle) the price is right.
But of course, the proof is in the pudding; and this Bota Box delivered!
The wine was slightly sweet, but not too much - it went well with that aforementioned salty dark chocolate and the salty grilled halloumi cheese we were snacking on.
I brought home what we didn't drink (another plus on boxed wine - it stays fresh up to 6 weeks) and takes up very little space in your refrigerator. As a matter of fact, I am having a glass as I write this.
Will I buy this again? You betcha. I think I will keep a box handy for last minute get togethers - at this price - I can afford it.
Lesson learned - being a wine "snob" will cost you in more ways than one....
Current Mood: complacent |
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I love to shop at them.
When I was in Indiana back in May I did some Googling to see what I could find within reasonable driving distance of where my daughter lives, and came up with a list of three places that would fill an afternoon's driving.
One of them was Shady Creek, in Michigan City IN. Their sales building is obviously quite new, and the winery/vinyard are nowhere in sight. It could be anywhere along the Lake Michigan Shore wine district.
After tasting several, I wound up with a white, "Sandy Feet", and a red, "Rip Tide".
I gotta warn you here, I have a considerable sweet tooth, so I do NOT dig super-dry wines of any coloring, and fruitiness is not a sin in my mouth.
We haven't tried the white yet, but we had the Rip Tide with a roast for supper this evening.
Even on top of a plate full of roast beef and The Usual Veggies, I can still feel the slight buzz from this wine. I just checked the label; it doesn't specify the alcoholic content, though. This is definitely a Hearty Red, and on the dry side, but with just enough fruitiness to satisfy my sweet tooth.
It's been long enough ago that I don't recall the exact price, but it has to have been in the $15-$20 per bottle range, based on my general memory of how much in-total I spent that afternoon, across three wineries. |
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Looking for a recipie....anyone have a nice one? |
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We have a wedding to attend in Spokane WA this summer and will have some time to kill. We saw on a website that there are a bunch of wineries in the area. Have any of you visited any of them? If so please let me know of any ones you've enjoyed. We love going to wineries here, there and everywhere when the opportunity arises. |
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Just wanted to share that I decided to try a 3rd VINTJS pinot on the recent trip to Trader Joe's -- I've been stocking up on 3-4 bottles of Santa Lucia each time, and on the recent visit I noticed Willamette was no longer stocked but a new one was: 2009 San Lusi Obispo County.
I decided to give it a try (1 bottle, vs. 3 bottles of Santa Lucia since I know I like that one and I had no expectations of San Luis Obispo), but I just had it (well, some of it) and it's even worse than I expected. One of the worst pinots I've had. Tastes alike it was made in a gym locker. Similar "old sock" flavor to Charles Shaw syrah. Gross. Avoid this one. Definitely get the Santa Lucia, but any others I've tried are not even worth the $9 price tag. |
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Dear wine lovers, I have much enjoyed this comm's recommendation of Menage A Trois for an inexpensive, and yet really good, red with fun spice/fruit notes. This evening, I would love to have a glass of white wine, but I don't drink white wine often and do not know what to get.
I would love some recc's for an equally inexpensive (under $15) white wine with some body (I don't like the super crisp, watery whites) and yet that is light, fruity, and refreshing. |
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Thought I'd try to spark some conversation and activity......
If I've been enjoying Pinot Noirs, Pinotages, Tempranillos and some (not super aggressive) Zinfandels, where should I go from here?
Sort of feel like I've been in a wine rut. Under $15 suggestions especially appreciated. |
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My hubby and I are holding our "intro to wine" tasting tonight, and I have been on my feet all day prepping the house and food. (Hubby was his awesome self and cleaned the bathrooms. He'd do more but he has to work today.)
The whites:
Sauv Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling
The reds:
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Shiraz.
Dessert:
Moscato
(I was going with port, but changed my mind.)
This got changed on the fly to Creme Sherry when my original dessert fell through and another guest showed up with dark chocolate covered bananas.
I will be providing some basic veggie, cheese, and fruit nibblies, but we told our guests that if they want to bring something, bring an appetizer or a main course to serve 6. It will be a true potluck and our guests will find out by themselves what does/doesn't work. ;)
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I am collecting keys at the door, and anybody who does not have a designated driver must hang out for at least 2 hours after their last drink. |
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Bought this when I was out shopping with my mom (Target, about $8). Usually, I'm not a big red wine drinker, but I've always liked trying new things (and anyway, if I ended up not liking it, my mom would drink it). I don't know enough to tell you about the different flavors and notes, but I was surprised to find I really liked it and would definitely recommend it to others.
See, I have a problem with a majority of reds in that they make my jaw very sore. Does anyone else have this problem or know what causes it (or should I be talking to my dentist)? I'd like to try more red wines but it's very annoying to take one sip and not be able to finish the glass because oww. Any help here would be appreciated! |
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Anyone try this before?
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Mar. 8th, 2011 @ 06:43 pm
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My first experience with Wine was Loganberry at 85 Cents a Bottle. (Gosh, I'm getting old!) I enjoy the sweet flavor of a Tawny Port and when I was a kid, my best friend's dad made a Wine he called Dago Red. Highly bitter, so we cut it with 7-up.
Now, I'm looking for a Red that is slightly sweet. Under $20 per bottle and not to be mixed with anything. :o) Choices at the Markets such as Trader Joes and the big stores like Fred Meyer are soe large that I get frustrated at my lack of Wine Education.
Suggestions? Thanks all.
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I have a great taste for wine. The smooth taste with a light feeling is perfect for a long day after work, or hanging with family & friends. Please take a look and see details on the inside.Current Mood: awake Current Music: r& b |
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Norton/Cynthiana is a variety of grape unique to the United States.
I've been dying to try it, but you almost never see it west of the Rockies. I've been trying for years to find a vineyard that will ship to Nevada, but no dice. When I found a bottle of it at my local Total Wine, I literally yelped in delight and startled the poor guy next to me.
The label on the bottle suggested letting it rest for 7-10 years, and next time (and, oh yes, there will be a next time) I'll do so.
Color: And you thought Petite Sirah was dark! This wine is inky red-black in color.
Nose: Plums and cherries and yeah, it smelled sharp.
First Impression: Cherries, plums, and concord grapes, but a very dry concord grape note, and then a loooooonnnngggg finish of spicy orange peel. The wine was quite sharp overall, very tannic.
Breathing room: Still a bit sharp and tannic, mouthfeel was still astringent. (My next bottle's going to hang out in a cool dark place for 7-10 years.) Cherries, and plums and the spicy orange peel finish is now something between "Constant Comment" tea and a blood orange. There's definitely a note of cloves and blood orange in the nose after it breathes a bit.
This is right up there with Gewurtraminer and Pinotage in terms of the unique and distinct flavor department.
Should you wrangle a bottle, I suggest pairing it with something spicy (but not spicy hot) and tangy flavored: hearty Eastern European food, or ribs with a good vinegar-base sauce. |
| » The Vine Yard 2007 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc |
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I picked up this wine at a Fresh and Easy for about $8. Where I live, generally speaking, you don't see a Cab Franc for less than $20 -- if you can find it.
This is a tannic, angry, GRINCHY wine. The first sniff freaking stabbed me in the nose. Only after about 30 minutes of breathing did it become somewhat drinkable and showed the cherries, smoky, and green notes that are typical of Cab Franc, but it's still pretty damn bad.
On the other hand I've got a few blood oranges in the fridge and some berries in the freezer. Sangria, here I come.
Mar. 1st, 2011 @ 07:46 pm
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| » VINTJS: A Tale of Two Pinots |
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VINTJS is Trader Joe's label they use for some of their branded wines (namely pinot noir, as far as I can tell)
I first became aware of it when looking through their selection and noticing this label on a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir a year or two ago. I scrutinized the label and became curious because the wine is actually made by "Wine by Joe", which is the budget-line label of Joe Dobbs, of Dobbs Estate wine (decent pinot noir) in Oregon.
On my last TJs shopping trip, I decided it was time to investigate some new wines -- to be specific, I picked up a 2010 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($7.99), a LaGranja 50/50 blend of garnacha/tempranillo from Spain ($4.99... and I'm curious to start trying TJ's entire selection of inexpensive Spanish wines, so if anybody has suggestions, let me know), an Evenus Zinfandel Port from Paso Robles ($7.99), and these two pinot noirs ($7.99 each) under the VINTJS label: one is a 2009 Willamette Valley (Oregon), the other is a 2009 Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey, CA)
I've been a big fan of Oregon pinot for a while, but I was recently turned on to Santa Lucia pinot when Charles Hendricks poured me one of his own at Hope & Grace cellars in Yountville (Napa Valley) It was possibly the best California pinot I've had; I also tried his Russian River pinot, and it didn't hold a candle. Something about the Santa Lucia terroir must be amazing, because there is an extraordinary balance of fruit and earth and spice (more spice than I get in most pinots -- like a little hint of cedar and clove), and a smooth mouthfeel without the cloying sour/tartness of some pinot noirs.
So my gf and I decided we would open these side by side for a taste comparison. On pouring them (into our amazing new Riedel Vinum crystal pinot/burgundy glasses), the color and opacity difference were negligible. They were both medium-dark (for a pinot), somewhat translucent (par for the course for pinot), and only had a slight variation in color, with the Willamette wine having a slightly more ruddy hue and the Santa Lucia one having a hint of raspberry color to it.
Taking a whiff of each, the difference on the nose is remarkable. The Santa Lucia one had a rich, aromatic smell -- again giving some hints of that earth and spice, a little bit of mushroom and cedar and clove, but all mixed in with hints of ripe fruit as well. A wonderful perfume, reminiscent of potpourri or incense. The Willamette one had a slight oak smell, but gave a little more alcohol on the nose (despite being lower ABV) but the primary aroma here was sour cherry, all the way.
The flavor profiles didn't stray too far from those aromas. The Willamette Valley pinot had a much more pronounced oak (American oak, if my tastebuds don't deceive me) flavor up front than was present on the nose, quickly followed by the sour cherry primary flavor. Considering the relatively low alcohol (13.3%), it seemed a little hot, but it could be the acidity contributing to that sense. Overall it's right about what I would expect for a pinot under $10: a little thin, a little tart, a little imbalanced, but drinkable.
The Santa Lucia, on the other hand, far exceeded my expectations. In fact, it was better than several $30+ pinots I have tried, and it was certainly the best pinot noir I've had for under $10, hands down. The mouthfeel was round and smooth, there was a nice balance of fruit and earth/spice flavors, and the sour/tart acidity often found in pinot (even though I enjoy it sometimes) was a lot tamer here. I am definitely going to go back to TJ's ASAP and pick up a case of this for under $100.
Originally my gf and I had planned on finishing half a bottle of each and saving the rest for the next day, but after tasting them we figured we'd better down the Santa Lucia one since it was so excellent, and then if the Willamette one was no good the next day, we wouldn't care so much.
Feb. 13th, 2011 @ 11:41 am
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| » Mad Housewife White Zinfandel |
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I found this at a WalMart; it is out of the Napa Valley area, so I expected it to be at least respectable, and I wasn't disappointed.
It's not as dry as several other White Zins I've tasted [Beringer and Sutter Home leap to mind] so I liked it a bit better. But then, I prefer Niagara to White Zin. I've got a sweet tooth.
The brand also offers a merlot and a chardonnay; don't recall if there is another red in the line.
[pause to go Googling]
Yes, they do have a cabernet sauvingnon as well. I just don't recall seeing it in THAT particular store.
Feb. 9th, 2011 @ 07:23 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois 2008 Caringnan and Grenache This stuff runs about 17 a bottle, and worth every cent......
Dark fruit, pie spice, leather, cedar, cigar, cherry.
Good acid but very round mouth feel
Pretty gripping but good tannins.
got to love the south of France.
Posted via LiveJournal app for iPad.
Feb. 7th, 2011 @ 08:59 pm
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| » Your Free Wine Lesson Of The Month: Rhone |
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Because it helps me learn, I write articles on various wine-related subjects that synthesize the information in all of my textbooks on various subjects. I post them here for those of you who many not have as many books, or who want a shortened version with links and pictures. Enjoy.
( Today's subject: Rhone )
Hope it was fun for you guys to watch me do my homework!
Feb. 5th, 2011 @ 10:45 am
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| » For the WIN(e)! |
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see more funny videos
ETA: Do note that Monogamy costs more than Menage. ;)
Jan. 28th, 2011 @ 05:21 pm
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| » Meep! I'm thinking of hosting wine tasting. |
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I have several friends who are curious about wine. So I'm thinking of hosting a 4 whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling) 4 reds (Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel) plus a dessert wine (Port or Moscato) crash course tasting, with various "nibblies" so they can both line their bellies and experiment with pairings. I'm also going to have tasting cards so they can take notes.
I'm thinking a 2 hour "sermons and soda water" period before I let guests who've had something to drink drive home.
Other dos and don'ts?
(thanks)
Jan. 20th, 2011 @ 08:17 pm
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| » What is our "comfort food" wine? |
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Wine is poetry in a bottle.
There is the joy of that beautifully crafted epic masterpiece, packed with layers, each sip of which reveals something new. You sip, and savor, and think. You cue up your favorite piece of Bach, and you bust out that falling apart book of Keats's poems and muse on that "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" that saw the grapes harvested and pressed.
And then there's the times when you come home and you're just gorram tired and cranky and the cat harfed up a hairball and you stepped square in it (and tracked it several feet across the carpet before you realized that something was off) so the first thing you do (after dealing with the hairball, of course) is slip into your ratty (but oh so comfortable) old robe and slippers and you crank "Kick out the Jams" and you pour a glass of wine, but you just don't have the mental energy to cope with anything more than a ditty or a nursery rhyme, so you're not reaching for the good stuff.
In this house it's Corbett Canyon Merlot if I'm feeling like a red, and Fetzer Gewurztraminer if I want a white.
You?
Jan. 14th, 2011 @ 10:30 pm
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| » advances in wine packaging |
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Here's a new wine bottle design that's self-decanting (English translation).
Jan. 11th, 2011 @ 05:28 am
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| » My New Blog |
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Not to spam/advertise here, but I've decided to do a project this year in which I explore something local (Napa Valley) every day of the year that I am here. I've lived here 4 years and suddenly realized I am simply not living life to the fullest, seeing as I live right in the heart of a world-class tourist destination, and then spend 90% of my time in my room on the computer, or on a bus, or at my job.
So I've made this my mission, and figured a blog might be a good way to share my mini-adventures and enlighten people as to the variety of things that can be done all throughout the year here (yes, wine-tasting will be part of it, but not the only thing. Restaurants, too, but if I did that every day, or even a few times a week, I would probably end up completely bankrupt):
NapaValley365.com
Jan. 8th, 2011 @ 08:40 pm
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