2012 Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon

A great treat last night was to be had by enjoying a wonderful Filet Mignon steak, fresh corn on the cob, homemade potato salad, baked onion rings and grilled asparagus. I know, I know, what the celebration was! None. BD felt like creating a feast. I think he's been driven to the kitchen as he perfects his fair entries that are right around the corner! The fridge is packed full of provisions! The trips to Tom's Farms have yielded a plethora of fresh vegetables that look and taste just fantastic.

So back to dinner. A few months back I visited a local wine shop to get some recommendations for a red wine that would pair well with beef. The plan was to get a few bottles as we were heading up to visit some friends up in Woodland Hills for dinner. Mr. Bill likes good vino and we chat about different discoveries. So, when I met the salesperson I told him my budget and off we went into the labyrinth of wines housed in every nook and cranny of the store. We reached the Cabernet Section where he dutifully pulled out a bottle of Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, the label alone is attention grabbing all on its own! We chatted about it and then he said the magic words "would you like to taste it?" Really? A free wine sample, of course I would like to taste it, and whatever else is open and being tasted!

We went over to the tasting area of the store and he did a hearty glass of the Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon. In a word, it was AMAZING! So rich in flavor and dark fruit flavor of cherry, plum, pomegranate and smoke and great hint of spice and oak. This has crisp finish also, lingers in your mouth and you can't get the glass back up to your lips fast enough!
Here are some notes from the winery:
"Cabernet Sauvignon with some Petite Sirah blended in is aged 14 months in French oak. Little rain during the 2012 harvest made for one of the most reliable vintages in years. Blackberry, dark cherry and pomegranate are backed with smokey vanilla oak, spice, and cassis pop on the front with nice tannings and a lingering finish. The FREAKiest thing about this wine is the value the brothers have jammed into this bottle with all that structure and fruit. A Lodi lover’s dream!"

The wine was a perfect pairing for the fantastic dinner we had.


This is one tasty vino. The retail is about $17.99 and well worth it! Great taste, and this vino definitely made the Pig Jump Over the Moon.

2011 Liquid Velvet

When a person decides on a wine, it's very interpretive. Some go on reviews, some go on suggestions from a friend or the store they are shopping in, or via reading the web. It's selective. Fortunately, recently we took the recommendation of our friend Lynn.  She said that a wine at Trader Joes was quite tasty and in fact brought us a bottle to try. So glad she did!


This past Monday BD made a nice pasta dinner. Peas, chicken sausage, orecchietta noodle, an ear shaped pasta that holds the sauce so each bite is a symphony of mascarpone cheese and herbs. Simple and so delicious. He had tasted a similar recipe and decided to create it himself. Of course putting his own "Big Daddy" touch on it. Now reflecting back, it always seems that the recipes with some fresh simple ingredients are the very, very best.



The 2011 Liquid Velvet Red Wine is a blend.  the winery is Lockwood and the vino




Deep and rich in color, Liquid Velvet Red Blend showcases aromas and flavors of dark, rich fruit such as cherry, a hint of dark cocoa and spice. It finishes with a velvety smooth texture, balanced structure and a satisfyingly long finish. While this may be a red "blend" this baby gives you a really robust flavor!

Here are some notes from the winery:


The 2011 growing season experienced cooler than historical average temperatures.  The cooler weather delayed the harvest by nearly three weeks for many of the Monterey area. Although there were rainstorms that threatened the harvest due to the late timing, it ended up causing little trouble. Even with all of the unpredictable factors that occurred, the 2011 vintage will be recognized as one of the best.


Now here is the really great news people, this fine vino beverage retails for about $7.00 a bottle!  Not only did I call the local TJ's here, I have some on hold at an undisclosed location as well! Do yourselves a favor, this a great value and will be gone soon. Try yourself and see if this doesn't make The Pig Jump Over the Moon for you also.

2013 Blanco Buscado

Today is Sunday, Flag Day, according to the calendar. Our flag is centered over the garage door, gentle breeze makes it sway and I'm on the front porch enjoying the late afternoon. We met friends earlier today at the Javier's on the Newport Coast for a brunch to celebrate Mariana's birthday. What a great way to start the day.  Some great food, great drinks, and great friends. I've realized that by combining all of those together, it makes for memories that will last you forever. The laughter and the smiles and stories, well you can't get it any better than that.  One thing that was hard to believe is the amount of time that has passed since we all started getting together.  Mary (as we called her) and I worked together part time almost 20 years ago! Wow, how the time flies! Great memories all the way also. Adventures here and in Costa Rica and on a trip to Greece. Makes me smile and laugh as I think back about it.




So here I sit, enjoying the time, watching the multitude of hummingbirds that play in the fountain that faces the front of the house, and thinking about publishing a review or two of some wines we recently tasted and thought were great.




Recently on shopping trip to my local beverage store, I came upon a white wine that looked quite interesting, a 2013 Blanco Buscado. The reviews for looked favorable so I picked one up.  Once I returned home, I loaded it into the wine fridge with the other purchases.  You can't ever have enough wine ready for whenever you might need it.




Later last night after BD came home from work we relaxed out on the deck. Decompressing from the day. I dutifully worked in the garden during the day, which is really more relaxing for me than work. Yes, I get pretty filthy, especially working in let's say the more mature areas of the garden, however, some sweat equity is always worth it when we and friends can enjoy it.  BD had a packed day of clients so needed some time to unwind as well.




The 5 o'clock cocktails were a Flor de Cana on the rocks for me, and a Vodka soda for BD. We relaxed with cocktails, reading, Instagraming and just listening to the birds and fountain.


Later BD made some wonderful chicken lettuce wraps. Perfect light dinner with tasty pot stickers. The chicken had been perfectly diced and seasoned, a bit of heat at the end to let you know that you were alive.


I opened the 2013 Blanco  Buscado, which had great aroma, so fresh and so crisp!
The color in the glass is beautiful golden yellow that shimmers in the light. this Spanish wine is a blend of 70% Macabeo, 20% Verdejo and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Green apple and tropical fruit flavors. So light yet robust, it has a great finish that really lets the flavor of your dinner come through as well.  That slightly sweet crispness of the green apple really paired well with the heat of the chicken. BD and I agreed that this vino had some great taste and some great body!


The best part, this vino is priced to enjoy at less than $10.00 a bottle!  Yes, not a misprint!  Don't you just love a tasty bargain. 


Yep, this vino made the The Pig Jump Over the Moon. Enjoy!

Capellini de Forno and 2012 Adored Red Wine Blend

Wednesday night is my night to put dinner together. So over the last several months I have been gradually gaining confidence and working towards more complex meals.  So far, I've been able to pull off some dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Fagioli, which by the way, was excellent, however the very best is made at Genovese in Orange, Marge has that one down, and it is delicious.I might also throw in that it has addictive qualities. Isn't that right Mike?



So through my progression of cooking, that is documented on InstaGram via Big Daddy, it really has been rewarding. I've learned that by reading a recipe and really putting passion into the dish, being happy, perhaps listening to some music, like Andre Bocelli,  it makes the experience SO ENJOYABLE. The part that I don't really like is the grocery shopping. Which if I have chosen my recipe, I can run through Big Daddy and he will pick up whatever ingredients are needed.



So our dinner was Capellini de Forno.  Yes, made lovingly by myself.  It is a layered pasta dish with prosciutto, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, baked in the oven and served with a red marinara sauce. I also made a side salad of baby arugula with shaved Parmesan cheese and Italian dressing. Simple. No bread, I mean with the amount of cheese that I put in this dish, bread WAS NOT an option!

Prior to Big Daddy's arrival home, I looked at the varieties of wine we had to choose from and selected the 2012 Adored Red Wine Blend. The wine is made by the folks at the Trinchero Family Estates in St. Helena California. Which after looking at the website, is the producer of some fine vino! Like Joel Gott, a really great Zinfandel that I am very familiar with.  Auntie V was the first person to turn me on to that wine a few Thanksgiving's ago!  Anyway, back to the Adored Red Wine. It's a blend that has a really robust and refreshing taste.  I think that by letting it open up for about 15 to 20 minutes, before pouring it, really made it so much more tasty!

It's velvety ruby color,when you look at it through the glass, it shimmers and it looks very bold.  The wine itself has a wonderful nose of candied fruit notes and subtle hints of spice. On the pallet, it's all berries and more berries. In your mouth, the wine is silky with a nice lengthy finish. This is a very good anytime sipper.  This paired so nicely with the dinner as well.  The spices and fruits really complimented the cheese and prosciutto in the pasta and the arugula salad.  What also was great about the flavor, was the under tone of blackberry and cherry flavor. This vino was really well balanced.



Now this wine retails for about $9.00 a bottle. Yes, this is not a misprint, $9.00 a bottle!  For a staple to have around in your house, this is perfect.  I went back to the wine rack to pull another, however, this was the only one!  Yikes!  Need to pick more up this weekend. So to all you reading this, the Adored Red Wine Blend definitely had The Pig Jumping Over the Moon! 

 

2011 Full Moon Red Wine

Last week I was in Paso Robles for a wedding. In some of the downtime, I decided to visit some local wineries.  One that I visited was Midnight Cellars.  Several years ago I had been there and remembered that they had some great vino. Specifically, a great Red Wine. After driving up the lane and pulling into the parking area, I got out and looked around at the stunning views. So quiet, so tranquil and terrain that makes you take a breath. You think to yourself, if I only had a winery.

When you read the story about Midnight Cellars it is so interesting. Here is what they posted on their website:
The Hartenberger family began Midnight Cellars in May 1995. The idea had sprung from a family vacation to Northern California wine country. While sipping wine and overlooking a beautiful valley, the fateful comment was made: “Hey Dad, you should buy a winery when you retire, and we’ll run it for you!” Two years later, when Dad’s retirement became a reality, the winery idea resurfaced and became an actuality. The family members sold their Chicago homes and converged on Paso Robles where they started their dream. Mary Jane and Robert Hartenberger moved their family to Paso Robles, California in 1995, with the pursuit of growing grapes and making wine; the outcome, Midnight Cellars Winery. Their 160 acre ranch, in the western hills of Paso, is now home to three generations of Hartenbergers.

Once in the tasting room you really appreciate the hard work that it takes to make a successful winery. Sure, what a great job to open and pour wine for visitors, however, the folks here live and breath it. With each pour you hear and feel the passion of the winemakers.

I sampled several varieties and have to say that 2011 Full Moon Red and Syrah "Nocturne" are favorites. That being said, tonight I had the Full Moon Red and it was nothing short of amazing! I paired it a hearty pasta of spaghetti and meatballs, and of course some "flat top garlic bread" and a Bruschetta Iceberg Salad Wedge. Courtesy of the chef here at  "336". Award wining dinner.  If my grandfather were alive today, he wouldn't believe the sauce, or gravy that we had tonight! Full bodied and makes you want to add the sauce on that bread with a slice of meatball and SMILE!

The wine has a great nose when you open it. Spicy, and the hints of Strawberry and Black Cherry can be noted right away. The color is a deep, deep garnet and has a real shimmer in the glass. The first sip, is so wonderful. You can taste the Black Cherry, Strawberry and a hint of Tobacco. Smooth, this wine is smooth! You can enjoy glass after glass of this vino, NO PROBLEM!

Here are some notes from the winery:

Midnight Cellars Full Moon Red is our top selling wine! Since the harvest of 1998, this handcrafted wine is consistent year after year in a style that is approachable, fun, and lighter bodied. Full Moon Red continues to have a rounded mouthfeel and notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries. Every grape is handpicked and two-table sorted giving this wine the attention it truly deserves. Enjoy with any dish or all by it’s self!

In closing, you should pick up a bottle or two of this wine. It's price point is great too. At about $18.00 per bottle, it is great value.  This vino really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2009 Castle Rock Pinot Noir - Central Coast

Sunday night and just relaxing after a beautiful day. A tepid summer thus far and the time outside has been really so wonderful. Today as was a trip up to Roscoe's for chicken and waffles for breakfast. We went up and met our dear friend Alison and continued to our destination.  If you haven't been there it is worth it just to see the melting pot of individuals that make up Roscoe's.   I swear that that place is never NOT busy. People holding numbers already at 10:00am! We found seating at the bar. That area is a trip back in time. Old School, dark wood shelves hold so many bottles of so many liquors, if they don't have it, I would be amazed! The barstools are totally comfy and retro as well. Harkening back to the 1970's, naugahyde vinyl in a nice beige holds you firmly in the seat. Yes sir, this is a place where stories are told and memories are made! Our server behind the bar is wearing a modernist corset with a Roscoe's t-shirt cut in a V-neck style and her breasts are just popping out! Lord have mercy, those poor men just can't stop looking at that show she has going on! Especially as she uses some extra action when drying up those bar glasses! So much fun just thinking how she must get herself some really healthy tips wearing her outfit and doing all that jiggling and swinging just wiping and drying her bare ware, God Bless her!


So after the breakfast at Roscoe's Just pretty much chilled at 336 reading the paper and relaxing in the garden.  A big meal that like first thing in the morning pretty much creates a major lethargic me for the rest of the day. Just like going to brunch, that really does me in. So much food and I just have to sample a little of all of it!  Anyway, tonight we have quite a menu happening:  Grilled Rib Eye, on blue cheese toast, some caramelized onions, with arugula and grilled corn salad with a cilantro jalapeno vinaigrette dressing. Sounds just so wonderful!  I decided to try this Pinot Noir by Castle Rock. Now in reading the pairing I thought well, it's not lamb, chicken, veal or salmon, but let's give it a try. Since several of our dishes are grilled, I'm thinking that this could be a nice marriage. Probably not perfect, but good. Now the flavor on it's own is solid. Definitely lots of tastes of black cherry, spice and plum. It has mild tannins, and the finish strong. I'm thinking this is a nice go to wine for the money. I mean it's smooth, even but not a complex Pinot. And for a price point of under $10.00, this vino hits the mark.


Here is some info from Castle Rock:


Grown in the Central Coast region of California, where the climate and soil quality provide excellent growing conditions for this Burgundian varietal. Here, the cooling ocean breeze helps to produce a longer growing season for grapes, with extra grape-time on the vines leading to a characteristic depth of flavor in the wine. Our Pinot Noir is elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate, the wine gives flavors of black cherry, plum and spice. It is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins. This versatile food wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.


So pick up a bottle or two and give this Pinot Noir from Castle Rock a taste. This is a great value and can be had for under $10.00 it really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!  Enjoy!

2011Garnacha Buscado

The day is winding down, I'm in the garden listening to fountain and chickens as they wander around their enclosure getting that last bit of food before settling in for the night. Today was Easter! We had a great day by setting up camp at the beach. A top of the line picnic with crackers and homemade spreads of eggplant and red roasted peppers, and a white bean and artichoke humus as well as onion dip and potato chips, and deviled eggs as the starters.  Then on nice spring time designed china, we had ou lunch of fresh vegetable quiche and the famous 12 layer salad. Of course a dessert of fresh strawbery shortcake topped with fresh whipping cream!

One we got home, unloaded the car and put things away, I decided to try a wine from Spain, 2011 Garnacha Buscado. When I was wondering through the store with my coupon in hand,on Saturday, I read the various reviews and this one scored a 93! A fricken 93 for a wine that retails for $9.95. I had to snap it up! I even buried it in my cart hoping no one else would see this unknown gem.


So it said to chill it to 59 degrees by putting it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. So the perfect to jump in the shower then try a nice glass of vino. So as I pour the wine into the glass the color is vivid with a deep purple and then the hints of garnet. Really, really lovely. The taste is amazing! The overtones of blackberry and black cherry is so refreshing, it really says "Summer". The finish is crisp and this vino has some serious "legs". After an official taste from the head chef here at 336, I was advised to go directly back and pick up at least 6 more bottles!


Now, this is perfect to combine for any casual dinner. I just learned that ours will be a light one. A tossed green salad and spanakopita and some baked fried green tomatoes! Can't wait I think this will the perfect combo!

So pick up a  few bottles, once I have picked up mine!  As I mentioned this wine is only $9.95 a bottle and MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!