2007 Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir

So, when you have turkey you think Pinot Noir. How about having a turkey that is slowly cooked on your grill? Yes, a slowly roasted turkey that is smoked with some apple chips for several hours.

Big Daddy began the process a day earlier brining "the bird" in a mix of salt and apple juice. Frankly, I had no idea that we had a pot that large! There the bird sat for 24 hours on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Once it was drained, Big Daddy did some magical things with herbs and away she went to cook on the grill for next several hours.

I chose the Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir and what a great choice it was indeed!

This Pinot delivers big on aromatics, kicking things off with layered aromas of vanilla, earth, baking spice, brown sugar, red cherry and rhubarb. On the palate it marries the variety's signature smooth tannins , silky texture and excellent balance with well-knit flavors of cherry, toast, blackberry liqueur and a hint of cranberry. The finish is long and concludes with a soulful, smoky note.

The smoky notes paired wonderfully with the juicy and smoky grilled turkey that we had. The other side dishes were mashed potatoes with gravy, fresh green bean with butter and for dessert, lemon cake with fresh strawberries.

Be sure to checkout Big Daddy's blog on how to make a turkey on the grill yourself. Pick up a bottle of the Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir.  Priced at about $20.00,enjoy a bottle or two while you

This vino made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! 

2011 Pennywise Petite Sarah

So this is a little late in the publishing this wine review since it happened over the Labor Day weekend. I have had the bottle on the counter with my notes at the ready. But time kept marching on. Day after day, night after night, always with the best intention, just never happening.  Now, tonight I feel the need to finally stop the dilly dally and tell all of you how great this vino was.

I first poured the wine into the glass and noticed the dark purple color, then you notice the aroma.  Black raspberry, dark cherry, molasses, toasted cedar.  The flavors start sweet and then get darker on the finish. This blend starts with blueberry pie, blackberry, sweet cinnamon, fresh fig, and fire roasted smoky oak, and savory dried black cherry. 

It was a hot weekend. No not just hot, but humid and hot.  When Big Daddy said he was firing up the grill I thought he had lost his mind!  I stay out of the kitchen. He can be in there for hours. I do my stuff mainly outside, gardening, taking care of the chickens, seems that there is always a project to do. I like it, pretty cathartic. Big Daddy feels the same in the kitchen. Well apparently while I was doing my "thing", he was inside doing his. Preparing what would be a fantastic meal that paired wonderfully with this vino!

Big Daddy had roasted baby ribs on the grill. They were slow roasted then grilled with a nice sauce. Served with fresh corn on the cob, baked potatoes and tomato salad.  For dessert, the chocolate cake with extra special frosting was a spectacular treat. Let me tell you, the wine did great with ALL OF THEM!

According to the winemaker, you may also pair this vino with wild game; venison stew over wide pasta noodles, braised rabbit with roasted fennel and parsnips, or elk tenderloin with a blackberry molasses drizzle with roasted red potatoes. Or try with sausage lasagna, lamb gyros, or exotic mushrooms in an oyster sauce over jasmine rice.

I think though that this wine can be enjoyed with whatever you like.

Here are the winemaker notes from TOG:
Every year, I get to blend this wonderful Petite Sirah and it always makes me happy. The combination of Petite Sirah blocks from Lodi, Mendocino, Clarksburg, and Paso Robles makes for a sound wine. Even though the 2011 vintage was cool, we were still able to get some very ripe fruit and old vine characteristics from the warm growing districts of Lodi and Paso Robles. We paired this with some cooler climate Petite Sirah in Mendocino and Clarksburg to give the blend structure and depth. A little Merlot from Clarksburg for softness and black fruit and Tannat from Paso Robles for color were both ay, dded to round out this blend. At the end of the day, our Pennywise Petite Sirah always makes me happy. I hope it makes you happy too.

Yes, another great wine from the great folks at TOG wines. They know what they are doing. They have such great wines and even greater prices.  Pick up some, let me know what you think. For about $12.00 a bottle, stock up! This vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2011 Leese - Fitch Chardonnay

Well it's been a few weeks since I last posted a wine review, and during that time, vacation happened, and a bevy of dinners, time with friends and life in general. Oh, and we helped my mom move!  At any rate, things are settling down and we can once more enjoy the garden and dinner parties here at 336.  We're hosting one tonight, I can smell the chicken cooking in the oven while I write this out on the deck!

So we tasted the 2011 Leese - Fitch Chardonnay. Big Daddy brought it home from an excellent shop in Irvine and I have to tell you that this wine was perfect with that dish! The fact that vino had a great nose of citrus begs you to drink it.  The taste is really refreshing and it has a creamy note as well. Some acidity at the end gives you some spice, but it is really a refreshing wine.  The TOG folks have again put forth a tasty, well priced vino.

Now I know, I usually talk about the great meal that Big Daddy created with and we paired the vino with it, this time though, a great bowl of Pho, pot stickers and the evening was great. The grilled chicken in the broth, noodles, and cilantro really had a great pairing with this chardonnay.

So pick up a bottle, at about $12.00 it's a great value. So Mistress, be sure to get a few for that fridge, you know you LOVE a god chardonnay and this one is calling your name!

Jealous Mistress Red Table Wine

Well today is the 4th of July!  Big Daddy and I went to Crystal Cove beach for the day. Weather was perfect with a breeze to cool you down. People really enjoying there time off, Bogie boarding, building sand castles, volleyball and eating!  When we walked down the beach, it made me smile. To see families, couples and groups relaxing in the sun, really makes it seem like the holiday! Being able to go to the beach for the holiday is a wonderful thing.

After coming home and showering, I decided to open a bottle that was sent to us as a gift from the one and only don Mincho. Now Big Daddy is going to be serving some shrimp cocktail with a hearty and spicy horseradish sauce and some beef sandwiches and Caprese salad. So this red table wine certainly sounded like it would fill the bill. First, let's talk about where this special vino is from. A winery located in Maryland, yes in Maryland the vino they are turning out there is award winning. Here is the bio:

Making the best use of the land has been a goal of the Seibert Family. While the house at Knob Hall has been added onto several times, it still stands as a testament to this philosophy.
The barn which will house our tasting room and event space was originally built around 1860, utilizing wood and stone from the property, is another example of solid construction built to persevere through time.
 
It only took 200 years to plant a vineyard at Knob Hall.  Approximately 30 acres of vines have been planted along the gentle slopes of limestone-rich soil.  The planted varietals have been carefully chosen to reflect the “terroir” of this land and include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Traminette, Vidal Blanc and Viognier.
 
Our winery production building, a new structure, will be state-of-the-art and feature a gravity-fed system which will capture the essence of high quality grapes from our vineyards and under watchful eyes turn it into premium quality wine.
 
Knob Hall is an estate winery, producing high quality wines from grapes harvested from our vineyards, maintaining a tradition of sustainable agriculture.
 
Knob Hall is a winery for generations: past, present and future.  Come be a part of the experience!

When you open the wine you can smell the richness of earth from where it is grown. Pouring it into the glass you see a deep red-ruby. Lovely perfumed lift to the aromas of bright cherry, red currant, tobacco and flowers. It's medium-bodied, concentrated personality. This well-extracted wine has outstanding depth of fruit. Intense, juicy, and powerful, it coats the taster's palate with blackberries, cassis, and spices. Nice and spicy finish, makes you want that next sip of vino!

This wine will definitely be a hit with tonight's dinner, It will also be a great taster with Ben's famous barbecue sauce. Now Big Daddy will need to get permission from don Mincho to publish that recipe and when he does, you are in for toothsome treat!

The tag line from Knob hall reads:
Wine is like a Jealous Mistress — if you treat her well, she can treat you well with a wonderfully tasting wine. But if you ignore her, she can turn on you faster than you can say “what happened?”

They couldn't be more right. Now this vino retails for under $18 a bottle and I have to say it is a tasty find. SO get yourself a Jealous Mistress or two....This vino really MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

So thank you don Mincho, a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July!

2009 Four Vines Amador County Zinfandel "Maverick"

So nice that it's Sunday. It has been pretty hot the last couple of days and working in the garden has not been happening except for early in the morning. Having grown up in Chicago, I am used to humidity but maybe as I've gotten older, I just can't stay outside sweating like a "whore in church"!
Now I'll get my fair share of stuff done, and then I hit a point where I'm like, enough already!
When you come in and drink your gallon of water and blow up like a puffer fish, shower and get all cooled down, you can think of a great "adult beverage"!

Today though, we're having some pizza, a nice deep dish from Chicago. you know today you can order it online and have it delivered to you the next day. Got love that overnight delivery! So, I decided to open this Four Vines Amador County Zinfandel "Maverick" and let me say that the taste is really, really good.

The aroma is very blended, with blackberry cobbler and cracked pepper. Soft, supple black cherry and licorice flavors a touch of vanilla, with a velvety berry/cinnamon finish.

Wine Spectator gave this vino a 90 point score and it's easy to see why. Here are some notes about the wine:
"From dry-farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenendoah Valley--renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah. All in Maverick's one-of-a-kind balanced and weighty style.

So give this vino a try and you won't be disappointed. It retails for about $19.00 and really worth a lot more.

2011 - Pennywise Pinot Noir

Always great when you receive a delivery from the UPS folks. I wasn't really sure though why I was receiving a delivery from UPS. Then I looked in the corner and the return label told the story, TOG Wines.

As you know by reading the blog I am a strong supporter of the brands they are making. I truly believe that August Sebastiani and his great staff are making great vino at great prices.  For me it all started with the Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel. Such a rich taste! From that first bottle, I knew that I had to try the other brands as well. Well I have, and they have all been great.

As I hastily opened the box, much like a kid on Christmas, seeking what my treasure would be. I was rewarded generously! Six bottles of the brand Pennywise lay in a fine wooden gift box. There was also a letter from August announcing the rebranded Pennywise packaging. Quite stately. It is a grand drawing of the San Francisco Mint. The top of the bottle also has the impression of the Lincoln penny. Great new look, with the notation at the bottom of the bottle, "Dedicated to the timeless pleasures of winemaking and wine drinking". Simply stated, yet, powerful.

So I found out that Big Daddy was making a dinner of chicken turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes with a green salad.  The Pennywise Pinot Noir was a PERFECT match! Let's start with opening the bottle and pouring it into the glass. A beautiful light ruby color just gives you a sort of "wink" that is naughty and to come try it. The aroma blends aromas of wild cherry, pomegranate and  sweet vanilla.

The taste starts with the distinct flavors of fresh Bing cherry, sweetened dried cranberry, raspberry and basil. The Pinot finishes with flavors of fresh baked cherry pie, apple, and well rounded vanilla' Which it probably picks up from the French Oak used in production.

Another hit ladies and gentleman! So seek this wine out. Based on the past costs, I am sure it will be under $20.00, hell it may be under $15.00!  You won't be disappointed.

This vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Ste Michelle

Yesterday, Sunday was a really great day. It was a one of those "perfect" chamber of commerce days outside where I could work outside for hours and hours, and did. Big Daddy enjoyed the day as well. Busy cooking in the kitchen it was great to come inside intermittently for some water and check out what is going on in the kitchen.

The aroma is my favorite, homemade Bolognese sauce! I do mean homemade also. Big Daddy has had that pot simmering for hours so the fragrance is unbelievable. All those fresh herbs and of course he has made some fresh meatballs that have about 10 pounds of cheese in them! On the counter, a fresh focaccia bread waited for the oven.  It was all I could do, not to go in the stockpot , ladle up a bowl of that sauce and sneak out into the garden with a loaf of bread!  Intoxicating, the smell also reminded me of Sundays growing in Chicago. My paternal grandmother always had that pot of "gravy" ( also known as red sauce) on the stove and when you wanted a snack, you had the gravy, some bread and about a stick of butter on that bread!

So after Big Daddy, who had crafted this fine meal was pulling down the "big bowls" to serve the pasta, he said he wanted a nice hearty Cabernet to go with this Sunday pasta feast. I went to the rack and thought that the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Ste Michelle would be a great fit. I opened the bottle and let it open up for about 30 minutes.

When I poured it into the glass, the velvety dark coloring let's you know, it means business. The scents you'll enjoy are of mocha, licorice and ripe black cherry.  The flavors are warm, and really open up on your palate. The black cherry and licorice will make you mouth so happy! The finish is smooth and lengthy, so you really have a fantastic combination in this Cabernet.

This vino has been getting great press also. 90 points from a few of the "big boy reviewers" and it's not hard to understand why. Here's the great thing too, it retails for about  $13.99 a bottle! Not a misprint, $13.99 a bottle!

This really MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

So the dinner was awesome, you could really taste that Bolognese that had simmered on the stove for over 5 hours. Coupled with a Wedge Salad, warm focaccia bread, a great bottle of wine and what do I spy on counter, why a homemade cherry cobbler!  I checked earlier, we have the French vanilla ice cream too!

2010 -Tait Barossa Valley "The Ball Buster"

Sometimes when you are browsing in the store you happen upon something because the clever packaging catches your eye. This is what happened to me just the other day. As I checked out the various vinos that were on "sale", or "last call" or "discontinued", the name of this one really stood out, "The Ball Buster".  I know, I know, really?  I had to pick up the bottle and read what this was all about. So here is what the wine maker says, "I don't know what aromas or flavors you find when you try this wine - wine appreciation is so subjective and often too pretentious for my liking. I make my wines the way I like them- big thick, juicy and deep in color. I wanted to name this wine "Michelle's Block" after my wife, but that conjures up visions of a soft and elegant sort or wine, and trust me mates, this little beauty is nothing like that. She's broad shouldered, built like a stallion and she packs an intensity of flavor - like only the Barossa can deliver. She is what I call  "The Ball Buster" mate...and so is this wine!"

After reading that, and smiling in the aisle of the store, how could you NOT buy a bottle. I chuckled all the way to the check out, where the clerk said, "Now that's and interesting name for a wine!"

 

So it sat for a while in the wine rack, then last night we were going to have some deep dish pizza. One of my all time favorites sent direct from Chicago. One of the indulgences Big Daddy and I enjoy from time to time, when he decides the kitchen is closed for that night. He yelled that dinner was ready so I went and opened the "Ball Buster". Not knowing what to expect, I had another bottle selected, just in case. As I poured the wine into the glass, the deep, deep black purple color almost seems like it will stain the glass! Intense aromas of black current, plums, cherry, and chocolate. Rich but lively, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and notes of allspice and star anise. Sweet and silky on a finish that keeps on with impressive tenacity and spiciness. Long on the finish.

It was a really GREAT wine, especially for the price! Big Daddy even chimed in with what he was tasting and that he liked it! Interesting because Big Daddy does like his vodka tonic you know.

 

After we polished off the bottle I decided to check out just what this "Ball Buster" was all about. Get this, the rating for this vino is as high as 91! Now it's a blend, and it's bold.  Here is the low down:    

Blended of 77% Shiraz, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.

 

So get yourself some of this juice!  If you can't locate it locally, please send me an e-mail or message me on the blog. Because I found this for just $7.99 a bottle!  That's right, just $7.99 a bottle!  I went back and bought more to have on hand! To say this MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON is an understatement!

 

Let me know what you think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Beaujolais Nouveau

Happy belated Mother's Day!  I had a lovely day with mine. We have a tradition every year that we do, oldest son that I am, that we both love. I would be happy to share it with you as a reader, however, my mom and I marveled at the number of people that have decided to do the same as what we started as a Mother's Day tradition many, many moons ago! At any rate, I believe that one day to honor thy mother is wonderful! Now you can do a brunch with mom, or a nice dinner with mom, whatever mom wants to do, just remember to do something with mom! Not that mine would ever lay any guilt on me, and use a phrase like "It's fine son, I only carried you around for the 9 months, had the worse morning sickness imaginable,  I was always swelling, and was in the deliver room for 7 days...but that is fine ( insert name here)".  I'm really fortunate though, my mom is more than my mom, she is a friend. Always the busy worker and Midwest ethics, she is ALWAYS the backbone of our house growing up. Love you mom!

So after our "whirlwind" day, I can home and relaxed, and thought, what should I open? It was a warm day and wanted something refreshing. So a look in the wine fridge (so fancy here at 336) and I pulled out the 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau Joseph Drouhin. I've never had a Beaujolais. You look on the internet and it sure gets a lot of press around Thanksgiving! I had picked up a couple of bottles and thought, well, I'll give these a try sometime.

So I opened that baby up and poured it into my glass. The deep garnet color looks so inviting! It's a chilled wine, so it reminds me of a Sangria or Gamay. A fresh and fruity aroma, it has a rich flavor of red cherry a touch of black-currant, ripe black cherries with a touch of marshmallow. Yes, I said marshmallow! Has a nice sweetness and is easy to drink. Food pairing for me was some nice sea salt crackers and sharp cheddar cheese. Really tasty vino with that combo.

Here are some notes from the winery located in France:

Thanks to our experience in the region, we have been able to select various cuvées that complement one another very well and will produce a typical "primeur" wine.
This is where the Gamay grape is king. The type of pruning used in Beaujolais is called "gobelet": no wires between the vines; each plant grows by itself, independently from the others.

The Beaujolais 2012 has a very pretty garnet coloured robe, the bouquet has notes of ripe black cherries with a touch of sweetness.  The attack is full, the wine being approachable and generous.
Very agreeable, it is a Beaujolais which invites moments of conviviality.
Drink young at 14°-15°C (57°-59° F).

So there you have it. A prefect vino to have on hand with summer on the way.  I think it would go pretty well with sushi. And with a duck or  a nice chicken salad or with some red fruits such as sun-dried cherries.  Or with turkey!  Smooth and easy so try it and let me know what you think.

At about $10.00 a bottle, great to have in the fridge.  This vino made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

 

2011 Cameron Hughes Lot 381 Zinfandel

The other night we had a nice treat for dinner, a homemade tomato soup with some Panini sandwiches of  turkey, roasted tomato,

pesto and a cucumber salad.  The aroma of the house let's you know that "the soup is on"! The sweet smell of the tomatoes cooking with some onion, basil and carrots...so yummy! in my opinion, this is one of those comfort foods that is perfect for a dinner when you know it will warm you up on those cool evenings. Big Daddy has his special recipe so it is hearty and wonderful. You can make it yourself , it's right there on "Big Daddy's Cooking Tonight".

So, I looked at what wine I wanted to serve with this that would compliment the soup, salad and Panini sandwiches. There it was, Cameron Hughes Lot 381 Zinfandel. I had picked up a bottle a while back and the reviews were mixed with some people rating it low, some people rating it high, and at the price point I bought it, I thought, give it a try!

Now when you open the bottle and pour it into your glass you'll notice the color. It is a dark cherry color. Really a beautiful sheen as well. This vino has quite the aroma also. You'll pick up the scent of raspberry and plum. A very slight hint of black pepper is apparent as well. The taste is not as deep as what you normally think for a Zinfandel. It has a nice thick taste to your palate, with raspberry and blackberry are first to hit your palate. There is a toasty oak flavor but not over powering.
It was a great pairing with our dinner. A really nice wine at a really great price also. You can find it for about $10.00 a bottle.

The vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!  Try it yourself. Make the soup also, Big Daddy thought it was a great combination. And if Big Daddy liked it, it must be good!

2011 Chariot Gypsy

A few days ago I received a text from our friend Lynn. She works at Trader Joe's and alerted me that the new shipment of Chariot Gypsy arrived! SO HAPPY! I asked her to pick up a few bottles because it is always a crowd pleaser.

We tried the new vintage last night with dinner. It's a California Red Wine that is vinted and bottled in Healdsburg, California. It is very limited, so don't dilly dally!

Big Daddy and I went to the Farmers Market in Belmont Shore yesterday and he loaded up on lots of great fresh vegetables! So dinner was a fresh barbecue chicken pizza. The Chariot was a perfect pairing too. The pizza has some fresh chicken that Big Daddy barbecue first, then place it on a great forccia bread that he made. The sauce has a nice smoky yet sweet flavor and the fresh smoked mozzarella, red onion and cilantro made this a very tasty meal indeed.  He also made roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, fresh zucchini and fired up in a cast iron skillet baked in the oven and topped with homemade mozzarella.

So in opening the Chariot Gypsy the fragrance and aroma is a strawberry in cream with a slight hint of licorice. You can also smell a wee bit of spice as well.  The color is a shiny, clear, ruby red with a beautiful sheen against the glass. This is a soft, easy to drink, slightly sweet, (not sugar sweet though) with soft smooth tannins. It tastes of ripe, sweet blueberry and blackberry, a bit of raspberry and milk chocolate. The wine will also give you a great fresh cherry as well.  The finish is smooth and will leave your taste buds waiting for the next sip!

The 2011 Chariot Gypsy Red is a crowd pleaser wine. PERFECT for a summer backyard party or a casual get together. This wine is only about $5.00 a bottle, and perfect to have on hand

This vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON. Try some for yourself.

2010 Leese - Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon

On Friday after a long week, we have usually have one of two dinners, pizza, always a favorite or steak. Big Daddy has decided that we will have some steak. Not just any steak, he's been to Gelsons and brought home two beautiful T-bone steaks. Big Daddy has announced the menu so that I can choose a wine that will bring splendor to the meal. He will also "whip up" some sauteed  garlic spinach with Pecorino Romano cheese and lemon with baked potatoes with sour cream and chives from the garden.  The salad will be a some fresh tomatoes with red onions and bleu cheese dressing. I use the term "whip up" very tongue in cheek. You see when I am in the kitchen watching him put things together, he makes it look so simple. I'm not kidding. By far, he has a gift for cooking. So when I look for a wine, I want it compliment the meal.

I selected the 2010 Leese - Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon because they make great vino. You know I've been raving about TOG Wines and I'm telling you, they really know their wines. The price points are unbelievably spot on. I think that they have wonderful products and I believe that the wines they are producing are so great in comparison to so many other more expensive brands.

When I opened the bottle, which is done really easily because these guys make the top with  a "ZORK". Not sure what a "ZORK" is, well here is what TOG says: "ZORK is a revolutionary new wine closure with the convenience of screw cap and the celebration of cork. ZORK is, easy to remove by hand, simple to reseal and is completely recyclable."

Back to opening the bottle and pouring the wine,  a really deep purple color, the color against the light is very,very jewel toned. The taste gives you some unbelievable taste of blackberries, ripe blueberries, dark chocolate, and a nutty taste as well. You can also taste currants, ripe blackberries, dark cherry, milk chocolate, espresso,  a slight hint of clove, and vanilla. The finish  lingers with those fruit notes and a satisfying structure that makes you want to taste it again and again! So tasty!

Here are some notes from the winery about how they sourced this vino; We added a good slug of Cabernet from the Northern Interior Valley (a hilly region of the Central Valley just east of Livermore), Lodi, Paso Robles and Clarksburg. These four growing districts gave us very ripe fruit at the end of the 2010 growing season. You can see the ripe blackberry notes from each district. Then you can also see the touches of terrior from each region as well. The Alicante Bouchet, Carignane, and Petite Sirah from Lodi adds a ton of color, old vine character, and texture. The Merlot and Syrah from Paso Robles add fruit and softness to round out the tannins. And finally the Cab Franc from Lake County adds some delicate loamy aromatics and depth in this blend. The sum of the parts is a wonderful glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

They also received a Gold Medal at the US National Wine Competition for this wine as well. Not too shabby, I would say.  Wine this good is hard to believe is only priced at about $12.00 per bottle. Yes, that is not an incorrect price I just wrote down.  So for some Cabernet's costing twice or three times the Leese - Fitch you can truly enjoy this one, heck, buy three or four!

Love this wine and will be making sure I have more on hand to have with some pasta in the future!  This one definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

Try it for yourself and tell me what you think. 

 

2010 Castle Rock Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

The aroma of fresh pasta sauce is in the air at 336. Well, that and fresh garlic bread in the oven. Big Daddy has also added to his list of skills, cheese making. So with a large pot and separating the curds and whey, just like Little Miss Muffin, fresh mozzarella cheese will also be part of the meal. He made the sauce from scratch as well. Such an industrious and busy guy Big Daddy has been. He always is a great cook and friends are more than happy to come by and have a bite before going out or, especially for dinner. The house is always "the place" to have friends over to. And why not? Great cook, a nice garden to hang out in, most of all, great people to share time with. That's what really makes a home.

So to go with the meat sauce that we'll be having tonight, I choose a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thought it would be a great balance. Castle Rock has been around and this particular one has been awarded the bronze metal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. When I opened the bottle it has a nice aroma black cherry and spice for sure. Pouring it into the glass, it has an intense color, very, very dark violet color and glistens in the glass. Now the taste on your palate is lots of berry and spice, but a long earthy flavor as well. The finish lingers also. Like that spice and tobacco blend. Crisp too. Really a wonderful wine for a deep rich meat sauce. Here are some notes from Castle Rock Winery:

"Our Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown in California’s Paso Robles growing region. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountain Range helps to create a climate which provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with hot summer days and cool nights. This is a classic, rich Cabernet Sauvignon with a dark purple color and expressive aromas of black cherry and spice. On the palate the wine is intense, luscious and full-bodied with a rich core of berry and earthy flavors, and there are hints of spice and vanilla in its long harmonious finish. It makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison and most cheeses."

Looking forward to trying some of the other varieties they have as well. Seem to have quite a few that have placed in various competitions and extensive write ups in Wine Enthusiast regarding price and value.

This vino is tasty! It definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!  Price wise, this baby is about $12.00!  Great vino for that price!  So give it a try and let me know what you think!

2008 Mohua Pinot Noir

Well, another day, another wine review. First, I have to tell you that I really had no intention of even having a wine last night with dinner. Then, I debated. You see, I am trying to hold myself to having cocktails, spirits or wine Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Why you ask? Well it seems that after a certain age, and I certainly won't be going into all that, your metabolism slows down a bit more. The challenge and balancing act is, when you live with a cook, a really good cook, you eat! Yes, I know, what a concept, but "Big Daddy" likes to cook. SO there is tasting all the recipes, some made with special things like "Parma butter" or his latest creation, homemade mozzarella cheese! Yes that's right, homemade mozzarella cheese. Don't be too surprised if you read about our new addition of goats to make goat cheese. Never a dull moment. Hence, the reason for cutting back on the alcohol.

So last night "Big Daddy" served up a great meal. Cheeseburgers off the grill, purple cabbage coleslaw and some fresh tomatoes and pickles. So I decided that I would try the 2008 Mohua Pinot Noir that I had recently purchased. I can't really say that I had ever tasted a Pinot Noir from New Zealand, it was however, written about by a few publications and it rated fairly high especially for the price point.

I opened the bottle, which was easy since it has a screw top ( I really love these, say what you want, but SO EASY!) and poured the vino into the glass. The color is rusty, rose color, something different than I'd seen before. The nose full of refreshing fruit. A delicate cherry note, with plum and strawberry, Herbal note, a hint of cocoa and a spicy finish that is long lasting. Big Daddy was in praise of his wine also. I have to say that this was a great accompaniment to the meal we had. Robust and complimentary.

Now this wine has also placed at San Francisco International Wine Competition as well. The winery is part of the Vineyard Brand. Here are some notes from the winery:
"From Central Otago, we bring you the Mohua Pinot Noir, Mohua Pinot Gris and Mohua Riesling. At 45deg South, this is the southernmost grape growing region in the world. This region has rapidly become recognized as one of the world’s premier producers of these three varieties and for very good reasons."

Wine Review Online says: "Youthful so fresh but also not yet evolved, this is a delicious Pinot Noir, praiseworthy especially for its excellent balance and light, lithe character...Its flavors do seem a little simple at present, but I’d be willing to bet that the wine will become more complex and compelling with a year or two of bottle age. If true, it compelling with a year or two of bottle age. If true, it definitely will merit a 90+ score.”
So here's what I know, it was a great Pinot Noir and look forward to tasting some of the other releases they offer. So for about $18.00 this vino makes THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!  Get a bottle or two yourself. You'll be happy you did!

2009 Miramonte Chardonnay

So almost two weeks ago, we celebrated Easter by visiting the local wineries in Temecula. The day started off a bit overcast with the possibility of some rain. We decided to go ahead and make the drive with a very hearty picnic and a positive attitude. 

A bit over an hour later, we arrived to a beautiful day with sun and puffy clouds. One of the standout wines that we tried was a great Chardonnay from Miramonte Winery. But before I get into the review of the wine, I need to to set up the day. We started out having our first tasting and even got my mom to have a taste of " Chocolate Wine". My mom does not drink. In fact, I can remember very,very few instances where she ever drank.  Two drinks I remember from my childhood that she did try, were a "Grasshopper" and a "Pink Lady".  I really can't recall where we were, if I would guess, it sounds like something my grandfather would have made for my mom and grandmother because he would do things like that. I remember they used to have mixes that all you needed to add was the alcohol. He probably bought them because of the name! In the short time I knew him, he gave all of his grand kids what I would call "latitude and indulgence". A great man, a truly hard worker that loved his family. I have so many great memories about him that it makes me smile thinking about them!

Now as we know Big Daddy loves to have a "spread" of food. Easter was no different. We had a great picnic! Fresh baked bread, some roast beef, turkey and ham from the deli. A cheese platter with crackers and an assortment of salads and Italian olives. Let's not forget about some wonderful desserts of mini cheescakes and chocolate mouse that would make your fillings sing!  Such a great meal we were able to enjoy in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country.

We did visit several wineries and one really stood out as far as flavor and price, Miramonte Winery. The Chardonnnay was really a winner here. The aroma is a really fresh, really clean one of pineapple, hint of lemon and fresh green apple. The taste, one word, unbelievable! What "Big Daddy" and I agreed was that while the flavor is very crisp, it has that gentle toasty oak that allows a nice finish.

Here are some notes from the winery: "It has been 60% barrel aged, 40% stainless aged. This wine is a new release. Expect it to further develop, integrate, and reveal its nuanced elegance -- especially in its zesty, lengthy finish. A delicious sipping wine, yet uber flexible and food friendly."

I agree, this vino is "uber flexible and food friendly'! Also, a fantastic buy at $19.95! Become a Wince Club member and the price goes down to $15.95!  WOW!  Now while the wine may only available through the winery itself, I would encourage you to pay them a visit. Once you taste this vino, you'll load up the car with it!  We did!  This vino definitely THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! 

Check out the winery and their fabulous grounds. http://www.miramontewinery.com/winery/

2011 Leese - Fitch Sauvignon Blanc

Yes, the weather is getting warmer here which means time to break out the white vino and give them a try. The menu tonight is an Lettuce Wraps and  Orange Chicken so I thought, let's try the Sauvignon Blanc from Leese - Fitch.  This is produced by the great folks at TOG Wines. I really like what they have been producing, and I'm not alone. Check out their website and see for yourself. They have been receiving all kinds of rewards. And honesty, I'm not surprised.

So when I poured the wine, the first thing you see is how beautiful the color is. In the glass the golden color really catches the light and the aroma is really, really refreshing. A very clean lemon peel and subtle hint of ginger. When you taste the Leese - Fitch Sauvignon Blanc the taste of the citrus expands to include the great refreshing taste of nectarine and citrus zest. The taste is really nice and lasting. A great balance, of fruit.  Looks like TOG has done it again!

This vino is also a great price at about $13.99 a bottle, a GREAT value.  With the warmer days ahead I would pick up a bottle or two. Perfect with salads too.

This vino definitely made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2006 Sterting Vitners Collection Merlot

Well it's Sunday night and the first night since day light savings time went into effect. How wonderful to look out the window and still have some evening light! I love it!  It means more time in the garden. More time having great evenings outdoors with friends and of course, trying some fantastic wines and writing about them while sitting on the deck, enjoying the night.

 

So, busy weekend I might say. Friday we stayed in and had a great dinner. Big Daddy wrote up the menu for the week and posted it in the kitchen, Friday was steak night. Yum, I love a great steak! I know, for some of you non red meat eaters it doesn't sound appetizing, I was born and bred in the Midwest, where beef is well, beef!

I decided to open a bottle of Sterling Vitner's Collection Merlot that I had to give it a go.In the reviews I had read, people said that it was pretty "beefy" no pun intended for a Merlot.  Well, it was certainly no disappointment!  In the glass you'll see a great ruby color. The aroma is ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, nutmeg and vanilla. Also when you take a sip you will be enlightened by the jammy taste which includes ripe black cherries and currant. There is some spice to it,and it has a nice lasting finish.

 

It was great with the steak, spinach and baked potato...oh and the fresh french bread "hot out of the oven!" Put yourself a nice healthy slab of butter on it and you are set!  

 

The wine retails for about $12.99 and is a really tasty treat! This wine really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.  Give it a try and tell me what you think.

 

 

 

 

           

2009 Maggio Old Vine Zinfandel

And the Oscar goes to...well it's Sunday, and the one night where Big Daddy will park himself in the den and watch the event for several hours. As for me, I will read my newspaper with occasionally peering over my glasses to see the various stars. Big Daddy will make comments on the dresses, the hair, the make-up, while I agree or disagree. At any rate, Big Daddy has some spaghetti and meatballs cooking with a fresh homemade garlic bread that is making itself known as the aroma has now been perfuming the house since the garlic cloves were cut up.  Can't you just imagine how wonderful our house is smelling!  The sauce too reminds me of dinners at Grandma and Grandpas house where Sunday was ALWAYS pasta, salad and fresh baked Gonnella Italian bread.

I've decided to try this Old Vine Zinfandel that I recently purchased. I like a Zinfandel and this one had a great price point so I decided to give it a try. When I opened the bottle and poured an ample amount into my glass (yes ample) the deep rich color like the skin of black cherry, glistened against the light. It's coloring could only be surpassed by it's delicious aroma. Fruit, spicy and a bit of chocolate perfume your nose as I tilted my ample pour up to my nose. When I tasted the wine, there is an explosion of flavor! I'm not kidding!  It is a jammy fruit taste of blackberry and smoke, spicy nutmeg and cinnamon, a touch of black pepper, chocolate with a medium body and a nice long finish...such a refreshing vino!

Now this wine has also placed in competitions, including the Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition where it won a 2012 Silver Medal.

The price point on this wine is pretty unbelievable, are you ready...$7.99! That's right $7.99! You can contact me here if you can't locate it near you. I'm going back to pick up a few bottles myself, because this is a wine that will age nicely on the shelf.

This vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! Taste it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Pair it up with the Meatballs that Big Daddy has on his blog or some of his famous Brushetta. So very     tasty! http://bigdaddyscookingtonight.blogspot.com/

2009 Verdejo Cala Blanca

So, Big Daddy has a cold. That head, slight headache with the cough and slight rattle in the chest,  kind of under the weather situation.  At any rate, he just completed cooking two oven roasted chickens and is making homemade chicken soup. He calls it comfort food. The broth works like that vapor rub that I remember that my mom smeared all over my chest as a kid to combat any sinus and cold that overtook us. I still remember my mom making sure we had our t-shirt under or pajamas,and that burning sensation and warm feeling with the vaporizer running in the bedroom. All part of the healing process. And you know what, it worked! Thanks mom!

So I decided to try this wine that I bought  from Spain. I've tried the various reds they have produced and like them. The Old Vine Garancha and Tempranillo both great and flavorful.

The Verdejo has had many reviews some great, some not so great. In my tasting, I liked it. I liked it being a nice wine that had a nice crisp peppy taste. It has a great aroma that gives a hint of the flavor that you'll taste. The peach and nectarine scent are so refreshing and crisp. When you taste it, it does not disappoint.  As my aunt would say "just a little bit of sunshine in a glass"! It's fresh and light with a floral bouquet and smooth finish.

Here are some notes from the winery:

"Hot days and cool nights during the growing season stress the vines, create low yields and produce wines with the maximum varietal expressions."

It's a nice simple wine that I could certainly see being paired with ceviche or that wonderful avocado salad that Big Daddy makes.

Put it on your list for wines to serve when the weather heats up. I certainly will, as this one is refreshing, light and perfect to have ready and cold as an alternate to Chardonnay and Pinot Grigo.

This wine priced at about 13.00 and definitely worth it. This vino made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2011 Unruly Cabernet Sauvignon

So after the last Pinot Noir debacle, you know, where I had really hoped that I had a hidden treasure in a bottle and it turned out to be, well, shall I say not so good.  The second bottle I selected was the 2011 Unruly Cabernet.  Big Daddy had some crackers, cheese and other snacks before our Valentines dinner. Just a quick story about Valentines Day and dinner. This story is the reason why we stay in and have dinner versus trying to have dinner at a restaurant.  The story starts at a restaurant that no longer exists, but for many, many years, it existed as a fine dining establishment.  When we arrived, it seemed to be utter chaos! So many people, so many frazzled nerves. Not just of the people waiting to be seated, but all those persons that worked at the restaurant as well!

After being seated, we realized that it was a fixed menu where you order your salad, entree and two side dishes and dessert all for one fee! What a deal! Then of course some really overpriced wine and that was your romantic evening.  Well, as we began with our appetizer, we noticed our waiter was to say the least perspiring...he was perspiring a lot! Wiping every once and a while as he served the various courses. Now it really wasn't all his fault, it was a bit warm in the restaurant, he had too many tables to tend to, and it was what I call amateurs night. Where so many people who do go out to dinner go only twice or three times in a given year. I think you know what I mean.

It was at that moment that I proclaimed to Big Daddy, why are we going out for such mediocre (at best) dinners?

Now on to the wine.  The  Unruly line is all red wines. They have all been getting great press and certainly moderately priced.  When I opened the bottle the aroma is really quite wonderful, very robust and very enticing. There was the blackberry and plum which was a wonderful combination, then seeing it in the glass, with it's jewel tone and dark, dark cherry color was beautiful.   When you taste it it will give the plum taste and blackberry, but also the taste of currant and and a hint of roasted coffee. Flavorful, hearty and great for sure. Not a really deep Cabernet, even a bit sweet, that being said, for the price, pick up a bottle or two and try it yourself. This vino really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.

It retails for about $12.00 per bottle,you can even get it on sale for under $10.00 at some places.

Post Valentines Day Thoughts

Well it's the 15th of February and Big Daddy and I celebrated the evening of St. Valentines with a great meal. You know Big Daddy does like to put out the food and last night was no exception.  A run down of the meal was, a nice juicy steak, fresh mushroom risotto (with one of his clients bringing him fresh dried mushrooms from their farm in Europe) asparagus and artichokes. For dessert, Bananas Foster. So needless to say, it was a fantastic gourmet meal. The wine though, was another story!

I recently was cleaning things as we just purchased a new wine rack that we are waiting on delivery of. During the reorganization process I found a bottle of 2004 Pinot Noir from Korbel. We purchased several years ago (obviously) from Korbel in the Russian River Valley and I thought that, perhaps it would age well. Big Daddy on the other hand, declared that is had probably had turned (his word) and was sceptical at best. 

So carefully removing the foil and cork, I looked at the cork, it looked in tact. I smelled it, nothing foul or unusual. Big Daddy wanted to taste it first, so I poured him a glass. The color looked brilliant! I silently thought to myself that we had a wonderful discovery and that this Pinot Noir would be perfect for dinner.

Big Daddy took a sip, and then, his entire face made a wincing kind of look, you know eyes squinting wrinkled up nose, that kind on wincing look!  I thought by the look it must truly be in an advanced state of vinegar! I then tasted it for myself. Well it wasn't THAT bad, it wasn't good either. It did taste a bit "OFF", so it turned out to be no great bottle that had been stored and forgotten. No treasure that we would have enjoyed and been so happy to have tasted.

We did settle on another wine after this, and I'll write about it. I wanted to share this with you all. Finding the 2004 bottle and thinking it was vintage, well it was something, but NOT vintage!

2008 Clos Du Bois North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

"This is Julia Child, bon appetit", I immediately thought of that when I got home. The house had a great scent as soon as I pulled into the garage. When I went into the kitchen to investigate, Bid Daddy announced that he was making Beef Bourguignon. WOW!  That has to be not only a classic, but such a great dish that blends great flavors especially, since the weather here has been really chilly at night.  When you smell that beef cooking slowly with all great vegetables and herbs, you need a really nice wine that will bring it all together.

I selected the Clos Du Bois North Coast Cabernet. When I opened the bottle, still admittedly very distracted by the wonderful aromas of the kitchen, the wine gave you the fantastic vibrant blackberry, vanilla and roasted coffee.  The color is a deep, deep garnet, it picks up the light and creates a beautiful sparkle.

When I tasted the wine, the plum and mocha with a hint of clove spice leaves your mouth with a beautiful finish of cassis. This wine is really, really a great choice that I could see pairing with a nice red sauce meat pasta or so many other great dishes.

This wine really is tasty, the retail price is about $18.00

I'm telling you that this vino really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

Give it a go.I think this one will really put a smile on your face.  Well that's it for now, Big Daddy made an apple cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. I believe that this last bit of vino will pair well with this dessert also!

2010 Central Coast Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, I have another wine which surprised me. First, I would have never even thought about trying let alone buying a wine by the name of "Cupcake", but I am glad that I did!  You know the old saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover". One of the stores I frequent was having a sale and this was one of the wines that they had. So after reading the write up I made the purchase. 

I decided to give it a try on Friday night. After a long week, well it seemed long anyway, I opened it up and settled in for a relaxing evening. With Miss Ruby at my side on the couch in the den, we had decided that it would be a evening to watch some taped House Hunters International and wait for the arrival of Big Daddy.

When I opened the wine you could smell the great bouquet that accompanied this beautiful garnet color in the glass.  The smell of dark cherry and blackberry were just wonderful.  As I took my first sip, I was not disappointed. The same great smell carried over into the taste. The fruit flavors carried through as well as some cocoa and light oak. The fruit melts in your mouth and this vino has a great smooth finish.

Here are some notes from the winery I found online:

“The Cabernet Sauvignon was cool fermented with frequent pump-overs in the early stages of fermentation to extract the soft tannins and color during the aqueous phase. Then the grape skins were pressed before the fermentation reached dryness to maintain the wine’s lush tannin structure. The must was kept cool during fermentation to help create a slower fermentation and allowed the wine to retain more aromatic properties as well as complexity of flavor and body. The wine was then aged in premium American oak barrels – adding richness and complexity."

Here's the bottom line, this wine tastes great and tastes like a much more expensive one than it is. I can certainly tell you that I WILL be trying the other varieties that they make. SO get out and buy a few bottles and give them a try. I know I'm making my shopping list! 

So now I'm going to back to watch my House Hunters International program, where a family searches for a new home in Spain, it looks just wonderful. I know I should hope to visit there one day, so many great wines there as well.

Until I can give you my tasting notes from Spain, give this one a try as you won't be disappointed.
It retails for under $12.00 and is quite smartly priced. This vino definitely Made the Pig Jump Over the Moon!

Big Daddy will be home soon, once he has a taste, I'm sure we'll have a nice dinner built around this wine for sure!

2010 Lamadrid Reserva Malbec

Finally, a moment to myself. Since my last posting, I survived the Christmas and New Years holidays relatively unscathed. Shortly after the new year, Big Daddy and I fled the country for a much needed vacation. Off to Costa Rica we went and enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the beautiful beaches and our own private piece of paradise that always recharges the batteries of life.

I arrived home and had started on my "project list". It keeps me busy especially since Big Daddy stayed down in Costa Rica for another 10 days!  We have been using Skype to chat, although Miss Ruby will have nothing to do with that technology.  So on Sunday, I decided that I was going to try this Malbec while relaxing in the den, reviewing the newspaper. So I opened it and poured some of it into the glass.

The color is really amazing full ruby red. The immediate aroma is spicy, with a hint of licorice and blackberry. When you taste the Lamadrid, you can taste the blackberry, then some chocolate, more of a bitter chocolate and then a spicy finish. Really, really, really a nice vino! Now as far as pairing it, I would suggest with a nice piece of beef or steak or even ribs! Big Daddy wasn't there to taste the wine and make suggestions, nor was he "cooking tonight". I did enjoy it though, each sip really had a nice deep texture and crisp finish.

The Lamadrid Reserva Malbec has been getting some really high marks also, so just checkout what others are saying.

Here is some history about the winery:

"The Lamadrid winery is owned by Guillermo García Lamadrid, and the manager and winemaker is Héctor Durigutti. Lamadrid owns three vineyards in Agrelo: Finca La Matilde (planted 1929), Finca Lamadrid (planted 1973), and Finca La Suiza (planted 2004). Each wine comes from one of these Agrelo single vineyards and only indigenous yeasts are used, with no fining or filtration The winery combines a unique mix of traditional and cutting-edge winemaking.

The district of Agrelo, in the department of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, is called “the land of the Malbec.” This is one of the oldest and most premier growing regions in Argentina. Lamadrid strives to represent the best expression of the beautiful terroir of Agrelo. In each bottle of Lamadrid we open a door and discover a world of unique experiences and sensations.”

 

I am looking forward to trying the other varieties as well, because this one is certainly a winner! This vino retails for about $16.00 and definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!