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!