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.
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!
