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!

2009 Cambria Pinot Noir - Julia's Vineyard

Saturday night and just finished dinner. A wonderful homemade chicken barbeque pizza with a smoked buffalo mozzarella and fresh cilantro from the garden, all on a great pita. Now, here you have to have some salad as well, and a wonderful green salad with parmesan shavings capped the meal. So tasty and healthy too. The day was a busy one, first, I was asked to some "retail time" this morning by the general manager so, in order to keep my discount, which comes in so handy for trying these different vinos, I went and spread some sunshine and sold the heck out of various wines and a cadre of Easter treasures to all our customers! 

Out by noon, I then hurried home to finish a couple of projects I had on the list. Now the weather was perfect for painting. One project was the repainting of the front and side gates, so that's what I did. Which reminds me of a story: While I wish I could paint wonderful landscapes, even though I have taken a watercolor classes, for some reason, my work seems to take on a very "abstract" look. Which really is quite funny. One year while on vacation in Yosemite, with the full on artist set up, I painted the landscape, the beautiful purple hued mountains, the crisp green pine trees and natural grasses that swayed in the wind...my painting looked so Picasso that it was comical! As a couple strolled by and commented how "lovely" my painting was! The same way that your mom gave you that confidence boost when you brought home your school artwork and placed it on the refrigerator. I thanked them, and put it on the fridge when we returned!

I chose the 2009 Cambria Pinot Noir - Julia's Vineyard that I had on the rack. I thought that the combo of this vino and the chicken and barbeque would be a great pairing, and it most certainly was!
Opening the bottle and pouring it into the glass velvety purple and ruby color
just looked so perfect. The aroma of red and black cherry, plum, rose petal, brown spice, earthy/mineral, toast and toffee. The taste is exactly the taste mirrors the aromas. The black cherry, plum, raspberry and spice plays with your tongue and has a wonderful crisp finish that leaves you wanting that next taste!

Here are some review of this vino:

92 points Wine Enthusiast
*Editors' Choice* Another lovely Julia's Pinot from Cambria, at a fair price. With its light tannins and transparency, it’s definitely Pinot Noir, and the acidity testifies to a cool climate. You might even pick out the Santa Maria Valley from the crushed Indian spices. Subtle but intriguing cherry, cola and plum flavors round out the picture. Drink now-2015.                                                                                         
90 points Wine & Spirits
A rich pinot with warm black cherry flavor, this is dark, chewy and broad. The tannins have a touch of smoky bitterness, needing a steak to bring them into line.


So don't walk, run to pick up a few bottles, I know I am! This wine retails for about $19.99 and certainly tastes like a heck of lot more.


This vino definitely made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!                                                                                
               

2011 Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

Wonderful Sunday. It was a beautiful day weather wise here. We drove the convertible up  to Los Angeles to get some sun and enjoy the weather.  Once we exited the freeway and drove down Melrose we saw a sight that will live us forever. Picture this, at the stop light we glance to the right and there is a woman, holding her 40 ounce beer neatly packaged in a brown paper bag, and she is dancing. Probably in her 30's or 40's dressed in a fleece pull over and jeans  she has no headphones or music, but totally rocking out! What made it even better, she was pole dancing using the bus stop sign as her pole! We watched her performance as we waited for the light to change, and looked over to see another man, a bit disheveled with his own 40 ounce in a brown bag sitting on the bus bench watching her performance as well! As the lighted changed to green and we proceeded down Melrose we saw an upcoming patrol car. We wondered if the dance session would be ended abruptly or if he would just continue down the street. Welcome to Hollywood!

So we went to Los Angeles to a truly great exhibition. The Diane Von Furstenberg Journey of a Dress was AMAZING!  The neon sign over the entrance to the event read " Feel like a woman, wear a dress!". The original ad ran in 1972 with Diane Von Furstenberg sitting on a white cube, with that very saying written and signed by her. Spectacular! As you enter room, the white mannequins all proudly have various dresses and pant suits that are unmistakably "The Wrap Dress". Colors, animal prints, geometric interlocking designs, all that makes your senses come alive and makes you smile because they are one thing, timeless. Her story is amazing and the dress changed women and the spirit of women.

When we got back, the kitchen was immediately busy.  A trip earlier in the week brought some short ribs back from the Beef Palace and they are sure smelling great! My understanding is that the dinner tonight will be short ribs, egg noodles sour cream with vegetables and arugula salad.  Really the dinner to cap a great day!

I decided to open the 2011 Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel. Now I have raved about the TOG wines for a long time and this one too is a winner. The color is  very dark deep purple, and the aroma is blueberry and fig. Some pepper for sure and spice.  From the first taste you can taste dried cherry, dark chocolate, black raspberry, vanilla, and a hint of mocha. The finish continues to dip into the dark blackberry and cinnamon.

This vino checks in at about $15.00 a bottle and you won't be disappointed. Looking forward to pairing it tonight with dinner as I'm sure it will be just perfect.

This wine made the PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.

ATTENTION ATTENTION I HAVE A WINE ALERT!!!

The other day I had a message on my phone and I had to share it with all of reading the blog. When I retrieved the message it was my friend Bill.


Now Bill and I worked together years ago and have kept in touch over the years. Being from Chicago we can call or leave messages with each other about missing those certain food items that we both grew up with. At any rate, Bill left this message, "Mr., Miller, attention, this is a wine alert, this is a wine alert!"  He then gave the name of the wine and I of course went and picked up a few bottles to try for myself. So stay tuned for that review. I saved the message and and replay it and it makes me smile.  Thanks Bill!

2011 Zolo Gaucho Select Torrontes

Tonight I am having a glass of the 2011 Zolo Gaucho Select Torrontes after a truly wonderful day. We went up to the Huntington Garden and Library today on a truly spectacular Sunday. The weather was partly cloudy, however by mid afternoon, the sunshine was out in full force with a slight breeze.


So as I sit here writing the chef is immersed in dinner. Tonight some homemade Persian food of chicken kabob, ground chicken on skewers, There is a countertop of the various parts of the meal that will be part of the dinner, Persian cucumbers, Feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and the famous addictive bread!  Can't wait to get into all that!


In the mean time just a quick reflection on the day. As we left the gardens late this afternoon, I perched myself outside the gift shop while the other half decided to peruse the inside. I strategically sat as watched the promenade of people that were both leaving and those arriving. Just a parade of fashion, epecially watching some of the women. All done up with heels! God Bless them, just strutting down the runway. Mostly clinging onto the arm of a friend, boyfriend or husband. 


I would say the people watching there is pretty high up on the list of "best places"!  Great mix of people and just watching and listening was better than TV!  Here is one story I'll share.  A man in late 70's or early 80's is guided over by his daughter. She says "I think we need to get you out of the sun, you've been in it most of the day!" He smiles as she guides him over, and she directs him to the shady spot under the umbrella on the wooden bench, he sits down with a slight groan, smiles and moves back to get comfortable. The daughter says she is going into the gift shop to look around and to get Chloe, who is related some how, probably the granddaughter.  As she leaves and turns back to give him the look of "I'll only be gone a minute", he smiles, and as he watches her enter the shop and disappear into the store, he slides over to the sunny side of the bench, smiles, closes his eyes and enjoys the March sunshine on his face, with a look of complacency and knowing he should be on the shady side of the bench, however, is willing to risk getting caught and listening to a lecture on the dangers of the sun.


So as I drink the wine and recount the day, I can taste the citrus and flowers. It has a great crisp finish and I know not only with this be a great vino with the meal, but a great vino with some Thai food or a spicy sea food like shrimp! Yep, this is a great vino that I suggest you pick up and keep around. Gives Chardonnay a run for it's money for sure and at only $14.00 a bottle, I'd say the Mendoza region of Argentina, will be producing some great wines from now and in the future. I have tried the other Zolo wines and they have not disappointed.


This vino made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! 

Thorin 2013 Beaujolais Nouveau

Dinner tonight was a roasted and smoked turkey, stuffing with some cranberries and walnuts, from Mr. Garcia, fresh corn and broccoli, a delicious 100 layer roll and this great Beaujolais that I bought this past weekend. Now the bird sat on the grill yesterday for six hours! Yes, 6 hours, slowly smoking with citrus chips, it's insides stuffed with tangerines and lemons. I need to also mention that the bird also spent the night in a brine with apple juice.

I worked n the garden most of yesterday and could smell the smoking turkey and would smile when people walked by and would say "something sure smells great".


In the past we have had some great Pinot with Turkey, and then I saw this bottle of Thorin Beaujolais Nouveau and thought why not. First, the bottle is stunning, with beautiful colors and artwork. It easily can be seen on the self from a distance. Secondly, it had a great price point. Third, it only is sold for a short period of time, starting around Thanksgiving and is made to be drunk within a year.

Here is some notes about the wine:

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.

Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).


The wine is sweet and dry, with lots of fruity flavor. Red fruits and a deep cherry flavor, minimal tannins so easy to drink and enjoy. Now, many of the critics are quick to judge the Beaujolias with low ratings, but I think they're wrong. Sometimes it's great to step outside the box and find a new vino. What's the worst that could happen? I mean sometimes, you have a great surprise!


Time is running out running, so check out places to pick one up and give it a try with your next chicken or turkey dinner, you won't be disappointed.


For under $10.00, it was a great vino. This one made "The Pig Jump Over the Moon".

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Well, I am back...do you know why I haven't been posting?

So it has been several months since I posted and I'm sure many of you know why I haven't. Let's squash the rumors of me going to rehab, or traveling through the various wine regions around the world.
The fact of the matter is that on October 6th, I had a life changing event, I broke the wrist on my right hand. My primary hand. Which for several weeks and into months, I could do little with it. The"incident" as I like to refer to it, happened at a roller disco party. Not going into great detail here, but I was out there, enjoying the music, not being a hot dog or anything, and when I went to exit the floor, I fell. Fell so hard and landed on my right arm where the break was heard. So after going to the emergency room, in costume (I looked like a 70's pimp for sure) I had my arm set. Then appointments with specialist and surgeons resulted in a new metal plate, 12 screws and a new attitude about anything physical that might result in injury.


On the Brightside, I didn't stop drinking!  So I have some scribbled notes, with lettering looking like it was written by a serial killer, and saved bottles to catch you all up on some great vino.


"Lefty" was a new nickname given to me, and I like it!


Enjoy, glad to be back typing with two hands!


Don Antonio

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!