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!