Ferrari-Carano Mountain Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
Geyserville, California, USA
2005
14.5%
$30.00 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Opaque ruby
Nose: Ripe plums, a hint of creamed corn
Body: Full
Front: Cherry
Middle: Licorice, young mint
Back: Espresso, oak
Burns clean?:
Cap: Cork
A great wine with food, this Cabernet seems to be appearing on more and more restaurant lists. I'm pairing it with a little perhaps-over-the-hill salami, and it's catalytic. It failed, however, against the balsamic vinaigrette on my iceberg salad (it's ten thousand degrees outside, a cold dinner vibe)--but then, not many wines succeed with vinegar.
I've never had one of these that was super-tannic, so I'm not sure about the aging potential of the wine, or if people who love Napa cabs will be fond of it. Still, it's got a number of interesting flavors in a simple, but to me delightful, structure. I'd definitely pull it out if I'm having folks over for some great food, but don't know what their palates are like.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Bridget
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Nebraska Wines
Now, if that headline doesn't get your attention, you must live in Nebraska.
The format of this entry is going to be a little looser than usual, so my Google-sent visitors will have to click away. Or, alternatively, bear with me. No, just click away. Go! Get ye to another website, with the information you want right there at the top of the page in tabular format, or better yet in an embedded YouTube video!
I was in Nebraska recently, on a business trip. One of my favorite geeks, Terry, was at the same meeting. We've all had that moment, saying to ourselves, "Thank god so-and-so is here; this meeting is going to be survivable, now." Terry can geek out about our work, but as I discovered a few years ago, what makes him particularly awesome is that he and I can geek out about wine.
He's an appreciator, rather than a palate-policeman. A drinker, really, who loves great beer and good food, even if he can't really describe what things taste like particularly well. And as a long-time New Yorker, he loves a good bargain. When in Nebraska, we drink at an Indian restaurant called The Oven, which has one of the best (and most reasonably priced) wine lists I've ever seen. The food is great, and there are some delightful, hard-to-anticipate pairings to be encountered there.
So I was surprised when Terry invited me to go tasting Nebraska wines after our last full day of meetings. I was contemplating a lovely Willamette Pinot on The Oven's outdoor patio. Instead, we headed to a Nebraska-centric gift shop to taste six Nebraska wines each.
This was an education: I had never had wine from a single one of the varietals on the tasting list. Frontenac; DeChaunac; Chambourcin; Marechal Foch; LaCrosse; Vignoles; and many more. They're sweet, unsurprisingly, given Nebraska's average temperatures, and they're young. But some of these wines had interesting layers, and folks who like sweet wines should find Nebraska wines offer an astonishing variety for those who have been stuck with White Zinfandel and Gewurtz for all these years.
My favorites (as confessedly a fan of drier wines): Among the whites, I enjoyed the James Arthur Nebraska White. James Arthur bottles an astonishing number of varietals, but this white blend, of Dry Vignoles, LaCrosse, and Seyval, was fruity-sweet, rather than candy-sweet, and had some excellent notes of mineral and earth. It was also comparatively inexpensive, between $10-20. Among the reds, I enjoyed the Cuthills Chancellor, which had a bit of a Pinot Noir structure, and a delightful balance of fruit and earth. It was shockingly $32 a bottle, but for special occasions, or Nebraska state business dinners, it's more than worth it.
For Nebraska residents, I highly recommend the Nebraska Wine Tour, which you can find more about at http://www.nebraskawines.com. A hint: be sure you get up to Pierce, off the beaten track though it may be, because there's some good wine terroir a-borning up there.
As always, my thanks to Terry for enlightenment. I'm looking forward to my next Nebraska wine adventure.
The format of this entry is going to be a little looser than usual, so my Google-sent visitors will have to click away. Or, alternatively, bear with me. No, just click away. Go! Get ye to another website, with the information you want right there at the top of the page in tabular format, or better yet in an embedded YouTube video!
I was in Nebraska recently, on a business trip. One of my favorite geeks, Terry, was at the same meeting. We've all had that moment, saying to ourselves, "Thank god so-and-so is here; this meeting is going to be survivable, now." Terry can geek out about our work, but as I discovered a few years ago, what makes him particularly awesome is that he and I can geek out about wine.
He's an appreciator, rather than a palate-policeman. A drinker, really, who loves great beer and good food, even if he can't really describe what things taste like particularly well. And as a long-time New Yorker, he loves a good bargain. When in Nebraska, we drink at an Indian restaurant called The Oven, which has one of the best (and most reasonably priced) wine lists I've ever seen. The food is great, and there are some delightful, hard-to-anticipate pairings to be encountered there.
So I was surprised when Terry invited me to go tasting Nebraska wines after our last full day of meetings. I was contemplating a lovely Willamette Pinot on The Oven's outdoor patio. Instead, we headed to a Nebraska-centric gift shop to taste six Nebraska wines each.
This was an education: I had never had wine from a single one of the varietals on the tasting list. Frontenac; DeChaunac; Chambourcin; Marechal Foch; LaCrosse; Vignoles; and many more. They're sweet, unsurprisingly, given Nebraska's average temperatures, and they're young. But some of these wines had interesting layers, and folks who like sweet wines should find Nebraska wines offer an astonishing variety for those who have been stuck with White Zinfandel and Gewurtz for all these years.
My favorites (as confessedly a fan of drier wines): Among the whites, I enjoyed the James Arthur Nebraska White. James Arthur bottles an astonishing number of varietals, but this white blend, of Dry Vignoles, LaCrosse, and Seyval, was fruity-sweet, rather than candy-sweet, and had some excellent notes of mineral and earth. It was also comparatively inexpensive, between $10-20. Among the reds, I enjoyed the Cuthills Chancellor, which had a bit of a Pinot Noir structure, and a delightful balance of fruit and earth. It was shockingly $32 a bottle, but for special occasions, or Nebraska state business dinners, it's more than worth it.
For Nebraska residents, I highly recommend the Nebraska Wine Tour, which you can find more about at http://www.nebraskawines.com. A hint: be sure you get up to Pierce, off the beaten track though it may be, because there's some good wine terroir a-borning up there.
As always, my thanks to Terry for enlightenment. I'm looking forward to my next Nebraska wine adventure.
Martin Syrah
Martin Family Vineyards
Syrah
Estate
Dry Creek Valley
Healdsburg, California, USA
2004
14.2%
$16.00 -- Chapel Hill, NC
Color: Opaque purple
Nose: Sour blackberries, with a delightful stank on 'em
Body: Full
Front: Tangy blackberry
Middle: Plum
Back: Roasted coffee beans, cinderblock tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is a delightful wine and an incredible deal. I can't help but think that it's on the edge of its useful life, so drink it now! But the nose is simply enchanting, and the rest of it packs a punch across the dark fruity range.
I'm breaking the rules tonight, by not having any food to take this wine with, but it's been a hell of a week, so I cut myself loose. I'm listening to Jace Everett's record RED REVELATIONS, and this briary, out-of-control wine goes particularly well with his track "One of Them."
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Syrah
Estate
Dry Creek Valley
Healdsburg, California, USA
2004
14.2%
$16.00 -- Chapel Hill, NC
Color: Opaque purple
Nose: Sour blackberries, with a delightful stank on 'em
Body: Full
Front: Tangy blackberry
Middle: Plum
Back: Roasted coffee beans, cinderblock tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is a delightful wine and an incredible deal. I can't help but think that it's on the edge of its useful life, so drink it now! But the nose is simply enchanting, and the rest of it packs a punch across the dark fruity range.
I'm breaking the rules tonight, by not having any food to take this wine with, but it's been a hell of a week, so I cut myself loose. I'm listening to Jace Everett's record RED REVELATIONS, and this briary, out-of-control wine goes particularly well with his track "One of Them."
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sattui Crow Ridge Zinfandel
V. Sattui Winery
Zinfandel
Crow Ridge Vineyard
Old Vine
Russian River Valley
St. Helena, California, USA
2006
15%
$28.00 -- Sattui Winery, St. Helena, CA
Color: Medium garnet
Nose: Raspberry, fig, pine
Body: Medium
Front: Raspberry
Middle: Rosemary, black pepper
Back: Smoke, cedar
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
V. Sattui wines are always on my mind. Admittedly, I'm not a big Zinfandel fan, but partly that's just because they seem to vary so much from bottle to bottle and even year to year that I feel I can't count on anything. Being a Cellar Club member at Sattui means that I get to try all of their zins before I get one--so this removes any anxieties.
The Crow Ridge is a rich, juicy wine, good with any kind of food (though it's just salted, spicy almonds tonight). It provokes a little contemplation, though, unfolding through a few nice layers, and it's big enough to make you take notice. While the alcohol percentage measurements can vary up to 10% legally, take my word that this one is probably pretty accurate!
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Mignon
Zinfandel
Crow Ridge Vineyard
Old Vine
Russian River Valley
St. Helena, California, USA
2006
15%
$28.00 -- Sattui Winery, St. Helena, CA
Color: Medium garnet
Nose: Raspberry, fig, pine
Body: Medium
Front: Raspberry
Middle: Rosemary, black pepper
Back: Smoke, cedar
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
V. Sattui wines are always on my mind. Admittedly, I'm not a big Zinfandel fan, but partly that's just because they seem to vary so much from bottle to bottle and even year to year that I feel I can't count on anything. Being a Cellar Club member at Sattui means that I get to try all of their zins before I get one--so this removes any anxieties.
The Crow Ridge is a rich, juicy wine, good with any kind of food (though it's just salted, spicy almonds tonight). It provokes a little contemplation, though, unfolding through a few nice layers, and it's big enough to make you take notice. While the alcohol percentage measurements can vary up to 10% legally, take my word that this one is probably pretty accurate!
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Mignon
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Berthoud Syrah
Berthoud Vineyards & Winery
Syrah
Sonoma Valley
California, USA
2003
13.8%
$28.00 -- Mayo Family, Glen Ellen, CA
Color: Deep garnet
Nose: Plum and mash
Body: Full
Front: Sour cherries
Middle: Dark roasted coffee, caramel
Back: Thyme, tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
It was a damn noisy late afternoon in the Mayo tasting room (they stay open until 6:30, well past most wineries) when I tried this wine, but I think I heard that it's the private label of that company's winemaker. This is some seriously French stuff; dark, earthy, and brooding.
This is not a wine for everyone. It was delicious with the roasted chicken and avocado of tonight's meal, but really, it's got a strong character. At about an hour of decanting it was at its most subtle and multilayered. There's not much more of it, honestly--they only made three barrels, to my math about 900 bottles--but it's a delight.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Rose-Anne
Syrah
Sonoma Valley
California, USA
2003
13.8%
$28.00 -- Mayo Family, Glen Ellen, CA
Color: Deep garnet
Nose: Plum and mash
Body: Full
Front: Sour cherries
Middle: Dark roasted coffee, caramel
Back: Thyme, tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
It was a damn noisy late afternoon in the Mayo tasting room (they stay open until 6:30, well past most wineries) when I tried this wine, but I think I heard that it's the private label of that company's winemaker. This is some seriously French stuff; dark, earthy, and brooding.
This is not a wine for everyone. It was delicious with the roasted chicken and avocado of tonight's meal, but really, it's got a strong character. At about an hour of decanting it was at its most subtle and multilayered. There's not much more of it, honestly--they only made three barrels, to my math about 900 bottles--but it's a delight.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Rose-Anne
Robert Craig Affinity
Robert Craig Winery
Affinity
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Napa Valley
Angwin, California, USA
2006
14.5%
$55.00 -- Wildflower, Tucson, AZ
Color: Rich ruby
Nose: Boysenberry, licorice
Body: Full
Front: Cherry
Middle: Coffee
Back: Chocolate cream pie
Burns clean?: Yes, though I had weird dreams
Cap: Cork
Another Wildflower half-off deal. This one wasn't as memorable as the 2005, which I first tried at this same restaurant last year. It's mostly Cabernet (judging from the front label, which declares it a Cabernet Sauvignon) but it's billed as a blend (judging from the back label which heralds the varietals listed above.
Whatever it is, it's great with all kinds of food, from the duck with cherries and spinach I had to the rich Mahi Mahi extravaganza my mom ate most of next to me. I do think I have an "affinity" for this wine, but I think in all honesty I'd say that it doesn't quite extend to passion. But friendship is more than enough.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Affinity
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Napa Valley
Angwin, California, USA
2006
14.5%
$55.00 -- Wildflower, Tucson, AZ
Color: Rich ruby
Nose: Boysenberry, licorice
Body: Full
Front: Cherry
Middle: Coffee
Back: Chocolate cream pie
Burns clean?: Yes, though I had weird dreams
Cap: Cork
Another Wildflower half-off deal. This one wasn't as memorable as the 2005, which I first tried at this same restaurant last year. It's mostly Cabernet (judging from the front label, which declares it a Cabernet Sauvignon) but it's billed as a blend (judging from the back label which heralds the varietals listed above.
Whatever it is, it's great with all kinds of food, from the duck with cherries and spinach I had to the rich Mahi Mahi extravaganza my mom ate most of next to me. I do think I have an "affinity" for this wine, but I think in all honesty I'd say that it doesn't quite extend to passion. But friendship is more than enough.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Chalk Hill Chardonnay
Chalk Hill Winery
Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Healdsburg, California, USA
2006
14.8%
$26.00 -- Wildflower, Tucson, AZ
Color: Pale, milky gold
Nose: Pear, butter
Body: Full
Front: Apricot, lemon
Middle: Garlic butter
Back: Cedar, rosemary, truffle
Burns clean?: Yes, though I had weird dreams
Cap: Cork
I'm breakin' my own rule about reviewing wines served to me at restaurants. Wildflower's got a half-off special on bottles of wine on Tuesdays during the raging hot months of the summer, and this was way too good to pass up. I haven't had Chalk Hill in 10 years; when I was a youngster, my parents used to get it because it was a fantastic Chardonnay for around 20 bucks. Then it skyrocketed, along with a host of other Californiay Chardonnays, and they didn't buy it anymore.
It's a stunning wine. A long, long development on the palate, with clear structural shifts and an immaculate balance of acidic fruits up front, mellowing out to soft butteryness in the middle, and evolving into a woody, earthy finish. My father compares it to a Puligny-Montrachet, and I think that's right, though it's bigger, beefier, somehow. Still, it's subtle.
Wildflower has a world-class tuna tartare, and this was perfect accompaniment. But! We took the last few ounces of it home, and I had the last glass this evening while in my parents' pool. It was just as good with a hot afternoon swim as with raw fish.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Healdsburg, California, USA
2006
14.8%
$26.00 -- Wildflower, Tucson, AZ
Color: Pale, milky gold
Nose: Pear, butter
Body: Full
Front: Apricot, lemon
Middle: Garlic butter
Back: Cedar, rosemary, truffle
Burns clean?: Yes, though I had weird dreams
Cap: Cork
I'm breakin' my own rule about reviewing wines served to me at restaurants. Wildflower's got a half-off special on bottles of wine on Tuesdays during the raging hot months of the summer, and this was way too good to pass up. I haven't had Chalk Hill in 10 years; when I was a youngster, my parents used to get it because it was a fantastic Chardonnay for around 20 bucks. Then it skyrocketed, along with a host of other Californiay Chardonnays, and they didn't buy it anymore.
It's a stunning wine. A long, long development on the palate, with clear structural shifts and an immaculate balance of acidic fruits up front, mellowing out to soft butteryness in the middle, and evolving into a woody, earthy finish. My father compares it to a Puligny-Montrachet, and I think that's right, though it's bigger, beefier, somehow. Still, it's subtle.
Wildflower has a world-class tuna tartare, and this was perfect accompaniment. But! We took the last few ounces of it home, and I had the last glass this evening while in my parents' pool. It was just as good with a hot afternoon swim as with raw fish.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ponzi Pinot Noir
Ponzi Vineyards
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
Oregon, USA
2006
14.2%
$35.99 -- Rum Runner, Tucson, AZ
Color: Medium ruby
Nose: Cherry, strawberry, something roasted
Body: Light to medium
Front: Cherry, spritz
Middle: Cedar, peppermint
Back: Cherry sours
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This is a light wine, with interesting fruit flavors and a nice nose. It's getting toasty outside, and this is perfect on a hot Arizona afternoon, before dinner. It helps put one in the right state of mind to watch the news.
I confess that this isn't the sort of Pinot that gives me supreme delight. But it's not Juicy Fruit: the hint of sourness and the earthy notes give it a dimensionality that isn't always there in Pinots (even, unfortunately, in this price range).
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Mignon
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
Oregon, USA
2006
14.2%
$35.99 -- Rum Runner, Tucson, AZ
Color: Medium ruby
Nose: Cherry, strawberry, something roasted
Body: Light to medium
Front: Cherry, spritz
Middle: Cedar, peppermint
Back: Cherry sours
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This is a light wine, with interesting fruit flavors and a nice nose. It's getting toasty outside, and this is perfect on a hot Arizona afternoon, before dinner. It helps put one in the right state of mind to watch the news.
I confess that this isn't the sort of Pinot that gives me supreme delight. But it's not Juicy Fruit: the hint of sourness and the earthy notes give it a dimensionality that isn't always there in Pinots (even, unfortunately, in this price range).
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Mignon
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mayo Estate Laurel Hill Chardonnay
Mayo Family Winery
Chardonnay
Laurel Hill Vineyard
Sonoma Valley
Glen Ellen, California, USA
2006
14.2%
$17.99 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, Texas
Color: Very pale gold
Nose: Bread, key lime pie
Body: Medium to full
Front: Lime water, rosemary
Middle: Spicy apricot
Back: Balsa, cinnamon
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This wine develops fascinatingly as you drink it. It's got distinctive layers, with a thin but tasty opening leading to a spicy and then beefy middle, with acidic fruits and sweeter spices and woodiness on the way out. No new oak is used to make this wine, the label claims. The label contains a grammatical error, though, so I'm not sure how much to trust it. But for the price this is a good, interesting Chardonnay.
I'm just snacking with it today, on a hot Texas Sunday afternoon--some spicy salami and almonds. Hankering for a Dark and Stormy, I made my way to the liquor store that packs my favorite ginger beer and discovered, not at all to my surprise, that the liquor stores in Texas are closed on Sunday. Doubtless this is because hard liquor can't be sold on Sunday. My disappointment lasted 3/4 of a second, when I realized I had, with Promethean foresight, laid this bottle in the fridge last night. I like to think this is precisely what the legislature was trying to encourage with this excellent law.
I'm tired of music altogether, so I have no aural accompaniment to this other than the hum of the refrigerator and the roar of my collateral thoughts.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Mignon
Chardonnay
Laurel Hill Vineyard
Sonoma Valley
Glen Ellen, California, USA
2006
14.2%
$17.99 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, Texas
Color: Very pale gold
Nose: Bread, key lime pie
Body: Medium to full
Front: Lime water, rosemary
Middle: Spicy apricot
Back: Balsa, cinnamon
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This wine develops fascinatingly as you drink it. It's got distinctive layers, with a thin but tasty opening leading to a spicy and then beefy middle, with acidic fruits and sweeter spices and woodiness on the way out. No new oak is used to make this wine, the label claims. The label contains a grammatical error, though, so I'm not sure how much to trust it. But for the price this is a good, interesting Chardonnay.
I'm just snacking with it today, on a hot Texas Sunday afternoon--some spicy salami and almonds. Hankering for a Dark and Stormy, I made my way to the liquor store that packs my favorite ginger beer and discovered, not at all to my surprise, that the liquor stores in Texas are closed on Sunday. Doubtless this is because hard liquor can't be sold on Sunday. My disappointment lasted 3/4 of a second, when I realized I had, with Promethean foresight, laid this bottle in the fridge last night. I like to think this is precisely what the legislature was trying to encourage with this excellent law.
I'm tired of music altogether, so I have no aural accompaniment to this other than the hum of the refrigerator and the roar of my collateral thoughts.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Mignon
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Frederic et Daniel Brunier
Domaine La Roquete
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
2003
14.5%
$38.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, Texas
Color: Medium brick red
Nose: Blackberries
Body: Medium
Front: Raspberry, tar
Middle: Seat leather, strawberry
Back: Basil, cedar
Burns clean?: Yes, delightfully
Cap: Cork
There's a lot going on in this wine. If you like your fruit grilled, or your tobacco run through the berry patch, or your peanut butter in your chocolate, even, this will probably make you happy. It was pretty much ready to drink after 15 minutes and just kept getting better over hours and hours. It's not overly tannic, but paired fabulously with my Italian sausage (with cheese, caramelized onions, and yellow peppers) and with the Shivaree on the stereo.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Steve
Domaine La Roquete
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
2003
14.5%
$38.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, Texas
Color: Medium brick red
Nose: Blackberries
Body: Medium
Front: Raspberry, tar
Middle: Seat leather, strawberry
Back: Basil, cedar
Burns clean?: Yes, delightfully
Cap: Cork
There's a lot going on in this wine. If you like your fruit grilled, or your tobacco run through the berry patch, or your peanut butter in your chocolate, even, this will probably make you happy. It was pretty much ready to drink after 15 minutes and just kept getting better over hours and hours. It's not overly tannic, but paired fabulously with my Italian sausage (with cheese, caramelized onions, and yellow peppers) and with the Shivaree on the stereo.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Steve
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sattui Family Cabernet
V. Sattui Winery
Sattui Family
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
St. Helena, California, USA
2006
14%
$22.00 -- Sattui Winery, CA
Color: Dark garnet
Nose: Plum, buttered popcorn, black pepper
Body: Full
Front: Spicy plum
Middle: Creme anglaise, tannins
Back: Tar, violets
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is the place to start with Sattui wines, I think, if you enjoy things that are not too sweet. I like many, many of this house's creations, as attested to by their frequent presence on this blog. But I haven't had much of the Sattui Family Cab, apparently to my loss.
The SFCS (let us call it) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but I wouldn't say that it aspires to Bourdeauxitude the way a lot of the Valley's blends do. It's got fruit with character and a dose of dusty tannins that is Napa all the way. It partners well with the chicken cordon bleu and wilted spinach that the Central Market made especially for me this busy evening. But it's striking, relaxing, and thought-provoking simply with raw almonds.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Bridget
Sattui Family
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
St. Helena, California, USA
2006
14%
$22.00 -- Sattui Winery, CA
Color: Dark garnet
Nose: Plum, buttered popcorn, black pepper
Body: Full
Front: Spicy plum
Middle: Creme anglaise, tannins
Back: Tar, violets
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is the place to start with Sattui wines, I think, if you enjoy things that are not too sweet. I like many, many of this house's creations, as attested to by their frequent presence on this blog. But I haven't had much of the Sattui Family Cab, apparently to my loss.
The SFCS (let us call it) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but I wouldn't say that it aspires to Bourdeauxitude the way a lot of the Valley's blends do. It's got fruit with character and a dose of dusty tannins that is Napa all the way. It partners well with the chicken cordon bleu and wilted spinach that the Central Market made especially for me this busy evening. But it's striking, relaxing, and thought-provoking simply with raw almonds.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Bridget
Monday, May 4, 2009
McPrice Myers Beautiful Earth
McPrice Myers Wine Company
Beautiful Earth
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre
Paso Robles
Santa Maria, California, USA
2006
15.4%
$50.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, TX
Color: Opaque purple red
Nose: Blueberry pie, spice
Body: Full
Front: Blackberry
Middle: Spice, tobacco
Back: Cassis, cream
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is the kind of wine that shows what is so awesome about Paso Robles wine. It’s complex, multilayered, and rich, with both fruit and old-world-style tobacco and spice flavors. With velvety tannins, it will go with a range of foods; I had it with some fresh-made orzo, mango chutney, and toasted bread (generously supplied by Gloria at Vino100 in Lakeway, Texas) and it was delightful.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Kathy
Beautiful Earth
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre
Paso Robles
Santa Maria, California, USA
2006
15.4%
$50.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, TX
Color: Opaque purple red
Nose: Blueberry pie, spice
Body: Full
Front: Blackberry
Middle: Spice, tobacco
Back: Cassis, cream
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is the kind of wine that shows what is so awesome about Paso Robles wine. It’s complex, multilayered, and rich, with both fruit and old-world-style tobacco and spice flavors. With velvety tannins, it will go with a range of foods; I had it with some fresh-made orzo, mango chutney, and toasted bread (generously supplied by Gloria at Vino100 in Lakeway, Texas) and it was delightful.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Kathy
Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet
Louis M. Martini Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County
Healdsburg, California, USA
2006
13.9%
$13.99 -- Central Market, Austin, TX
Color: Dark ruby, tinge of purple at the edge
Nose: Cassis, blueberry
Body: Medium to full
Front: Chocolate-covered blackberry
Middle: Pepper, cedar, orange peel
Back: Peppermint
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
I think I've been carrying around a prejudice against Martini wines for awhile. Maybe ten years ago, I had some at a cocktail party, and found it heinous. Then a friend of mine ordered this one at a nice Austin seafood place, and it was boffo and cheap. On reflection, I really didn't have a good reason for avoiding the entire winery, when the problem could just have been a hot summer day or a weak catering company.
With interesting layers and strong California fruit, this wine is a delight. In our cash-strapped times, it is particularly excellent, up there with the St. Francis Cab. Tonight it's paired with baby bok choy, herb-crusted baked chicken, and a killer aged goat cheese called Pata Cabra that has changed my entire outlook on life.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Michael
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County
Healdsburg, California, USA
2006
13.9%
$13.99 -- Central Market, Austin, TX
Color: Dark ruby, tinge of purple at the edge
Nose: Cassis, blueberry
Body: Medium to full
Front: Chocolate-covered blackberry
Middle: Pepper, cedar, orange peel
Back: Peppermint
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
I think I've been carrying around a prejudice against Martini wines for awhile. Maybe ten years ago, I had some at a cocktail party, and found it heinous. Then a friend of mine ordered this one at a nice Austin seafood place, and it was boffo and cheap. On reflection, I really didn't have a good reason for avoiding the entire winery, when the problem could just have been a hot summer day or a weak catering company.
With interesting layers and strong California fruit, this wine is a delight. In our cash-strapped times, it is particularly excellent, up there with the St. Francis Cab. Tonight it's paired with baby bok choy, herb-crusted baked chicken, and a killer aged goat cheese called Pata Cabra that has changed my entire outlook on life.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Michael
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Red Lion Cabernet
R Wines
Red Lion
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville, California, USA
2006
15%
$14.99 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Deep purple
Nose: Dark fruits,
Body: Medium
Front: Cassis, cream
Middle: Cedar
Back: Fig
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This is another Grateful Palate Imports project, and one that a lot of labels are working on: cheap good wine from California. I like the distinctly pagan and communistic label design, which is as crazy as the wheels of Ezekiel. The wine is almost completely sane, though, and quite tasty. It's not a perfect match for barbecue, which I think says several things. First, that I should not eat so much damned bbq. Second, that it's not overpoweringly fruity, a trait that I like in a Cabernet. I forget the third thing, but it was the coup de grace.
Tannins! That was it: these are not overpowering tannins, to be sure, but the wine has delightfully soft ones, a nice structure, and a wallop of alcohol (without being hot) at a great price.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Steve
Red Lion
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville, California, USA
2006
15%
$14.99 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Deep purple
Nose: Dark fruits,
Body: Medium
Front: Cassis, cream
Middle: Cedar
Back: Fig
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This is another Grateful Palate Imports project, and one that a lot of labels are working on: cheap good wine from California. I like the distinctly pagan and communistic label design, which is as crazy as the wheels of Ezekiel. The wine is almost completely sane, though, and quite tasty. It's not a perfect match for barbecue, which I think says several things. First, that I should not eat so much damned bbq. Second, that it's not overpoweringly fruity, a trait that I like in a Cabernet. I forget the third thing, but it was the coup de grace.
Tannins! That was it: these are not overpowering tannins, to be sure, but the wine has delightfully soft ones, a nice structure, and a wallop of alcohol (without being hot) at a great price.
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Steve
Monday, April 13, 2009
Root: 1 Cabernet
Viña Ventisquero
Root: 1
Cabernet Sauvignon
Colchagua Valley
Rancagua, Chile
2007
14%
$8.99 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Deep ruby
Nose: Cassis, tar, cardboard
Body: Medium
Front: Cherry
Middle: Bittersweet chocolate
Back: Herbs, raisin
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
There are two selling points for this wine, which has gotten some oenophile press. First, it's cheap and strong! Second, it's from ungrafted original cabernet vines, which are rare in the world thanks to the phylloxera epidemic back in the day. Presumably the appeal here would be that you are drinking the wine the ancients drank: that there is something about ungrafted vines that is unique.
That may be. Certainly the overly decorated bottle, with its long historical narrative on the front, would lead one to believe it, referring to the vines it's made from as "pure." I love history as much as...no, probably slightly more than the next girl. But really, Nietzsche would warn us about the invariably impure genealogy of vines. That is to say, that hybridity is hard to avoid. And what's more, whether pre- or post-phylloxera, vines channel terroir. So it's still a lot about care, feeding, and character.
Having said that, I think Root: 1 is reasonably tasty, and probably the best 8-9 dollar Cabernet that I've had this year. It seems to have about a two-stage delivery, fruit and a little chocolatey thing, but it's interesting and good with the aged Irish cheese I broke out before dinner tonight. It is not very tannic, compared to its acidity, so I fear it won't age--but I bet in about six months to a year from now, it'll be way better. That notwithstanding, if I were having a reception tomorrow, I'd order a case of this and a case of the Veramonte Chardonnay to serve.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Michael
Root: 1
Cabernet Sauvignon
Colchagua Valley
Rancagua, Chile
2007
14%
$8.99 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Deep ruby
Nose: Cassis, tar, cardboard
Body: Medium
Front: Cherry
Middle: Bittersweet chocolate
Back: Herbs, raisin
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
There are two selling points for this wine, which has gotten some oenophile press. First, it's cheap and strong! Second, it's from ungrafted original cabernet vines, which are rare in the world thanks to the phylloxera epidemic back in the day. Presumably the appeal here would be that you are drinking the wine the ancients drank: that there is something about ungrafted vines that is unique.
That may be. Certainly the overly decorated bottle, with its long historical narrative on the front, would lead one to believe it, referring to the vines it's made from as "pure." I love history as much as...no, probably slightly more than the next girl. But really, Nietzsche would warn us about the invariably impure genealogy of vines. That is to say, that hybridity is hard to avoid. And what's more, whether pre- or post-phylloxera, vines channel terroir. So it's still a lot about care, feeding, and character.
Having said that, I think Root: 1 is reasonably tasty, and probably the best 8-9 dollar Cabernet that I've had this year. It seems to have about a two-stage delivery, fruit and a little chocolatey thing, but it's interesting and good with the aged Irish cheese I broke out before dinner tonight. It is not very tannic, compared to its acidity, so I fear it won't age--but I bet in about six months to a year from now, it'll be way better. That notwithstanding, if I were having a reception tomorrow, I'd order a case of this and a case of the Veramonte Chardonnay to serve.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Michael
Friday, April 10, 2009
Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet
Clos du Bois
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Reserve
Alexander Valley, Sonoma
Geyserville, California
2005
14.5%
$18.00 -- HEB, Austin, TX
Color: Deep red
Nose: Plum, leather, violets
Body: Medium to full
Front: Blackberry
Middle: Cocoa, tannins
Back: Cigar wrapper
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
Clos du Bois makes a hillion jillion wines. Tonight I was looking for something good but not too expensive. The CEC (current economic climate) makes me wary of drinking too many expensive wines. Plus most of the ones I have around here seem to be 2005s, which I wanna save a lot of, because these things are like vino bazookas. This one you can probably get cheaper than I found it, but it was handy at H.E.Butts's tienda para gueros, next to the roasted chicken and bag o' lettuce I was eyeballin'.
Though it's among a hillion jillion wines, the Sonoma Reserve cab is a good choice. Not mindblowing, but in a class with the Robert Mondavi Napa Cab of the same year: great with just about any dinner. It makes a good companion when reading around the wine blogs of the internets to see just how crappy your own blog is by comparison with some oenophiles' out there.
This cab also harmonizes with the stunning voice of Maureen Murphy, who just came in second in a big contest in Nashville for up-and-coming artists (and should have come in first, je crois). But be sure to give this as much air as Maureen gives her songs, or it's a bit tight.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Bridget
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Reserve
Alexander Valley, Sonoma
Geyserville, California
2005
14.5%
$18.00 -- HEB, Austin, TX
Color: Deep red
Nose: Plum, leather, violets
Body: Medium to full
Front: Blackberry
Middle: Cocoa, tannins
Back: Cigar wrapper
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
Clos du Bois makes a hillion jillion wines. Tonight I was looking for something good but not too expensive. The CEC (current economic climate) makes me wary of drinking too many expensive wines. Plus most of the ones I have around here seem to be 2005s, which I wanna save a lot of, because these things are like vino bazookas. This one you can probably get cheaper than I found it, but it was handy at H.E.Butts's tienda para gueros, next to the roasted chicken and bag o' lettuce I was eyeballin'.
Though it's among a hillion jillion wines, the Sonoma Reserve cab is a good choice. Not mindblowing, but in a class with the Robert Mondavi Napa Cab of the same year: great with just about any dinner. It makes a good companion when reading around the wine blogs of the internets to see just how crappy your own blog is by comparison with some oenophiles' out there.
This cab also harmonizes with the stunning voice of Maureen Murphy, who just came in second in a big contest in Nashville for up-and-coming artists (and should have come in first, je crois). But be sure to give this as much air as Maureen gives her songs, or it's a bit tight.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Bridget
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Merum Monastrell
Bodegas Merum
Monastrell
Jumilla
Spain
2006
14%
$14.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, TX
Color: Deep purpledy-red
Nose: Cherries, spice, a little heat
Body: Medium
Front: Blackberries, tangy fruit
Middle: Cream, slate
Back: Pepper, leather
Burns clean?: Maybe
Cap: Cork
I opened this at the perfect time of year--a warm spring day, sun beaming down, a promise of more heat to come. Zinfandel fans will like this one plenty; it's not too complex, but layered and rich. It's fruity, but there's plenty of ol' Spanish earth in it, too--a little bite, then a little dirt. Tonight, like many nights, I'm eating pizza, and it's a fantastic combination with this wine.
The first Jumilla wine I ever drank was back in 1987, during a summer stay in Madrid. We were given a bottle by our generous hosts in Valdeiglesias, left over from a delicious outdoor lunch after visiting a recently-restored ancient monastery. We opened it a few days later back at our challenging quarters at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and it was damn good. I've had a soft spot for Jumillas ever since.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Bridget
Monastrell
Jumilla
Spain
2006
14%
$14.00 -- Vino100, Lakeway, TX
Color: Deep purpledy-red
Nose: Cherries, spice, a little heat
Body: Medium
Front: Blackberries, tangy fruit
Middle: Cream, slate
Back: Pepper, leather
Burns clean?: Maybe
Cap: Cork
I opened this at the perfect time of year--a warm spring day, sun beaming down, a promise of more heat to come. Zinfandel fans will like this one plenty; it's not too complex, but layered and rich. It's fruity, but there's plenty of ol' Spanish earth in it, too--a little bite, then a little dirt. Tonight, like many nights, I'm eating pizza, and it's a fantastic combination with this wine.
The first Jumilla wine I ever drank was back in 1987, during a summer stay in Madrid. We were given a bottle by our generous hosts in Valdeiglesias, left over from a delicious outdoor lunch after visiting a recently-restored ancient monastery. We opened it a few days later back at our challenging quarters at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and it was damn good. I've had a soft spot for Jumillas ever since.
Who likes it: Steve
Who hates it: Bridget
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Vino100 Lakeway Wine Dinner
Lakeway, Texas is a resort town--in the middle of Texas. On the cliffs by a spectacular (if currently a bit depleted) lake, a few miles outside of sexy Austin, 
neighborhoods cluster like children at a zoo on the edges of the puma cage. It's gorgeous country, and an interesting mix of folks.
Many of those folks are wine lovers, and in Lakeway, they can afford some good wine. Still, even rich folks like a good bargain, and habitual wine drinkers demand great variety in style and price. My friend Gloria runs a joint called Vino100 that sells just such a variety--reasonably priced wines across a range of styles, and a small selection of exceptional stuff (the Hall Cabernet, BV's excellent Tapestry, and Anderson's Conn Valley Prologue have all graced its shelves, along with some great sparkling wines).
Last night I attended my first-ever wine dinner, elegantly hosted by Gloria, and attended by some damn fine and entertaining people. Gloria likes wine, and she's a trained engineer, but her real gift seems to be forging relations among people--she is an extraordinary and passionate appreciator of other human beings. The ambience her presence generates fosters wine drinking, chatting, losing track of time, delight.
The food was prepared by the extremely French Chef Cesidio. The wine host was local connoisseur Scott Grant, and we stuck to Bordeaux. The pacing, hardware, pairings, decor, music, and sheer abundance of wine were splendid. I was running a bit late, having struggled for 15 minutes trying to put on my blue velvet jacket, but it was worth it, and an anchovy pizzetta and a kir, made with French cider and homemade cassis syrup were waiting for me as I rushed to the table.
My flashbacks to the old town quarter of Nice were quickly superseded by an excellent appetizer of pulled pork and pear with crouton. A little French and a little Texan, and a lot good, paired with this:
Chateau Bonnet
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Entre-Deux-Mers, France
2006
12%
$12.00
Color: Gold
Nose: Floral, peach
Body: Medium
Front: Apple
Middle: Cream
Back: A little bread and butter
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This chardonnay opened up after about half an hour, and was quite good with the food. It's nicely balanced between crisp acidity and a more bready heft, but it's not a particularly multilayered wine. It is a wine of action, not contemplation.
There wasn't long to contemplate anyway, because beef and fish rained upon the table, along with two more wines. I had the cod brandade, a delightful ramekin full of fish and potato with the tiniest amount of curry sauce, or something spicy, on top. It went best, perhaps, with this:
Chateau La Graviere
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Gironne, France
2005
12%
$22
Color: Coppery gold
Nose: Sherry, with a hint of apricot
Body: Medium to full
Front: Tangy fruit
Middle: Apricot and cream
Back: Sawdust and pie
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This wine tasted like it was out on the edges of turning bad, but after a few minutes of tasting, the sherryness yielded to a quite interesting complex of fruit, candy, and minerality. I'm curious to try more white from this area of Bordeaux, as these two seemed both cheap and interesting.
More expensive and interesting was the
Chateau Greysac
Medoc
Cru Bourgeois Superieure
Bordeaux, France
2004
13%
$24.00
Color: Rich red
Nose: Violets and nutmeg
Body: Medium
Front: Cinnamon
Middle: Leather
Back: Violets, inner tube
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This was a delightful wine; not quite as good with my cod as, I'll bet, with the beef bourgogne on the other side of the table. But it was more contemplative.
We finished with a glass of Talijancich White Solero, 10 yr., that was a stunning Aussie mash of apricot, caramel, raisins, and honey, nicely balanced. While Gloria and I were talking about the evening, I caught a glimpse of Chef pounding a glass of the Solero--it's damn fine stuff.
For a first wine dinner attendee like me, it was perfect; the company and the wine were a joy, and there was no snobbiness, no ranking. Cheers to Chef and Gloria!
neighborhoods cluster like children at a zoo on the edges of the puma cage. It's gorgeous country, and an interesting mix of folks.Many of those folks are wine lovers, and in Lakeway, they can afford some good wine. Still, even rich folks like a good bargain, and habitual wine drinkers demand great variety in style and price. My friend Gloria runs a joint called Vino100 that sells just such a variety--reasonably priced wines across a range of styles, and a small selection of exceptional stuff (the Hall Cabernet, BV's excellent Tapestry, and Anderson's Conn Valley Prologue have all graced its shelves, along with some great sparkling wines).
Last night I attended my first-ever wine dinner, elegantly hosted by Gloria, and attended by some damn fine and entertaining people. Gloria likes wine, and she's a trained engineer, but her real gift seems to be forging relations among people--she is an extraordinary and passionate appreciator of other human beings. The ambience her presence generates fosters wine drinking, chatting, losing track of time, delight.
The food was prepared by the extremely French Chef Cesidio. The wine host was local connoisseur Scott Grant, and we stuck to Bordeaux. The pacing, hardware, pairings, decor, music, and sheer abundance of wine were splendid. I was running a bit late, having struggled for 15 minutes trying to put on my blue velvet jacket, but it was worth it, and an anchovy pizzetta and a kir, made with French cider and homemade cassis syrup were waiting for me as I rushed to the table.
My flashbacks to the old town quarter of Nice were quickly superseded by an excellent appetizer of pulled pork and pear with crouton. A little French and a little Texan, and a lot good, paired with this:
Chateau Bonnet
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Entre-Deux-Mers, France
2006
12%
$12.00
Color: Gold
Nose: Floral, peach
Body: Medium
Front: Apple
Middle: Cream
Back: A little bread and butter
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This chardonnay opened up after about half an hour, and was quite good with the food. It's nicely balanced between crisp acidity and a more bready heft, but it's not a particularly multilayered wine. It is a wine of action, not contemplation.
There wasn't long to contemplate anyway, because beef and fish rained upon the table, along with two more wines. I had the cod brandade, a delightful ramekin full of fish and potato with the tiniest amount of curry sauce, or something spicy, on top. It went best, perhaps, with this:
Chateau La Graviere
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Gironne, France
2005
12%
$22
Color: Coppery gold
Nose: Sherry, with a hint of apricot
Body: Medium to full
Front: Tangy fruit
Middle: Apricot and cream
Back: Sawdust and pie
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This wine tasted like it was out on the edges of turning bad, but after a few minutes of tasting, the sherryness yielded to a quite interesting complex of fruit, candy, and minerality. I'm curious to try more white from this area of Bordeaux, as these two seemed both cheap and interesting.
More expensive and interesting was the
Chateau Greysac
Medoc
Cru Bourgeois Superieure
Bordeaux, France
2004
13%
$24.00
Color: Rich red
Nose: Violets and nutmeg
Body: Medium
Front: Cinnamon
Middle: Leather
Back: Violets, inner tube
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This was a delightful wine; not quite as good with my cod as, I'll bet, with the beef bourgogne on the other side of the table. But it was more contemplative.
We finished with a glass of Talijancich White Solero, 10 yr., that was a stunning Aussie mash of apricot, caramel, raisins, and honey, nicely balanced. While Gloria and I were talking about the evening, I caught a glimpse of Chef pounding a glass of the Solero--it's damn fine stuff.
For a first wine dinner attendee like me, it was perfect; the company and the wine were a joy, and there was no snobbiness, no ranking. Cheers to Chef and Gloria!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
St. Supery Virtú
St. Supery Vineyards & Winery
Virtú
White Meritage
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Rutherford, California
2006
13.5%
$25.34 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Gold
Nose: Peach, hazelnut, avocado
Body: Medium
Front: Meyer lemon
Middle: Cream, peach
Back: White pepper gravel
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is a delightful blend. It's interesting, but not overpowering; a great balance of fruit and more earthy flavors such as the exotic and, I dare say, elusive "white pepper gravel" listed in the tasting notes above.
This evening I paired Virtú with decadence: Chris Isaak, roasted chicken, triple cream cheese, avocado and tomato salad, and a vicious, gorgeous hailstorm. Until this bottle is empty, I dare not go outside and look at my car.
Who likes it: Bridget
Who hates it: Mignon
Virtú
White Meritage
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Rutherford, California
2006
13.5%
$25.34 -- Spec's Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Gold
Nose: Peach, hazelnut, avocado
Body: Medium
Front: Meyer lemon
Middle: Cream, peach
Back: White pepper gravel
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is a delightful blend. It's interesting, but not overpowering; a great balance of fruit and more earthy flavors such as the exotic and, I dare say, elusive "white pepper gravel" listed in the tasting notes above.
This evening I paired Virtú with decadence: Chris Isaak, roasted chicken, triple cream cheese, avocado and tomato salad, and a vicious, gorgeous hailstorm. Until this bottle is empty, I dare not go outside and look at my car.
Who likes it: Bridget
Who hates it: Mignon
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Rutherford Hill Merlot
Rutherford Hill Winery
Merlot
Rutherford, California
2004
14.2%
$21.99 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium-dark ruby
Nose: Olive, violets
Body: Medium to full
Front: Plum
Middle: Vanilla, dust
Back: Cherry, wood
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
It's interesting, but of course not revelatory of my character, that I have only reviewed one Merlot. Tonight that all changes. There will be 100 percent more Merlot reviewed here at Caveat Emptyer. THERE WILL BE MERLOT.
This is not Sideways. But I confess that what I like about this Merlot is that it's like a Cabernet--big, rich, multilayered, with the signature of Rutherford in its texture. My father introduced me to it at Daisy Mae's steak restaurant, in Tucson, Arizona, long ago, and we have had many a delightful bean-laden meal there with it.
But I think it'll go with lots of food, like the paprika chicken and French onion soup on tonight's docket, and almost any kind of music short of Rage Against the Machine, which should always be listened to with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Merlot
Rutherford, California
2004
14.2%
$21.99 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium-dark ruby
Nose: Olive, violets
Body: Medium to full
Front: Plum
Middle: Vanilla, dust
Back: Cherry, wood
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
It's interesting, but of course not revelatory of my character, that I have only reviewed one Merlot. Tonight that all changes. There will be 100 percent more Merlot reviewed here at Caveat Emptyer. THERE WILL BE MERLOT.
This is not Sideways. But I confess that what I like about this Merlot is that it's like a Cabernet--big, rich, multilayered, with the signature of Rutherford in its texture. My father introduced me to it at Daisy Mae's steak restaurant, in Tucson, Arizona, long ago, and we have had many a delightful bean-laden meal there with it.
But I think it'll go with lots of food, like the paprika chicken and French onion soup on tonight's docket, and almost any kind of music short of Rage Against the Machine, which should always be listened to with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Byron Chardonnay
Byron Vineyards and Winery
Chardonnay
Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria, California
2005
14.5%
$24.88 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium gold
Nose: Apricot, pretzels, lime
Body: Full
Front: Melon, citrus
Middle: French bread, peach
Back: Cream, lemongrass
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
The nose on this wine was immediately striking, and delightful. This is a fruit basket, for sure; the ripeness is almost so powerful as to be salty. I like it! If you want something limey and steely, steer clear of this one; if you want a great opener with some stiff soft cheeses, it'll be awesome.
It'll be a bit of a showdown, I think, between this wine and the lentil and sweet Italian sausage stew that I'm making this evening. I just preemptively tried it with dessert--blackberries--and the wine crushed the blackberry flavor out of existence, like, "Seriously, freshman, back to the bench with you." Damn.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Chardonnay
Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria, California
2005
14.5%
$24.88 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium gold
Nose: Apricot, pretzels, lime
Body: Full
Front: Melon, citrus
Middle: French bread, peach
Back: Cream, lemongrass
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
The nose on this wine was immediately striking, and delightful. This is a fruit basket, for sure; the ripeness is almost so powerful as to be salty. I like it! If you want something limey and steely, steer clear of this one; if you want a great opener with some stiff soft cheeses, it'll be awesome.
It'll be a bit of a showdown, I think, between this wine and the lentil and sweet Italian sausage stew that I'm making this evening. I just preemptively tried it with dessert--blackberries--and the wine crushed the blackberry flavor out of existence, like, "Seriously, freshman, back to the bench with you." Damn.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Kathy
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
St. Clement Cabernet
St. Clement Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
St. Helena, California
2005
14.8%
$32.39 -- Twin Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Near opaque red with purple tinge
Nose: Mexican chocolate, blackberries, thyme
Body: Full
Front: Dark cherry coffee
Middle: Tannins, blackberry
Back: Chocolate, smoky carseat leather
Burns clean?:
Cap: Cork
Who is this strange man who licks carseats? Come on--you did it. You got in that leather-coated backseat when you were five, or maybe seven years old. Mom and dad's crappy-ass fabric seats, or the vinyl benches of grandpa's AMC were nothing compared to your aunt's Camels-infused hidebound capsules. You were tasting wine, but you didn't know it, child.
Now dark cherry coffee I've never had, I admit. I'm not sure I like it, so I'm going to wait another half hour before I taste this, since that flavor compression might just mean it needs a little untightening. In the meantime, I'll contemplate my bizarro dinner of roasted rep pepper soup with goat cheese with steamed squash on the side. Possibly also an avocado and tomato salad with a little lemon and pepper on 'er.
Yes: put at least an hour, maybe longer, of air on it before drinking this one. It opens into a really delicious coffee-chocolate-small berry sort of thing. It's kind of French--no fruit bomb here.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Steve
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
St. Helena, California
2005
14.8%
$32.39 -- Twin Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Near opaque red with purple tinge
Nose: Mexican chocolate, blackberries, thyme
Body: Full
Front: Dark cherry coffee
Middle: Tannins, blackberry
Back: Chocolate, smoky carseat leather
Burns clean?:
Cap: Cork
Who is this strange man who licks carseats? Come on--you did it. You got in that leather-coated backseat when you were five, or maybe seven years old. Mom and dad's crappy-ass fabric seats, or the vinyl benches of grandpa's AMC were nothing compared to your aunt's Camels-infused hidebound capsules. You were tasting wine, but you didn't know it, child.
Now dark cherry coffee I've never had, I admit. I'm not sure I like it, so I'm going to wait another half hour before I taste this, since that flavor compression might just mean it needs a little untightening. In the meantime, I'll contemplate my bizarro dinner of roasted rep pepper soup with goat cheese with steamed squash on the side. Possibly also an avocado and tomato salad with a little lemon and pepper on 'er.
Yes: put at least an hour, maybe longer, of air on it before drinking this one. It opens into a really delicious coffee-chocolate-small berry sort of thing. It's kind of French--no fruit bomb here.
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Steve
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Veramonte Chardonnay Reserva
Veramonte
Chardonnay
Reserva
Casablanca Valley
Chile
2006
13.5%
$10.79 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Pale gold
Nose: Apricot, banana
Body: Full
Front: Peach, banana
Middle: Sour apple, a little tangerine?
Back: Beach ball, cream
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This evening I'm getting over a cold and trying to focus on writing an important article that has nothing to do with wine. In the spirit of productive procrastination (and because with a cheap white wine I can have one glass, recap the bottle, and reinfuse caffeine to keep writing), I turn to Veramonte. It's the first Chilean wine I've reviewed, I note, but it will not be the last.
One of the reasons I picked this one up was that it's imported by Huneeus Vineyards, which makes one of my favorite wines, Faust. Indeed, Augustin Huneeus is listed on the bottle as the vintner, so my hope was that the connection is deep.
Another reason is that I needed a cheap but interesting white to go with this paprika and garlic roasted chicken thing I put in the oven with some frequency. I've had lots of reds with it, but sometimes the spicing isn't strong enough and the reds sort of lay waste to the flavor of the food.
This will be a good match. I like this wine; it's full and creamy but not super-oaked, well-balanced and structured. It pairs well also with Lays Potato Chips, which bring out the wood in the wine nicely. Once again, The Ditty Bops are playing, singing, "And we like it / Because we do..."
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Chardonnay
Reserva
Casablanca Valley
Chile
2006
13.5%
$10.79 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Pale gold
Nose: Apricot, banana
Body: Full
Front: Peach, banana
Middle: Sour apple, a little tangerine?
Back: Beach ball, cream
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
This evening I'm getting over a cold and trying to focus on writing an important article that has nothing to do with wine. In the spirit of productive procrastination (and because with a cheap white wine I can have one glass, recap the bottle, and reinfuse caffeine to keep writing), I turn to Veramonte. It's the first Chilean wine I've reviewed, I note, but it will not be the last.
One of the reasons I picked this one up was that it's imported by Huneeus Vineyards, which makes one of my favorite wines, Faust. Indeed, Augustin Huneeus is listed on the bottle as the vintner, so my hope was that the connection is deep.
Another reason is that I needed a cheap but interesting white to go with this paprika and garlic roasted chicken thing I put in the oven with some frequency. I've had lots of reds with it, but sometimes the spicing isn't strong enough and the reds sort of lay waste to the flavor of the food.
This will be a good match. I like this wine; it's full and creamy but not super-oaked, well-balanced and structured. It pairs well also with Lays Potato Chips, which bring out the wood in the wine nicely. Once again, The Ditty Bops are playing, singing, "And we like it / Because we do..."
Who likes it: Michael
Who hates it: Mignon
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Trentadue Old Patch Red
Trentadue
Old Patch Red
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Syrah
Sonoma County
Geyserville, California
2005
14.9%
$12.59 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Dark purpley-red
Nose: Blueberries, sour cherries
Body: Medium to full
Front: Candy cane, spice
Middle: Blueberries
Back: Graphite
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
We've been drinking OPR around here for awhile, but not talking about it. The 2003 was absolutely fantastic, and it's still a complete steal. When I'm in the mood for Paraduxx, but not in the financial position to engage it, this is what I get instead. It goes well with a range of foods, and I have a feeling that it's going to stack up perfectly to the brisket and sautéed brussels sprouts I'm about to put away.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Bridget
Old Patch Red
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Syrah
Sonoma County
Geyserville, California
2005
14.9%
$12.59 -- Grape Vine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Dark purpley-red
Nose: Blueberries, sour cherries
Body: Medium to full
Front: Candy cane, spice
Middle: Blueberries
Back: Graphite
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
We've been drinking OPR around here for awhile, but not talking about it. The 2003 was absolutely fantastic, and it's still a complete steal. When I'm in the mood for Paraduxx, but not in the financial position to engage it, this is what I get instead. It goes well with a range of foods, and I have a feeling that it's going to stack up perfectly to the brisket and sautéed brussels sprouts I'm about to put away.
Who likes it: Mignon
Who hates it: Bridget
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc
Jean-Paul Brun
Terres Dorées
Beaujolais Blanc
Chardonnay
Charnay, Beaujolais, France
2007
12%
$15.88 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium gold
Nose: Apricot, pear, a hint of some sweet, potent flower
Body: Medium
Front: Apricot
Middle: Smoky butter
Back: Pear
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Plastic cork
This is a delightful, simple, fruit-and-butter wine. It's not super layered, but it's got a great nose and a couple of really interesting flavors. It made me jump up and put on Cheri Knight's excellent and little-known record, The Northeast Kingdom. And it was super-tasty with the hot sorpressata that I must make sure does not end up being my only dinner!
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Michael
Terres Dorées
Beaujolais Blanc
Chardonnay
Charnay, Beaujolais, France
2007
12%
$15.88 -- Whole Foods, Austin, TX
Color: Medium gold
Nose: Apricot, pear, a hint of some sweet, potent flower
Body: Medium
Front: Apricot
Middle: Smoky butter
Back: Pear
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Plastic cork
This is a delightful, simple, fruit-and-butter wine. It's not super layered, but it's got a great nose and a couple of really interesting flavors. It made me jump up and put on Cheri Knight's excellent and little-known record, The Northeast Kingdom. And it was super-tasty with the hot sorpressata that I must make sure does not end up being my only dinner!
Who likes it: Rose-Anne
Who hates it: Michael
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