Monday, November 30, 2009

2008 Don Miguel Gascón Malbec


Specs:

2008 Don Miguel Gascón Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

13.9 % Alcohol

100% Malbec

http://gasconwine.com/

$14.00

Notes:


For tasters looking to branch out of the usual New World wines into something more global; a varietal like Malbec is a good introduction. This winery is one of the oldest Malbec producers in their region and prides themselves on hand-picked, hand-made wines.

I would suggest decanting this wine as it needs time to breathe before first taste. After about 20-30 minutes it had fully opened up. The color of this wine, like most Malbecs, is a deep purple plum which mirrors its taste. The aroma and taste of the wine is of cherry, plums, "fruit roll-ups", dry fruits, pepper and a hint of anise and clove. For a young wine the smells and flavors are quite bold especially after spending only 7 months in barrels. The texture is rich, velvety, thick and round. You will first notice the fruit on your palette with a spicy peppery long finish.

This wine may be a bit bold and overpowering for most foods however I think it would perfectly a thick slice of beef or a rich chocolate dessert. I enjoyed it solely on its own and was very pleased. For the price it is hard to pass up. This wine can be purchased at local Trader Joe stores or online through the winery.

Friday, November 20, 2009

2007 Eola Hills Pinot Noir


Specs:

2007 Eola Hills Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley

Rickreall
, Oregon


13.6 % Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.eolahillswinery.com

$13.95

Notes:

Friends of this blog have been requesting a bold Pinot Noir without the sticker shock that usually comes with it. This Willamette Valley Pinot delivers in all sense of this bargain bottle price.
The bouquet is bright and fresh and the color was a rich ruby red. I first tasted this Pinot Noir with no information whatsoever. Upon first taste I was instantly impressed. We all sat shaking our heads in unison which is usually tough for this group. This is definitely a young wine and tastes of one. I absolutely love the freshness of young wines and I especially enjoyed the taste of crisp fresh picked strawberries and rich dark cherry that came with it. Vanilla also lingers on the palette as well as some very earthy flavors even a hint of mushroom. This wine is silky smooth and extremely light. The bottle disappeared before our very eyes...

Since this wine is so mild I can see it easily paired with a wide range of food. Serving it with something hearty like a pasta dish or prime rib would seem the most natural fit for this Pinot. For the price of this bottle you can not go wrong. I would highly recommend it to those looking to impress family and friends without spending a fortune.

Monday, November 16, 2009

2005 Chateau Mas Neuf Compostelle


Specs:

2005 Chateau Mas Neuf Compostelle

Costieres de Nimes, France (Rhone)

13% Alcohol

70% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache

http://www.chateau-mas-neuf.com/en/

$26.00

Notes:

This wine is a true value for the buyer. The richness and flavor that comes with this wine really surprised me. This is a French AOC I was unfamiliar with. Through research I came to find this is an up and coming region that mirrors the climate and soil condition on Provence; Lush mineral rich soil and plenty of sunlight. Also, the barrels used to store this wine come directly from some of France's most honored Chateaus such as Lafite-Rothchild which some believe add to its lush and full flavor. At first glance the wine in the glass is a deep dark maroon with hints of royal purple. The scent of the wine is rich and spicy. Chocolate, Blackberries, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and a hint of Black Licorice. The wine itself is quite earthy. The spice and fruit is at an almost perfect balance. The wine is medium bodied and did require quite some time to breathe. After roughly 30 minutes the wine had opened up beautifully and was perfect during appetizers, the main course as well as dessert. Because of the earthiness of the wine it paired beautifully with freshly roasted chanterelle mushrooms and crispy pork we chose to eat it with. Beautiful start and silky smooth finish. I didn't want it to end...

Saturday, November 14, 2009

2007 Etude Chardonnay


Specs:

2007 Etude Chardonnay

Carneros Valley California

100% Chardonnay

13.4% Alcohol

http://www.etudewines.com/

$38.00

Notes:


To me this is one of the best Chardonnay's I've had in quite awhile. A friend brought this wine to a dinner and I was blown away by its flavor and smoothness. Etude is known mainly for their Pinot Noir however this Chard gives the Pinot's a run for their money. This wine is a combination of grapes fermented in New French Oak as well as Stainless Steel giving it an amazing balance. Not too buttery and not to acidic. Just the perfect marriage of flavors. The grapes are also closely taken care of and are harvested solely from their estate in Carneros.

At first glance this wine is a deep bright saturated yellow-gold. Primary scents I sense are citrus and oak. The oak is minimal but definitely present. It is a very fresh yet earthy wine with hints of greens and fruits such as peach, lime and lemon. All of these elements are usually what I look for in a Chardonnay. Numerous friends really do not prefer the buttery oakey chards I adore; yet still this is a wine we can all agree on. It is the perfect "meet in the middle" chard and a good introduction to the valleys offerings.

Since this wine is pretty mild as far as chardonnays go I feel it is perfect for pairing. Appetizers, main courses, desserts and on it's own on a warm day. It is AMAZING with a warm apple crisp or a freshly tossed salad.
This wine is shown on back order through the wineries website however it is quite easy to find at wine shops and other online venues.

2006 Kent Rasmussen Pinot Noir


Specs:

2006 Kent Rasmussen Pinot Noir

Carneros Valley California

13% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://kentrasmussenwinery.com/

$38.00

Notes:


In my opinion this wine comes from one of the best Pinot Noir producing areas in California; the other being its neighbor, the Russian River Valley. Kent Rasmussen has been making wine and perfecting this varietal in Carneros since 1879 and it definitely shows in the depth of this wine. When poured the color is a rich garnet red with vanilla, dark cherry, light oak and cinnamon on the nose. This is an extremely fruit forward wine. The taste of black cherry and vanilla linger on the palette throughout the tasting experience. This wine is smooth as silk and I prefer to drink it completely on it's own and worship every drop. All you need to enjoy this wine is good company. If you just have to drink this with food I have paired it with barbecued ribs and a light salad. I wouldn't suggest anything too heavy. I find myself bringing up this wine in numerous conversations. Anyone who says they are looking for a good Pinot Noir at a descent price; this is a true treat. The availability of this wine is limited however you can find it online at various Internet retailers and at select BevMos. Do yourself a favor and just buy 2...You'll need the extra.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wineries I Keep Going Back To....


Arista Winery

Russian River Valley Healdsburg, California

This winery is a place I go back to at least 4 times a year. Not only is their wine indulgent and tasty but the grounds are spectacular and the owners and staff could not be more welcoming. Visting Arista Winery is an experience of the senses. 360 Views of the Russian River Valley, Vineyards and rolling Grass Fields. Tasting prices vary however they are heavy on the pours and don't mind if you linger in the tasting room or take a stroll with your glass through their well manicured gardens. On a warm day a tasting room is set up outdoors under large shady oak trees.

Pinots are the specialty of this boutique winery. These rich, hearty, and smooth fruit filled wines carry a large following among the valley. They are small production so once you have a favorite is necessary to buy multiples as they will likely be sold out on your next visit. Production ranges from 160 to 1000 cases per offering. They also produce on of my favorite Gewurtztraminers. Each summer it is one of the first things I pick up to start the season off. It is the prefect balance of sweetness and acidity. Citrus and tropical fruits are the first thing you smell and taste. These flavors are undeniable. Each vintage is just as good as the next. All of their wines carry a consistent flavor that rarely disappoints. A must visit if you are in the Russian River Valley.

Wines range from $24-58

http://www.aristawinery.com/

Ruinart NV Brut Rose Champagne

Specs:

Ruinart NV Brut Rose Champagne

Reims, France

45% Chardonnay 55% Pinot Noir

12.5% Alcohol

http://www.ruinart.com/

$85.00

Notes:

This Champagne is one of my most favorite things in the world. Anyone who asks me what my last meal would consist of on death row: a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rose would be it. And I would die happy. This champagne not only is smooth and perfect; but the color is like no color you have ever seen in a champagne. Salmon and Coral hues with tiny sparkles of bubbles throughout it. At first smell you are not overpowered by the senses. It is an extremely subtle smell of florals and mild fruits. At first sip it is special. The bubbles do not overpower the flavor yet add to it. Unlike new world sparkling wines the texture is smooth and silky. Flavors of citrus and crisp orange rind and fresh picked strawberries and peaches. You can literally taste the color you see before you. This is summer in a bottle and pairs unbelievably with food. It is not overwhelming in any sense. This is the perfect pair for appetizers as well as dessert; especially a fresh macaroon from Ladure.


Before you die anyone and everyone deserves the pleasure of a glass of this perfect pink magic. It is decadence in a bottle and is worth every penny. Forget food for the week and buy a bottle. You won't regret it.