February 15, 2014

Why drink wine?

Why not? There are so many great reasons to drink wine. Here are my favorites:

1. Drinking wine actually could be good for your health Click to read more, it’s really great info!

2. Something about drinking from a stemmed glass is just sexy. Picture yourself taking a sip, your hair blowing back in the wind… Yeah. Sexy like that.

3. Choosing new wines each week is like a fun adventure that ends in drinking wine.

4. Some of the wine labels you find are really fun.

5. Sipping wine makes me feel sophisticated, even in my jammies.

6. wine with dinner makes the food taste better.

7. A glass of wine takes the edge off a stressful day.

8. You can make really cool stuff with the corks.

9. Enjoying wine can be very social and it makes me friendly.

10. How else can you make these without empty wine bottles?

Now go ahead and start up your own weekly wine time with friends and drink like classy people!

Here’s this week’s picks:

~Rock Hollow Sauv Blanc ~ Heritage Ranch Chard ~

~Valentine Cab ~ Emma Pearl Merlot ~ Chianti Classico~

**********

2010 Rock Hollow Sauvignon Blanc $8.99

~~elsewhere price $22.99~~

Larry started us off by announcing that he has really started liking Sauvignon Blanc (he usually prefers Chardonnay) He says It’s much lighter than most Chards. I thought I tasted crisp. Steve and Larry both tasted melon. Steve commented that it was very tasty and Larry said he really liked it.

86 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: Nicely crisp in acidity, this has a minerally scour that cleans the mouth. The pineapple, lime and guava flavors are strong, and the finish seems just a little sweet

90 points from Cellar Tracker: Excellent QPR

**********

2010 Heritage Ranch Chardonnay $4.99

~~elsewhere price $9.99~~

Terry noticed that this Chardonnay started sweet and Steve pointed out that it had a buttery finish. Larry tasted vanilla. I thought it would have more of an oakyness, but was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t. An enjoyable Chardonnay. Wow, we are really getting the hang of this!

84 points from Tastings.com: Pale golden color. Aromas of vanilla salt water taffy and dried pineapple with a dryish light-to-medium body and a pencil shaving and floral bath talc accented finish

**********

2000 Valentine Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $6.99

~~elsewhere price $24.99~~

I tried this Cab as I was getting ready for wine tasting. I was a little worried about it’s age, not sure if it held up over the years, lol. I didn’t even let it breath, and I immediately liked it even though it had a touch of oak and was on the dry-er side. Later, Terry thought it was bold and Larry really tasted the tannins.

92 points from Wine Enthusiast magazine: Bright yet plush, with black cherry, currant, sage, herb, spice, licorice, blackberry, chocolate, toast and smoke flavors all neatly layered for complexity. Firm, solid, ripe tannins add good structure. Finishes long and lush.

93 points from Wine & Spirits magazine: Long and sleek, this dramatic mountain cabernet has a reservoir of flavor at its dense core, a lovely fruit richness that keeps giving with overtones of the underbrush in a pine forest by the sea.

Awards – Valentine Vineyards 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

June, 2004

Valentine Vineyards 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon wins a Bronze Medal at the 2004 San Francisco Wine Competition.Source: http://www.valentinevineyards.com/or.html

**********

2010 Emma Pearl Merlot $4.99

~~elsewhere price $19.99~~

I was excited to try this Merlot, the label was so pretty. Tiffany blue. Very elegant. I also, tried this one ahead of time and I think it may have ruined all the other wines for me. I liked it that much. But, I powered forward and tried them all anyway. Terry commented on the smoky-ness and Steve tasted the spicy finish. Larry liked the tart red cherry that he tasted and I really enjoyed how smooth it was.

89 points from New Hampshire Wine-man: In the glass, the color appears slightly more ruby than pomegranate and is quite clear, but is crowned with only a thin clear rim. Mildly aromatic, the nose is a sweet red cherry, light cinnamon and cedar, with just a whiff of alcohol (14.5%). Good acidity and mild tannin are carried by its medium body and a “normally” smooth and textured Merlot. Flavors of tart red cherry, plum, with hints of smoke and alcohol trail long into a spicy finish. I was pleasantly surprised by this Merlot, and I would certainly recommend it, but the caveat is that great spice on the finish: some may prefer less of it.

**********

2007 Chianti Classico $6.99

~~elsewhere price $21.99~~

Chianti is Arvin’s favorite, but we had to try this one in his absence as he and Connie were on vacation this week. We missed you guys, hope you thought of us while you enjoyed the tropical beach!

I noticed right away how dry this Chianti was, which would definately make it go well with food. Larry said it made him pucker and Steve decided that this was his absolute favorite!

93 points from WineFetch.com: A vivid garnet red color with flashes of violet fading to the rim reveals an elegant bouquet of wild berries and violets with notes of roasted coffee beans and flinty minerality. The core of fruit is plush and caressing with notes of dried strawberry, Bing cherries, pipe tobacco, leather and violets and a long, silky finish. The silky tannins are ripe and integrated into the wines forward personality. This is textbook Chianti that will continue to develop for 5-7 years. Enjoy it with anything Italian, burgers and grilled meats.

Chianti 101 from WineWeekly.com: ‘Almost all producers of Chianti Classico belong to a consortium that acts as a watchdog and ensures that high quality is preserved in the wine. Wines made by these high standards are identified by a black rooster on the neck of each bottle. (Why a rooster? That’s a whole ‘nuther story…)’

What does the Rooster signify?: What makes unique Chianti Classico compared to other Chianti wines is the unmistakable pink label with the Black Rooster seal. This particular label is the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, founded in 1924 to protect, promote this wine and prevent wine fraud.

Chianti Classico is a DOCG wine and shows unique peculiarities and characteristics. To be named “Classico” is not enough to be produced within the Chianti region. In fact Classico wine has to respect specific rules. Its blend is 80% for Sangiovese, red grape typical of this area, 20% for other grapes that can native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

February 8, 2014

The BEST way to enjoy a rainy day!

Five fun things to do on a rainy day. GO OUT IN THE RAIN! We have been waiting for the rain all winter, it’s finally here, so let’s actually go out and get wet. WHAT? You may only think of indoor activities on a rainy day, but wait, there’s more to life… Bundle yourself up in your favorite raincoat and grab an umbrella. Here’s my favorite things to do in the rain:

1. Walk the entire Tidewater bike trail through town, don’t forget to stomp in all the puddles. Click here for a map.

2. Go Geocashing. Geo-what? It’s a super-secret-world-wide scavenger hunt! Watch this quick video to learn more:

3. Browse the thrift stores in town for unexpected treasures.

4. Take the Manteca Historical Tour down town. Click here for details and larger map.

5. Test-drive a new car. I know! Border-line Genius. You don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy it. BUT, you do have to give it back (that part is kinda important) Just be ready with your exit line (I think we’re gonna look around some more before we commit).

When you get home, I guarantee you will appreciate lighting a fire in the fire place, baking cookies or making homemade soup, and cozy-ing up on the couch with a glass of wine and starting a movie marathon more than if you’d stayed in all day.

Here’s this weeks wine picks:

~ Yellow Door Sauvignon Blanc ~

~ Clearwater Creek Chardonnay ~

~ Goofy Foot Chardonnay ~

~ Stonefly Syrah ~

~ Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon ~

**********

2010 Garden Row Yellow Door Sauvignon Blanc $4.99

elsewhere price $10.99

We paired this wine with a basil and tomato feta cheese on a cracker with a slice of tomato. Larry commented that this Sauvignon Blanc tasted citrusy, grapefruit maybe. He got a burst of citrus. Terry said it was very smooth. Misty thought it was light and she liked it. Scott said he’s not much of a Sauvignon Blanc drinker, but it’s nice – it’s a nice change.

This wine got 4 out of 5 stars on Vivino – but there were no reviews that I could find

**********

2009 Clearwater Creek Chardonnay $4.99

elsewhere price $17.99

This wine paired well with a Dill Havarti cheese on a buttery cracker. Terry thought this Chardonnay was very bold. Larry noticed the oak and Steve tasted citrus. Scott said he liked this one, it would good well with seafood.

On-line review: Bright, fruity and crisp, this Mendocino Chardonnay is a perfect summer wine Aroma: Pear, apple and papaya. Tasting notes: Nutmeg and allspice over pineapple and pear. Serve It well chilled. Pair It with Vietnamese or Thai cuisine, fish and shellfish.

**********

Goofy Foot Chardonnay $2.99

elsewhere price $9.99

Misty liked this fruity Chardonnay, she said it’s not as bold as the last one. Larry agreed and said it was much lighter. Joe S commented that is was good and light. Scott noticed the nice fragrance and agreed that is was very light for a Chardonnay.

This wine got 5 out of 5 stars on Vivino – but there were no reviews that I could find

**********

2011 Stonefly Syrah $4.99

elsewhere price $20.00

YUM!

We tried two separate pairings with (my favorite) Syrah. Cheddar smokies and then chocolate truffles. (separately, of course). Larry tasted berries and Steve argued that it was cherries. Joe S said they were both wrong, that’s definitely Fruit of the Forest. Terry said mmmmm, I like that and Misty added that it’s really good with chocolate truffles. I noticed the light ruby color and how light of a Syrah it was. Steve thought a white wine drinker would actually like this red.

On-line review: A fragrant and flavorful Syrah, bursting with dark fruit flavors. Starting with floral aromas on the nose, herb and violet notes complement a hint of spice on the finish. This lighter-bodied Syrah develops into a mild flavor of lavender jam and anise.

**********

2011 Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon $3.99

elsewhere price $9.99

I chose to pair this wine with a sharp cheddar cheese and peppered salami. Scott announced that this Cab was his favorite of the night (he also couldn’t believe the price!). Larry said it made him warm and Steve commented about how well this would pair with beef.

Tasting Notes from the Wine Maker: Bursting with aromas of Dutch cocoa and ripe black fruit, Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon is sumptuous with flavors of juicy blackberry and black cherry and a hint of black pepper spice. Soft tannins accentuate the deep, dark fruit flavors for a long, supple finish

On-line review: Another Cabernet built along classic lines, this bottle has some green pepper aromas and flavors among the cassis and cherry. There is good acidity, and tannins that area bit astringent in the mouth–which will make it a great partner for juicy beef dishes. Very good QPR (though if you find it for $7, consider this excellent QPR!)

sidebar: I have no idea what QPR is

**********

January 31, 2014

You deserve some Wine Time

Some people have a sixth sense. A ‘gift’ they may call it. Their intuition may alert them to someone who needs help or something equally heroic.

Mine is connected to salvaged things of awesomeness.

Ridiculous? I think not! I can prove it…

Sunday, January 12, 2014

The plan for the day of watching football with Steve’s nephew & family was hijacked by my increasingly nagging intuition. So, I sent this text:

We drove straight to the thrift store. Not the closest one, or even one in town. We drove 25 minutes across two cities. And, waiting there for me – in the pile outside of stuff that was just donated, not even priced yet – was two wonderfully Mid-Century night stands. Sure they were hideously painted green ‘shabby chic’ style, but that’s no deterrent. It was like the Universe sent me a text message via mental telepathy. That’s how the Universe works.

Universe: Your nightstands were just delivered – come pick them up.

Me: I’m on my way.

Here’s a repainted nightstand with the faux gator skin that will be held in place with decorative upholstery nails and, in turn, transform it from salvaged junque to one-of-a-kind-awesomeness.

Just in case you’re not convinced…

I designed this bed frame for our new mattress:

The upholstered part is a genius idea that DOES NOT REQUIRE SEWING. See it here. Notice the angle part of the headboard for Steve to prop himself up? I’ve been trying to decide how I was going to build that when the Universe took pity on me. I found this on the side of the road:

FOR FREE!

This picture was taken after I cleaned, sanded, primed and painted one coat (it still needs another coat of paint). It’s not exactly what I had planned, it’s much better and the angle is perfect! Thank you Universe.

There you have it, indisputable proof.

Needless to say, I deserved some wine time on the Front Porch!

Here’s this week’s picks:

Blackboard Chardonnay ~ Deep Sea Chardonnay ~ Cerro Chalten Malbec ~ Red Willow Cab

**********

Blackboard Chardonnay ~ California $3.99 elsewhere price $11.99

Terry said this Chardonnay was very light and not too sweet. Steve commented that it is a good drinking wine and Larry really liked this pick.

On-line review: Tropical fruit nose, apple pie on the palate followed with a toasty finish. A tasty go to Chardonnay. Perfect with seafood, salmon, roasted chicken, and creamy cheeses

From the label: Like children, grapes need proper care and encouragement to grow and mature. Similarly, winemakers use the skill and patience of teachers to craft grapes into the highest quality wines. Blackboard wines earn high marks for being delightfully balanced – and for donating a portion of the proceeds to support the educational development of children.

**********

2009 Deep Sea Chardonnay ~ Central Coast $3.99 elsewhere price $17.00

This Chardonnay did very well the last time we had it in the store, I’m glad Steve chose it for tasting. Becky recognized it from the last time we had it in stock. She enjoyed it with hand seared Tilapia with a basil crème sauce. Yum. Steve said it was dryer than the first Chardonnay and Arvin thought it would go well with chicken.

On-line review:A crisp, clean Chardonnay from the Central Coast of California. This wine does not have any of the off-putting butter or oak that some Chardonnays do – instead, this is easy drinking with enough acid to keep the wine refreshing throughout your mouth. An excellent value Chardonnay that will please Chard lovers and those skeptical of Chards as well.

Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 Deep Sea Chardonnay is a brilliant golden hue. Welcoming aromas of mandarin orange with a hint of green apple, fresh dough and honey greet the senses echoed by soft, notes of citrus zest and just enough oak to add a layer of complexity. A sprinkling of vanilla, butterscotch and nutmeg, add to the supple mouthfeel complemented by a refreshing crisp acidity and minerality.

**********

Cerro Chalten ~ Mendoza, Argentina $4.99 elsewhere price $11.99

Mmmmmm, I really liked this one. Becky said it was a lighter red that would go great with food. Arvin and Larry both liked it. Terry commented on how it finishes mellow on your pallet and Connie said this is delicious, great with chocolate!

On-line review: This Cerro Chalten tastes young and is on the mild side..no nose to speak of but smooth with a bit of earth. I liked it and in fact bought it again to make sure..I still do.

**********

2007 Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Yakima Valley, Washington $5.99 elsewhere price $15.99

This Cabernet was recommended to Steve by one of his loyal wine customers that had tried it, then came back for a whole case. Becky noticed the blueberry aroma and called it a ‘good hearty’ wine. By this time in the evening I noticed that I was failing at taking good notes on everyone’s comments. I sure was having a good time though.

From the winemaker: Tasting Notes
Dark red color. Aromas of red fruits accented with cocoa, sage and lavender. On the palate, cassis and plum are balanced with moderate oak flavors which lead to a medium-long finish.

On-line review: All three wines are excellent. The 2007 vintage is drinking beautifully right now, and the 2009 vintage, while still young, may be their best wine yet.

January 24, 2014

Award Winning Wines…

Chaos. Complete chaos. All my ideas, no matter how small they seem at the beginning, snowball into a chaotic maze of out-with-the-old and in-with-the-new. We finally got a new bed. Simple, right? Not so much. The new bed is bigger than the old bed, so we need a bigger frame. The night stands and dressers match the old bed frame, so they go too (they’re all listed on craigslist). I scored the ‘new’ nightstands at a second hand store and they need to be refinished. So, the bookshelves that are staying also need to be refinished. and the bench.

Sigh.

I only stop here to protect you from the tornado of details that need to be done. (Yes Steve, ‘need’ is the right word!) I can share more with you later, but for now, let’s just say that this project includes faux gator skin and batik burlap. I love the weird and the wonderful! I must admit that it’s exciting to hear that tiny dictator whispering in my head again, cheering me on. I have missed him these past couple of weeks even though the house stays much neater when he’s quiet.

Batik Burlap

So, given this surprise project, it’s understandable that we missed one Front Porch Wine Tasting. I could’ve used it in the middle of all this…

2010 Long Gamma White Wine $5.99 elsewhere price $16.00

Sonoma County, California

Larry commented on the pale clear color and Steve liked the light-crispness of his first sip. Terry said it’s not too sweet, very refreshing. Joe tasted citrus, orange to be exact. He also let me know that nothing rhymes with orange. So, this video is for you, Joe.

On-line review: We are very pleased to bring you another great wine – On paper, this wine might seem sweet. In reality, this is a balanced, crisp and very refreshing white blend. Perfect for your spring and summertime sipping pleasure, we are also recommending that you keep some on hand for the fall holidays.

Tasting Notes from the Wine Maker: Aromas of white flowers, orange marmalade and a touch of honey jump from the glass. Luscious mango, apricot and mandarin orange make their appearance on the palate, complemented by nutty and honeyed-tea notes courtesy of the Roussanne. On the finish distinct impressions of lime and minerals keep the wine fresh and balance its tropicality.

**********

2009 Duck Pond Chardonnay $3.99 elsewhere price $13.99

Columbia Valley, Washington

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Silver Medal Gold medal-2011 Seattle Wine Awards; Silver Medal-2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Silver Medal-2012 International Women’s Wine Competition.

Arvin started us off on this Chardonnay, with a nice, ‘mmmmmm, oh yeah’. Terry commented that it is medium bodied and dry, everyone agreed. Joe called it warm – more bold. Steve said he really liked this one, it’s a great chardonnay to have with dinner.

On-line tasting notes: Silvery golden color. Robust baked pineapple, papaya, and pistachio nougat aromas with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tropical fruit salad and peppery spice finish.

From the Wine Maker: Our Chardonnay is mostly fermented in stainless steel to capture the rich fruitiness of Desert Wind Vineyard’s Chardonnay grapes. One quarter of the blend is fermented in barrels to add structure and weight.

**********

Triptych Red Wine $5.99 elsewhere price $14.99

Paso Robles, California

Terry called this red blend smooth and smokey. Larry tasted chocolate and Joe tasted licorice. Becky said it was a lighter red wine. Steve and Arvin both liked it and commented on tasting blackberries.

On line review: The color is black cherry red with a crimson halo. The nose is a good mix of fruit and spice, black cherry, Christmas spice, a whiff of smoke, menthol and sweet strawberry. This a medium bodied wine, but with a lush mouthfeel and loads of flavor. It tastes of plum and black cherry, Altoids spice, baking chocolate and cranberry. The mid palate shows a little earthiness and some creamy blueberry. The tannins hover around the edges of this wine, bring structure but never getting in the way. The acidity is well balanced and helps a fruit/spice finish tingle on your tastebuds for a respectable amount of time and actually almost fades away, then comes back strong.

From the Label: A Tritych is a piece of art in 3 panels. Originating in the 11^th Century, it also represents the highest amount paid for any piece of contemporary art and has inspired this three-variety blend. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah from our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The palate shows the lifted, forward fruit of Grenache being further enhanced by the components. It is a wine for many occasions and can even handle being slightly chilled for those warm summer days.

**********

2011 Lucinda & Millie Cabernet Sauvignon $4.99 elsewhere price $12.99

Mendocino County, California

BRONZE MEDAL (2011 Vintage)
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Larry noticed the bold aroma right away and Terry said it was very dry. Arvin said ‘yes it is dry, I like it! Write that down.’ After pairing with a sharp cheddar, Terry thought it was much less dry and Steve thought this Cabernet would also pair nicely with dinner.

On line review: We chose this 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon for many reasons; one is that it is organic, so you feel good drinking it. It is clean and simple with notes of black fruit, cedar and earth — a perfect picnic wine! It is not as full-bodied as many California Cabernets, but we think it’s perfectly charming. From the Today Show, video here: California knows how to party! (1:49-2:18).

From the winemaker: Aromas of red berries reveal flavors of juicy black current and savory spices. The palate is bright and forward with great acidity and firm, balanced tannins. Echoes of cassis and bayberry mingle with cranberry and quince on the finish. This Cabernet is an elegant wine to pair with your favorite dishes.

November 2, 2013

Wine for your next Celebration!

Nothing is more annoying than getting in the shower the day after Halloween to scrub your face clean of the leftover zombie blood that still stains your skin and find that your husband used up all the soap and didn’t replace it. FYI shampoo does not remove zombie blood from skin. Thank goodness for make-up.

What does the first day of November mean to you? The start of the holiday season, maybe? To me, today is the first day of the great race against time to complete my various projects before Thanksgiving. I work best with a deadline. I’ve counted the weekends and confidently made lists. I am focused.

But…

In the back of my head, I can hear the faint whisper of that tiny dictator. ‘What a stunning impact newly painted front doors would make.’

Really? What is wrong with him? I have to finish the kitchen AND the guest room! The multiple lists are long plus I will have to perform the tedious chore of removing the protective layer of dust from all the rarely touched surfaces around the house. Most of the downstairs rooms don’t even have baseboards yet, why on earth would I even consider painting the front doors. Does that tiny dictator that lives in my head even know that I have a job? Maybe he wants to bring on the ever looming nervous breakdown so I will finally eat breakfast on a regular basis – breakfast that includes happy pills in a paper cup and is served from a cart that is wheeled into the room. Actually, that kinda sounds nice.

I did watch a YouTube video on the proper procedure to painting front doors so I’m basically an expert now.

Challenge accepted! I will finish all of these projects before Thanksgiving and I will bake fabulous holiday desserts. Then I will take a nap.

We tasted two unconventional wines this week that will go perfectly with holiday desserts and they’ll make fun gifts for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Make sure you read to the end to find them.

**********

Thanks to Joe and Misty S. for hosting our remote Front Porch Wine Tasting at their beautiful backyard bar – You guys definitely added some class!

**********

Lunatic White Blend ~ Three Rivers Chardonnay ~ Fetzer Shiraz ~ Whiplash Red Blend

**********

2011 Lunatic White Wine Blend $5.99 elsewhere $14.99

California

The label reads: ‘True genius often borders on lunacy. Visit lunavinyards.com to find out what makes this crazy good blend so insanely delicious.’

I’m pretty sure that whoever wrote that is calling me a genius 😉

As you can see from the picture above, the color of this white blend is very light. Misty and I both thought it tasted light and delicate as well. Arvin tasted peaches and apricot and Larry noted the fruitiness. Steve agreed. Larry said the fruit he tasted was grapefruit. Steve agreed. Lol. Steve also said that he tasted grapes and without missing a beat, Kathy said, “it does have grapes, we don’t know how many, but they’re in there.” Terry commented that we’re all feeling a little luny. Becky mentioned that it was kind of sweet and Scott said its got a little twang to it.

On-line review: The aromas are floral and real delicate, but on tasting there are citrus flavors on the front of the palate and apricot on the back. The tannins are very mild and delicately active – a nice crisp wine, perfect for summer….or for a hot hotel room. Whichever works…the hotel room, in this scenario. Hurry up summer! The Lunatic was so delicious I ended up ordering a case through one of my friends who owns a wine bar in Seattle…thank goodness for friends in high places.

Winemaker’s notes: Intensely aromatic, densely flavored, muscular but supple, graceful and delicate. This wine is full of contradictions and charming mysteries. It is a trifecta of Albarino, Malvasia Bianca and Chardonnay; each providing a balancing force in the blend. The Albarino is delicate in aroma, like a white peach, but full flavored. The Malvasia Bianca is almost overwhelming with jasmine flower and apricot nectar aromas, yet brisk and clean to taste. The Chardonnay is a ripe pear in both flavor and aroma, filling your mouth with warm, succulent flavor. But, the wine is much more than the sum of its parts… insanely good!

Blend: 38% Albarino, 34% Malvasia Bianca, and 28% Chardonnay

Arvin hit the nail on the head with the fruit he tasted!

**********

2009 Three Rivers Winery Chardonnay $6.99 elsewhere $15.99

Columbia Valley. Walla Walla, WA

Arvin says this Chardonnay has swagger! Moses tasted walnuts and Steve said it was little heavier. I thought it looked and tasted buttery. Joe S. liked it with chilled red grapes in his glass.

On-line review: “Pale straw. Orange blossom and dusty stone on the nose. Sweet, pliant and nicely balanced, with orange and nectarine flavors framed by a slight phenolic edge. This essentially supple chardonnay finishes spicy and nicely dry.”
88 Points International Wine Cellar

Winemaker’s notes: The long, temperate growing season coupled with partial rather than full malolactic fermentation yielded a Chardonnay of great richness and structure. The nose is scented with green apples, pears and a dash of vanilla. The palate is full and creamy with pears and pineapples. This is a beautifully balanced wine that complements a wide range of foods including roasted chicken, pan seared halibut, crab cakes and pasta in a creamy sauce.

**********

2010 Fetzer Anthony’s Hill Shiraz $4.99 elsewhere $9.99

California

Shiraz (or Syrah) is one of my favorite types of wine. This one had great color and I would choose it as an everyday-after-work-wine. Arvin smelled the aroma of apples and liked the pairing of chocolate with this wine. But, Becky thought it was too weak (she might be a wine-o, lol). Joe S said it tastes like a real wine – like my wife’s driving us home wine. Misty said good thing we don’t have far to go!

On-line review: The Fetzer vineyards Shiraz unoaked radiates with a dense, Garnet-red color. The aromas is characterized by intensely fragrant wild berries, wood and Oriental spices. On the palate the Fetzer vineyards Shiraz is unoaked tight, well structured game on the tongue and Finish with a thrilling sweet-acid soft round and exotic spicy.

The original review was in German (I think German)

Awards:

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: 2010 silver

San Francisco International Wine Competition: Silver for 2010

The label reads: Explore. I think of Shiraz as a grown-up Merlot. It’s familiar and different at the same time, a fearless choice when you’re ready for something new. From the deep purple colour to aromas of white pepper, plum, blackberry and licorice, you get a sense of adventure. Our Shiraz (others call it Syrah) is medium-bodied, with a lingering finish that is very satisfying. It’s a wine well worth exploring.

**********

2009 Whiplash Redemption $3.99 elsewhere $13.99

California

Arvin and Larry agreed that this wine was smoother than the Shiraz and it had a dry-ness to it. Scott said it tasted better than it’s aroma would suggest. Becky liked the way this red blend started and even more when she paired it with chocolate. She said it brought out the fruitiness. She tasted a smoky flavor with cherries and coffee. Steve tried it with a smoky Gouda cheese and really liked the pairing. He also said chocolate brought out the fruitiness.

On-line review: Big fruit and firm tannins, blackberries and black cherry. Tart, tannic finish. If a wine ever called out for a bacon cheeseburger, it would be this one. Great casual Wednesday wine after getting home from work.

The label reads: Inspired by the timeless artistry of an intricately woven whip, Whiplash Wines are hand-crafted with balance & structure. Redemption is a dynamic blend of Syrah, Barbera & Zinfandel, with bright cherry aromas intertwined with flavors of succulent huckleberries, currants & spice, creating a wine of distinction & complexity. Want more? Check out www.whiplashwines.com

**********

Chocolate Shop ~ The Chocolate Lover’s Wine $7.99 ~~~ Brown & Haley’s Almond Roca Cream Wine $7.99

Misty loved the Almond Roca Cream wine immediately. She called it a Celebration Wine. Arvin agreed that this is a Holiday Wine.

Tasting notes: Inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate entwine and continue on the palate surrounded by hints of cocoa powder. Nuances of red wine and residual sugar linger on the smooth finish.

Winemaker’s notes: Sweetening the tongues for centuries, chocolate and red wine has been the most reliable pairing in history. Chocolate Shop takes this pairing to the next level, marrying chocolate flavor with red wine to create a sumptuous drink. We start with a proprietary red blend of the finest vinifera varietals, add a touch of oak and a kiss of sweetness to create the perfect fruit-driven foil for the rich dark chocolate which unfolds in silken layers across the palate. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Terry loved the Chocolate Shop wine, she thought it was delicious. And, it was less sweet when paired with chocolate. Arvin thought it tasted like chocolate covered cherries and Becky said it smelled like cherry port.

Winemaker’s notes: In this cream-based wine, natural almond and toffee flavors marry with delicate cocoa notes, just like the flavors found in ALMOND ROCA® Buttercrunch toffee. ALMOND ROCA® Cream is crafted to be enjoyed over ice, as a traditional wine, or mixed with coffee. The 750ml bottles retail for $14.99 and contain 14% alcohol. The formula and flavor profile were co-created by Brown & Haley and Chocolate Shop Winemaker Hal Landvoigt. Precept Wine markets Almond ROCA® Cream.

Both are definitely Special Occasion wines. Stayed tuned to see how my Holiday race against time turns out!

Check out this link for some scrumptious ways to serve Almond Roca Cream Wine

	Chris on We’re back, baby!
	Debbee Tarr ~ Owner/… on Spring 2018 20% Off Wine …
	Bob White on Spring 2018 20% Off Wine …
	Simple DIY Kitchen I… on Do you prefer ZING! or Di…
	Golf for Gals \| Fron… on The Quest for the Best Paint C…

Front Porch Wine Tasting

Just enjoying wine, with friends, on the porch

Tag Archives: grocery outlet wine tasting

Why drink wine?

The BEST way to enjoy a rainy day!

You deserve some Wine Time

Award Winning Wines…

Wine for your next Celebration!