December 20, 2014

It’s not done, until it’s Over-Done!

I used to be Clark Griswold. None of my plants would freeze during the winter because of the heat generated from my Christmas lights. Not only did they dance to traditional AND rock-n-roll Christmas carols, but you could possibly see them from space. It was glorious.

It involved careful extension cord maze planning discussions between my daughter & me (editors note: nobody speaks in proper grammar, Karissa), electric bills that rivaled the mortgage payment and friendly inspections by the Fire Marshall. It usually ended in frustration as some cord or fuse would fail.

Inside, you would find a 9 foot tall tree right out of a department store surrounded by perfectly wrapped presents. Lighted garland in every doorway, ornaments hanging from the ceiling and small ‘themed’ trees throughout the house. Yes, it was ridiculous. And, I did most of the decorating myself. Which I realized was stupid.

In my old age I have learned to allow my husband and boys to help through subtle guilt trips. Don’t judge, it makes them feel good to make me happy. Who am I to deny them of this happiness? There may not be as many lights as before but they go up so much easier! I don’t even have to go outside.

Okay, my video wouldn’t load. Ours is just like this. (not really)

I still may or may not have multiple trees, excessive garland and ornaments around the house BUT I do not do it all by myself. My boys were much more easily tricked willing to help than I had expected.

My best Christmas advice? Plastic wrap your fully decorated tree when it’s time to put it away! I saw it on Pinterest last year, so I tried it with my Candy Themed Tree. It unwrapped perfectly decorated and dust-free!

Yeah, it does need more ornaments…

Needless to say, I had plenty of Wine-Time this year!

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Slow Dancer Chard ~ Laroche Chard ~ 2 Cocky Sisters Red ~ Vintage Ranch Cab

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(I forgot to edit this pic)

2010 Slow Dancer Chardonnay Sonoma County $6.99

Elsewhere price $ 16.99

Larry noticed the apricot aroma and Terry commented that this Chardonnay was very good and finishes sweet. Connie liked it as well, adding that it had a spicy kick to it. Scott didn’t care for it at first (he prefers wines that are not sweet), but he said he warmed up to it and Steve tasted peaches and pears. Arvin thought it would make a peachy keen after dinner wine.

Tasting notes from 1000Corks.com: From the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma County. This warmer area produces a richer style, with apple pear and pineapple notes with slight butterscotch and toast

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2010 Laroche Chardonnay France $10.99

Elsewhere price $19.99

This Chardonnay was a hit. Arvin found it to be dry and peppery. Terry gave it a thumbs-up and Larry called it dramatic. I didn’t get Steve’s comment, but I’m sure he tasted pear.

89 points from The Wine Advocate: “The qualities of the year come through beautifully in the 2010 Chablis Saint Martin. Layers of silky, polished fruit flow with gorgeous length and persistence. The 2010 is another overachiever among the entry-level wines of this great Chablis vintage.”

89 points from International Wine Cellar: “Pale, bright yellow. Dusty stone, lemon drop and wild herbs on the nose. At once rich and penetrating, with strong acidity and mineral spine intensifying the flavors of grapefruit, lemon drop and wild herbs. Classic steely Chablis with very good grip. A superb village wine, especially if subsequent bottlings are as strong as this.”

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2 Cocky Sisters Red Wine Paso Robles $4.99

Elsewhere price $14.99

I knew with this crowd, the label alone would be a big hit. I’m happy to say the wine was pretty good too! Arvin said it was smooth and really good, he called it velvety. Terry agreed that it was very smooth. Steve questioned his first taste, he said it was peppery. I guess he was surprised that it was pear. Connie confirmed for him, peppery. Arvin added that it was silky with a hint of tobacco. Scott joined us a little late, but tried to get the last taste…

4 out of 5 from Wineexpress.com: All estate grown grapes are used for this lush red blend with a quirky name. It’s 28% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 23% Counoise, 15% Grenache, 5% Rousanne and 5% Viognier. The combination sounds wild but the wine is supple and inviting. Ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors along with a zesty, spicy note on supple tannins and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Don’t worry about pairings because it drinks beautifully on its own. Wine Enthusiast Magazine said “For an inexpensive wine, this is a pretty good investment. The alcohol is high, but it’s in keeping with the cherry, berry, currant, dark chocolate and spice richness, giving a fat, glycerol oiliness to the fruit. Easy to like this soft, dry, heady wine.”

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2013 Vintage Ranch Cabernet California $4.99

Elsewhere price $17.99

He did make it just in time for this Cab. He called it nice & smooth. Connie and Larry agreed. Terry said it rolls right down your throat. Steve noticed it had long legs and Arvin liked the oaky finish.

From the label: Vintage Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of black currant. On the palate, deep round flavors of black cherry emerge over espresso, dark chocolate and toasty oak, with just a hint of vanilla on a long, lingering finish.

Thank you Terry for bringing your homemade carrot cake, it was delicious! Steve wanted me to know (and apparently the world too) that he loves cake.

November 21, 2014

Are you ready for the Holidays? part 2

Did you know that the Industrial Revolution inspired the Thanksgiving Holiday we all know and love today?

Fun fact: in 1846, a Philadelphia magazine editor named Sarah Hale thought that the Industrial Revolution would be the decline of western civilization eroding the American way of life. She wanted a holiday that would celebrate home, heart and wholesome family values. So, she spent the next 17 years writing letters to every person with any kind of authority until, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln finally declared it a national holiday to be held on the third Thursday of November. source ~ Sarah Hale legacy

I may or may not agree with Sarah about the Industrial Revolution, but I salute her for the resulting holiday that is centered around family and of course food and wine! She was, however, not able to stop the Industrial revolution. It is still alive and well – kinda – in a throwback decorating kind of way, called Steam punk or what I like to call ‘Vintage Industrial’.

I love adding some off-beat stuff into my decorating. Vintage Industrial/Steam punk lamps don’t come cheap. Unless of course you salvage the parts and make them yourself 🙂 What self-respecting hoarder would not rescue every bit of heavy rusty metal parts that they happen to come across to make lamps?

Here’s some pretty great ones from Etsy:

Can you see the price tags on them? I figure I’ve saved a small fortune by making my own. Money I will endlessly sink into an old German rust-bucket that I love dearly. Cousin Gary is like a V-Dub magician. I get daily text updates of the progress; that end of the year deadline is actually possible thanks to his magic.

Here’s some from around the house (notice, no price tag):

And, what you’ve all been waiting for…. New floor lamps anchored by 61 Volkswagen Bug brake drums:

The doubt I have to put up with. Oh, Steve of little faith. His question may have sounded innocent enough, ‘what are you going to do with them’. But, I don’t think so. I’m sure it was a carefully worded challenge that if not responded to properly, would result in my precious brake drums being pitched into the dumpster. The success of a response to a comment like this also hinges on the correct don’t-mess-with-me tone of voice. The tone that says I am taking that rusty junque home with me and you will thank me for it before I’m done. lol

Yeah – they are Amazing. The Tiny Dictator is so pleased with himself.

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I’m ready to Feast! Let’s pick the best Thanksgiving wines:

2012 Raviva Chardonnay Napa $3.99

Elsewhere price $16.99

Steve thought this Chardonnay was nice and fruity. Terry almost agreed, she found it to be smooth and fruity. Arvin tasted pear. Connie said it was very good and Larry agreed.

From the label: Our move to California in the late 1990’s was a light packing job: we brought with us just a couple of dollars and a pocketful of intentions. As the years have gone on, little by little, vine by vine, we’ve rediscovered ourselves as winemakers. Raviva is our tribute to the comforts we leave behind for the sake of transformation.

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2013 Spectacle Chardonnay California $4.99

Elsewhere price $16.99

I usually cannot identify any aroma, until this Chardonnay. I immediately smelled vanilla. I took me a couple of trys to find the right word though. Larry said it was buttery and Connie said it was so unique and delicious, unlike any Chardonnay she’d had before.

From the label: Like the many exciting colors of a kaleidoscope, Spectacle Wines offer a compelling splash of aromas and flavors that unfold on the palate with each sip. Spectacle Chardonnay offers up subtle aromas of ripe grapefruit and freshly sliced Golden Delicious apples. Elegant flavors of soft vanilla and ripe melon join on the palate over a toasty oak finish.

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2013 Cotos de Sonoma Pinot Noir Sonoma County $6.99

Elsewhere price $24.99

Pinot Noir, the go-to red wine for turkey pairing on Thanksgiving. Terry commented that this was good tasting – cherryish – light. Larry agreed, saying it was very good with a mild body. I found it to be much lighter than I’d expected. It went well with the turkey and I think it would be easily drinkable for guests that may not be regular wine drinkers.

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2013 Long Barn Napa Red Wine $3.99

Elsewhere price $16.99

Not only did we all agree that the picture on the label was great and would look nice on a Thanksgiving table, but so was this red blend. Arvin liked the aroma. He said he was treating it like a vitamin B, holding it under his tongue to enjoy longer. Terry said it tingled her nose – which is always a trait of a good solid red. Connie exclaimed, “oh my goodness, that’s good”. She added that it had a sweet bouquet and was also very unique. Arvin had just been smelling it, and after finally tasting it he labeled it DAMN GOOD!

From the label: We make wine in a simple building. It humbles us to reflect on its age, being built in a time when the valley’s dairy cows and prune trees were more well-known than its grapes. With this reminder, we give thanks for all that we have.. and make wines with all that we are.

November 19, 2014

Ready for the Holidays? part 1

You remember a while back I gave you a teaser about a ’61 Baja that I thought I would restore by the end of the year? The one my dad dropped off conveniently disassembled one cold rainy night filled with rusty parts where the people are supposed to fit? Yeah, that one. Okay, it might not have been raining that night, but it certainly was pouring when me & the boys pushed it onto Arvin’s trailer to deliver it to my cousin who I tricked into helping kindly offered to help.

The end of the year seemed like a nice far away deadline. It sure came fast though. I know, I know this must be a giant let-down or at least disappointing to the group of people that thought I could do anything. A group that is made up of just me. But, in my defense, as I started going through the pile of old parts, I knew it was hopeless.

Pretty sure there is enough parts to build 2 ½ bugs. I didn’t even know where to start.

It had been waiting for me for so long the weeds almost consumed it! Cousin Gary was my only hope. He sorted the pile in a matter of minutes. Easily identifying what was salvageable and what was ‘trash’.

That’s when the tiny dictator showed up. Did you know of his fascination with making lamps out of rusty metal parts? Well he was practically throwing a fit watching the ‘trash’ getting nonchalantly tossed into the dumpster.

I had to intervene.

Just as Steve was about to throw the brake drums in – I stopped him. The tiny dictator inside my head was celebrating like never before. Dancing a jig and high-fiving himself. Steve not so much.

“You’re going to do what?”

I’M GOING TO MAKE LAMPS OUT OF THOSE BRAKE DRUMS.

They are heavy & rusty, everything I love in trash lamp parts. Steve just shook his head and surrendered them to me.

As for the lamp? Here’s a preview:

To be continued…

Let’s talk about wine.

We had a wine tasting frenzy during the 20% OFF Wine Sale! I hope you stocked up for the Holidays. If you didn’t, it’s not too late – Steve says if you buy a case or more of wine the 20^th through the end of November (2014) he’ll give you 10% OFF! Just mention Steve and this blog for your discount 🙂

Here’s some great ones:

2010 Reata Chardonnay Carneros $5.99

Elsewhere price $19.99

Arvin found this Chardonnay to be crisp and dry. Connie called it smooth. Terry thought it had a nice aroma and Steve said it was light. Scott commented that he really liked it.

Winemaker notes: This chardonnay is incredibly well balanced. Aromas of caramel creme Brule and a touch of coconut complement the light oak profile. Bright tropical fruit aromas complement the rich and vibrant flavors of green apple and crisp citrus fruits in our Carneros Chardonnay. This wine has a lengthy finish with a breadth of flavor. This wine is ideal for any special occasion for new wine drinkers or wine connoisseurs. You can enjoy this wine at a nice dinner at home or serve it at a cocktail party. Choose from simple poached salmon with a buttery sauce or chicken and pork with a cream-based sauce to bring out the complementary flavors in this wine.

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Middle Sister Wicked White California $2.99

Elsewhere price $11.99

Kerri noticed this white blend had a fruity aroma, very subtle. Not bad, she said, and added that she tasted melon. Arvin called it an after dinner white. Caroline tasted pear and lime and said it was an easy drinking wine. Joe added, for easy drinkers, so if you wanna be easy…

Winemakers notes: 36% Chardonnay, 32% Chenin Blanc, 21% Gewurztraminer, 11% Other White. 100% California fruit with 23% from cool climate Monterey.

Long, cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks turned fresh, juicy grapes into bright, aromatic wine. Smells like…melon, pear, tangerine, rose petals, lychee, lemon zest. Tastes like…the same fruit flavors that you smell – explode in your mouth. After a second or two, lush melon and sweet pear melt on your tongue. A lingering note of minerals finishes the sip. Yummy with…Seafood, salads, vegetables, light meats, fresh cheeses.

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2010 Good Daughter Chardonnay Carneros $5.99

Elsewhere price $14.99

Kerri got the first taste of this Chardonnay and immediately commented – Buttery! Caroline couldn’t wait to taste it, she likes a buttery Chardonnay and this one didn’t disappoint, she loved it. Arvin said it’s got legs and he went on to explain what that means, but I wasn’t able to jot it down, so you can read more here: What are wine legs?

Winemakers notes: Good Daughter Chardonnay has aromas and flavors of juicy apples, pears, and pineapple. There is also a touch of cream and toasty oak on the finish of this elegant and easy to love wine. Yummy with roasted chicken, corn salad, salmon with mango salsa.

Good Daughter wines are made using gently farmed grapes from cool-climate California coastal vineyards. They pledge to support sustainable vineyard practices, environmental stewardship and building prosperous farming communities. A portion of the sale of each bottle of the wine goes to sponsor these principles. Take care of your mother. She’ll take care of you.

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2011 Jankris Crossfire $4.99

Elsewhere price $21.99

Larry said this red has a nice nose and legs like J-Lo. Terry liked how it just slides right down your throat, smooth. Steve found it to be on the sweet side and good with berries. Connie commented, “Sooo Sweet!” Arvin says, “When Connie likes a red I gotta stock up!” He also said this would pair nicely with Thanksgiving turkey, but you can enjoy this red just by smelling it.

Winemaker notes: Truly the “world’s blend” A Merlot base followed by smatterings of Cab, Tempranillo, Petit Syrah, Syrah, and Grenache. Young enough to age well in your cellar, yet old enough to enjoy now. So many things going on your mouth that you will marvel at the feel and the sensory overload your taste buds will succumb to. A little drier than Riatta and a little more sophisticated.

This wine illustrates the harmony of a traditional Bordeaux style blend enhanced by ripe Spanish varietals. Each variety imparts an individual personality while remaining in perfect balance.

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2011 Laurier Merlot Alexander Valley $6.99

Elsewhere price $18.99

Terry said this Merlot tickled her nose. Larry tasted sweet cigar and Steve agreed – cherries and tobacco. Arvin found it to be good with chocolate. Steve tried some chocolate with it and exclaimed, “The chocolate does something great to this one!”

Winemakers notes: Brick red ruby color. Bold aromas of blackberry, black cherry, dried plum, and smoked brisket with a silky, dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium length, cherry, boysenberry, blackberry, and vanilla finish with soft tannins and light oak. A touch of smoky cherrywood on the nose opens into soft, berry-filled flavors that are effortless to enjoy on their own or with picnic fare in the backyard.

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2010 Buena Vista Merlot Carneros $5.99

Elsewhere price $18.99

Joe started us off with a “Wow! That’s good”. Scott called it a mild red, fruity. Kerri tasted berry tones, said it made her feel emersed in berries, this is really good. Arvin said this wine is for sniffing, slightly dry and very drinkable.

Critical Acclaim: 89 Points from Wine Spectator – “Elegant and balanced, with toasted red currant aromas and lively cherry, tomato leaf and spice flavors that finish soft, showing ripe tannins.”

Winemakers notes: Deep purple in color, the 2010 Carneros Merlot is exploding with aromas of ripe plum, cranberry and freshly baked rhubarb pie. The palate showcases flavors of juicy cherry, black pepper and allspice wrapped up in a soft mouthfeel perfectly balanced with well-integrated tannins. This complex and satisfying wine ends with a long, spicy finish.

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2011 Reserve Lot 11 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley $7.99

Elsewhere price $19.99

Kerri started with an, “mmmm, I like it” Arvin tasted blended berries and licorice. Joe thought it was aged in metal and called it spicy. He thought it would pair well with Prime Rib at Christmas.

2014 San Francisco Chronicle Siver Award Winner!

October 25, 2014

Cleaning out your closet can change your whole life

Closet cleaning is usually something we do in the Spring. Why? Who knows! But, the rule-breaking rebel that I am, I thought I would give my closet a good make-over now, in the Fall. If you’ve ever made this decision, why did you not warn the rest of us how big this job is!?! Sure, the closet looks messy and unorganized. But, I had NO IDEA that when you remove this stuff from the closet and stack it as nicely as humanly possible it actually doubles in size. At least double. Maybe more like quadruples.

Apparently a messy closet is revealing: “A messy closet might mean that you are a bit too much nostalgic. You hold onto clothes that you can no longer wear; yet you refuse to get rid of them. You hold onto clothes and other items because they remind you of special occasions and the people you were with. Clean out your closet and let go of the past so you will have room for new adventures in your life.” Source

How messy are you? Test your cleaning personality!

The plan was: Paint, re-configure the hanging bars and add some cabinets or shelves to store stuff. Painting seemed like the logical first step. But, wait… what about the floor? If I leave the old carpet in there, when I get around to doing the bedroom floor I would have to take all the stuff out of the closet again. No thanks.

So cleaning out my closet turned into serious, long-term decision that could affect property value. I wasn’t mentally prepared for this. I had to re-group. Luckily it was Wednesday, or as Larry likes to call it – Winesday. Wine is a pretty important part of any decision making process, but even more so for major decisions like closet flooring.

I’m relieved to say that it worked, the closet got bamboo flooring, new paint & baseboards and the cabinets are permanent. Not quite done in this picture, but well on its way…

Having such an organized closet makes me feel like I’ve really got my life together.

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Two Tone Farm Chard ~ Hess Select Chard ~ Wilson Daniels Pinot Noir ~ Hart & McGarry Cab

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2011 Two Tone Farm Chardonnay, Napa – Ca. $3.99

Elsewhere price $11.99

From Beringer according to Vinography.com: “Two-Tone Farm is a new venture by Beringer that seems specifically targeted at, well, me. To be exact, me about 8 years ago: a young, urban, single professional interested in music, nightlife, decent food, fun with friends, and, oh yeah, drinking decent wine that I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for… All of this would be just an interesting marketing anecdote, and might not even merit mentioning here at Vinography if the wines weren’t actually decent.”

Wine Maker’s notes: Fresh honeysuckle, cantaloupe and honeydew melon, citrus, rose petal, kiwi and red delicious apple aromas fill the nose. Green apple, fig and lemon citrus flavors are surrounded by a full-bodied mouth with a clean, crisp acidity and mineral tones.

Tasting notes: Appealing for its purity of fruit, focusing on ripe pear, nectarine, peach and honey. Complex, leaving a mildly oaked, nicely fruited aftertaste.

Misty found this Napa Chardonnay to be light and fruity, Terry agreed. Larry thought it tasted a little oaky. Joe liked it, he commented that he would buy this wine (over beer, Joe?) Ethan thought his wife would really like it because it was fruity, he didn’t really taste oak. Arvin said it was nice, he tasted apple. Steve also liked it and tasted apple.

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2011 Hess Select Chardonnay, Napa – Monterey County. $2.99

Elsewhere price $9.99

2014 Silver Award Winner

from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

From the label: Brisk afternoon breezes from Monterey Bay cross the coastal mountains and roll into the vineyards in the Salinas Valley, home of our Hess Select Chardonnay. Lazy days and cool nights allow fruit to layer tropical and citrus flavors of pineapple, mango, lemon zest and lime. This fresh and pleasing Chardonnay is a perfect partner for garden fresh salads, chicken and seafood. www.hesscollection.com

Reviews from Cellertracker.com: 88 points. Green straw color, offering jack fruit, melon, apples, and apple blossom aromas. Nice citrus cut on the palate. Tensile, balanced, and very refreshing. Good California Chardonnay, nice freshness and crispness; good fruit (pineapple, pear), with nice oak and a nice finish.

Terry thought this Chardonnay had more body than the first one. Misty commented that she liked it, and that she tasted pineapple and pear. Steve must’ve been eaves-dropping because he also tasted pineapple and pear. Ethan tasted apple. Arvin agreed, and added that it had a nice after taste that lingered. So you can enjoy it longer.

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2010 Wilson Daniels Pinot Noir, Central Coast. $4.99

Elsewhere price $14.99

From the label: Great wines. Close friends. Memorable meals. These were the shared passions of wine industry-mavericks Jack Daniels and the late Win Wilson. Together they traveled the world’s wine regions, seeking out the best wine from each. This wine, made from grapes grown in California’s flourishing Central Coast, carries on that legacy of discovering the best and sharing good times with every glass. www.wilsondanielswine.com

Reviews from Cellartracker.com: Spicy. Hints of blackberry and raspberry. 87 points.

With pork chops, roast vegetables, left-over mashed potatoes/gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Nice light cherry.
Good, albeit light, nose.
Soft, medium/light weight wine. We agree with Richard that there is a touch of cranberry in this, more savory than overtly fruity.
Worked well with the pork, less so with the potatoes. 86 points

Arvin was surprised to find this Pinot Dry. He said he likes a dry wine. The rest of the comments kinda read like a comic book, (I apologize in advance):

Steve: Tastes like Cherry

Arvin: I haven’t tasted that in a while

Ethan (slaps himself in the face) I won’t comment on that!

Arvin: Dry-cherry

Me: like a spinster?

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2011 Hart & McGarry Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, Ca. $4.99

Elsewhere price $12.99

2014 Silver Award Winner

from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

From the label: In 1851, after two years in the California goldfields, two young men took their hard earning to a new town in Northern California and established the first general store there – Hart & McGarry. They were the very first wine merchants in the area, and today, we honor their efforts by selecting wines from the same region. This California North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas & flavors of succulent black cherries , raspberries with medium tannins & a supple finish. This wine pairs well with grilled steak, beef stew & Coq au Vin. One of the great pairings is Cabernet Sauvignon with a rich chocolate tort.

Review from Vivino.com: “Solid consistent label. Medium-bodied wine that is not too dry or tannic. Nice everyday or second bottle” “Surprising! Medium tannins make this bold fruit wine smooth and soft.”

Larry started us off with a ‘Not bad!’ Terry liked this California Cab, she said it was good and totally different than the first red. Arvin added that it was ‘Dang’ Good, just oaky enough! I really enjoyed it paired with chocolate 🙂

August 27, 2014

Reminiscing

I love history. Wait. I don’t mean like reading a giant dusty book then being quizzed on it later… More like as it pertains to culture and way-of-life. It doesn’t matter what era, 40’s – 50’s – 60’s or even older like pioneer days, I like to imagine what it was like to live back then. Getting a T.V. in the 50’s was a major event! Cars, the drive-in and school dances were the things to do. Not being around back then allows me to only consider the best parts of the times and leave everything else out. Like selective memory… without the actual memories. I gather some of my ‘memories’ from T.V. and movies, but my favorite is hearing people that were there tell stories.

Terry’s mom and sister came to join us on the Front Porch for Wine Tasting. Her mom, Leila, told me about how they used to have parties at their house after Terry and her sisters went to bed. Not like every night parties where parents celebrate their kids’ bedtime. It was probably an annual party for a birthday or anniversary or something like that. They had a four piece live Jazz band play right in the house and hired bartenders to serve the guests. Leila said that band played the pictures right off the walls! It’s a wonder that kids could sleep through a party like that. Hm. Yeah, they didn’t. Here’s a snapshot, courtesy of the artist Shag, of how it I picture this party as I listen to the story:

Terry and her sisters must’ve been just out of sight at the top of the stairs.

I imagine the whole town was at those parties. Towns were smaller then according to me. Everybody knew everybody. Life was slower, simpler. Going to a party involved getting dressed up & dancing and was probably the talk of the town until the next party. The world may never move at that pace again, but when we take the time to reminisce – I think it slows down just a little.

Have a glass of wine and reminisce with someone today 🙂

Ok, so the following reviews are from TWO wine tastings. I just wanted you to know that we didn’t drink ALL of these wines in the span of two hours. Don’t miss the Award Winning Wines at the bottom of the post!

Your Choice $2.99! ~~Elsewhere price $11.99~~

Stack Wines are four individual glasses that are each sealed separately so you can have just a glass at a time. For instance, the movie theater seems like the perfect place to enjoy Stackers Wine, you can easily carry one in your purse. Purse wine is my favorite. The ‘glass’ is actually plastic, so no worries around the pool either.

Pinot Grigio:

Bob found this Pinot to have a fruity after taste. He thought it was a great summer wine. Larry also commented on the fruity-ness, Steve tasted apple. Granny Smith apple. Shirley thought it was dry at first taste, she tasted apple as well and said it was light – nice for summer. Caroline, our resident wine snob, said she liked it (I tried to hide the packaging so she wouldn’t judge the wine before she even got a sip). She tasted pear and lime and added that she was surprised that this tasted like it came from one of the wineries that she is a member of. High praise from Caroline!

Winemakers notes:

Color:	Light straw yellow with flecks of green.
Nose:	Delicate with honeydew melon, fresh meadow, and lime peel.
Palate:	Grapefruit, key lime, and melon

Chardonnay:

Becky found this Chardonnay buttery and did not taste any oak. Bob commented that it tasted good. Larry and Steve did care for it, but I thought it was nice.

Winemakers notes:

Color:	Medium light gold.
Nose:	Medium with lemon cream pie, vanilla and toasted almond.
Palate:	Lemon peel, apple and pineapple

Cabernet Sauvignon:

Becky enjoyed the aroma of this cab. Terry and Shirley thought it was grapey. Bob noticed the oak. Larry and Steve both (who must read each other’s minds before commenting on wine) said it had legs. Steve wasn’t sure if it was dry… Caroline confirmed for him that it was dry. She added that it was a smooth easy drinking cab; she tasted black cherry and plum.

Winemakers notes:

Color:	Medium garnet, perfect clarity.
Nose:	Medium/plus with cassis, blueberry, cedar and some black licorice, mint and black pepper.
Palate:	Blackberry, cocoa and berry jam

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Alondra Chardonnay ~ Anterra Chardonnay and Merlot ~ Marchand Bordeaux

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2010 Alondra Chardonnay Middleridge Ranch Vineyard $5.99

~~Elsewhere price $16.99~~

Larry said this ones got a little zip to it! Steve called it smooth and Ethan thought it had a nice aroma.

89 Points from CellarTracker.com: Medium-bodied, with a subtle flavor profile, full-on creamy from the malo; easily withstands oxidation. Really great paired with honeydew melon and smoked salmon.

From the Winemaker: Penetrating aromas of green apple, lemon custard and subtle tropical fruits of guava and melon. The palate is sleek and detailed, with just enough flesh and mid-palate presence for pinpoint balance with the natural acidity. The fruit gains momentum into an expansive finish, while remaining graceful and elegant

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2013 Anterra Chardonnay Italy $4.99

~~Elsewhere price $9.99~~

Terry got the first taste; she said it was crisp and refreshing. Larry thought this Chardonnay was very light and Steve agreed, of course. Scott said it was not too sweet, which is a compliment from Scott. Jose said he would buy this wine; it was juicy – almost not like wine – smooth and sweet.

Blogger NHWineman review: 89 points, poured a bright polished gold color, and smelled like the misty calm afterglow of a thunderstorm with hints of lilac and lemon.
The medium-plus body was crisp, slightly off dry (the label says dry), clean, had mineral notes with moderately acidic lemon flavors, and finished as it began, but with a touch of the 12% alcohol and ginger.
I loved this sleeper of a white wine, and I’m not the biggest fan of Chardonnay; this is not anything like a Cali Chardonnay (no butter here), but was produced in the Italian “traditional style” closer to a Chablis.

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2012 Anterra Merlot Italy $4.99

~~Elsewhere price $9.99~~

Larry gave this Merlot two thumbs up, he tasted berries. And Steve added: blackberries. Scott was turned off by the screw cap. As it turns out, screw caps aren’t just for cheap jugs of wine anymore. Read more here: Cork Versus Screw Cap: Don’t Judge A Wine By How It’s Sealed

3.5 stars from Vivino.com: Black cherries and berries with toasty oak overtones, smooth finish and lush tannins

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2011 Chateau Grand Marchand Bordeaux France $7.99

~~Elsewhere price $27.99~~

Concours General Agricole Paris Wine Competition 2012 Gold Winner Source

Terry commented that this one was full-bodied and yummy! She added that it just rolls right you’re your little throat. Steve said it was very smooth. Jose said it got looong leeegs.

86 Points from WineEnthusiast.com

On-line review from WineEnthusiast.com: This firm wine has black-currant and red-plum fruit, nicely integrated with the dry core. Ready to drink, although capable of aging a year or two.

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2013 Fish Eye Cabernet Sauvignon Australia $8.99

~~Elsewhere price $15.99~~

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Silver Medal source

3 liter box = four regular bottles!

Bob noticed that at first sip this cab tasted a little acidy and needs to be aerated, which is kinda tricky since it’s in a box. Caroline agreed, saying she tasted unripe cherries. We let it sit around in the glass after pouring for about 15 minutes then tried it again. I found it to be dry and Terry said it definitely got smoother. Caroline said she didn’t care much for it, but I noticed she refilled her glass. Hm.

From the bottle: “Cherry and blackberry with a hint of pepper on the nose.”

On-line review from Tastings.com: Garnet purple color. Aromas of dried currants, spice, and delicate peppercorn with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a whole nut, tobacco, and sour cherry finish with chewy tannins. A nice relaxed sipper.

May 21, 2014

Get with it man, the red blend is almost gone!

How to turn a shed into a table and a chimney into a flower bed. I love anything FREE. I mean, come on, who doesn’t. Right? Re-using or repurposing is hip nowadays. So, get with it man and create something amazing!

Arvin dropped off some used bricks from an old chimney that he had removed. They are from the 1930s! They now line my walkway making it wider and I even got a nice little flower bed along the house. So sweet and so EASY.

(drought-tolerant flowers)

Larry tore down his old shed and it lives on in this new display table. You can see it up close in the store proudly displaying a new line of fancy baked goods… hashtagamazing

So, keep your eyes peeled when you’re driving around town. You just might see me on the side of the road salvaging giant sections of cut down tree.

To be continued.

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Angove Sauv Blanc ~ Cellar No.8 Chard ~ Eco Terreno Red ~ Fetzer Cab

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2009 Angove Vineyard Select Sauvignon Blanc $4.99

Elsewhere $16.99

Larry liked the aroma of this Sauvignon Blanc, he thought it was citrus or apple. Terry commented, “Oh, tastes good. Nice summertime wine – a little sweet with a little bite. It didn’t bite me until I paired it with food.” Karey (my visiting cousin 🙂 thought it was on the dryer side and Connie said it was spicy, but good.

On-line review: An ideal wine for the warm summer months, perfectly suited as an aperitif or with freshly shucked oysters & grilled salmon.

Tasting Notes: Bright pale white and green, this wine shows all the hallmarks of its region with blackcurrant leaf and freshly cut grass and a touch of aromatic passion fruit evident on the nose. The palate is vibrant and fresh with tropical fruit and citrus leaving the wine refreshing and long on the finish.

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2011 Cellar No. 8 Chardonnay $3.99

Elsewhere $9.99

Becky noticed the aroma right away, she said it was buttery like walnuts and tasted smooth. Larry agreed, very smooth and the oak was not overbearing. Connie described it as creamy.

On-line tasting notes: This Chardonnay shows characteristics of tropical and citrus fruit flavors and lemon, pineapple and sweet white peach. These flavors continue on a lush, juicy palate dominated by clean citrus flavors. Some aging in French oak gives the wine additional depth of flavor and a creamy, refreshing mouth feel.

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2010 Eco Terreno Three Vine Red $9.99

Elsewhere $35.00

***I have to warn you, this wine is selling quickly! Get yours before it’s gone***

Becky stated that this red blend was good on the noise. Karey took a sip against his will (he doesn’t like red wine) and found that it is actually great with dark chocolate. Arvin said he’s enjoying the legs – nice. Larry said “when you sip it – you feel it”. Terry thought it would be great with Italian food, especially red sauce. Arvin paired it with dark chocolate as well and commented that it made it taste like chocolate covered cherries. Steve agreed, saying that chocolate did the job and Larry said it brings it all together. Upon tasting this wine Connie declared wine tasting over. “No more tasting for me, only drinking!” she confiscated the bottle.

86 Points from Cellartracker.com

On-line review: We’re suckers for delicious red blends here at The Wine Spies, and today’s exceptional 2010 Alexander Valley Three Vine Red from Eco Terreno had our entire tasting panel reaching for more!

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2008 Fetzer Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon $5.99

Elsewhere $19.99

This Cab has a very nice garnet color. Karey thought this was also dry and Larry agreed, very dry. Steve liked this at first taste. He said this is his favorite of the night.

5 out of 5 stars from Vinexus Web Shop for Wine Lovers

Tasting notes: This Cabernet Sauvignon is complex with various layers of spice and flavors. On the nose you will find enticing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and vanilla with evident spice from the oak and a hint of herbs. Tasting delivers a multi-layered wine with texture of ripe blackberry, mocha, toffee and vanilla. Medium firm tannins provide structure and balance to this medium bodied Cabernet, which will continue to evolve in the bottle.

May 7, 2014

Procrastination

I have to admit, I am a procrastinator. Yep, the queen of putting things off. My house is full of small unfinished projects that quietly wait for me to get a-round-tuit. Silently mocking me. This week they haven’t been so quiet. Steve to the rescue! He went in to work for me, leaving me in an empty house –no kids – no distractions – it was GLORIOUS! An empty house is completely therapeutic sometimes.

As soon as they left I made my list and raced to complete it all before they returned. That is a fun game. I painted the patio tables to match the new cushions, painted the kitchen & bathroom baseboards that Jake installed months ago, touched up some spots on the kitchen cabinets, hung curtains in the loft & bedroom, patched & painted the trim on the stairs where the dog ate it (two years ago, when she was a puppy) cleaned my bedroom and washed & put away ALL the laundry. When all the laundry is clean and put away, it really makes me feel like I have my whole life together.

eaten ~ patched ~ painted

AND finally ***FINALLY*** I painted the front doors! I had been putting that off for months. It was super easy. I mean palm-to-the-forehead-easy! I cannot believe I waited so long to do this. I love it. And Steve? His excitement could barely be contained…. As he walked up to the house he said, “oh, we’re those people now?” Yep. We are. You’re welcome.

(maybe a little darker/deeper purple?)

I also may have fell behind reviewing our Front Porch Wine Tastings… So, here’s the last 2-3 weeks worth (I’ll try to keep the reviews short since there’s so many).

seven whites ~ five reds

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2011 Procrastinate Pinot Grigio $3.99

Elsewhere price $15.99

Terry tasted fruit, and commented that it’s nice & light. Arvin said this is a good summer night wine and Connie liked it as well. I really liked the label 🙂

82 points from Wine Enthusiast

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2011 Barrymore Pinot Grigio $3.99

Elsewhere price $22.00

Joe S. commented that this was nice and Misty liked that it was not too sweet. Terry didn’t care for it. Joe thought it was good with food and Steve said it was even better with chocolate. Isn’t everything?

Online review from my Good Friends at ‘The magical world of wines from Grocery Outlet’ had this to say: This full-flavored wine is dominated by juicy acid of lime / green apple, but also shows Pinot Grigio’s pear and straw. It’s pleasantly crisp with a little minerality, and very tasty overall.

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Firecracker White Blend $2.99

Elsewhere price $8.99

Misty thought this white blend was light, without a strong aftertaste, it would be nice for 4^th of July picnic with that label. Scott and Terry both commented that is was too sweet for their taste. Larry tasted peach or Pineapple & mango mixed. We finished the bottle.

Online Blog Review 4 of 5 stars: Oh boy, this was a nice surprise! The flavors of mango and pineapple are magical here. The wine isn’t real crisp, but it’s smooth and settles well. I would highly recommend this for lighter fare.

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2010 Bowtie White Wine $3.99

Elsewhere price $12.99

Misty tasted grapefruit and Steve commented that he liked the citrus finish. I always enjoy a blend 🙂

84 points from Wine Enthusiast: This tastes honey-sweet, with apricot, lime and vanilla flavors, brightened by crisp acidity. The blend is Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Viognier

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2011 Pepi Chardonnay $3.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

Arvin commented that this Chardonnay was even better than the last one and Connie agreed, she liked this one. Larry said it was not oaky and Joe R. thought it was clean and crisp.

84 points from this blind taster on Cellar Tracker: Straightforward aromas of lemon, grapefruit and green apple. The palate is full-bodied with medium acid, showing grapefruit and lime mixed with apricot and dried pineapple. No detectable oak. Not very deep or complex, but it’s balanced out quite nicely.

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2012 Trinity Oaks Chardonnay $4.99

Elsewhere price $8.99

I chose this Chardonnay because Larry requested an oaky wine. Well, it wasn’t lol. Terry said it started sweet then mellowed out. Arvin thought it was full-bodied. Joe R. tasted tart-lemoniness, he liked it and also commented that it gets more mellow as you go. The label said ‘sweet oak’, I don’t know what that means, but the sweet was just enough.

87 points from Cellar Tracker

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2012 Pra Vinera Chardonnay $2.99

Elsewhere price $9.99

Yes, we have reviewed this Chardonnay in the past but Steve just got it in again so… And, we all agree: We still like it!

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2009 Discoveries Vineyards Petite Sirah $4.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

Larry likes the red! Steve commented that this Sirah had a strong taste and Joe S. thought it was great with chocolate and berries. I love me some Sirah!

87.5 points from Cellar Tracker

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2012 Excusez Moi Cabernet $5.99

Elsewhere price $17.99

Bottled by Michel-Schlumberger in Healdsburg, Ca. We all really loved the Excusez Moi Merlot, so of course we had to try this Cab. Scott said he liked it at his first taste and Joe S. said, ‘Ew, that’s good!’

From the label: Characteristics of black currant, plum and cherry. Well-structured tannins with rich texture and long fruit finish. This wine pairs will with prime rib, grilled summer vegetables and tomato sauce pasta dishes.

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2011 Lithos Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $9.99

Elsewhere price $16.99

Joe R. commented that this Cab was kinda mild, not too strong. Terry said this was her favorite of the night and that it goes down reeaaallly easy. I thought it was smooth. We finished this bottle, oh yeah!

I could not find ANY online reviews for this wine. I wish I would’ve taken better tasting notes

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2010 Quickfire Cabernet $6.99

Elsewhere price $18.99

This is a Top Chef Selection from the Central Coast of Ca. Arvin said it was excellent, a pleasure to drink! Terry thought it was on the sweeter side, yet still dry and Scott said it was full-bodied and full of flavor.

Tasting notes from Uncorked.com: The Quickfire Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will allure you with its silky tannins and substantial finish. The aromas of this Cabernet Sauvignon deliver layers of cassis, cocoa, blueberry and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied in nature, the palate delivers rich berry flavors with a hint of dark chocolate

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2005 Arceno Chianti Reserva $6.99

Elsewhere price $20.00

We just had to throw in one of Arvin’s favorites – Chianti. He said after his first taste, “It’s a good one”. Then he had to have a second glass because he ‘forgot’ to think while he drank it, lol. Steve said he loves thoughtless drinking. Joe S. said it’s strong and Becky said it’s smooth. Kerri said it was dry and had a nice flow and it made Terry feel warm. Arvin commented on his second glass: Dry, good aftertaste that lasts on the tongue so you can enjoy it 10 minutes after you drink it.

89.8 points from Cellar Tracker

If you made it all the way to the end of this, you are a true fan – Thanks!

March 6, 2014

Cheers to blue teeth!

Planting flowers in the front yard makes me happy. Wait. I don’t mean the actual act of planting the flowers makes me happy. Because it does not. Not at all.

Maybe if I could effortlessly dig holes in fluffy dirt and plop the new plants in, but that is not how it works. My flower bed is full of tree roots. Big tree roots that grow right where my new flowering shrubs belong. Every year I try to plant in the same place, not remembering the roots are there. Then I usually give up and plant them somewhere else which makes the freakishly large flower bed look unfinished. This year I dug holes and cut right through any roots that got in my way. Take that tree roots! It’s a stupid looking tree anyway. If I accidentally killed it, no worries, I’ll plant an apple tree in it’s place next year 🙂

(please excuse my thumb)

This year I also finally chose the proper plants. Evergreen, flowering and drought tolerant.

***fingers crossed***

that I won’t have to try to fill the whole giant flower bed anymore. Just the border. Which I’m okay with. I can handle border planting, that’s where all the nice fluffy dirt is.

Now, every day when I pull up the drive way, the flowers make me smile. It’s like a little glimpse of Spring. (Thanks for being there during my silly rant).

What else makes me happy? Wine.

I’ve learned that it only takes a small glass of wine to transition from stressed to happy. But, that rarely stops me…

Here’s this week’s wine picks:

Reynoso Sauv Blanc ~ Sonoma Landing Chard ~ Rockwall Sirah ~ Red Lie Zin

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2009 Reynoso Sauvignon Blanc $6.99

Elsewhere price $12.99

Larry commented on the citrus/pear aroma being refreshing. Steve said it had a spicy finish, but he was eating spicy pasta snacks at the time Joe tasted peach; he said it was very light and not too strong.

On line review: The fruit character of this wine speaks of citrus with riper, tropical notes as well. In the mouth, the acidity has a softer profile than many Sauvignon and the fruit is freshly expressed.

on line review 2:

Suggested Setting	Freshly-cooked lobsters on the beach
Signature Scent	Key Lime Blossom

She’s not shy in the least, an intensely flavored and layered Sauvignon Blanc that delivers tons of citrus and passion fruit with hints of tarragon and white pepper. Not quite as crisp or dry as some of her Sauv counterparts she’s still refreshing and pairs best with seafood. Next time you have sushi skip the sake and go Sauv instead.

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2008 Sonoma Landing Chardonnay $5.99

Elsewhere price $12.99

Terry started us off on the Chardonnay, she thought it tasted clean and clear. Steve noticed a hint of apple. He said it was a cheerful wine. Becky really liked it especially the little twang at the end.

On line review: It was on sale for $8.70 (Regular Price: $12.99). Smooth, dry and fresh – loved it! Not agree with 88 pts. Five out of Five stars.

Winemakers notes: 88 PTS WILFRED WONG. Impressive and delicious, the juicy ’08 Sonoma Landing is a beautiful wine; fresh with finely ripened, core fruit flavors; dry yet easy in the finish.

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2011 Rockwall Napa Petite Sirah $10.99

Elsewhere price $25.00

By far the winner of the night! Becky liked the fancy bottle and after tasting it said, ‘Wow, that’s good!’ She also noted that it was fruity and would go with anything. Joe said ‘Legs’O’Plenty’. Steve commented that he really liked this one and Larry & Terry agreed, saying it was very berry and really good. We all had seconds and we finished the bottle.

On line tasting notes from Williams-Sonoma: Rich mulberry and blue plum flavors form the core, surrounded by notes of spice, vanilla and seared meat. $35.00

From the Winemaker: Deep India ink in color, this beautiful Petite Sirah shows robust aromas of juicy ripe blackberry, fig, and pink cotton candy, followed by flavors of bright blueberry, Cajun spice, plum jam, white pepper and dark chocolate. Cheers to blue teeth!

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2011 Red Lie Zin Lodi Zinfandel $4.99

Elsewhere price $9.99

Joe noted the dry oakey aroma. He said it tasted tart and added, ‘I love that Zin’. Becky agreed that it was dry and noticed that it stayed on your tongue; she said this is a good dinner wine. Everyone else was still enjoying the Petite Sirah…

On line review on Vivino: Four out of Five stars

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

November 22, 2013

Ready for Thanksgiving!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I was Samantha Stevens. How great it would be to just twitch my nose and finish my DIY projects. If you’ve been following along, you know that I had a long list to complete in a short amount of time: painting the kitchen cabinets, the guest room and the guest bathroom. Yes, I know the bathroom wasn’t originally on the list – but, in my infinite wisdom, I started that one while completing the rest. It did bump the painting of the front doors though… for now.

Newly painted kitchen cabinets with new hardware and cultured marble bathroom counter (w/flat iron burn) painted to look like granite

Retro guest room – hard to get a pic of the whole thing, you can’t even see the most-amazing-thrift-store-find-ever, the purple egg chair!

I was fortunate enough to have all my kids get themselves on restriction! They all pitched in on my project list in exchange for an early release. Turns out, the youngest is a BOSS at baseboard miters. They are perfect! His prize will be to finish the entire house in new baseboards. Don’t tell him, I want it to be a surprise. Surprises are fun. 🙂

So, I’m ready for Thanksgiving. Let’s have some wine!

Terrapura Chard ~ EOS Chard ~ Concannon Cab ~ Cate Cab ~ Homestead Sangiovese

We paired these wines with a fancy selection of cheese!

I didn’t think I was a fan of goat cheese. It sounds like it should be kinda disgusting. I like to think of myself as adventurous, so we gave them a try. I cannot believe I waited 40 years to try it! They were the perfect compliment to wine tasting. I especially liked the Blueberry Vanilla, it tasted like dessert. Definitely not disgusting. Also, pictured are Garlic & Herb, 4 Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil (not pictured: Cranberry Cinnamon). The price in those other stores is $4.39 for 4oz, but who would pay that when you can get it at Grocery Outlet for just $1.99? I will be serving these at Thanksgiving.

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2011 Terrapura Chardonnay – Central Valley, Chili – $3.99

Elsewhere price $8.99

Larry says it was very light in color but, it’s got a bite. It’s a wine that’s down to earth. Brian said he liked this one and Becky thought it was earthy. Arvin said it was good and called it a blue collar wine. Terry noticed that everyone was enjoying it and Connie liked how it paired with the blueberry vanilla cheese.

The label reads: Terrapura represents the Balance Spiral, symbolic representation of the earth, that exists in perfect harmony with all the other elements from nature: climate and hand labor.

On-line review: An amazing value Chardonnay (at $10.99)! Big, rich, well-balanced and priced well below the recommended retail price – snap up Terrapura Chardonnay for a Wright Find from Chile!

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2009 EOS Estate Chardonnay – Central Coast, California – $4.99

Elsewhere price $12.99

Becky liked this Chardonnay right away and Steve tasted a hint of vanilla. Larry tasted grapefruit or pineapple and Brian said this one had more tannins, it was drier than the first Chardonnay.

The label reads: At EOS our approach to winemaking is traditional and natural; our methods are decidedly low tech. We allow the soils and climates of each vineyard site to be clearly heard in our wines. EOS Chardonnay is fresh, lush and refined with pear, citrus peel, pineapple and vanilla. (dang! Steve & Larry are getting good at this)

On-line review: This Chardonnay is ultra-fresh and approachable with aromas of red apples, lemon custard, pineapple and melon. Toasty oak fills in the palate and adds depth and character to the wine. While there is plenty of richness…

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2008 Chateau Concannon Cabernet Sauvignon – San Francisco Bay – $6.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

Connie started right off by noticing the wonderful bouquet, she said it was very smooth and Arvin liked that it was full-bodied. Brian said this Cab was a winner with him, it had long legs but not too much tannins. Larry commented that it goes well with dark chocolate, he really liked it (Red again, Larry? Wow) and he can really taste the dark cherry. Terry agreed, she said it finishes well with the cherry taste.

The label reads: Our Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, rich with black cherry and vanilla-oak flavors. Subtle spice and just a hint of chocolate mingle in the smooth finish. Enjoy with your favorite cut of beef or cheese.

On-line review: 84 Points. Aromas of sweet cherries, red licorice and rose petals, a little bit of pepper. Medium-bodied and tangy acid, lots of bright cherry and raspberry with notes of caramelized sugar, red licorice and soft toast. A fun, easy-drinking style.

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2012 Cate Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, Ca. – $8.99

Elsewhere prize $19.99

Terry found the aroma to be intoxicating before she even had a sip. Brian noticed that it had short legs and thought it would go well with a grilled steak. Arvin liked this one, he said it was dryer and he tasted black berries and enjoyed the finish. Larry and Steve both tasted tobacco, they collectively decided that it would be great with a cigar after a great big steak and loaded baked potato.

The label reads: Fragrant cassis, black cherry and cocoa notes tantalize the nose while the mid-palate is jam-packed with fleshy ripe tannins, blackberry, dark chocolate and tobacco flavors. The finish is well balanced integrating the ripe fruit with its plush tannins ending with subtle hints of caramelized almonds.

On-line review: Can you believe in this day and age that there is absolutely zero information on this wine? Nada, zip, zilch. Not even on the winery. No pictures, nothing, until this blog of course! My internet search gave me everything from cat wine to Cate Blanchett. Crazy.

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2010 Homestead 1897 Sangiovese – Napa Valley, Ca – $3.99

Elsewhere price $14.00

This wine was recommended to us by a regular wine customer. He taught Steve all about Sangiovese, including how to pronounce it. Steve worked Sangiovese into every sentence he possibly could after that, lol. He also learned that this is the prominent grape in Chianti. Chianti is usually a very dry red wine, but this Sangiovese was quite fruity. Terry and Cici both tasted peaches and Becky tasted elderflower. Terry also said it made her feel warm. Warm=happiness.

The label reads: In the boom of Napa Valley’s mining era 1897, Ed Haus homesteaded a small vineyard and ranch in the far north eastern corner of Napa Valley. Homestead 1897 is made with the same care and attention to detail as the first wines handcrafted during the turn of the century.

91 points from Cellar Tracker

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Front Porch Wine Tasting

Just enjoying wine, with friends, on the porch

Tag Archives: Manteca Grocery OUtlet wine tasting

It’s not done, until it’s Over-Done!

Are you ready for the Holidays? part 2

Ready for the Holidays? part 1

Cleaning out your closet can change your whole life

Wine Maker’s notes: Fresh honeysuckle, cantaloupe and honeydew melon, citrus, rose petal, kiwi and red delicious apple aromas fill the nose. Green apple, fig and lemon citrus flavors are surrounded by a full-bodied mouth with a clean, crisp acidity and mineral tones.

Reminiscing

Get with it man, the red blend is almost gone!

Procrastination

Cheers to blue teeth!

You deserve some Wine Time

Ready for Thanksgiving!