McLaren Vale
Australia
2004
Remembering the night before you left,
The laughter we shared over a puzzle, late into the night.
Dropping you off the next day, waving goodbye,
Blowing kisses to each other from our cars, holding the tears back tight.
Silence that I do find peaceful,
Is at times deafening with its solitude.
Your rooms look like you were just there,
But the morning awakenings remain quietly rude.
I smile as I say your prayers for you,
finding calming ways to pass the time.
Walking the dog, catching up on reading,
Reveling in my glass of Yangarra wine.
Happy that you are having fun,
So blessed to have you three.
In good hands I know you are,
And so very lucky I am that you'll return to me.
Awesome wine. Berries, herbs and smokey earth with the exact amount of pepper. I love this wine. Interestingly enough, I had it with a "Kashi" (http://www.kashi.com/) frozen dinner, "Chicken Florentine" with portabella mushrooms, garlic and whole grains, parmesean and Chablis!!! If I'd known there was white wine in the meal, I would have opened a white.
I poured a glass of Yangarra while I waited for my dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I then ate some of my dinner, had another sip and enjoyed both the meal and the wine even more. It was at that point that I read the ingredients and realized there was white wine in the dinner. It didn't matter. The wine was awesome following each forkful, and the garlic (and even the white wine flavor!) came out following each sip.
8.75 out of 10
15% alc. by vol.
$20.99 (out of normal budget but so worth it)
http://www.yangarra.com/ (check out the breathtaking opening photo)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Drylands Marlborough
2006
Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
Wine is bottled poetry.
Robert Louis Stevenson
OK. I bought this last week but I bought the 2004 vintage. I bought it because I know New Zealand is a "place to watch" for excellent wines over the next few years and I was looking for a good "white" experience. Additionally, according to the little tag under the wooden wine bin, it was given a Wine Spectator rating of 91 (or so I thought). However, I thought I was being so smart because I remember discovering that the vintage with the WS rating was not the vintage in the bin(that seems to occur a lot in various wine stores and it ticks me off - you really have to look closely). I knew the vintages were different, but I did not really pay attention to what exact year! DUH! So I went to the cooler to see if the "different" reviewed vintage was in the cooler. The vintage in the cooler was different than the one in the bin so I took it smugly thinking I outsmarted the store.
While I did find each glass to be good, it just wasn't great - I could take it or leave it. I wouldn't necessarily buy it again. I wouldn't not drink it again either if it was served to me. But I was a little surprised at the fairly decent WS rating so I searched on-line for reviews and found that WS had actually given the 2005 and 2006 the 91 rating. When I went back into the store I re-read the little tag. It said "2005". I looked at the wine in the bin. They were all 2006. But, I knew I was still safe because the 2006 was also given the higher rating (incidentally, Wine Enthusiast also gave the 2006 a decent rating; 90). So I bought it and I finally had it tonight.
The top is yet another screw-on cap. Upon opening, the bouquet was like that of a juniper bush or . . . cat pee!!! No way can I drink that, I thought. But I did. I had it alongside ricotta ravioli with olive oil, fresh grated parmesean and fresh avocado butter. It was so good. The avocado flavor was accentuated with the wine and vice versa. The wine was crisp and light but with an awesome balance of fruit (and a little hint of thyme for me) and acidity and a lingering finish. I highly recommend it. Incidentally, after sitting in my glass for about 5 minutes, the cat pee bouquet went away and a more citrus-pear scent eminated.
(Side note: The Guy is away doing his football writing thing, but he called me from a liquor store and asked for guidance in selecting a California red and an Australaian red el-cheapo style. Using Kevin Zraly's Once-A-Week recommendations, he chose one of each, getting both for under $20 total. He almost promised he'd post, so I hope to see those reviews up and coming at some point this week!)
8 out of 10
13% alc. by vol.
$15.99
http://www.drylands.co.nz/
Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
Wine is bottled poetry.
Robert Louis Stevenson
OK. I bought this last week but I bought the 2004 vintage. I bought it because I know New Zealand is a "place to watch" for excellent wines over the next few years and I was looking for a good "white" experience. Additionally, according to the little tag under the wooden wine bin, it was given a Wine Spectator rating of 91 (or so I thought). However, I thought I was being so smart because I remember discovering that the vintage with the WS rating was not the vintage in the bin(that seems to occur a lot in various wine stores and it ticks me off - you really have to look closely). I knew the vintages were different, but I did not really pay attention to what exact year! DUH! So I went to the cooler to see if the "different" reviewed vintage was in the cooler. The vintage in the cooler was different than the one in the bin so I took it smugly thinking I outsmarted the store.
While I did find each glass to be good, it just wasn't great - I could take it or leave it. I wouldn't necessarily buy it again. I wouldn't not drink it again either if it was served to me. But I was a little surprised at the fairly decent WS rating so I searched on-line for reviews and found that WS had actually given the 2005 and 2006 the 91 rating. When I went back into the store I re-read the little tag. It said "2005". I looked at the wine in the bin. They were all 2006. But, I knew I was still safe because the 2006 was also given the higher rating (incidentally, Wine Enthusiast also gave the 2006 a decent rating; 90). So I bought it and I finally had it tonight.
The top is yet another screw-on cap. Upon opening, the bouquet was like that of a juniper bush or . . . cat pee!!! No way can I drink that, I thought. But I did. I had it alongside ricotta ravioli with olive oil, fresh grated parmesean and fresh avocado butter. It was so good. The avocado flavor was accentuated with the wine and vice versa. The wine was crisp and light but with an awesome balance of fruit (and a little hint of thyme for me) and acidity and a lingering finish. I highly recommend it. Incidentally, after sitting in my glass for about 5 minutes, the cat pee bouquet went away and a more citrus-pear scent eminated.
(Side note: The Guy is away doing his football writing thing, but he called me from a liquor store and asked for guidance in selecting a California red and an Australaian red el-cheapo style. Using Kevin Zraly's Once-A-Week recommendations, he chose one of each, getting both for under $20 total. He almost promised he'd post, so I hope to see those reviews up and coming at some point this week!)
8 out of 10
13% alc. by vol.
$15.99
http://www.drylands.co.nz/
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Chateau de Fonbel
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France
2004
"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing."
Ernest Hemingway
"Death in the Afternoon"
This wine will probably be fantastic in a few years. I enjoyed it well enough, but think a little laying down will make it superb. It was very earthy which I like, but the finish just wasn't quite there. And it was just under medium-bodied. The Guy, however, liked it even more than the previous night's Barossa Shiraz. I am going to try to buy a few bottles and save them to taste again down the road. I think it will be well worth it.
7.75 out of 10
$25.99 (out of budget)
13% alc. by vol.
Bordeaux, France
2004
"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing."
Ernest Hemingway
"Death in the Afternoon"
This wine will probably be fantastic in a few years. I enjoyed it well enough, but think a little laying down will make it superb. It was very earthy which I like, but the finish just wasn't quite there. And it was just under medium-bodied. The Guy, however, liked it even more than the previous night's Barossa Shiraz. I am going to try to buy a few bottles and save them to taste again down the road. I think it will be well worth it.
7.75 out of 10
$25.99 (out of budget)
13% alc. by vol.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Yalumba Barossa Shiraz, Viognier :)
2004
95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier
Barossa, South Australia
Claret mingling with solar blue
Transparent
Gold interspersed with
Bold black lines swirling through.
And around,
The fine delicate bulb
The Barossa Shiraz capturing each hue.
And enhacing,
This favorite gift of mine
Hand blown glass, each one strikingly independent
Made to hold deep,
Red, red wine.
Tonight, I am happy. I knew from the moment I pulled the cork and smelled the contents within, that I was going to experience an 8 or above. The bouquet was intoxicatingly wonderful and welcome, finally. Finally, finally. The color was gorgeous - dark ruby red in the sunlight on my patio in it's glass. The taste wasn't bitter. The wine was just semi-dry. Yet it wasn't real sweet. It wasn't too peppery, but it had heat. Right amount of tannins. The finish - oh the finish was fine - it was smooth velvet. It was full-bodied. This experience was chocolate and blackberry and that wonderful heady, floral woodsiness I crave. And it lingered.
Buy it, experience it. Don't eat anything with it. Let it encompass you all on its own.
8.5 out of 10
14.5% alc. by vol.
$14.99 / bottle
95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier
Barossa, South Australia
Claret mingling with solar blue
Transparent
Gold interspersed with
Bold black lines swirling through.
And around,
The fine delicate bulb
The Barossa Shiraz capturing each hue.
And enhacing,
This favorite gift of mine
Hand blown glass, each one strikingly independent
Made to hold deep,
Red, red wine.
Tonight, I am happy. I knew from the moment I pulled the cork and smelled the contents within, that I was going to experience an 8 or above. The bouquet was intoxicatingly wonderful and welcome, finally. Finally, finally. The color was gorgeous - dark ruby red in the sunlight on my patio in it's glass. The taste wasn't bitter. The wine was just semi-dry. Yet it wasn't real sweet. It wasn't too peppery, but it had heat. Right amount of tannins. The finish - oh the finish was fine - it was smooth velvet. It was full-bodied. This experience was chocolate and blackberry and that wonderful heady, floral woodsiness I crave. And it lingered.
Buy it, experience it. Don't eat anything with it. Let it encompass you all on its own.
8.5 out of 10
14.5% alc. by vol.
$14.99 / bottle
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Chateau Tour de Gillet Bordeaux
Montagne Saint-Emilion
Grand Vin de Bordeaux
2005
Earth concerns
Violence grows
Globally, hate brews
Grand Vin de Bordeaux
Distract me from the dreaded news
Saint-Emilion Region with a Chateau
Wish it was a Premiers Grands Crus
Welcoming a mental escape
Blocking what CNN has said
Simplicity, peace, compassion in the human race
Ahh, just dreaming, as "Moon River" sweetly plays in my head
The following adjectives describe my glassful experience: purple hue, high alcohol smell, "thin" taste, high tannin, not enough sweet grape, tart and slightly bitter, hot going down (not necessarily a bad thing). On the positive side, there was an earthiness I smelled and tasted and liked. The finish was at least one minute, but needless to mention, not well balanced at all.
There were several things I thought I had going for me with this purchase. It's not just a regular Bordeaux. It's a Bordeaux plus a region. Then, it's not just a Bordeaux with a region, it's a Bordeaux with a region AND a Chateau. Then, it comes from the "Right Bank" Saint-Emilion / Pomerol region. Then, it's one of the "great vintages" for the region: 2005. So, what happened? Why wasn't it a really good experience? I am guessing, but the little I retained from French classes is that "Montagne" means "mountain". Perhaps this wine comes from more of a mountainous part of Saint-Emilion and that effects the grape quality? The high tannin level I experienced suggests perhaps it just needs to remain unopened awhile longer. Perhaps with beef or pork loin it would be more tasteful. I had it alone and, most likely, too soon. I overpaid.
7.0 out of 10
14% alc. by vol.
$12.99 / bottle
Interesting Bordeaux Fact:
"Since 1882, when the venerable French company Guerlain first produced lip balm containing Bordeax wine, nursing mothers have used it as a salve for chapped nipples. 'It's a wonderfully soothing emollient, and red wine's tannic acid has healing properties,' says Elisabeth Sirot, attache de presse at Guerlain's Paris office. 'Frenchwomen have always known this secret.' Sirot used it when nursing all four of her children (she learned the tip from her own mother). How sensual - especially considering the American alternative is petroleum jelly."
(Taken from Kevin Zraly's book mentioned always on this blog.)
Grand Vin de Bordeaux
2005
Earth concerns
Violence grows
Globally, hate brews
Grand Vin de Bordeaux
Distract me from the dreaded news
Saint-Emilion Region with a Chateau
Wish it was a Premiers Grands Crus
Welcoming a mental escape
Blocking what CNN has said
Simplicity, peace, compassion in the human race
Ahh, just dreaming, as "Moon River" sweetly plays in my head
The following adjectives describe my glassful experience: purple hue, high alcohol smell, "thin" taste, high tannin, not enough sweet grape, tart and slightly bitter, hot going down (not necessarily a bad thing). On the positive side, there was an earthiness I smelled and tasted and liked. The finish was at least one minute, but needless to mention, not well balanced at all.
There were several things I thought I had going for me with this purchase. It's not just a regular Bordeaux. It's a Bordeaux plus a region. Then, it's not just a Bordeaux with a region, it's a Bordeaux with a region AND a Chateau. Then, it comes from the "Right Bank" Saint-Emilion / Pomerol region. Then, it's one of the "great vintages" for the region: 2005. So, what happened? Why wasn't it a really good experience? I am guessing, but the little I retained from French classes is that "Montagne" means "mountain". Perhaps this wine comes from more of a mountainous part of Saint-Emilion and that effects the grape quality? The high tannin level I experienced suggests perhaps it just needs to remain unopened awhile longer. Perhaps with beef or pork loin it would be more tasteful. I had it alone and, most likely, too soon. I overpaid.
7.0 out of 10
14% alc. by vol.
$12.99 / bottle
Interesting Bordeaux Fact:
"Since 1882, when the venerable French company Guerlain first produced lip balm containing Bordeax wine, nursing mothers have used it as a salve for chapped nipples. 'It's a wonderfully soothing emollient, and red wine's tannic acid has healing properties,' says Elisabeth Sirot, attache de presse at Guerlain's Paris office. 'Frenchwomen have always known this secret.' Sirot used it when nursing all four of her children (she learned the tip from her own mother). How sensual - especially considering the American alternative is petroleum jelly."
(Taken from Kevin Zraly's book mentioned always on this blog.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Big Ass Cab
2005
Napa Valley
Cabarnet Sauvignon
Albert Einstein said: "A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy."
I say: "Forgive me, Dr. Einstein, but how about a glass of Big Ass Cab, and make it snappy."
(For some of my favorite Einstein quotes, visit http://www.cheznathalie.com/)
I had this wine prior to beginning this wine blog and I really liked it, so did The Guy. It hasn't been readily available in any of the wine stores I habituate, so I'd given up on it. I went in search of recommended "Layer Cake Shiraz" tonight with no luck (evidently, it's mostly being sold to restaurants and is not readily available - perhaps someone out there fortunate enough to partake in Layer Cake would care to share their experience here). Anyway, my middle child comes up to me as I'm perusing the California red section, and says: "Hey Mom, did you know that Big Ass wine comes in two flavors - Big Ass Cab and Big Ass Chardonnay?" I asked her to take me to where she found it, knowing fully well that she only wanted to say "ass" legitimately several times in the same sentence. By gosh she found it. I bought the Big Ass Cab and brought it home.
I poured two glasses and brought The Guy his in his office. I told him to use his senses and try to guess what I'd bought. It took him about five minutes of sniffing and swirling and sniffing some more. Before even tasting it, he said: "Big Ass Cab." I couldn't believe it. I was impressed. (I still think he was out in the kitchen without my knowing and saw the bottle, but he insists not.) He was at first sure he was smelling a Merlot. But he did then guess Cabernet, and then he guessed the right label.
This is just a very enjoyable wine on its own, and with food. Nice fairly long finish, great cab flavor. The bouquet is slightly heady. I highly recommend it for cab lovers.
8 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$16.99 / bottle
Napa Valley
Cabarnet Sauvignon
Albert Einstein said: "A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy."
I say: "Forgive me, Dr. Einstein, but how about a glass of Big Ass Cab, and make it snappy."
(For some of my favorite Einstein quotes, visit http://www.cheznathalie.com/)
I had this wine prior to beginning this wine blog and I really liked it, so did The Guy. It hasn't been readily available in any of the wine stores I habituate, so I'd given up on it. I went in search of recommended "Layer Cake Shiraz" tonight with no luck (evidently, it's mostly being sold to restaurants and is not readily available - perhaps someone out there fortunate enough to partake in Layer Cake would care to share their experience here). Anyway, my middle child comes up to me as I'm perusing the California red section, and says: "Hey Mom, did you know that Big Ass wine comes in two flavors - Big Ass Cab and Big Ass Chardonnay?" I asked her to take me to where she found it, knowing fully well that she only wanted to say "ass" legitimately several times in the same sentence. By gosh she found it. I bought the Big Ass Cab and brought it home.
I poured two glasses and brought The Guy his in his office. I told him to use his senses and try to guess what I'd bought. It took him about five minutes of sniffing and swirling and sniffing some more. Before even tasting it, he said: "Big Ass Cab." I couldn't believe it. I was impressed. (I still think he was out in the kitchen without my knowing and saw the bottle, but he insists not.) He was at first sure he was smelling a Merlot. But he did then guess Cabernet, and then he guessed the right label.
This is just a very enjoyable wine on its own, and with food. Nice fairly long finish, great cab flavor. The bouquet is slightly heady. I highly recommend it for cab lovers.
8 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$16.99 / bottle
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Banrock Station Chardonnay
South Eastern Australia
2006
Would drink again.
May my children, and your children, and their children, never forget,
what our forefathers cast with their blood, tears and sweat.
Our future must remain, under God, one nation;
indivisible come what may.
So I raise my glass of Banrock Station,
to all those who came before, all those now at war, and to our America on this her birthday.
The first glass was good. I tasted crisp fruit - peachlike, and definite oak flavors which I like. I enjoyed it. The second glass I had later was different, though still good. At that point I had it alongside a chilled bowl of bowtie pasta marinated in olive tapenade with roasted peppers and garlic. The wine had more of a "bite" accompanied by the dish.
Another of Kevin Zraly's recommended "Once-A-Week" wines.
Love the "Good Earth, Fine Wine" sentiment.
7.75 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$11.99 / 1.5L
http://www.banrockstation.com/
2006
Would drink again.
May my children, and your children, and their children, never forget,
what our forefathers cast with their blood, tears and sweat.
Our future must remain, under God, one nation;
indivisible come what may.
So I raise my glass of Banrock Station,
to all those who came before, all those now at war, and to our America on this her birthday.
The first glass was good. I tasted crisp fruit - peachlike, and definite oak flavors which I like. I enjoyed it. The second glass I had later was different, though still good. At that point I had it alongside a chilled bowl of bowtie pasta marinated in olive tapenade with roasted peppers and garlic. The wine had more of a "bite" accompanied by the dish.
Another of Kevin Zraly's recommended "Once-A-Week" wines.
Love the "Good Earth, Fine Wine" sentiment.
7.75 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$11.99 / 1.5L
http://www.banrockstation.com/
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Founder's Estate
California
2004
"Parachutes" collection,
melting the tension away.
Absorbing the mellowness,
listening to "Cold Play".
The voice of Chris Martin,
mingling with Beringer Cabernet.
Might drink again.
I'm disappointed. Forever disappointed. Searching for something I cannot find.
The Beringer Founder's Reserve is not bad, it's just not that great either. Maybe with the right food pairing. Actually, this is one of the wines on Kevin Zraly's "Once-a-Week Wines" list. Although it's acceptable, my first swallow reaction was a "cheap, too berry taste." I'm going to let it sit a bit and try again later. Not much finish. Though not an exceptional vintage, 2004 North Coast Cabs are one of the "best bets". I thought I'd be doing all right.
7.5 out of 10
$11.99 / For the big one
13.9% alc. by vol.
http://www.beringer.com/beringer/home.jsp
California
2004
"Parachutes" collection,
melting the tension away.
Absorbing the mellowness,
listening to "Cold Play".
The voice of Chris Martin,
mingling with Beringer Cabernet.
Might drink again.
I'm disappointed. Forever disappointed. Searching for something I cannot find.
The Beringer Founder's Reserve is not bad, it's just not that great either. Maybe with the right food pairing. Actually, this is one of the wines on Kevin Zraly's "Once-a-Week Wines" list. Although it's acceptable, my first swallow reaction was a "cheap, too berry taste." I'm going to let it sit a bit and try again later. Not much finish. Though not an exceptional vintage, 2004 North Coast Cabs are one of the "best bets". I thought I'd be doing all right.
7.5 out of 10
$11.99 / For the big one
13.9% alc. by vol.
http://www.beringer.com/beringer/home.jsp
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Ozwell Chardonnay
Ozwell Select Reserve
Australian Vintner's Chardonnay
2006
Yes I will indeed drink this again.
Oh that famous first guitar strum brings me all the way back.
It's a "Hard Day's Night" spent with John, Paul, George and Ringo,
and the train of what lies ahead has not yet left the track.
I'm six years old and in my room, playing my first 45.
Happiness surrounds me: Great Grandma Dexter's post cards, Barbies, and teddy bears;
life ahead just beginning, me and the Beatles exist in time, each very much alive.
1970, John, and George, all gone with the toll of a bell, the music plays now but it's yesterday.
Thirty-seven years have just blown by.
Memories linger in my glass of Ozwell Chardonnay.
I have enjoyed a glass of this Chardonnay for the last (3) nights with what I ate and by itself too. It tasted great with everything and on its own. For me it was a bargain for the price. Buttery lemon oak.
8 out of 10
$11.99 / 1.5 L bottle (on sale for $9.99)
13.0% alc. by vol.
South Eastern Australia
Australian Vintner's Chardonnay
2006
Yes I will indeed drink this again.
Oh that famous first guitar strum brings me all the way back.
It's a "Hard Day's Night" spent with John, Paul, George and Ringo,
and the train of what lies ahead has not yet left the track.
I'm six years old and in my room, playing my first 45.
Happiness surrounds me: Great Grandma Dexter's post cards, Barbies, and teddy bears;
life ahead just beginning, me and the Beatles exist in time, each very much alive.
1970, John, and George, all gone with the toll of a bell, the music plays now but it's yesterday.
Thirty-seven years have just blown by.
Memories linger in my glass of Ozwell Chardonnay.
I have enjoyed a glass of this Chardonnay for the last (3) nights with what I ate and by itself too. It tasted great with everything and on its own. For me it was a bargain for the price. Buttery lemon oak.
8 out of 10
$11.99 / 1.5 L bottle (on sale for $9.99)
13.0% alc. by vol.
South Eastern Australia
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