Twomey Merlot

2001
NAPA Valley
Oakville, CA


This was a highly enjoyable wine. A Christmas gift from my partner in crime during the work week, we drank this with my mom's birthday dinner. Terrific on its own, it accompanied my Rioja Chicken with prunes and olives nicely. It also tasted great with our chocolate cake dessert.

Herb and earth scents opened upon pouring. The taste was on par with the bouquet, with a little of cocoa and black berry mixed in. This was delicious overall.

I'm sorry, again :( Not a budget wine.






Rioja Chicken called for Rioja wine. As I didn't have any, I turned it into Merlot chicken just as well. I made long grain brown rice, caramelized carrots and fresh popovers to accompany it.





This Devil's Food chocolate cake recipe of my grandmothers tasted good with the wine as well.








Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
It's no matter darling where you are
I think of you
Day and night, night and day, why is it so?

--Cole Porter--


$75 / 750 ml. bottle
8.25 out of 10
14.4% alc. by vol.

Rioja Vega

2001
Reserve
Viana, Spain

50% Tempranillo
25% Mazuelo
25% Graciano

Will definitely drink again.

This was a dark cherry color with an ever so slight cloudiness to it. The scent was black cherry and granite. Upon tasting, I was hit initially with dryness, thinness (which did have me worried) then a quick changeover (that kept me interested) to licorice and a hint of smoke. The finish saved it completely. It was a very nice finish with high-end Barossa-like flavor (I can't exactly explain that flavor and finish if you haven't experienced it - it's a distinct experience - suffice it to say it is worth it). The Guy is away, though he will return tomorrow night, and I am trying hard to save some for him to try.

My recommendation is to drink this without food. It loses it's flavor with food, and the "thinness" returns. Otherwise, you're golden.

Robert Parker gave this a 90 rating.

Is it not better to never know,
than to ever have to watch one go?
Is it not better to always wonder,
than to lose the glorious thunder?
Is it not better to have it be,
a happy he and a happy she,
if only ever together under the same sky
and neither ever wanting to say goodbye?
Is it not better to only imagine what won't ever be,
than for them to know complacency?
Is it not better to always have a friend,
than to bitterly lose it all in the end???

8.75 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$19.99 / 750 ml. bottle