Barbaresco Valgrande

2003
CA' Del Baio
Treiso - Italy

As this was enjoyed over Easter, and I am just now getting around to its review, all I can say is plain and simple: it was really good. It had full flavor and a nice, soft finish. It tasted good on its own and good with pork roast and potatoes. I would definitely love to have it again.

My brother took me wine shopping and asked me to pick. I so LOVE when that happens!

I must say, part of a "past" life that I miss the most is the fantastic food and accompanying wine. Along with the likes of Billie Holiday playing while we ate dinner. Some of my most favorite things came from a relationship that is now in the past that sometimes makes me sad to reminisce about, mostly because my children do not remember a side of their family. That said, I have come a long way on my own, with a limited income, in deciding what I like. I enjoy cooking and deciding what wine will accompany the meal. However, my mother has filled a huge void that was left from the past with her fantastic gourmet meals. Coupled with my brother's shared love of wine, and no-strings-attached-paycheck, I get to sometimes revisit some of my favorite memories. All that is missing on those occasions, is the fantastic jazz-blues greats of years gone by. Unless of course we are entertaining at my house. :)

OH! This song! It is amazing. It is me, sadly.

I've lost my sense of right and wrong
Well-justified my soul to carry on
It feels so damn good to write off the rules
But when a new day breaks
I'm left a fool
I'm such a fool.
Pain takes my heart's place . . .

Erin McCarley, Pitter Pat




8.25 out of 10
14% alc. by vol.
$29 / 750 ml. bottle

Turley Zinfandel

2003
LODI
California

I am shocked to learn that I never reviewed this wine last year! Uncle Bob has brought it for Thanksgiving for the last few years and I thought I'd reviewed it previously. I LOVE it with turkey and the vast other accompaniments we have with our main course. It is rich in flavor and deep in color and rather distinct in its smokey cherry-ness.

We have a varying menu that breaks all starch rules - we have rice, and potatoes and stuffing, AND bread! This year's menu was a wonderfully roasted organic turkey (gift from my boss), mashed sweet potatoes, mashed white potatoes, wild rice salad with cranberries and walnuts, sauteed green beans with garlic, butter lettuce with pignolia nuts and cranberries and celery, pumpkin muffins, sausage stuffing, parsnips and carrots, and pumpkin, apple, chocolate cream and peanut butter pies, and organic vanilla bean ice cream!!!!! Quite a varying degree of flavors.

However, for the main menu flavors, I just love the Turley Zin. Thank you so much to my beloved uncle. :)

Last night was a night well-spent at a local craft center, surrounded by creativity, at yet another wine and food pairing event put on by my favorite artisan food shoppe! The Guy and I accompanied my boss and his wife to yet another fun event. I've got pics and notes to post in a few days.

"We are all unique.
Special.
One of a kind.

With your light, pure soul
Eyes bluer than the sea.
Hair richer than the finest chocolate.

Kind.
Gentle.
Compassionate,
beautiful in every way.

Like an angel,
born of stardust.
Heaven sent.
One of a kind."

(Written by my eldest for me.)

8.5 out of 10
15.6% alc. by vol
$59 / 750 ml

Renwood Sierra Series

2003
Barbera
California

Might drink again.

This was pretty good I guess :# - The Guy really liked it. It was good, just too weak for my liking - more on the lighter side than medium. I thought it accompanied turkey meatballs and spinach well. The Guy liked it all the way around - alone, with food, in front of the computer, upside down with a spoonful of Italian Ice.

A spicy, hot cherry scent, it was slightly peppery, subtle fruit and a slight olive finish.

You don't know about my past, and
I don't have a future figured out.
And maybe this is going too fast.
And maybe it's not meant to last,

But what do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

Celine Dion, "Taking Chances"

7.5 out of 10
$10 / 750 ml. bottle
13.5% alc. by vol.
www.redwood.com

Behrens & Hitchcock Merlot

2003
Napa Valley
California

Would drink again.

This is not a budget wine. My aunt stopped by over the weekend on her way home from her high school reunion (while I was shuffling children to birthday parties so I'm sorry that I missed her) . She came bearing a Mother's Day gift for me - this wonderful bottle of wine. I shared it with my own mom, following a day of hiking. It was a nice way to end the day.

With a rich smokey scent, this full-bodied wine tasted more dry than sweet, with a nice smooth flavor balance of smokey cherries/plum and very little oak. The only slightly negative for me was the high alcohol content (15.2%). I think it would have been better if it was lower. But still, definitely enjoyable.

Every night that goes between
I feel a little less
As you slowly go away from me
This is only another test . . .

. . .So I try to say Goodbye my friend
I'd like to leave you with something warm
But never have I been a blue calm sea
I have always been a storm . . .

Fleetwood Mac, Storms

8.25 out of 10
$41.99 - $55 / 750 ml. bottle (cheapest to most expensive I found on-line)
15.2% alc. by vol.
Behrens & Hitchcock Winery, St. Helena, California

Chateau Andriet

2003
Bordeaux Superieur
France
75% Merlot / 25% Cabernet Franc

Will drink again.

I really enjoyed this full-bodied wine, though I don't remember much about it as it's been a week since I had it! I know it had a distinct flavor and I liked it on its own as well as with food. It was slightly earthy, but more herb-like (thyme especially).


At the age of 13, I don't believe I had quite the maturity level, nor vocabulary, as my first born child does at the same age. I am in awe of her abilities and wisdom. We struggle, she and I, but I love her so VERY much. The world is totally her oyster and I wish I had the power in myself at that age that she has.

This is hers:

"ROSE"

Bud opening its eyes for the very first time
Crimson petals soft as silk,
A beauty so rare.

Roots stretching their legs
Growing and spreading; never-ending,
Reaching down to the earth's fiery core.

Thorns jutting out in every direction
Screaming bone-chilling agony,
A disease spreading up and down its stem.

Dewdrops resting silently in its dark radiance
Crying for its magnificence,
A mystery within.




8.0 out of 10
$13 / 750 ml bottle

Contrastes

2003

Red Languedoc

Saint-Chinian

France

Would drink again.

Not bad, just not as full as I had hoped. It's bouquet was inviting and I thought it would be very good. It reminded me (in scent) of a Barossa Shiraz. But it was much lighter in taste than I had hoped. The flavor was good. It was earth and olives for me. It took on a spicey finish following a bite of pepperoni bread. Overall, enjoyable though not as I had anticipated following the scent.

I have made a new friend from France. I am excited as he has friends with vineyards and he knows I am partial to Merlot. He is going to gather some info for me and recommend a wine or two from a region whose wine is comprised mostly of Merlot grapes. So stay tuned.

No thoughts, no poems, just a good day with two of my girls resulting in another "song of the day". It was one of those days I dreamed about when they were younger, but didn't know if it would ever happen. We went clothes shopping, got ourselves some Starbuck's drinks and drove home with the radio blaring (one of my juvenile behaviors I've been unable to let go of when I hear a song I like), all three of us singing at the top of our lungs, looking at each other and laughing. Priceless. I like a lot of different kinds of music, but I always thought my children's tastes and mine would never coincide. However, they have been patient listening to my favorites, and I have done the same for them, and sometimes common ground is found - like today.

I've got a way of knowin' when something is right

I feel like I must have known you in another life

Cause I felt this deep connection, when you looked in my eyes

Now I can't wait to see you again

The last time I freaked out

I just kept lookin' down

I st-st-stuttered when you

Asked me what I'm thinkin 'bout

Felt like I couldn't breathe

You asked what's wrong with me

My best friend Leslie said, "Oh she's just being Miley"

The next time we hang out

I will redeem myself

My heart, it can rest 'till then

Oh woah woah I, I can't wait to see you again

"See You Again" - Miley Cyrus

8.0 out of 10

$12.99 / 750 ml. bottle

13% alc. by vol.

Donati Cabernet Sauvignon

2003

96% Cabernet Sauvignon / 4% Cabernet Franc

California

1,825 Cases Produced

This is not my post or "The Guy's", it comes from our friend "PasaRoblesCab" with my gratitude in absence of anything from myself or "The Guy".

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. Medium-bodied mouthfeel. It starts out much milder than I expected. It's mostly dark fruits, cherries and plums. Definitely not a fruit bomb. Medium fruits, medium body, moderate tannins Good dark fruit flavors (mostly cherry) and a tab bit of of licorice.The color is rich and dark.

You may want to let this wine breathe a little before drinking. Maybe let it decant for a while, The moderate tannins and full mouthfeel do a good job standing up against the alcohol.

This 2003 Cabernet reminded me of another wine I have enjoyed from Paso Robles: J Lohr. If you've enjoyed the Seven Oaks Cab from J Lohr, you will love the Donati Cab from Paso Robles. The nose is reminiscent of currant. It reminded me of being in the garden with my grandmother picking currents and eating more than I saved for fresh jam. The Donati Cab has a nice and smooth mouth, and it was a very pleasant wine with almonds as you can see from the pics they were freshly cracked by my 8 year old who just loves to be destructive.

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. I picked up hints of peppercorn, vanilla, and a slight bit of alcohol in the nose. There is a moderate amount of fruitiness, mainly black cherry and currant flavors. As it's pretty young, there is a slight tartness and you do taste some alcohol but it doesn’t overpower the wine. After decanting, the black cherry does come out a bit more to match the alcohol and the tartness dissipates making for a very satisfying wine. It is a mouthful, perhaps in a perfect world it could have used another couple months in Donati’s oak barrels, but it was very enjoyable. I think if cellared for a year or two it would be a knockout. Thats why I bought 3 cases to keep for my future. It makes me feel like I am saving for college tuition for the little one. Buy now at $30 or pay $80 later, with 1,800 cases shipped, get it while you can. This one is definately a keeper.

Submitted by PasaRoblesCab

15.3% Alcohol

$30-$40 / 750 ml bottle

http://www.donatifamilyvineyard.com/

Arrowood 2003 Chardonnay

Posting 1 of 4 related

I have a lot to post and am excited about my day yesterday and all four wines I had to drink last night (Thank you Uncle Bob)- yes four! I went from almost having no wine to drink in the last (2) weeks to having (4) different ones last night. I don't recommend anyone do that as it packed a huge punch which didn't catch up with me until I tried to lay down in bed. Luckily, I spent the night at my aunt and uncle's. And, in case that wasn't enough, Uncle Bob sent me home this morning with half a case from the wine cellar. I will have much to review in the next few weeks (though I must admit, not exactly "budget" material - but I do have enough of my own budget wine to throw in between the others so please keep checking back).

My wine-filled evening began after spending the day at my cousin's fiancee's wedding shower in New Jersey making cake and drinking champagne (this was a shower for close friends and direct family of the bride only, but my aunt graciously included me as she knows I love to bake). The shower was a great time - the mother of the bride is an artist and she had her beautiful paintings displayed throughout her home, as well as some interesting sculptures she does. Most of her paintings are of people, but there was a beautiful one of a vineyard in Italy that I just loved.

The bride-to-be's beautiful sister arranged for New York City artist and cake studio owner Elisa Strauss to teach us all how to make perfect cakes http://www.confetticakes.com/. This was such a great time. Elisa is so talented, sweet and extremely funny. I was so excited with all that I learned and how my cake came out (and everyone else's - especially my cousin's perfect bow with her "surgeon's hands" ! She is not a surgeon, she is an ER doc, but everyone kept mistaking her for a surgeon due to her flawless bow - and we did use surgical knives to perfect our cakes - care of Elisa's dad).

Are you ready for my cake??? Check it out.
















Yes! You can eat it. I couldn't wait to bring it home to my children. They couldn't believe it was real cake. It was the hardest thing (emotionally) to cut into it!!! It was absolutely delicious and so hard to see it go! I am SO eager to try this now on my own.

Ok, onto the first wine. I was unable to grab a picture before Uncle Bob had replaced it with a different bottle to accompany dinner. (The next three wines tasted during and following dinner will be reviewed sometime in the next few days.)







Sonoma County
Russian River Valley
California
2003


Would love to drink again if I could get my hands on more.

While waiting for dinner, Uncle Bob brought out Arrowood Chardonnay. It had wonderful fruit and oak aromas prior to tasting. The wine was rich, almost creamy, toasty oak and vanilla with an awesome mineral finish. I loved this Chardonnay. It was delicious on its own and accompanied simple mixed nuts well.

Robert Parker rated it an 89 in 2005 (I don't think he gave it justice - perhaps if he had it now it would rate better).

Thoughts brew over flames that dance and crack
The weight of weary days take their consecutive toll
Giving in to the warmth massaging my back
I relinquish to the fire that, for tonight, nourishes my soul

8.5 out of 10
14.1% alc. by vol.
$25.99 / 750 ml. bottle
http://www.arrowoodvineyards.com/

Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon

2003
North Coast
Sonoma County, California

Mikey D. - I do like your Dynamite. We do have similar taste. This is a little drier than I normally go for, but the flavor is very good. It's woodsey, smokey and blackberry. It is my wedding anniversary tonight and we never have red meat. But The Guy loves steak, so I bought the good stuff - no antibiotics, no hormone-fed cattle. Top Round steak it was and the Dynamite accompanied it well. Nice pairing. The Guy felt it tasted more expensive than its price.

I have no photo available, but the label by Stephen Ward is of Lake County's "Diamonds" - an Indian Chieftain is illustrated grieving over volcanic stones. The story on the back of the label goes like this: "According to folklore, the Moon wept when she could not be with her love, a Pomo Indian Chieftan. Her tears fell to earth, forming glistening shards. These semi-precious volcanic stones, found nowhere else, remind us that our home is unique." (Personally, having always had a feverous preoccupation for Chief CrazyHorse, this Civil War buff can identify with the moon. I am a white woman thrown over the back of a stallion by one of Crazy Horse's tribesmen and brought back to camp - Crazy Horse comes out to find me, hands tied, by the fire. He scolds his tribesmen for being so rough, unties my hands and takes me to his teepee - OK, wrong blog, sorry.)

And so, I raise my glass to the shards.

8.0 out of 10
13.9% by volume
$17.99 / 750 ml bottle
http://www.dynamitevineyards.com/

The Guy: As we go through the list of wines that The Gal and I have so enthusiastically sampled, I find a few "good" wines that deserve being set on a "I'd Drink that again" list, (note to self, make a short list). The Dynamite was one of those.

Say what you will about being able to find good wines under $10, or even $15. If I had the money and I had to choose between the Dynamite compared to a South Australia Red like Yellowtail Shiraz or Little Penguin Merlot, I'd go for the Dynamite. Much like Red, or The TURK ( A personal favorite of mine), Dynamite tasted like a more expensive wine.

Before starting this blog, the Gal and I routinely spent over $20 on a bottle of wine without thinking twice. We believed that the more expensive the wine, the better it should be. While that is true in a number of cases, I'd be hard pressed to tell you some of the $40 bottles we've had with friends are that much better than the $15/$16/$17 we continue to discover.

The same night we had Dynamite, we had another bottle of Gnarly Head Old Vine Zine ($10.99). A taste test comparison between the two wasn't even close. Yes, on it' s own, we liked Gnarly Head. But after sampling the Dynamite, the Gnarly just didn't measure up.

You'll find that experience to be common around the holidays as you spent time with friends and family sharing wines you bought, or they brought. It's part of the adventure. Just be sure to make Dynamite part of your adventure.

Thanksgiving Update: The following is my wine menu (Chardonnay to accompany appetizers of shrimp and "Bombay" cream cheese, curry, cranberry, coconut dip with stoned wheat crackers), Red Zin for the main meal and turkey (or Chardonnay for those guests who prefer white). I am hoping to also serve a Port with dessert (too many in my new favorite wine store - I was getting dizzy reading labels). Will keep you posted.

2005 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, NAPA
2006 Roux Pere & Fils Macon-Villages Chardonnay, France
2002 Turley Red Zin, Juvenile
2005 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zin, LODI

Hopkins Vineyard Cabernet Franc

2003
Litchfield, CT

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week and now today I'm posting twice. I've been tasting wines but haven't had much time. I also have a Gwerztraminer to review here and I will be enjoying a French Syrah tonight. Hopefully I will get those posted in the next couple of days.

The Guy and I taste-tested this Cabernet Franc at a wine and bread tasting event last week. We both enjoyed this very much. When I was on-line looking for a label to insert above, I read a review by a guy who is always in search of a decent Connecticut Vineyard red. He's been to many vineyards in the United States, and especially loves the pastoral settings and wines of Paso Robles wineries. He was very impressed with Hopkins Vineyard and said it reminded him a lot of the Paso Robles settings. He enjoyed all of the whites, but said he was completely disappointed with this red.

I found it to be medium to full bodied, lighter on the fruit and spice than I usually prefer, but there was a real nice earthy finish that I liked very much. I recommend it. The Vineyard recommends it be served with any of the following: grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, flank steak, blue cheese, or French Onion Soup.

"Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy."
--- Alexander Fleming (1881-1955)

8.0 out of 10
$17.95 / 750 ml bottle
http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/

Coppo Barbera D'Asti 2003 and Chateau Lauriol 2003

Double whammy tonight. I only have a picture of the French (at right). The review follows the Italian wine review.

Dormers, cedar shingles, stone walls, warm wood intermingled with white paint.
How I wish it could be mine.
It stands empty, windows exposed, curtainless.
Simple yet classic, it still calls to me - I dream it's willing to wait.
The day I find it occupied.
I know my heart will break.
Another place, another time.
I try to keep the faith,
and enjoy my wine.


Coppo Barbera D'Asti Pomorosso
2003
Piedmont, Italy

Might drink again.

The Italian. I have no photo of this wine as I had it tonight in town at a restaurant. The bouquet was heady and earthy and I thought it would be fabulous. It was good initially and then weakened (on its own). Following a bite of potato gnocci with roasted chicken, the wine's flavor seemed to strengthen. I did enjoy it in the end. But it was still slightly weaker than it's smell.

I have no other specifics on this wine other than the name and region. I did not see the bottle. If the pricing I found on-line is accurate, it is not worth the price.

7.75 out of 10
$62.99 / 750 ml bottle (So not worth the price if this is accurate)

2nd Review:

Chateau Lauriol
2003
Bordeaux Cotes de France

Won't drink again, but not really all that bad.

The French. This wine was, as The Guy noted right off the bat, "chalky". The dryness was right there and it left a Kaopectate feeling in the mouth. Not exactly enjoyable. I did not find it as offensive as The Guy did. It's bouquet was slightly earthy and fruity. I thought it would be wonderful. The first taste immediately started with the chalkiness, but it diminished with a slight cherry finish. Just not enough to keep me interested.

7.25 out of 10
$9.99 / 750 ml bottle
13.5% alc. by vol.

Campus Oaks - LODI 2003 Old Vine Zinfandel

Way back in 1993, my future father-in-law started my introduction to the finer side of wines, especially reds. That was the year of my wedding, and the year of the finest Clos du Bois Merlot. Thus began my appreciation and preference for Merlots. Over the years, unfortunate financial events paired with a separation of sorts from my father-in-law, have led to the demise of my pursuing higher end wines. However, a superb uncle of mine continues to introduce me to the best of the best, and has taught me that one does NOT need to spend a small fortune to enjoy good wine. Although I have yet to encounter a red that effects me like the 1993 Clos du Bois Merlot, I have enjoyed many adventures with various reds, especially when paired with certain foods. I wish to keep a diary of sorts on my experiences with less expensive purchases as I continue to seek out a superb experience. And so I begin:

Saturday, March 24, 2007
Campus Oaks
Old Vine Zinfandel
LODI 2003
Cost: $13.99/bottle

Would Buy Again

The first glass I poured while preparing dinner. It had a nice flavor, and I especially liked the finish. I figured on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being fabulous) it was about a 5. I then poured another glass with dinner and it became a 7. The flavor was enhanced with the menu of baked ziti, rosemary tuscan loaf, and baby green salad with pignolia nuts.

Gnekow Family Winery
Collegeville, CA
http://www.gnekowwinery.com/

Merlotsoul