Foxen Cuvee

2006
Cuvee Jeanne Marie
Williamson-Dore Vineyard
Santa Ynez Valley, CA

I SO LOVED THIS WINE!!!!!!!! An awesome blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, this was, by far, my favorite wine of many this Easter. As a matter of fact, so far, in 2009, this IS my favorite wine of the year. It will definitely be on my 2009 top list at the end of the year. This was so good I had to skip all the other wines I've tried this last week and just get this posted.

Foxen tasted fantastic on its own, and with our Easter meal. My brother and I were uncertain as to what wine we should have with our mom's herb-roasted pork roast. We had a French syrah, an Italian red and this Cuvee left to bring. We brought the Cuvee and had the French with appetizers (which BTW was good - later review).

Upon first mouth full, I exclaimed that it was surprisingly "sweet". After a few minutes I was able to isolate that sweetness as more of a spicy CLOVE. Awesome. It was slightly smokey, baking spice sweet, and very smooth. I so want a case!! But this was my brother's budget, not mine! It's not cheap. I definitely hope to buy some before the end of this year. HIGHLY recommend it!! It was full-bodied and I think would accompany red meats or "out-of-the-ordinary" meats well. Probably would be awesome with grilled red meat.

You will notice below the higher than usual alcohol content - I would have never known it. My brother and I were amazed that we weren't snockered. It was oh so smooth and tasty.

9.0 out of 10
$37 / 750 ml bottle
15.7% alc. by vol.

La Massa Toscana

2006
Red Tuscan
Italy

Full-bodied, dry, with dark cherry, oak and herb flavors and a nice finish.

My brother is home - YAY! Life is good. He brought (8) wonderful reds to try: (4) Italian, (2) French, (2) Californian. We tried (1) bottle of the La Massa Toscana last night, but we didn't have it with the right meal (we had a honey baked ham and sweet potatoes - a bottle of Mom's Red Diamond Cab however, accompanied the ham surprisingly well). I am holding off on giving the Toscana a proper review until this evening. It's home-made pizza night and I've got some wonderful crushed tomatoes and freeze-dried oregano that I'm going to "sauce up". I've got the first batch of dough in process. We're going to make FOUR apizzas and taste test the Toscana again, plus we are decanting a Monsanto Chianti Classico.

Right now we are off for a STEEP hike in the rain - got to work up our appetites - for food, wine and a warm fire! :)

Update:
The Toscana was good, but not a great accompaniment to plain cheese pizza. It went much better with our "adult" pizza of fresh mozzarella, sauteed mushrooms and red pepper, and grilled Italian red and green pepper chicken sausage. It was also good all on its own.

I actually enjoyed the Montsano Chianti Classico ( separate review) much more with the pizza, and also with aged Quebec cheddar and Kashi whole grain crackers.

Wine Spectator rating of 93

8.0 out of 10
$24 / 750 ml. bottle
14% alc. by vol.

Menage A Trois

A Blend (my favorite) - Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
NAPA
2007

Full bodied, smooth and fruit-bomb filled.

Last week, my boss and I went out to lunch and I had a glass of this. I simply loved it. In retrospect, it was probably too heavy for lunch as I was feeling it for a couple of hours afterwards. But I felt good for the first time in awhile. :) So, when we hit Houlihan's (my current favorite franchise) again this week, I didn't hesitate to order it again. I handled it a bit better today as I had consumed more of a breakfast earlier in the day. Full bodied and fruit-bomb filled, it is so warm going down. And there was indeed a finish for me (I've read others' reviews indicating otherwise). And it's under $13. It's a good deal. Both times I've had it with grilled salmon. Loved it alone more, but it accompanies grilled meats well.

I purchased a bottle tonight for The Guy to try. He likes "peppery" in his reds, I do not. He missed the pepper. I didn't.

8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$12.99/750 ml. bottle
menageatroiswines.com

Peter Lehmann Shiraz

2005
Barossa
Australia


It calmed my frazzled state in one swallow with a hint of oak and a wee bit of smoke, and a lasting finish.

I loved this wine. It was rich in color and big in cherry flavor with a soothing warm sensation going down. I would highly recommend it, especially for the price. Cellar recommendations are now through 2015.

Accompaniment to beef, poultry, curry dishes and chocolate! I had it alone and with semi-sweet dark chocolate and LOVED it both ways.

(Wine Spectator gave it a 91.)

8.25 out of 10
$14 / 750 ml bottle (have seen it for $12)
14.5% alc. by vol.

GPD09

No wine blog tonight, in honor of GPD09:

On Twitter, I just came across Gary Vaynerchuk's Good People Day just in time to post before April 3rd ends. I love his idea of posting GOOD things about GOOD people in lieu of all the bad news out there in media land. I don't know if my blog follows the rules exactly, as this kid seems to be doing all right with positive media attention, but I wanted to write about him anyway. I first heard about McKay Hatch on National Public Radio. He is a young boy who believes in no swearing. I was SO happy and proud of him for not only choosing the high road in his own life, but encouraging others to do the same. He is a real inspiration for positive change. Please see the link below about the club he started and has successfully launched and grown.

I have 3 children and am trying to raise them to act respectfully and classey in a really disrespectful, unclassey world of late. I can't take them to the movies or even the grocery store without profanity being overheard or blatantly used. I am so sick of the "F" bomb being dropped like it's the word "and". It's disheartening and offensive. So, on a positive note, I want to do my part to bring even more attention to McKay. And, what an awesome idea Gary started. May next year be the biggest Good People Day ever.

http://www.nocussing.com/aboutncc.html


For a link to Gary's idea:

garyvaynerchuk.com/post/92643534/good-people-day-2009

Newman's Own Cabernet Sauvignon

2006
NAPA, CA

Might drink again, but would probably not seek it out.

My boss gave me a bottle of this to try. Although I've been curious to try it for awhile, I wasn't in a big hurry. But it was handed to me so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I have loved Paul Newman from the day I watched him in "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid". I was pretty young then, but he had an effect on me. I have enjoyed many of his products and am in awe of the money his line has earned for charity over the years. I cried the day he died because he was just one of the few actors who managed to stay classy (and still very sexy) and devoted to his wife and family. He never gave in to the "Hollywood" way of life. He stayed true to himself, and kept his privacy. So, I hate to say anything even slightly negative about his label.

However, the wine was OK. A bit on the "grapey" side, it had an ever so slight hint of woodsey vanilla (something I usually do like), but just not enough to carry it. It completely disappeared into what I thought to be a weak, watery "finish". But, I must say, I did like it better the next day - it took on a licorice and Kalamata Olive taste, and seemed to have a bit of that flavor lingering for a brief finish.

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

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Wine.com is running a special through midnight 3/18/09 only - buck a bottle shipping. If interested, click on the link on the left. Cheers!

I just ordered Clos de la Siete 2007 Super Red and Peter Lehman 2005 Shiraz - check back for the reviews over the next week.

Carmenere

2007
Root 1
Colchagua Valley, Chile

For the price, this is a good buy.

Carmenere = "The lost grape of Bordeaux" - part of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, it is more commonly found now in Chile.


Nice crimson color with a spicey blackberry flavor and a sort of herb-like beef bouillion finish. An all-over pleasant tasting wine. I am a fan of Root 1's Cabernet Sauvignon as well. This is more "merlot-like" and, as a merlot fan, I like it very much.

"But it feels like losing when someone you love throws you away . . . "
Ryan Adams, "Fix It"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si14rmNJcvA

8.25 of out 10
14% alc. by vol.
$10 / 750 bottle
root1wine.com

PHANTOM

2005
Bogle Vineyards
Petite Sirah, Old Vine Zinafandel & Old Vine Mourvedre Blend

The 2004 Phantom was one of my absolute favorites. I've been wanting to try the 2005 since October. On a whim, and hoping for a little uplift, I went right for purchasing it this evening. The clerk told me with boastful confidence that I'd made a wise choice. I told him I was extremely partial to the smokiness of the 2004. He told me I wouldn't be disappointed with the 2005. Well, unfortunately, I was. Although it had decent flavor, it had lost its fantastic individuality that the 2004 owned. It was a good wine, slightly peppery, a fairly good finish, but tasted a bit too much like any other, and no real smoky punch. The 2004 was a much better buy. Hopefully, you bought some and stashed it. Cause that's all folks.

8.0 out of 10
$21 / 750 ml. bottle
14.5% alc. by vol.
boglewinery.com

FAVORITE WINES OF 2008

Frederick Cooper's "A Glass of Wine Waiting"

A few days turn into a few weeks, but here, finally, is my list of top wines The Guy and I enjoyed throughout 2008. I must say, the majority are not budget material so I do apologize. But at least, if you find you've got some extra to spend, you know you're not wasting it (although I do realize your opinion may not be the same as mine).

I couldn't limit my top choices to only (5). A few more deserved mention for really grabbing my interest. No surprise that Australia kept me coming back.

PINOT GRIGIO
Terre di Tufi, San Gimignano, Italy, 2003
Thank You to The Bro for yet another wonderful wine experience and visit.
(you can find this review in my September 2008 post)

CHARDONNAY
Kistler, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA #18222, 2005 (Exp. over $50)
Yet another Thank You to Uncle Bob for making it possible for us to experience the finer side of wine.
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Clos du Bois, Sonoma County, CA 2006
(I couldn't find where I'd reviewed the 2006, but I think it may have actually been back in my 2007 posts. This is a wine that I go back to year to year {especially in summer, or with creamy, garlic pasta dishes and shrimp or lemon sole or creamy chicken dishes}. The 2006 is not so readily available now and I find I have to ask for it if I really want it. It's funny how I am always told proudly by the wine merchant that they do have the 2007. HUGE difference, to me, in taste and quality - what a difference a year can make in a vineyard. I don't bother with the 2007 - cherished mineral notes found in the 2006 are missing in the 2007)

CABERNET
Justin Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA 2006
(you can find this in my November 2008 post)
This was especially good at Christmas with prosciutto and fontina cheese phyllo appetizers.

SHIRAZ
Two Hands Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Australia 2005 (Exp. over $40)
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Angel's Share, McLaren Vale, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my October 2008 post)

A Thank You to Pasa Robles for providing the opportunity for us to experience the above two wines.

MOST PROMISING FOR FUTURE ENJOYMENT (2010 - 2012) - Buy Now
Passing Clouds, Reserve Shiraz, Bendigo, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my December 2008 post)

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir

2007
California

No pictures as my camera is, once again, broken. It got dropped and it's not worth the cost of fixing. :(


Christmas was a bit of a bust as The Bro had to leave rather than stay the weekend. Unfortunately, his pipes froze and burst back home in upstate NY and, as a result, the entire place where he lives was knocked out of water on Christmas Eve. So we had all this wine we shopped for and thought we could take our time enjoying, and he had to leave. :( He left me with much of the wine and I intend to comment on a few soon.

In addition, I will be posting my top five wines for 2008 in the next few days.

Tonight I went to a cozy little tavern for a church meeting with two other church members. Only they both didn't show, and when I called I got answering machines. At this point, the waitress had already poured (3) glasses of water and brought out olives and olive oil and bread. So, I felt I needed to order and stay anyway. Luckily, I had paper and pen and kept myself occupied.

I had difficulty deciding on scallops with portabella mushroom, fried breaded tomato and spinach, and a rich Chardonnay, or Ahi pan-seared sesame-encrusted tuna over a bed of seaweed salad, and Mr. Mondavi's Private Selection Pinot Noir. I chose the latter based on my diet lately (no meat, dairy, fried foods, sugar, white flour, etc.).

I am not a fan of Mondavi wines. I don't even give them a second glance. However, I thought the Private Selection might not be so ordinary, and I thought a Pinot would accompany my tuna better than a heavier Merlot or Cab. I chose wisely. The tuna tasted like a steak following a swallow of wine. It was a nice pairing. On it's own, the wine probably would have been passable. But it worked up to the dimension of "good" with the tuna.

Big cherry scent and flavor, with a hint of vanilla. A bit weak in taste on its own, but I didn't expect a big flavor from a Pinot Noir. Good match with tuna.

For another take on this wine, visit:

mikethewineguy.blogspot.com/2007/01/tn-robert-mondavi-private-selection.html


7.75 out of 10
$10 / 750 ml. bottle
Alcohol content unknown

EARTHQUAKE CAB

2003
LODI Appellation
California

Not a budget wine - Holiday SPLURGE.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - OR AT LEAST A MOVING REVELATION

Check out my Christmas wine list on the left. My dear brother is home for Christmas and we went wine shopping tonight. It was so incredibly fun to go into a wine store and, each of us with our baskets, load up. We perused each aisle carefully, commenting to one another from across the room, occasionally asking advice of the "salesman", weighing our options, the menu, the days ahead and selecting. A cherished memory for the back of my mind. :)

The Bro purchased Earthquake Cab for tonight and we decided, as it was late, to just buy hors d'oeuvres for dinner. We had spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese in phyllo), beef wrapped in bacon and scallops wrapped in bacon. I tried each, but stuck with the spanakopita as the scallops were not good accompanied by the wine, and beef isn't my thing, and bacon is just TROUBLE. The Earthquake was good with the beef, and the spanakopita. As may have been guessed, the scallops were not good with the wine.

On it's own, the wine's scent was intoxicating for me. I could have hovered over it forever in bliss. Upon initial tasting, I immediately tasted eucalyptus. It later tasted smokey, jammy and peppery (more peppery with the beef). I enjoyed it immensely.



$32 / 750 bottle
8.25 out of 10
15.5% alc. by vol.