tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84292319850776334522024-03-18T23:08:29.446-04:00Wine, Food and Fun with the Lumpy One...jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.comBlogger1406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-87207081974780097702024-03-17T19:48:00.003-04:002024-03-17T19:48:49.667-04:002021 Inspire Moore Winery "Change" Blaufrankisch<p>Happy St. Patrick's Day! Of course having just a bit of Irish in my heritage, I still use this holiday as an excuse to stink up my house with aromas of corned beef and cabbage, because it's so delicious! But what wine to serve with it? I'll admit my usual go to is a nice dry rose, but I didn't have any available, this being technically still winter, so I've decided to open a wine I picked up in the Finger Lakes of New York on my summer vacation. The 2021 Inspire Moore Winery "Change" Blaufrankisch is a pure example of the varietal, that they espouse as their go to wine for barbecue (and I don't disagree) but let's see how it stands up to corned beef!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRr4yvHDpkpqv6Jt8oaJJGKyYcMGOY3uo6MBNT8JtcohZrZur1Jt3QWpS5HZvZJYms4RghO1ew3j8S-1OD_RQFNmz6vlzoZGoAR9R8T2Wnvg_MrnPO74XDdElS6FstK93RaiLmbaWHJ3B8YeSFLIehFTFgFB9CyOizRYF-X3k4teLeG5HhwSfbBCggY4/s2016/IMG_1912%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Inspire Moore Winery "Change" Blaufrankisch" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRr4yvHDpkpqv6Jt8oaJJGKyYcMGOY3uo6MBNT8JtcohZrZur1Jt3QWpS5HZvZJYms4RghO1ew3j8S-1OD_RQFNmz6vlzoZGoAR9R8T2Wnvg_MrnPO74XDdElS6FstK93RaiLmbaWHJ3B8YeSFLIehFTFgFB9CyOizRYF-X3k4teLeG5HhwSfbBCggY4/w300-h400/IMG_1912%20(2).jpg" title="2021 Inspire Moore Winery "Change" Blaufrankisch" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a very light garnet color in the glass, edging ever so close to rose, but still distinctly red. A gentle swirl reveals aromas of earthy tar, strawberry, sweet cherry and smoky oak. Take a sip and you are treated to a rush of tart cherry, oak and a bit of funk that transitions easily to some notes of dusty limestone and earth midpalate. The tannins are ever so smooth, aiding the soft dry finish with a reprise of acidity at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSVOV2vNHjEuvVxVHjSY9c9fmJRtnokt7KKVpkONPb1QwyghyphenhyphenaZqSIgMAMnwQ3v5hXA8xrM4f6LaIqNc6S3vhSb90kOyQeXvgLCRbgfh4WkyKXsQot1cULuXRsitiz66iu2bada4pqwFOOCqyy3HsajahKL4YfG4j3VzBd3sqBTQXXlmYFrfpvrleo3M/s1512/IMG_1913%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots" border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSVOV2vNHjEuvVxVHjSY9c9fmJRtnokt7KKVpkONPb1QwyghyphenhyphenaZqSIgMAMnwQ3v5hXA8xrM4f6LaIqNc6S3vhSb90kOyQeXvgLCRbgfh4WkyKXsQot1cULuXRsitiz66iu2bada4pqwFOOCqyy3HsajahKL4YfG4j3VzBd3sqBTQXXlmYFrfpvrleo3M/w400-h400/IMG_1913%20(2).jpg" title="Corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's an ideal light red wine for a St. Patrick's day dinner, that's also a pleasant departure from the standard fare of Pinot Noir. This wine would be excellent with barbecue, burgers, tacos or pizza, the perfect midweek wine and it was a terrific value at just $20. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my traditional corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-85587022061543689212024-03-16T20:33:00.006-04:002024-03-16T20:33:52.965-04:002018 Vallée des Aigles IGP Côtes Catalanes Carignan<p>Happy Saturday! I was planning to do yard work today, but it was too windy to get the leaf blower out, so instead I decided to build my raised garden bed and dig around the foundation of the shed and fill it with river rock to help drainage. So a productive day of hard work and now I'm ready for a nice meal and glass of wine. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2018 Vallée des Aigles IGP Côtes Catalanes Carignan that I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out. Carignan is mainly used as a blending grape with Southern Rhone blends, and I think this is the first time I've tried the single varietal. This wine was made from fruit harvested from 60-100 year old vines in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France near the Spanish border and the Mediterranean. So, let's see how this wine is tasting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmTytDCU4R7RLU4qsG3djMzyPDAOBVUwqMlfjhy5QNNG0UEUJsSbUbEnv_wK1EeHQa6LWl4twTcaX_VnrQ27NZlYWMND66ffPURKc-OhNW6QHyZ_u4gpBoIL2aikC6Hs48ayY-E3tKDSUyT5PWiL6Qw-c9f8rGdkIVWNHXGyYM2S4WXlB5FCrQx4Y5hA/s2016/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Vallée des Aigles IGP Côtes Catalanes Carignan" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmTytDCU4R7RLU4qsG3djMzyPDAOBVUwqMlfjhy5QNNG0UEUJsSbUbEnv_wK1EeHQa6LWl4twTcaX_VnrQ27NZlYWMND66ffPURKc-OhNW6QHyZ_u4gpBoIL2aikC6Hs48ayY-E3tKDSUyT5PWiL6Qw-c9f8rGdkIVWNHXGyYM2S4WXlB5FCrQx4Y5hA/w300-h400/IMG_1908.jpg" title="2018 Vallée des Aigles IGP Côtes Catalanes Carignan" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, somewhat reminiscent of a nice Cabernet. A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of sweet cherry, raspberry and aged leather, with soft floral undertones. Take a sip and you're palate is awash in sweet fruit, cherry, raspberry and currant, that has acidity that at first blush makes you think of sweet-tarts candy, but then the taste evolves into some rich minerality and white pepper spice, before the smooth tannins kick in for added complexity on the long dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOSAAbbtjLCOch0yj_-xBJxCVd28X4Fs204BjpTpRgjJoDE-gUNAqqzgDnJKTnNlmxqrrkf3NI1VuAO4xvfZNUYU0wBry5wqPe3pY-Nef4xbi0wvDFhPfeWMaWUt5xAhRF_IGSivsF7Ugf0mLZBGlvrTGdNkIcWVHaU7pjaft41Cv9o3fyY1K9IHlMZI/s1512/IMG_1909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sesame crusted tuna steak topped with sunflower sprouts, steamed rice and broccoli, with a citrus wasabi dipping sauce" border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOSAAbbtjLCOch0yj_-xBJxCVd28X4Fs204BjpTpRgjJoDE-gUNAqqzgDnJKTnNlmxqrrkf3NI1VuAO4xvfZNUYU0wBry5wqPe3pY-Nef4xbi0wvDFhPfeWMaWUt5xAhRF_IGSivsF7Ugf0mLZBGlvrTGdNkIcWVHaU7pjaft41Cv9o3fyY1K9IHlMZI/w400-h400/IMG_1909.jpg" title="Sesame crusted tuna steak topped with sunflower sprouts, steamed rice and broccoli, with a citrus wasabi dipping sauce" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a surprisingly pleasant expression of a varietal that happily lives in the background. This wine was also a terrific value at just $14 (I wish I'd bought more!). This wine would pair well with hearty lamb dishes, beef stew or hearty pasta dishes. Tonight, I am taking a bold departure and enjoying this wine with a sesame crusted tuna steak topped with sunflower sprouts, steamed rice and broccoli, with a citrus wasabi dipping sauce. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-73332341132708373352024-03-13T18:01:00.001-04:002024-03-13T18:01:23.294-04:002022 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir<p>Happy Wine Wednesday! I know I didn't have a chance to post over the past week or so, but now I have a chance mid-week! Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir. As a proud shareholder of Willamette Valley Vineyards, it's always a pleasure to open a bottle, which in this case I found at my local Costco last weekend. So, let's see how this wine is tasting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCE0iIOxbHxhzIqLfJ_jyQoWUL6s3Jttd0Jh2brNkd6mORjc4CQMGI193fVGRzueQer9bf-X3c7rLWOukGrFJLbHGWzyHvTwlqK2Ao8womp6L2U3lrHre7Gd5_MMAE2Lq66eEbioI8i_NCdGTTOF08WjD2oRIKPn18oa0uYiWx8jM5eeYir6j7rIpRTY/s2016/IMG_1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCE0iIOxbHxhzIqLfJ_jyQoWUL6s3Jttd0Jh2brNkd6mORjc4CQMGI193fVGRzueQer9bf-X3c7rLWOukGrFJLbHGWzyHvTwlqK2Ao8womp6L2U3lrHre7Gd5_MMAE2Lq66eEbioI8i_NCdGTTOF08WjD2oRIKPn18oa0uYiWx8jM5eeYir6j7rIpRTY/w300-h400/IMG_1901.jpg" title="2022 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Pinot. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, blackberry and plum amid earthy leather and a hint of oak. The first sip is rush or ripe red fruit, raspberry, cherry and currant that evolve to some notes of warm pepper spice and just a bit of funk midpalate. The tannins are subdued, but offer a velvety smooth dry finish with a reprise of cherry.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXEfC9Hdf3SpMlwclmf0IGeITHGHmYCOc4J0YmPOdFfAhR6S0_UosFq5DQ6GX2BKUXKq0IPKPtSqpsDWk6zM6ZU2LE9XnLfUUQ_1NzKqoKa0_vWCY96XWIdtFsg3RcTKLZ7KHjHcgkFOVEmWnwMyecnQEQzC5emuI-9WWlnmx6BwLn6928ysBlmHvDYo/s1596/IMG_1894%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tomato and mozzarella ravioli with Italian sausage marinara" border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXEfC9Hdf3SpMlwclmf0IGeITHGHmYCOc4J0YmPOdFfAhR6S0_UosFq5DQ6GX2BKUXKq0IPKPtSqpsDWk6zM6ZU2LE9XnLfUUQ_1NzKqoKa0_vWCY96XWIdtFsg3RcTKLZ7KHjHcgkFOVEmWnwMyecnQEQzC5emuI-9WWlnmx6BwLn6928ysBlmHvDYo/w379-h400/IMG_1894%20(1).jpg" title="Tomato and mozzarella ravioli with Italian sausage marinara" width="379" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking nicely right now, but might improve a bit over the course of the next year. This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from salmon and seared tuna, to pasta or wild mushroom risotto. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an easy mid-week dish of tomato and mozzarella ravioli with some Italian sausage marinara. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-32007215461758012512024-03-03T20:29:00.001-05:002024-03-03T20:29:17.035-05:002018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru<p>Happy Sunday! I finally had at least a few hours to relax this afternoon, but then laundry, rehearsals and other chores broke into my day. At least now I am ready for a nice glass of wine and a good Sunday dinner! Tonight I've opened a nice Bordeaux, the 2018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out. This wine is a blend of Merlot (73%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc (4%), so let's see how it's tasting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuqNB7hSim_Aad6sn-LNpaMy4gpYmmSGTqJq3pySg-6SV5qG3WXmnqiWG7m08oGsqqw_-PI8SF_QY0bpwtltNxZe5D1iXoJhly71lnsP6tfjVPzSp-y-e1zj0ptS52ndh87EJzlh8WIHglUaCP0vEkPrNDtrg7AQ7yL4EcFFV41vhJkJvF-9BJbSfub8/s2016/IMG_1866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuqNB7hSim_Aad6sn-LNpaMy4gpYmmSGTqJq3pySg-6SV5qG3WXmnqiWG7m08oGsqqw_-PI8SF_QY0bpwtltNxZe5D1iXoJhly71lnsP6tfjVPzSp-y-e1zj0ptS52ndh87EJzlh8WIHglUaCP0vEkPrNDtrg7AQ7yL4EcFFV41vhJkJvF-9BJbSfub8/w300-h400/IMG_1866.jpg" title="2018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity, just as you'd expect from this Bordeaux appellation. The nose presents aromas of black cherry, sage and undertones of lavender and oak. The taste is a subdued affair, with some calming red berry fruit of raspberry and currant up front that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and tart cherry midpalate. The tannins are well suited for this classic Bordeaux, providing for a finish that's so dry you hardly notice it before reaching for another sip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0Z3KhYgdWUpfhnfTfbXtuyi0d_scx-qYQTZ9KTmWSJ9SM32pRPgKP8-Z-0E6vmIED8KmaKT0gaunUX8uBz-zRgi7Ar7D8Km252-uCNcaj_Uv16KbL5AI0Wl01jb_-SHtmlmHTlLvI5LrWu0yU4Gv8ZKlyITu9XOvFrUN0QynTWrkUz0ZFOh2R3o8JS4/s1566/IMG_1870%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wild mushroom risotto topped with some fresh pea tendrils" border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0Z3KhYgdWUpfhnfTfbXtuyi0d_scx-qYQTZ9KTmWSJ9SM32pRPgKP8-Z-0E6vmIED8KmaKT0gaunUX8uBz-zRgi7Ar7D8Km252-uCNcaj_Uv16KbL5AI0Wl01jb_-SHtmlmHTlLvI5LrWu0yU4Gv8ZKlyITu9XOvFrUN0QynTWrkUz0ZFOh2R3o8JS4/w386-h400/IMG_1870%20(1).jpg" title="Wild mushroom risotto topped with some fresh pea tendrils" width="386" /></a></div><p></p><p>I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking classic Bordeaux at a terrific price of just $23. This wine would pair well with classic hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised lamb shank or moules frites. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a lovely wild mushroom risotto topped with some fresh pea tendrils. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-82513924608122673792024-03-02T18:41:00.001-05:002024-03-02T18:41:13.741-05:002014 Arbor Bench Meritage<p>Happy Saturday, of note, the first Saturday of the new month, which means it Cellar Saturday! This is the magical day where I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought a couple months ago from Wines Till Sold Out. The 2014 Arbor Bench Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (32%) and Malbec (30%) from the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. Let's see how this wine is shaping up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bHjxP5r2x4a4yWeflMF18pmUFyxoKZGWlRV7Axb8DLzrU_Sx-EAJlnTQdoFchs70kRXsjYtuofBcmRjGSjgFoVS3q-i37aTnGzW7wmJY3Opm-ghUvneL9GL0ll0KaLh6I8EabDIP_R7ETjkx5uyuUrD-i4M1igIJbfbjazTI5wEpV2icl4DJcmO51-Y/s2016/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2014 Arbor Bench Meritage" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bHjxP5r2x4a4yWeflMF18pmUFyxoKZGWlRV7Axb8DLzrU_Sx-EAJlnTQdoFchs70kRXsjYtuofBcmRjGSjgFoVS3q-i37aTnGzW7wmJY3Opm-ghUvneL9GL0ll0KaLh6I8EabDIP_R7ETjkx5uyuUrD-i4M1igIJbfbjazTI5wEpV2icl4DJcmO51-Y/w300-h400/IMG_1858.jpg" title="2014 Arbor Bench Meritage" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect with these three varietals. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, vanilla bean and dusty limestone with hints of violet undertones. The first sip is rush of tart cherry that eases into some notes of blackberry jam, toasted oak and peppery spice midpalate. The tannins are quote chewy, but still capable as the backbone for the lingering dry finish with a reprise of cherry at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPDZ0iGy0QUeTquocrlwiajxKDOB-4gw1l70HP6FhcosWj_6_zMo2zAE56Iu0-PD8jN9jjPOCCim7nuQq4ex37ONttkgPM9z3rhgqpw0k6E61RB3mJuxrR_5Y1UK6ZY1eJAL2bfcvwuriYxUmptS0UeYfqRH8XMfis1vk4TbMwFm_KMgmaUO5FTMj3B8/s1549/IMG_1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared ribcap topped with sunflower sprouts, with broccoli rabe and asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with linguine" border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPDZ0iGy0QUeTquocrlwiajxKDOB-4gw1l70HP6FhcosWj_6_zMo2zAE56Iu0-PD8jN9jjPOCCim7nuQq4ex37ONttkgPM9z3rhgqpw0k6E61RB3mJuxrR_5Y1UK6ZY1eJAL2bfcvwuriYxUmptS0UeYfqRH8XMfis1vk4TbMwFm_KMgmaUO5FTMj3B8/w390-h400/IMG_1859.jpg" title="Pan seared ribcap topped with sunflower sprouts, with broccoli rabe and asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with linguine" width="390" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully satisfying blend that will no doubt pair well with a variety of dishes. This wine would pair well with hearty braised short ribs, spicy barbecue or classic steaks. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribcap topped with sunflower sprouts, along with some broccoli rabe and asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with linguine. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-8220190045707241462024-02-25T19:24:00.002-05:002024-02-25T19:24:41.395-05:002019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru<p>Happy Sunday! Well, since it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I explore a recipe that once graced the dining cars of some of the classic trains of the 20th Century. Tonight, I've once again decided to go with a nice Bordeaux with my dinner and I've opened a bottle of 2019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that I purchased from Wines Till Sold Out. This wine is a blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) hand harvested from 45-year-old vines. Let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElZt6G2aAJIr_d-SteIJXcitRhdlHuMNmk9x_yZb_XxayyYzJx89K7X7oSB33iv4dV5uRTZxdU2DIKCaOH_uEvukFA7kpv3MHmoXVxgIohRzjAfQwyHL6DZ6cZXhD8wdwxsLHSLTAPncS0oXLdG6q_g4oXr0Rt1I6gn175ehZY_VZ-81iOpKKoZqD8Vs/s2016/IMG_1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElZt6G2aAJIr_d-SteIJXcitRhdlHuMNmk9x_yZb_XxayyYzJx89K7X7oSB33iv4dV5uRTZxdU2DIKCaOH_uEvukFA7kpv3MHmoXVxgIohRzjAfQwyHL6DZ6cZXhD8wdwxsLHSLTAPncS0oXLdG6q_g4oXr0Rt1I6gn175ehZY_VZ-81iOpKKoZqD8Vs/w300-h400/IMG_1847.jpg" title="2019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot heavy blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum, with undertones of espresso, cedar and classic Bordeaux funk. Take a sip and you are immediately awash in tart cherry fruit that quickly eases into some sweeter notes of plum and blackberry, before transitioning to some notes of dusty limestone and green cedar midpalate. The tannins are nicely structured to provide the base for a long, smooth dry finish that is classic old world.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizLCI06x10NFzD473G_WWgt_avV-cSn0PODQdLgFshrsMh2KROip_aje26I-F8nhYAEu9o-Vzurc5z_p7R7xRSPzjXpdwE6CXWDTFRDg9L2RfIOECdv4iHXOCUj-whz2O4ooS7EYC7_PGKYVPiqmE8fcfEiqlK1Vgal7WJniE_3pk9N9sORJmu3NlOFg/s2016/IMG_1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="B&O Railroad Corn Bread Pie" border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="2016" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizLCI06x10NFzD473G_WWgt_avV-cSn0PODQdLgFshrsMh2KROip_aje26I-F8nhYAEu9o-Vzurc5z_p7R7xRSPzjXpdwE6CXWDTFRDg9L2RfIOECdv4iHXOCUj-whz2O4ooS7EYC7_PGKYVPiqmE8fcfEiqlK1Vgal7WJniE_3pk9N9sORJmu3NlOFg/w400-h261/IMG_1807.jpg" title="B&O Railroad Corn Bread Pie" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant tasting Bordeaux that hits all the right notes at a value price of just $20. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a comfort food Sunday dinner of Corn Bread Pie using the recipe from the B&O Railroad (posted below), which is simple to prepare and has a sweet and spicy filling, with a hearty cornbread crust. I took a few liberties with the recipe and topped it with come shredded cheese and jalapenos to add just a little more zip. Cheers!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4yirhHHHwOXtTeS9Cdl7SmejCfOIkoN9oPbW5wAO8cmwfw8bpBuUkXRV3zYuzRpZBaMOkEcAgncCw_pxx4rgH-ssKIqUwW2hXpHxJyQJOJXYlotyfQtzRrPJ14NlcsA_z9P0vMz2nUPT-13mPuWidGg_r0U63VRVxiTkuiqtX1TRF6wl5kxmhajevfY/s1636/IMG_1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="B&O Railroad Corn Bread Pie Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4yirhHHHwOXtTeS9Cdl7SmejCfOIkoN9oPbW5wAO8cmwfw8bpBuUkXRV3zYuzRpZBaMOkEcAgncCw_pxx4rgH-ssKIqUwW2hXpHxJyQJOJXYlotyfQtzRrPJ14NlcsA_z9P0vMz2nUPT-13mPuWidGg_r0U63VRVxiTkuiqtX1TRF6wl5kxmhajevfY/w370-h400/IMG_1848.jpg" title="B&O Railroad Corn Bread Pie Recipe" width="370" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-2982508041771707462024-02-24T18:47:00.003-05:002024-02-24T18:47:28.250-05:002020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah<p>Happy Saturday! It's been a half relaxing, but busy day, with shopping, errands and then a trip to the gym, and now I am making dinner before heading out to a new event in town that a friend of mine is putting on. At least there is wine! Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah. This wine is composed of Syrah (94%) co-fermented with Viognier (6%) from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington. Let's see how this wine is shaping up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWzkfjfsrHTMY_mHo6DnnhBCqs8ohXnMQHmbocaVntPZeJDnkLehSchV9iv_4Tl5WX-eZUO8womcFAu92ge2o3bzr8O9cXwOFpjYTWXEH4IR1bsuXQqDwWA_qXZW5INZye8TH0zohs7g4jbSyPDf03gH8sA4ceeRuBhN0Wu-1y3A8J3xNTBrRf3svVDY/s2016/IMG_1845%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWzkfjfsrHTMY_mHo6DnnhBCqs8ohXnMQHmbocaVntPZeJDnkLehSchV9iv_4Tl5WX-eZUO8womcFAu92ge2o3bzr8O9cXwOFpjYTWXEH4IR1bsuXQqDwWA_qXZW5INZye8TH0zohs7g4jbSyPDf03gH8sA4ceeRuBhN0Wu-1y3A8J3xNTBrRf3svVDY/w300-h400/IMG_1845%20(1).jpg" title="2020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, perhaps somewhat heavier than you might expect from a Syrah. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry and peppery spice with floral undertones of violet. The first sip is a rush of wild flavors, black cherry and plum up front, intermingled with toffee, cocoa powder and oak, before heading back to some black pepper spice at the finish. The tannins are velvety smooth, making a fine foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XTSAVo9uwCWVpE1CM10nSA6poa9vSN8FJGM81QhWEQ2gFSyta4KjjDEmWN7lhjohQz_SuGlQO11-RJRYf1kJdS5w75566ic2MxFfxg3AsqG1AXaNLcHvGFUdU4eokQMPAsWi8O4iu2rMBwIb2G4bvFSigBZDlyIC5TefXtiTUZ8cieisTBhjDafthIs/s1592/IMG_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crispy skin salmon, mushroom pasta and asparagus with hollandaise" border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XTSAVo9uwCWVpE1CM10nSA6poa9vSN8FJGM81QhWEQ2gFSyta4KjjDEmWN7lhjohQz_SuGlQO11-RJRYf1kJdS5w75566ic2MxFfxg3AsqG1AXaNLcHvGFUdU4eokQMPAsWi8O4iu2rMBwIb2G4bvFSigBZDlyIC5TefXtiTUZ8cieisTBhjDafthIs/w380-h400/IMG_1846.jpg" title="Crispy skin salmon, mushroom pasta and asparagus with hollandaise" width="380" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a very pleasant drinking Syrah and certainly not priced out of the range of most consumers. This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, pork tenderloin to mushroom risotto. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some crispy skin salmon, mushroom pasta and asparagus with hollandaise. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-39648992386727296602024-02-18T20:21:00.001-05:002024-02-18T20:21:49.790-05:002019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir<p>Happy Sunday! Well, tonight I've brought out a forgotten bottle of wine, as apparently I've reviewed the <a href="https://allaloneonaplanetfullofpeople.blogspot.com/2020/10/2018-willamette-valley-vineyards-whole.html" target="_blank">2018 vintage</a>, the <a href="https://allaloneonaplanetfullofpeople.blogspot.com/2021/09/2020-willamette-valley-vineyards-whole.html" target="_blank">2020 vintage</a> and the <a href="https://allaloneonaplanetfullofpeople.blogspot.com/2022/11/2021-willamette-valley-vineyards-whole.html" target="_blank">2021 vintage</a>, but now I'm finally getting around to the 2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir! As a loyal shareholder, I am a big fan of Willamette Valley Vineyards' wines, and although the whole cluster Pinot Noir is ideal and approachable on release, tonight we'll find out how they perform five years on!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcYVjqjpLQVxSHO-vnHTpkwQKhDyhsIKq3STHCyw4X3rFzI3yc0Cg5RTar9dl5Af5WMn5D7fk8-sIxJjs09reQ7sDRlgBVXAl3zBT0t4Ly87dZWR6q4rzv0zu3lNotIEr3BT5jLCiehLNbHYovp3HKqSD05grp6mlxPcY-yKmMr7yj4cERnuqMNNtu-k/s2016/IMG_1834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcYVjqjpLQVxSHO-vnHTpkwQKhDyhsIKq3STHCyw4X3rFzI3yc0Cg5RTar9dl5Af5WMn5D7fk8-sIxJjs09reQ7sDRlgBVXAl3zBT0t4Ly87dZWR6q4rzv0zu3lNotIEr3BT5jLCiehLNbHYovp3HKqSD05grp6mlxPcY-yKmMr7yj4cERnuqMNNtu-k/w300-h400/IMG_1834.jpg" title="2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a delightful ruby color in the glass with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from the varietal. A gentle swirl of my Pinot glass reveals aromas of raspberry, bing cherry, green cedar and a hint of eucalyptus. Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and currant with just a bit of tartness that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate. The tannins are well integrated, providing for a smooth, dry finish that lingers with a reprise of berry at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZaqs4wWHiyO3_8yjP4qp1SyVL2DoJr9OdMPNQ3pPp7m_hnD9bkLN0zOiw3oaR1wtGmhyphenhyphenS5sb65_zg5FB4iPAT93__eNKI8LTk3BcnMPX2pN8nR_5KMqfmd4Lq6gj0Za2VVmV7_Z8jFp8xyy_Foyfn1wwd0lZ4nOGSVzCgfyF6XNuPZVnHG1gcIfFa1M/s1517/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, with farro and steamed broccolini" border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZaqs4wWHiyO3_8yjP4qp1SyVL2DoJr9OdMPNQ3pPp7m_hnD9bkLN0zOiw3oaR1wtGmhyphenhyphenS5sb65_zg5FB4iPAT93__eNKI8LTk3BcnMPX2pN8nR_5KMqfmd4Lq6gj0Za2VVmV7_Z8jFp8xyy_Foyfn1wwd0lZ4nOGSVzCgfyF6XNuPZVnHG1gcIfFa1M/w399-h400/IMG_1835.jpg" title="Miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, with farro and steamed broccolini" width="399" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderful example of a solid Pinot Noir, that is approachable and ideal for pairing with a broad range of casual dinner fare. This wine would be great with barbecue, pizza or tacos, grilled seafood or pasta. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, along with some farro and steamed broccolini. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-34360759250668199952024-02-17T20:30:00.001-05:002024-02-17T20:30:21.150-05:002020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo<p>Happy Saturday! Today was relatively relaxing, as I went to the annual train show in Middlebury today, to see a bunch of trains (I bought a couple books and some ephemera), then went to Costco and the supermarket and now I'm ready for dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo, which is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 191 and 337) sourced from a one-acre block of the Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this wine is tasting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2JL7jWMFs-LBPqrLCJbUNnkXiIJ9_dSOKGsDdhf8bsKYrL7BKFjqPuPO_4NDfLMq_Mv_JAcBUSdFhT8DoJ35JFGbvARcUG8matOz07YG1ymBUxGzGxJRP3U4n2Rb7zwtRLvsESOZ2g_uaZGvX2HTxgGZLcr_CH3bcV4UzTsSWX0oRoORSHsDaF3j5P8/s2016/IMG_1832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2JL7jWMFs-LBPqrLCJbUNnkXiIJ9_dSOKGsDdhf8bsKYrL7BKFjqPuPO_4NDfLMq_Mv_JAcBUSdFhT8DoJ35JFGbvARcUG8matOz07YG1ymBUxGzGxJRP3U4n2Rb7zwtRLvsESOZ2g_uaZGvX2HTxgGZLcr_CH3bcV4UzTsSWX0oRoORSHsDaF3j5P8/w300-h400/IMG_1832.jpg" title="2020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a solid Cabernet. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry with undertones of green cedar and earthy peat. The first sip is a rush of ripe cherry, plum and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate. The tannins are well structured but definitely take the supporting role for the lingering dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqWMp-aCO1nyw7XEw8JYprW-s46q0hdLJinduT13bjZ_rj3MVQjib7plHL1YkY5pIrKjXm05FSwXUBuLgK634eJR2YFKMEqSGtmZg_udTRMHN2yCYADRQ7e2YZjoEbIPYYuOfnPJIVaqXzj8q6ynaINfWndwdyFfQmmPVlvO0hyphenhyphen8D5nylEioFHUQQdO4/s1512/IMG_1833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with oven roasted white asparagus" border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1512" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqWMp-aCO1nyw7XEw8JYprW-s46q0hdLJinduT13bjZ_rj3MVQjib7plHL1YkY5pIrKjXm05FSwXUBuLgK634eJR2YFKMEqSGtmZg_udTRMHN2yCYADRQ7e2YZjoEbIPYYuOfnPJIVaqXzj8q6ynaINfWndwdyFfQmmPVlvO0hyphenhyphen8D5nylEioFHUQQdO4/w400-h391/IMG_1833.jpg" title="Ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with oven roasted white asparagus" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a solid example of the high quality of Cabernet that coming from Washington state today. This wine would pair well with a wide range of hearty dishes, from pasta, beef stew or prime rib, to steaks, lamb or braised short ribs. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with oven roasted white asparagus and a big baked potato with sour cream and scallions. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-55834908600934551582024-02-11T21:20:00.002-05:002024-02-11T21:20:34.205-05:002019 Tenute del Neccio Super Tuscan<p>Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I admit, as a Bears fan I usually lose interest in football about week 3 of the season, so tonight I am just enjoying a nice quiet dinner and watching a movie. Yes, that may be lame, but so am I! So, what's on the menu tonight? I am having some nice comfort food that reminds me of my childhood, and for no particular reason, I opened up a bottle of 2019 Tenute del Neccio Super Tuscan that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out. Unlike many Super Tuscans that rely on blending Bordeaux varietals, this wine relies more on the traditional Tuscan varietals, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Ciliegiolo. Let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0jfYapMw5zvQM4ZKmRdT6Q-QHsBxJfdrJYKuz-ys0udne2JHKFdMbZh-SRDpR0qmDhg8eGV30lRFVVcP3mtCfHXFeTwYrmjMmcjt3W54u-Ogs5Ix9baux8CBXuZJHsUXNgG900ptlm2HfIFDCZRDi-o0WzeayEfHHzMWBWWTcjaR8bJA5K2B7pFqZuc/s2016/IMG_1821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Tenute del Neccio Super Tuscan" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0jfYapMw5zvQM4ZKmRdT6Q-QHsBxJfdrJYKuz-ys0udne2JHKFdMbZh-SRDpR0qmDhg8eGV30lRFVVcP3mtCfHXFeTwYrmjMmcjt3W54u-Ogs5Ix9baux8CBXuZJHsUXNgG900ptlm2HfIFDCZRDi-o0WzeayEfHHzMWBWWTcjaR8bJA5K2B7pFqZuc/w300-h400/IMG_1821.jpg" title="2019 Tenute del Neccio Super Tuscan" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a lighter color in the glass, reflecting the heavier reliance on Sangiovese in the blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of cherry and plum, intermingled with earthy notes of tar and green cedar. The first sip a surprising rush of ripe red berries that at first exhibit a hint of sweetness before turning tart. The earthy mineral notes of dusty limestone come out midpalate before easing into a wonderfully smooth dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSSBeLiaLzPvucBydA266qC0_gomZ_Mo-3iXuFfqfbTyEcVvqWDnocfOvikXuEzp8fuTo8q2JrK0Yu6bUbgjmW707NkvOYiVIFjL9ydJ9xMKMs4U1_QxlWUvrnGqiN1WVkk8a6y1ZatOXSR5A60mE-yID188jpQysW1XIMgRhRwnkP8BJPYWkzakKPsU/s1568/IMG_1823%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stuffed cabbage!" border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSSBeLiaLzPvucBydA266qC0_gomZ_Mo-3iXuFfqfbTyEcVvqWDnocfOvikXuEzp8fuTo8q2JrK0Yu6bUbgjmW707NkvOYiVIFjL9ydJ9xMKMs4U1_QxlWUvrnGqiN1WVkk8a6y1ZatOXSR5A60mE-yID188jpQysW1XIMgRhRwnkP8BJPYWkzakKPsU/w386-h400/IMG_1823%20(1).jpg" title="Stuffed cabbage!" width="386" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a pleasant drinking Tuscan wine and a good value under $13. This wine would pair with a variety of casual dishes (perhaps like you're enjoying at the big game!) from burgers and brats, to pizza and barbecued ribs. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some stuffed cabbage, topped with fire roasted tomatoes and melted mozzarella and provolone. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-76111028583861319052024-02-10T19:47:00.008-05:002024-02-10T20:40:10.440-05:002016 Château de Lafaurie-Monbadon Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux<p>Happy Saturday! I admit I slept in this morning as I was up late last night doing some volunteer cooking, so I took it easy today and did some random chores, grocery shopping and then decided to relax with a cocktail before dinner. Tonight, I've decided on a different dinner, and that calls for a different wine, so I've opened a bottle of 2016 Château de Lafaurie-Monbadon Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out. This wine is a classic Bordeaux, a blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vqmWQOvO8BaOt8793-QkqQVbouRPtQedFjqyh6ZCDfj6pB6QARd2rCxXjnvJl0Jg09TjkYfzZLdbClZjaql983KLgZ81N551b40zMeiR8Hog_autd3LNiaaMknawlUCt-HlFLZIUdE4Ud7q22ADJoi5x3s_B2v4__I3vjksSZO7i0RbPDUXV99R5YT8/s2016/IMG_1817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2016 Château de Lafaurie-Monbadon Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vqmWQOvO8BaOt8793-QkqQVbouRPtQedFjqyh6ZCDfj6pB6QARd2rCxXjnvJl0Jg09TjkYfzZLdbClZjaql983KLgZ81N551b40zMeiR8Hog_autd3LNiaaMknawlUCt-HlFLZIUdE4Ud7q22ADJoi5x3s_B2v4__I3vjksSZO7i0RbPDUXV99R5YT8/w300-h400/IMG_1817.jpg" title="2016 Château de Lafaurie-Monbadon Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from such a Merlot heavy blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry and cassis with undertones of violets and a hint of aged leather. The first sip is a surprising rush of tart cherry that quickly gives way to some sweet blackberry and raspberry, before transitioning to some earthy notes of cedar and dusty limestone midpalate. The tannins are still a bit tight, providing for a very sharp dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVXbdZ2YILdyfesMjP17u1VzRahsKCy5EUn1m72N-ILn59o8IE4kz2tQ5WmZQ9puJsA0LdQPPOLkMQ7V3Oc_I2C-QYXyCLtNKfJs2we-rkUrb71rkkLgQ2B2Z63AFOxtx7lg_0yKjwE1MZNEwLeR2v5URwsdTm9yTCbdVK6LTUhOL3wxigO7bognHgkI/s1593/IMG_1819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stir fried beef and veggies over white rice" border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVXbdZ2YILdyfesMjP17u1VzRahsKCy5EUn1m72N-ILn59o8IE4kz2tQ5WmZQ9puJsA0LdQPPOLkMQ7V3Oc_I2C-QYXyCLtNKfJs2we-rkUrb71rkkLgQ2B2Z63AFOxtx7lg_0yKjwE1MZNEwLeR2v5URwsdTm9yTCbdVK6LTUhOL3wxigO7bognHgkI/w380-h400/IMG_1819.jpg" title="Stir fried beef and veggies over white rice" width="380" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very easy drinking and food friendly Bordeaux that was also a solid value at less than $14. This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops, to braised lamb shank, rich baked pasta to country barbecue. Tonight, I am once again taking the road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a Japanese style stir fry. Given the tight grocery budgets we are all facing, I decided to marinade some sliced chuckeye steak (if you are unfamiliar it's very flavorful and usually around $5-6 a pound) in some Bachan's Japanese Barbecue sauce, then christened my Hexclad wok and stir fried with some fresh veggies, served over white rice. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-86518690723315580592024-02-04T19:58:00.006-05:002024-02-04T19:58:43.065-05:002019 Famiglia Castellani Chianti <p>Well it's Sunday and I am ready to turn my attention to cooking and sipping a nice glass of wine. As I've had in mind what I am making for dinner, since it has an Italian flair, I thought it appropriate to open a nice bottle of Chianti. Tonight, I've selected a bottle of 2019 Famiglia Castellani Chianti that I recently picked up from Wines Till Sold Out and their case sale, so you know it was a good value. This wine is made to the more historical blending standards for Chianti, including the addition of some white grapes, and is a blend of Sangiovese (85%), Canaiolo (10%) and Ciliegiolo (5%). So, let's see how this classic from Tuscany is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mA0EsXgahSc3sTAo98QXYwQ6zbTKK1lPpTRtuS3iYDVMsqoideHlEk9RK1bA2N5jh76I_rJeX4xu2_kozadtfZuSsPVwZwmCSfrUGaHL9hkduDtpHESa_XBLoHq7rJdUVtzSv5mMC3EZB1i_ZAdfPRFp3K-uGTJ07dW1rkg6Q91i1WYJQYkIGYu6GtQ/s2016/IMG_1805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Famiglia Castellani Chianti" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mA0EsXgahSc3sTAo98QXYwQ6zbTKK1lPpTRtuS3iYDVMsqoideHlEk9RK1bA2N5jh76I_rJeX4xu2_kozadtfZuSsPVwZwmCSfrUGaHL9hkduDtpHESa_XBLoHq7rJdUVtzSv5mMC3EZB1i_ZAdfPRFp3K-uGTJ07dW1rkg6Q91i1WYJQYkIGYu6GtQ/w300-h400/IMG_1805.jpg" title="2019 Famiglia Castellani Chianti" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a lighter ruby color in the glass with great clarity, as you might expect from a Sangiovese heavy blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, light floral notes of violet, tar and a bit of sweet cherry. The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that eases a bit as it transitions to some notes of dried herbs and earthy peat midpalate. The fine grain tannins are still a bit tightly wound, providing for a rather brief dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_KBpLnW7TtxamyuCEQr7Zpz0QubIMjkieJ3KChT8Az42fGb4DBxITkmmgrDiAavrn-KUkBSuZgc4r12iPjiZIRxa5ynIBKXTLhkE5I-7lvb-D-E0nuQbzk_1GvD0jWUa7gjjjhTP8Oxy76TLGhx7fAg8AZxWkc5d8FUNIXwV1ibZtFxmGgkrf61aKzs/s1528/IMG_1806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian herb crusted chicken breast with some fusilli primavera" border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_KBpLnW7TtxamyuCEQr7Zpz0QubIMjkieJ3KChT8Az42fGb4DBxITkmmgrDiAavrn-KUkBSuZgc4r12iPjiZIRxa5ynIBKXTLhkE5I-7lvb-D-E0nuQbzk_1GvD0jWUa7gjjjhTP8Oxy76TLGhx7fAg8AZxWkc5d8FUNIXwV1ibZtFxmGgkrf61aKzs/w396-h400/IMG_1806.jpg" title="Italian herb crusted chicken breast with some fusilli primavera" width="396" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a pleasant example of a nice, easy drinking Chianti, which was also a solid value at just $12.50! This wine would pair well with a wide range of Italian dishes, from hearty pasta and risotto to baked Branzino. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some Italian herb crusted chicken breast along with some fusilli primavera. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-17982258792370202062024-02-03T20:01:00.055-05:002024-02-03T20:01:00.336-05:002014 Titan Wine Company Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon<p>It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday! It's the magical day when I raid the cellar to find a bottle of wine at least a decade in the making to open and enjoy. Tonight, I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar very long as I purchased it from Wine Till Sold Out a month or so ago. The 2014 Titan Wine Company Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley and from a very strong vintage. So, let's see how this wine has performed over the past decade!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtEw1IjlGQ_jn_Mp4v_hxjGYVAus2TmiPlaWE6ltMw_MBJntif8ax5njgND_mpiYXz6UbEemdD9C-aqWOjnxz8JBPx4GZeAthSgBG__LYUsfZhjy9PaEpgXp1sLPn9IduIcqMKZBEgUrb7RUdBwKbBeDrTl47SnJA1zgRVOlafb3ui0RR6qKU6LP07dc/s2016/IMG_1800%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2014 Titan Wine Company Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtEw1IjlGQ_jn_Mp4v_hxjGYVAus2TmiPlaWE6ltMw_MBJntif8ax5njgND_mpiYXz6UbEemdD9C-aqWOjnxz8JBPx4GZeAthSgBG__LYUsfZhjy9PaEpgXp1sLPn9IduIcqMKZBEgUrb7RUdBwKbBeDrTl47SnJA1zgRVOlafb3ui0RR6qKU6LP07dc/w300-h400/IMG_1800%20(1).jpg" title="2014 Titan Wine Company Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a big Napa Cabernet. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals tempting aromas of blackberry, aged leather and baking spice that is reminiscent of an old library, perfect for relaxing on a chilly winter evening. The first sip is an intriguing adventure, with an introduction of peppery spice and green herbs that transitions easily to some blackberry and plum notes midpalate. The tannins are well structured, supporting a long, smooth dry finish with a reprise of exotic spices at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDJaZSPzRddYSPMUVEG4HnVBQr8m6kkjRQEXQWer3n5UW9KpthUKuZQ1XRBsOyjB9e7VKRvnCl7Bf9N8fVsA1VsW8XNfV1DiARcIHEx-vG0JgjewB4-M2uH9DlhbNsN2IE2XQxrFbtpVH7XH0OmpVwRTiTYslefHRptWw3CnBUJXvp1AtQBAYEzmAzfY/s1530/IMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Angus ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare with grilled broccolini and oven roasted sweet potatoes with herbs de Provence" border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDJaZSPzRddYSPMUVEG4HnVBQr8m6kkjRQEXQWer3n5UW9KpthUKuZQ1XRBsOyjB9e7VKRvnCl7Bf9N8fVsA1VsW8XNfV1DiARcIHEx-vG0JgjewB4-M2uH9DlhbNsN2IE2XQxrFbtpVH7XH0OmpVwRTiTYslefHRptWw3CnBUJXvp1AtQBAYEzmAzfY/w395-h400/IMG_1801.jpg" title="Angus ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare with grilled broccolini and oven roasted sweet potatoes with herbs de Provence" width="395" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an adventurous wine that belies the normal, boring big Napa Cabernet. This wine would pair well with rustic dished, from hearty stews to wild mushroom risotto. Tonight I have taken a traditional route, enjoying this wine with a big Angus ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare along with some grilled broccolini and oven roasted sweet potatoes with herbs de Provence. Cheers! </p><p> </p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-47515250749197755532024-01-28T20:44:00.002-05:002024-01-28T20:44:24.672-05:002018 Château Le Conte Marquey Puisseguin St-Émilion<p>Happy Sunday! Tonight I am embarking on a new adventure for 2024, this time on the Food side of this blog. Last year I bought an interesting cookbook, called "Dinner in the Diner" which is a compilation of 300 recipes from the dining cars of famous railroads and trains of the 20th century. For this year, I am devoting the last Sunday of each month to exploring the recipes in the book and pairing them with a nice wine. Tonight, the wine is a 2018 Château Le Conte Marquey Puisseguin St-Émilion that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out. This wine is a blend of Merlot (95%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) from an appellation located to the northeast of the village of Saint-Emilion. Let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lkQRomUI-x4NMt61Z0D9bXX2GY22Ogl5-jqZ4AzItZU6G8Gvw7BvLF1zfi2HUmlNOuhMfZfyjxPIq2l8krrf3m8pguqNMA7w1lwtvDENSpea1lM2dEPO8T6rPGKFR7Cwe44KuMu5fR26SLgQvvJYb3NQlKW1u4SP5jeXn2kO2NlbZPFne3rJJnDLRjo/s2016/IMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2018 Château Le Conte Marquey Puisseguin St-Émilion" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lkQRomUI-x4NMt61Z0D9bXX2GY22Ogl5-jqZ4AzItZU6G8Gvw7BvLF1zfi2HUmlNOuhMfZfyjxPIq2l8krrf3m8pguqNMA7w1lwtvDENSpea1lM2dEPO8T6rPGKFR7Cwe44KuMu5fR26SLgQvvJYb3NQlKW1u4SP5jeXn2kO2NlbZPFne3rJJnDLRjo/w300-h400/IMG_1786.jpg" title="2018 Château Le Conte Marquey Puisseguin St-Émilion" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with bright color on the edges, just as you might expect from a heavy Merlot blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, leather and a bit of tawny port, amid undertones of violet and forest floor. The first sip is a rush of black fruit, with woody undertones, blackberry, plum and cedar with hints of peppery spice as the tannins seem to sing in harmony with the earthy flavors. With the well-structured tannins, the wine ends with a lovely dry finish that lingers on the palate with just a subtle reprise of Bordeaux funk.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6qcSOAV7fBGnDm4_prlfomnf4DepBvGfnnLMpjrEPQMq4U5lFhuPnT6EqPixxMn4WT-Nh_yX0AEcb8928qZs5FJ1AOK0QtA9469BGcfQ57RxBH4f6uRN8HFeLNQfKIqzbb9t6g1xNwx5c4q9MopFFhZi5OndAbFOTf5OIyq9GDkjyN3kLOWYbBNN0-4/s1536/IMG_1788%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="B&O Curry Chicken with rice and oven roasted carrots" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6qcSOAV7fBGnDm4_prlfomnf4DepBvGfnnLMpjrEPQMq4U5lFhuPnT6EqPixxMn4WT-Nh_yX0AEcb8928qZs5FJ1AOK0QtA9469BGcfQ57RxBH4f6uRN8HFeLNQfKIqzbb9t6g1xNwx5c4q9MopFFhZi5OndAbFOTf5OIyq9GDkjyN3kLOWYbBNN0-4/w394-h400/IMG_1788%20(1).jpg" title="B&O Curry Chicken with rice and oven roasted carrots" width="394" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it is an easy drinking and well structured wine that's also a terrific value, as this wine was part of the WTSO case sale at just $12.49 a bottle! This wine would pair well with wonderfully rich French dishes, or beautifully sauced dishes, from Italian to Moroccan to Thai. Tonight, however, I am enjoying this wine with a Curry chicken recipe from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, a dish which may have been served on such classic trains as the Capitol Limited, along with some steamed rice and oven roasted carrots. The recipe is reprinted below. Cheers!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yZao3ldcidIXBwnUzU9weI9paLh-AzcAx5qshhGIz60HNq2WbL16Us63eVhU6D0SLkFuGZWF2-FZiCqzqrrRSE4gIqBhOpA9idQOdUN8wbpUsekKCbGdfmIO_u7VsdHedaAH9HzTqJyYznLDE0cralvecchuRTK3ms1VsAoj3RON8EXzB9KdoY33Lxg/s1512/IMG_1787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="B&O Curry Chicken Recipe from "Dinner in the Diner"" border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yZao3ldcidIXBwnUzU9weI9paLh-AzcAx5qshhGIz60HNq2WbL16Us63eVhU6D0SLkFuGZWF2-FZiCqzqrrRSE4gIqBhOpA9idQOdUN8wbpUsekKCbGdfmIO_u7VsdHedaAH9HzTqJyYznLDE0cralvecchuRTK3ms1VsAoj3RON8EXzB9KdoY33Lxg/w400-h320/IMG_1787.jpg" title="B&O Curry Chicken Recipe from "Dinner in the Diner"" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-50933735616910972402024-01-20T19:51:00.003-05:002024-01-20T19:51:27.513-05:002015 Cinco Reserva Red Blend<p>Happy Saturday! Yesterday I stopped at my local wine store and went into the "back room" where they have all the better and more expensive wines and I found the wine I've opened tonight. The odd thing was that this wine was only $12.97, so I'm not even sure why it was in the pricy wine room. In any case, I was intrigues by this wine, "Cinco" as it's a blend of five different varietals from Chile: Carmenere (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Syrah (20%), Merlot (7%) and Carignan (5%). So. let's see how this Cinco blend is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU6FExm-IWKW_kuSjW_r_TeSRhofHMoYKsx2lJSIeuppJrpjFx1tilrISlrZjZ5kX7d5TNvLj0KFwNkoNQ1TczLgUxMSftf-ppbROHEVo4xPG2GudXBGs2DuChoh4WWOu0TFOYO8HfY8ZRBYRpZQeIq3fXO9jdxW8PZf951oN4cG7JVv4EWKRvpSihlQ/s2016/IMG_1764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2015 Cinco Reserva Red Blend" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU6FExm-IWKW_kuSjW_r_TeSRhofHMoYKsx2lJSIeuppJrpjFx1tilrISlrZjZ5kX7d5TNvLj0KFwNkoNQ1TczLgUxMSftf-ppbROHEVo4xPG2GudXBGs2DuChoh4WWOu0TFOYO8HfY8ZRBYRpZQeIq3fXO9jdxW8PZf951oN4cG7JVv4EWKRvpSihlQ/w300-h400/IMG_1764.jpg" title="2015 Cinco Reserva Red Blend" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the impact of the Cabernet on the blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and cherry with hints of peppery spice undertones. The first sip is a rush of ripe plum, cherry and blackberry that transitions easily to some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate. The tannins are nicely structured, providing for a velvety smooth and exceptionally dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMPUzNSC0jy9tJRu9-qhZRF_2wTQsNCsdWqUvnD43LT86hkf4H4zYjO0PvyAupLcnkFRopuf5dPr21GL_f7FVEw6HLdK-cA0Hl754GyVLcMe6qZYs3nLN_26CnCZzNxhjSjUgwTtfQWT2A0iTIXi3T6H8SQByJviGzc2IQoTvTxZ9cQ8UT5cMtbjuTwo/s1542/IMG_1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mustard barbecued chicken thighs, oven roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli" border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMPUzNSC0jy9tJRu9-qhZRF_2wTQsNCsdWqUvnD43LT86hkf4H4zYjO0PvyAupLcnkFRopuf5dPr21GL_f7FVEw6HLdK-cA0Hl754GyVLcMe6qZYs3nLN_26CnCZzNxhjSjUgwTtfQWT2A0iTIXi3T6H8SQByJviGzc2IQoTvTxZ9cQ8UT5cMtbjuTwo/w393-h400/IMG_1765.jpg" title="Mustard barbecued chicken thighs, oven roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli" width="393" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as it's a wonderfully easy drinking red that could be an everyday wine at this price. This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from steaks and lamb to barbecue or tacos. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some mustard barbecued chicken thighs, oven roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-13976630821148071652024-01-14T20:28:00.001-05:002024-01-14T20:28:29.614-05:002021 BigLITTLE Wines Open Road RoséHappy Sunday! It's been bitter cold here, like so much of the country right now, so I've been huddling indoors, doing laundry and cooking and trying to stay warm! Given that summer and rosé season seem so far away, I've decided to open a bottle of a Michigan rosé that some friends sent me for Christmas. The 2021 BigLITTLE Wines Open Road Rosé is a blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling and Marechal Foch from the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan. So, let's see if this wine can bring back the summer!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrPzFx3dDcvl-rc7aOuxnriyEeEGeGcxJSAIjeMVS3AfM5m-HwnyE_1WVXlrf9OrqH53snliFwOcOfFRyewuheI4tnUUgi07L58qQBi5B2SSNsUj9edo2ucLeyoXCwlDT3wZUd-P3Yne2CcngCRGJLloq0vtaJ7vpm4qM3k-l5-j8QeZK6xnEla_bovU/s2016/IMG_1732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 BigLITTLE Wines Open Road Rosé" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrPzFx3dDcvl-rc7aOuxnriyEeEGeGcxJSAIjeMVS3AfM5m-HwnyE_1WVXlrf9OrqH53snliFwOcOfFRyewuheI4tnUUgi07L58qQBi5B2SSNsUj9edo2ucLeyoXCwlDT3wZUd-P3Yne2CcngCRGJLloq0vtaJ7vpm4qM3k-l5-j8QeZK6xnEla_bovU/w300-h400/IMG_1732.jpg" title="2021 BigLITTLE Wines Open Road Rosé" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The wine is a deep peach and rose color in the glass, just as you'd expect for summer sipping on the patio. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, melon and hints of apple, certainly bringing back some warm weather vibes. Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of crisp and tart fruit, tart cherry, apple, and melon that will have you ready for a summer dip in the lake. The finish is short, but crisp and dry, inviting you to sip this with a meal or just some conversation with friends.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjj2ynKnFf-pRUXyu-eIDup5zun5trhjWbjOZfyUEVDKLkJh9K-9EK1PZEGGa-k5SVk9D-LEmyO5IC_zBvAJSwYw4cLLCsjUgALSSFLv-lnxPDcOWer8mx1RgpTAYi98hFMjRv7h6aGEsXiqE7wxSH8Vyugl3L2wDX_7YZFf9s-knjdQEJwXc2uwWOfA/s1512/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coconut crusted cod, steamed rice and fresh asparagus with hollandaise" border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1512" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjj2ynKnFf-pRUXyu-eIDup5zun5trhjWbjOZfyUEVDKLkJh9K-9EK1PZEGGa-k5SVk9D-LEmyO5IC_zBvAJSwYw4cLLCsjUgALSSFLv-lnxPDcOWer8mx1RgpTAYi98hFMjRv7h6aGEsXiqE7wxSH8Vyugl3L2wDX_7YZFf9s-knjdQEJwXc2uwWOfA/w400-h390/IMG_1733.jpg" title="Coconut crusted cod, steamed rice and fresh asparagus with hollandaise" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely departure from many of the sweeter wines I've tasted from Michigan. This wine would pair well with summer salads, tacos, pizza or smoked barbecue. Tonight, I've taken a different path and am enjoying this wine with some coconut crusted cod, steamed rice and fresh asparagus with hollandaise. Cheers!</div></div>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-30436401411746284802024-01-06T17:52:00.000-05:002024-01-06T17:52:00.142-05:002004 Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo Gran Viu Finca Santiaga<p>Happy Saturday! And since this is the first Saturday of a new month (and new year) it's Cellar Saturday! Tonight, I've raided the cellar and opened a bottle that I just bought a week or so ago from Wines Till Sold Out. The 2004 Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo Gran Viu Finca Santiaga is a red blend from the Aragon region of Spain containing Grenache (60%), Cariñena (20%) and Vidadillo (20%). So, let's see how this wine has developed over the past two decades!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4eppAsODKnOS7yMntcwnzGfIdIgM2K9UMsNN_WojDUjV8wxvHuU4H2xHF56fLw7jf3HY5SrAA2p_p5_lw9Cg_eO3w4WFiWkHUeZKzRmaOTs_8kYyUEUHX0Tx7FI-zlN0Xo-QOZcT86G0qFetmFKFZKQT0YQJj0xlicTZ8e2LFcba2U4O03t-GqSVpzM/s2016/IMG_1619%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2004 Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo Gran Viu Finca Santiaga" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4eppAsODKnOS7yMntcwnzGfIdIgM2K9UMsNN_WojDUjV8wxvHuU4H2xHF56fLw7jf3HY5SrAA2p_p5_lw9Cg_eO3w4WFiWkHUeZKzRmaOTs_8kYyUEUHX0Tx7FI-zlN0Xo-QOZcT86G0qFetmFKFZKQT0YQJj0xlicTZ8e2LFcba2U4O03t-GqSVpzM/w300-h400/IMG_1619%20(1).jpg" title="2004 Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo Gran Viu Finca Santiaga" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, much more reminiscent of a Merlot than a Grenache heavy blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, black currant and licorice with undertones of earthy graphite. The first sip is remarkably fresh with a rush of blueberry, tart cherry and currant that ease into some notes of tar and dark chocolate. The tannins are voluptuous, providing for an ideal base for the lingering dry finish that just leaves you reaching for another sip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijobM4GrZBYgMgIeIKfp4_YRyJIPL9xN1g1KGNVgDiRHbANeXuaJPCvCm_XmmrOguVaYuNWdz8kd9CtvXQDkxbfg2jfl4f1CtBsBLMVRsAZg9QNGDL6M4nNxfJtjg34YqVEeVuZZkQnMD0aWZ9mzfxaxccQ6K7l9y1s60XbqbuSabt395zeCnjlsPH5cQ/s1521/IMG_1622%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared prime center cut ribeye, with sautéed mushrooms and onions, steamed green beans and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives" border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijobM4GrZBYgMgIeIKfp4_YRyJIPL9xN1g1KGNVgDiRHbANeXuaJPCvCm_XmmrOguVaYuNWdz8kd9CtvXQDkxbfg2jfl4f1CtBsBLMVRsAZg9QNGDL6M4nNxfJtjg34YqVEeVuZZkQnMD0aWZ9mzfxaxccQ6K7l9y1s60XbqbuSabt395zeCnjlsPH5cQ/w398-h400/IMG_1622%20(1).jpg" title="Pan seared prime center cut ribeye, with sautéed mushrooms and onions, steamed green beans and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives" width="398" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's the most impressive Grenache blend I've had the pleasure of drinking. This wine would pair with a wide range of dishes beyond the traditional Spanish paella, anything from hearty steaks to pasta to roast leg of lamb. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared prime center cut ribeye, with sautéed mushrooms and onions, steamed green beans and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-89175469905862732392023-12-27T20:18:00.003-05:002023-12-27T20:18:39.943-05:002021 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot<p>Happy Wine Wednesday! I must admit it's been a while since I've posted on a Wednesday, but I suppose that's what holiday vacations are for! Tonight I've opened a bottle of the most recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery, one of my favorite wineries in Walla Walla! The 2021 Pepper Bridge Merlot is a blend of Merlot (82%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) harvested from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Waliser and Octave Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBHlTWSX26HdQHxOFI2vpheinErqqVerlSPYgkbt68kpuKOEj2gUP34wzvzhBdnf_7FysPUWETMHHE5eQm3gHSF1_t0CQryqLk0W8BdkPyykIoBKdHIExq5C2rbC-j8qjcdShh8nAZ5LKlj5TxMQIiz9A0XWC9Kz7Fpoas49Alpm3ZbxktCs-gQvPPrE/s2016/IMG_1564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBHlTWSX26HdQHxOFI2vpheinErqqVerlSPYgkbt68kpuKOEj2gUP34wzvzhBdnf_7FysPUWETMHHE5eQm3gHSF1_t0CQryqLk0W8BdkPyykIoBKdHIExq5C2rbC-j8qjcdShh8nAZ5LKlj5TxMQIiz9A0XWC9Kz7Fpoas49Alpm3ZbxktCs-gQvPPrE/w300-h400/IMG_1564.jpg" title="2021 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a lovely, deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this varietal. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry and currant amid subtle floral notes of violet and sandalwood. The first sip is a ripping adventure of tart cherry that eases into some calmer notes of black currant and a bit of mocha, before hitting its earthy stride with flavors of earthy peat and dark chocolate midpalate. The tannins are ripe and supple, providing for a velvety dry finish with a reprise of tartness at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1a69IDOH9cOguSP9wlDIbGIe5XMozAmwSOWsbWhbQ6Ey9wzSoFHBZdI9WnHMm-LJl4xG4tkFWQSj2l00QNXJ4PH9GSo1bHuGI6AgcjL89OittPyM8kHsDfCJlhfWgbZR1yD1juhtNBeeotSnWPJ8M1UHBElH2fbIiWKDSTfYfrch4XkSLXIvocM6kLs/s1512/IMG_1565%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fajita steak tacos" border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1512" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1a69IDOH9cOguSP9wlDIbGIe5XMozAmwSOWsbWhbQ6Ey9wzSoFHBZdI9WnHMm-LJl4xG4tkFWQSj2l00QNXJ4PH9GSo1bHuGI6AgcjL89OittPyM8kHsDfCJlhfWgbZR1yD1juhtNBeeotSnWPJ8M1UHBElH2fbIiWKDSTfYfrch4XkSLXIvocM6kLs/w400-h396/IMG_1565%20(1).jpg" title="Fajita steak tacos" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely example of this underappreciated varietal from the Walla Walla Valley. This wine would pair well with a wide range of more casual dishes, from smoky barbecued ribs to pizza, burgers and brats to tacos, or even the classis steak dinner. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some fajita steak tacos, with all the spice I can muster! Cheers! </p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-3752921050206358532023-12-25T20:44:00.001-05:002023-12-25T20:44:13.154-05:002017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon<p>Merry Christmas! It's been a relaxing day, just watching Christmas movies (I am finishing up White Christmas with A Christmas Carol on deck!) and now it's time to have a nice glass of wine with dinner. Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I purchased recently from Wines Till Sold Out. Of course, I'm a sucker for innovative labeling and anything that looks like a stock certificate or currency, so this was a natural choice. This wine is a 100% Cabernet from Napa Valley produced by the Toulon Wine Company. So, let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tIIXxjKLEx5f1vyC_f4fPJK0yrp1EqwpN4TY77jK_QslEbEnMmr5-_AxlacbeMJ9ZgkL38xD5qu_TJi91k-6f9iI39QYW6XsSv29UTSjw2uyUfzszubC_pjLm2h1TDzmNg2D_kwtiwpxSFUEDuUoABSss_YInSACC3Ynqs42zYOHv-kQzPT3SwSjQx8/s2016/IMG_1526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tIIXxjKLEx5f1vyC_f4fPJK0yrp1EqwpN4TY77jK_QslEbEnMmr5-_AxlacbeMJ9ZgkL38xD5qu_TJi91k-6f9iI39QYW6XsSv29UTSjw2uyUfzszubC_pjLm2h1TDzmNg2D_kwtiwpxSFUEDuUoABSss_YInSACC3Ynqs42zYOHv-kQzPT3SwSjQx8/w300-h400/IMG_1526.jpg" title="2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cab. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy leather and graphite intertwined with ripe plum and black cherry fruit. The first sip is a mesmerizing mix of ripe sweet black fruit and tart cherry and pomegranate that eventually transitions to some earthy notes of dusty limestone with some mocha and white pepper spice notes midpalate. The tannins are nicely structured for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHAbkj_VyP_yfNbncRr_S0ewIw3yymtcQvwkrxEQNWF5uX85wM-170GYdgoXyRTBoJxkxhqsxR7lZtz2GvKhu5X8BGuy01JjSzCWhF7OT9xVeAZ1GBt9L5zq4H_WH5aPAEjQdKnYPS5k6dw0a5vcH16tjbg3RXc4MHgmpyCpgzHUQ6rV102SJD2LAMzU/s2016/IMG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rare grilled tomahawk ribeye, baked potato and maple bacon Brussels sprouts" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHAbkj_VyP_yfNbncRr_S0ewIw3yymtcQvwkrxEQNWF5uX85wM-170GYdgoXyRTBoJxkxhqsxR7lZtz2GvKhu5X8BGuy01JjSzCWhF7OT9xVeAZ1GBt9L5zq4H_WH5aPAEjQdKnYPS5k6dw0a5vcH16tjbg3RXc4MHgmpyCpgzHUQ6rV102SJD2LAMzU/w300-h400/IMG_1531.jpg" title="Rare grilled tomahawk ribeye, baked potato and maple bacon Brussels sprouts" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully approachable Napa Cabernet with the solid drinking quality while avoiding the pretense. It was also a good value at just $25! This wine would naturally pair well with a big steak, but also would fair well with braised short ribs, veal osso bucco or leg of lamb. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye, baked potato and maple bacon Brussels sprouts. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-49747964907486394742023-12-24T19:55:00.001-05:002023-12-24T19:55:15.809-05:002019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon<p>Merry Christmas! I know it's only Christmas Eve, but I so love the Season that the joy is overflowing! I hope that all of you and your families are enjoying a time together enjoying each other's company and realizing the true nature of this season as we think on the birth of Jesus as the savior we all need. I confess that as much as I've tried to have traditions for this time of year, none of them have taken root, so what you see is what you get! Tonight, as I make a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, I've opened a bottle of the recent wine club selection from Forgeron Cellars, the 2019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and Petit Verdor (8%) from the Dionysus Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Oxr3urgffDwb_9bWo6c0Q4V8AtTQ0-hYFMGtLuVyMJNvWySt0NTFheNItVB4QM0S_vQlFWSG6pInYu9t-BZXgYTQGA5DGuGWmon08HqYZcFzHMcbfybo-mcjH1r8mO6q5k0Wx8yXRmBg4C_x0ooDte33ScErEgM-Uugw04sTtBeeSK9n0h3PvaoC9vI/s2016/IMG_1517%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Oxr3urgffDwb_9bWo6c0Q4V8AtTQ0-hYFMGtLuVyMJNvWySt0NTFheNItVB4QM0S_vQlFWSG6pInYu9t-BZXgYTQGA5DGuGWmon08HqYZcFzHMcbfybo-mcjH1r8mO6q5k0Wx8yXRmBg4C_x0ooDte33ScErEgM-Uugw04sTtBeeSK9n0h3PvaoC9vI/w300-h400/IMG_1517%20(1).jpg" title="2019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a Washington Cabernet. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of warm blackberry, plum, baking spice amid hints of oak in the background. Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of cool ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that give way to some earthy mineral notes midpalate, before easing into some white pepper notes heading into the finish. The tannins are well structured, providing for a nice base for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until you take another sip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe6_kRlWDlmePio2YWnjro-754CoyLf8DgESUklExI8QCY1bremNB5Vx20wONLwXCW186PCFFzir6zrZT_4Kab6Jca5rXb0ZwPkq17LTRG4zzOrVsqvEJ-KnU7z7VxTrTYpXRTvbujeY6eKqqCsB_TqVU3rWOtjldGL9y_nVGkHppsEpTmLKkVXrDGVE/s1512/IMG_1519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared center cut prime ribeye, haricots verts almondine and a big baked potato" border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1512" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe6_kRlWDlmePio2YWnjro-754CoyLf8DgESUklExI8QCY1bremNB5Vx20wONLwXCW186PCFFzir6zrZT_4Kab6Jca5rXb0ZwPkq17LTRG4zzOrVsqvEJ-KnU7z7VxTrTYpXRTvbujeY6eKqqCsB_TqVU3rWOtjldGL9y_nVGkHppsEpTmLKkVXrDGVE/w400-h396/IMG_1519.jpg" title="Pan seared center cut prime ribeye, haricots verts almondine and a big baked potato" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as the Dionysus Cabernet is a perennial favorite of mine. This wine is ideal for the winter months, as the hearty structure and ripe fruit make it perfect for the hearty dishes we all enjoy this time of year. This wine would pair well with steak, lamb, hearty pasta dishes or rustic risotto. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared center cut prime ribeye, haricots verts almondine and a big baked potato with all the trimmings. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-88708804815362876672023-12-17T19:37:00.000-05:002023-12-17T19:37:09.064-05:002019 DaMa Walla Walla Cabernet Franc<p>Happy Sunday! I was in full holiday mode today, watching Christmas movies while writing out cards and wrapping presents, and now it's time to wind down with a little dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2019 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc. This wine is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. I know some of the best Syrah I've tasted came from XL, so hopefully it does as well with Cabernet Franc!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7diOcOgCTeBw97lv3dKWgUnjX2QR-cbb8-8UoGXagDFbivaTbJ742uEnjLq8ElQoPlD6zJQHO06_mZtcKKIEomUlZ6yXx4b1_dsZQtYPO52D5Uu43J8odMLZdSkfvqPyKEhKdb-4Xj9z_Y3o8a0_0u9lQvZdGBPxuGFL-sW1YuD3EUBrHdWtBIt2mbM0/s2016/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 DaMa Walla Walla Cabernet Franc" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7diOcOgCTeBw97lv3dKWgUnjX2QR-cbb8-8UoGXagDFbivaTbJ742uEnjLq8ElQoPlD6zJQHO06_mZtcKKIEomUlZ6yXx4b1_dsZQtYPO52D5Uu43J8odMLZdSkfvqPyKEhKdb-4Xj9z_Y3o8a0_0u9lQvZdGBPxuGFL-sW1YuD3EUBrHdWtBIt2mbM0/w300-h400/IMG_1487.jpg" title="2019 DaMa Walla Walla Cabernet Franc" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, dark at the center, just as you'd expect. A gentle swirl reveals aromas of Italian herbs, with some spicy pepper and a hint of oregano amid rich notes of ripe black plum. Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of black fruit, plum, raspberry and cherry, with an undertone of tawny port, that easily transition to some mineral notes midpalate. The tannins are well integrated, providing for a velvety mouthfeel as you ease into the long, smooth dry finish with a bit of mocha at the end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5R6MGX-HLHxy-8FOODB3vLkUaBvfHE234TDGS3vAz7ElfsSdPKjzKd0xf9p6qyWgE7xvv_0BGEzOe7JQlzNUiCbXRyosQ-uJLYk2lIQ44VA2PSuOFdspA_m3pZYJvd8LxQ4e97kz7PPW0LXu5mLCVWbEh7tknm1h9g_uvvkjWjulAhDEDLje6SUohMY/s1565/IMG_1486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared sockeye filet with linguine sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with asparagus and broccoli rabe" border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5R6MGX-HLHxy-8FOODB3vLkUaBvfHE234TDGS3vAz7ElfsSdPKjzKd0xf9p6qyWgE7xvv_0BGEzOe7JQlzNUiCbXRyosQ-uJLYk2lIQ44VA2PSuOFdspA_m3pZYJvd8LxQ4e97kz7PPW0LXu5mLCVWbEh7tknm1h9g_uvvkjWjulAhDEDLje6SUohMY/w386-h400/IMG_1486.jpg" title="Pan seared sockeye filet with linguine sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with asparagus and broccoli rabe" width="386" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the better examples of a pure Cabernet Franc that I've tastes. This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from steak to lamb, hearty pasta to shepherds pie. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a taste of the Pacific Northwest, as my local market had fresh sockeye salmon on sale, so I've enjoying this wine with a pan seared sockeye filet along with some linguine sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with asparagus and broccoli rabe. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-24247005217749284472023-12-10T20:05:00.001-05:002023-12-10T20:05:50.988-05:002016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon<p>Happy Sunday! It's been a busy weekend with my annual hunting trip to find Christmas trees, and I was successful in bagging a blue spruce and a Norway spruce, and today I spend much of the day decorating! So, now I am ready for a nice dinner and a bottle of wine. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out. Opening a 7-year-old Napa Cabernet is always a treat as this wine should just about be hitting its stride about now, so let's see what it has to offer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8luzCevIT0y5RhuiqQPENcrBbOvOvmFlGiKjIokm0bQQypcPnWylM4fCXILYTBMqWtg0lMmULuq1v2NyAC_PCulviAk2LsKeUwfiThMtmYXQ1c3kDmJuLs_jVz2X-46nGNiJtUE0N5X1JnrJ34-MCZZbmvd6UMQ2rDMAqc260o0AXFsPoeIM6vPgFZDY/s2016/IMG_1467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8luzCevIT0y5RhuiqQPENcrBbOvOvmFlGiKjIokm0bQQypcPnWylM4fCXILYTBMqWtg0lMmULuq1v2NyAC_PCulviAk2LsKeUwfiThMtmYXQ1c3kDmJuLs_jVz2X-46nGNiJtUE0N5X1JnrJ34-MCZZbmvd6UMQ2rDMAqc260o0AXFsPoeIM6vPgFZDY/w300-h400/IMG_1467.jpg" title="2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine has the classic Napa Cab look, deep, inky black at the center and bright garnet along the edges. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, currant and dried herbs. The first sip is an interesting combination of black fruit, blackberry, currant and cherry with a bit of sweetness that transitions to some spicy notes with hints of tea midpalate. The tannins are well structured, but the finish is dry and rather subdued.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-m7AM4Tob0Bdx8y-A2iSf3r1Pe6FssxCZUk657eqVil9akNO74EgJXJlgPRh__TqDRXNX7-tJAbbvkj-hq3L1hfzLUZGI8uyx3XyNsMf62ux6UlTJt0Q_hf3IjPj2UMvn1JzE-N9vlurTwv6oIOnKAxEysZ1wpAkmB9MN6BesrvCseuwrUBEhJnEqcQ/s1512/IMG_1468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared ribeye, steamed Brussels sprouts and oven roasted root vegetables" border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-m7AM4Tob0Bdx8y-A2iSf3r1Pe6FssxCZUk657eqVil9akNO74EgJXJlgPRh__TqDRXNX7-tJAbbvkj-hq3L1hfzLUZGI8uyx3XyNsMf62ux6UlTJt0Q_hf3IjPj2UMvn1JzE-N9vlurTwv6oIOnKAxEysZ1wpAkmB9MN6BesrvCseuwrUBEhJnEqcQ/w400-h400/IMG_1468.jpg" title="Pan seared ribeye, steamed Brussels sprouts and oven roasted root vegetables" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely, easy sipping Cabernet that has likely reached it's prime. This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall and winter dishes, from roast beef to pasta casseroles, chili to rack of lamb. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Cabernet pairing of a pan seared ribeye, steamed Brussels sprouts and oven roasted root vegetables. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-71279997229411301382023-12-02T18:04:00.000-05:002023-12-02T18:04:00.138-05:002013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve<p>Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar to find something at least a decade in the making to taste. Tonight I've opened another vintage of a wine I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out (in this case I bought a 5-year vertical). The 2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley. So, let's see what this wine has to offer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWOKyN2gjllG94Q2dKAQu1-seDXM8FokCweKtaarsjTs9FHwikWcyuEOYfOE8YLcdxDGVv7VZdTEn-_ko91ipL4mxP2vRyL-UwoV8N8sDGBWrTsyYtHv1C5Uy_wFQyth710vQLR7eGJWFRYZ6lxUCH0sjA8gxtWluibjTjN8Y-yV5jQsb-XRtzGcHUGc/s2016/IMG_1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWOKyN2gjllG94Q2dKAQu1-seDXM8FokCweKtaarsjTs9FHwikWcyuEOYfOE8YLcdxDGVv7VZdTEn-_ko91ipL4mxP2vRyL-UwoV8N8sDGBWrTsyYtHv1C5Uy_wFQyth710vQLR7eGJWFRYZ6lxUCH0sjA8gxtWluibjTjN8Y-yV5jQsb-XRtzGcHUGc/w300-h400/IMG_1430.jpg" title="2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, anise and dried herbs, with a faint undertone of mint. Take a sip and you're awash in a cascade of blackberry and currant, with notes of espresso, dark chocolate and eucalyptus that transition to some notes of dried herbs that will have you envisioning an old-school Italian grocery. The tannins are in your face, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSYDNU36EF4kO4YffoA_677gUtlkGmpef2fXXFXEx-jqz-isHd28-ucBWb6k_mvrhNaGmugeFq-vdEhU9y4-xfX9ChuBpRuORsdg9cydrHue0i-VECaZp6vN4XeGB0IymiVPl6X04yaGLiDEj_RkIksX_-dfNFYrqkS7b0xF-wWAbTI9B0h8nhOB-3_k/s1525/IMG_1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barbecued beef ribs, baked beans and vinegar coleslaw" border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSYDNU36EF4kO4YffoA_677gUtlkGmpef2fXXFXEx-jqz-isHd28-ucBWb6k_mvrhNaGmugeFq-vdEhU9y4-xfX9ChuBpRuORsdg9cydrHue0i-VECaZp6vN4XeGB0IymiVPl6X04yaGLiDEj_RkIksX_-dfNFYrqkS7b0xF-wWAbTI9B0h8nhOB-3_k/w396-h400/IMG_1429.jpg" title="Barbecued beef ribs, baked beans and vinegar coleslaw" width="396" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well now, but might have already reached its prime. This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to baked pasta or braised lamb. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued beef ribs, baked beans and some vinegar coleslaw. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-77916964735227828452023-11-26T19:45:00.000-05:002023-11-26T19:45:03.075-05:002021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine<p>Well, it's the last day of a long weekend, so let's go out with a bang! It's been snowing most of the day, so I think it's appropriate to open a nice hearty red wine to enjoy with dinner. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine, a lovely blend from the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington combining some interesting fruit from both the Red Mountain and Yakima Valley regions. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (4%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (3%), from the Quintessence, Olsen, Quinn, Henry Earl, Phinny Hill, Stanton and Klipsun Vineyards, a real powerhouse cast! So, let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWuNqRCR39xVmVFZ_MUJx-tp0BsWp1jVlRjzZ8F7X_-2NKWPXINoamQl9CxoQpmZiwXiCBngaNHNHaE4NDfFET0IFHpSg8qJPnUJ12hikYXpkXpacnfHPk7gn9btN-JV_TKBnZR9Kkr8zAVatFlKYL0zzVj1Dwm7dnZ1z32erA9wnkJiKhkX6eXaImxM/s2016/IMG_1412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWuNqRCR39xVmVFZ_MUJx-tp0BsWp1jVlRjzZ8F7X_-2NKWPXINoamQl9CxoQpmZiwXiCBngaNHNHaE4NDfFET0IFHpSg8qJPnUJ12hikYXpkXpacnfHPk7gn9btN-JV_TKBnZR9Kkr8zAVatFlKYL0zzVj1Dwm7dnZ1z32erA9wnkJiKhkX6eXaImxM/w300-h400/IMG_1412.jpg" title="2021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect for such a Cabernet heavy blend. Take a whiff and you're greeted with aromas of cedar, black cherry and plum, with faint undertones of mint and lavender. The first sip is a warm rush of ripe cherry and anise with some tawny undertones, that transitions to some notes of vanilla bean and cherry cola midpalate. The fine grain tannins provide an ideal backbone for a smooth dry finish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosAWAkuQQwUkP0r2HfHgs9eNeSFaS1xgqzMVQ1z1JGvZxMcfg5XvmdTeuN0REvfUIonCdaYHtA4Pal-Bo112GMG68HYyf8gyG2hd-R3hqEUi099IBtYy-AtoCL925if6pcxCeJ6wMbzAausEqEh9mkH4jiQOY2eBTps_FNrTLPHWviisX0nS7hUjANB4/s1512/IMG_1413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan seared ribeye, baked purple potato and oven roasted romanesco" border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1512" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosAWAkuQQwUkP0r2HfHgs9eNeSFaS1xgqzMVQ1z1JGvZxMcfg5XvmdTeuN0REvfUIonCdaYHtA4Pal-Bo112GMG68HYyf8gyG2hd-R3hqEUi099IBtYy-AtoCL925if6pcxCeJ6wMbzAausEqEh9mkH4jiQOY2eBTps_FNrTLPHWviisX0nS7hUjANB4/w400-h396/IMG_1413.jpg" title="Pan seared ribeye, baked purple potato and oven roasted romanesco" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking red blend that is an affordable everyday drinker at just $35 before wine club discounts. This wine would pair well with a range of hearty fall and winder dishes, from Yankee pot roast to hearty chili or beef stew, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribeye, baked purple potato and some oven roasted romanesco. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8429231985077633452.post-54977644124758804762023-11-25T19:13:00.001-05:002023-11-25T19:13:30.752-05:002021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine<p>Happy Saturday! It's been a real waste of a day, I had such plans to get a bunch of work done, but by the end of the day I could only accomplish some basic errands and then I just decided to enjoy some cocktails before dinner. But at least I selected a nice wine to go with my dinner. The 2021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (14%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%) all from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this wine is tasting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxtX38pQMgkP5ABiBp5TDeId68juORM_QC7e1rN-iR9FARyas9xGoJX2nZ5mFnIMY5-hFUDyb68h3-ZY_NaumhnRbS9QuQ24yVveKW4t1Zz8mbLE7gxsR40BX-B4aorAsa8YcDbV8gwhyEuHcfy42FCsnF7BwOpOtn_EPCjuXjnJCzobmW4YyGTIlGS8/s2016/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine" border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxtX38pQMgkP5ABiBp5TDeId68juORM_QC7e1rN-iR9FARyas9xGoJX2nZ5mFnIMY5-hFUDyb68h3-ZY_NaumhnRbS9QuQ24yVveKW4t1Zz8mbLE7gxsR40BX-B4aorAsa8YcDbV8gwhyEuHcfy42FCsnF7BwOpOtn_EPCjuXjnJCzobmW4YyGTIlGS8/w300-h400/IMG_1407.jpg" title="2021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine" width="300" /></a></div><p>The wine is a deep ruby in the glass just as you'd expect from this Bordeaux style blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals an interesting combination of aromas with some ripe red fruit, strawberry, cherry and currant intermingled with some dusty mineral notes of limestone and basalt. Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe fruit and minerality, cherry, currant and raspberry that give way to some notes of dusty loam, cocoa powder and baking spice midpalate. The tannins are somewhat subdued but well integrated to provide a wonderfully long, dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uj7I0r-M3NfWGFVbeReqz4FVa783JMd1NbB3xcnKUGiME7vzEVjQCsuormu73Ito9DjLnf8RupPG2jY_32Tsm9xedpd_mloXfXWAo_e67m9S3bWRZVcGkeLXHP8Dvv9jze9wXqxaHP-1hN3Xm6KDtoWaMWLHL7l8KbqvvDjS1Pp8g6Bnq9ODTT30DSY/s1527/IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bourbon glazed barbecued baby back ribs, mustard baked beans and cole slaw made with pomegranate, honey, olive oil and sage blossom vinegar" border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uj7I0r-M3NfWGFVbeReqz4FVa783JMd1NbB3xcnKUGiME7vzEVjQCsuormu73Ito9DjLnf8RupPG2jY_32Tsm9xedpd_mloXfXWAo_e67m9S3bWRZVcGkeLXHP8Dvv9jze9wXqxaHP-1hN3Xm6KDtoWaMWLHL7l8KbqvvDjS1Pp8g6Bnq9ODTT30DSY/w396-h400/IMG_1409.jpg" title="Bourbon glazed barbecued baby back ribs, mustard baked beans and cole slaw made with pomegranate, honey, olive oil and sage blossom vinegar" width="396" /></a></div><p></p><p>Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal red blend for a variety of occasions and food pairings. This wine would pair well with hearty steaks and chops, braised lamb shank, wild mushroom risotto or any number of hearty fall dishes. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a reprise of summer and some bourbon glazed barbecued baby back ribs, mustard baked beans and cole slaw made with pomegranate, honey, olive oil and sage blossom vinegar. Cheers!</p>jtrykahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024828573466285983noreply@blogger.com0