Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Fetzer Gewurztraminer 2009, CA, USA
Technical Data:
Description:
Food Pairing & Service:
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Saturday, October 9, 2010
St Francis, Red Wine Sonoma 2006, USA
An everyday red wine blend from the re-known St Francis Winery in California.
Technical Data: 48% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 3% Zinfandel and 6% "Mixed Blacks" . Mixed Blacks are a group of very inky grapes added usually to a blend to give a little more color and structure, in that case, the grapes added in a very low percentage are Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Alicante and Malbec. This wine was aged only a few months in oak barrels.
Description: Dark red color. Intense liquorice aromas on the nose mingled with black fruits and woody notes. On the palate, the wine is very dry and concentrated on black current and plumy flavors seconded by liquorice and black pepper with a roasted coffee finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with a soft-ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk From Normandie Region in France and called Pont L'Evêque (AO)
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Technical Data: 48% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 3% Zinfandel and 6% "Mixed Blacks" . Mixed Blacks are a group of very inky grapes added usually to a blend to give a little more color and structure, in that case, the grapes added in a very low percentage are Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Alicante and Malbec. This wine was aged only a few months in oak barrels.
Description: Dark red color. Intense liquorice aromas on the nose mingled with black fruits and woody notes. On the palate, the wine is very dry and concentrated on black current and plumy flavors seconded by liquorice and black pepper with a roasted coffee finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Paired by Angela with a soft-ripened cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk From Normandie Region in France and called Pont L'Evêque (AO)
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
St Francis Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, CA, USA
A luscious and jammy Cabernet Sauvignon "Sonoma Style".
Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 23 months in a combination of New French and American oak followed by 4 to 8 months in bottle prior release depending of the vintage.
Description: Deep ruby red color. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas entwined with cedar and smoke. On the palate, the wine is very rich and textured, packed with flavors such as juicy cherry, jammy plum, refined tannins, dry herbs, black pepper and liquorice. Chewy, very dry palate with a coffee long lasting very smooth finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food, specially with red meat and hearty pasta dishes. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Livarot de la Perelle( AOC Pays D'Auge, Calvados, France).
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.49
Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 23 months in a combination of New French and American oak followed by 4 to 8 months in bottle prior release depending of the vintage.
Description: Deep ruby red color. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas entwined with cedar and smoke. On the palate, the wine is very rich and textured, packed with flavors such as juicy cherry, jammy plum, refined tannins, dry herbs, black pepper and liquorice. Chewy, very dry palate with a coffee long lasting very smooth finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food, specially with red meat and hearty pasta dishes. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Livarot de la Perelle( AOC Pays D'Auge, Calvados, France).
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.49
St Francis Sonoma Chardonnay 2008, CA, USA
Creamy style Chardonnay from CA
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, aged 6 months in a combination of French and American oak. This wine underwent full malolactic fermentation.
Description: Bright gold color. Creamy aromas mingled with pear and baked apple followed by grapefruit notes, oak and spices. Crisp and creamy palate for a buttery full-bodied Chardonnay expressing, as an echo of its nose, baked apple and pear flavors backed up by pepper, smokiness, oak and a toffee/caramel like finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Basque Istara, which is a 100% sheep's milk cheese.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $20.49
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, aged 6 months in a combination of French and American oak. This wine underwent full malolactic fermentation.
Description: Bright gold color. Creamy aromas mingled with pear and baked apple followed by grapefruit notes, oak and spices. Crisp and creamy palate for a buttery full-bodied Chardonnay expressing, as an echo of its nose, baked apple and pear flavors backed up by pepper, smokiness, oak and a toffee/caramel like finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with a wide range of food. Angela and Treva paired it with the French cheese called Petit Basque Istara, which is a 100% sheep's milk cheese.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $20.49
Clos du Bois North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, CA, USA
A luscious Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from the North Coast in CA.
Technical Data: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% other "Bordeaux Style Varietals". Aged 14 months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak, 30% new.
Description: Deep garnet color. Intense ripe plum aromas enticed with clove's spices and oak. Bone-dry palate showing off lush blackberry and ripe plum backed up by spices and cedar with velvety smooth tannins. Textured wine with a long lasting finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with steak, burgers, roast and rich pasta with tomato an meat sauce.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Technical Data: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% other "Bordeaux Style Varietals". Aged 14 months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak, 30% new.
Description: Deep garnet color. Intense ripe plum aromas enticed with clove's spices and oak. Bone-dry palate showing off lush blackberry and ripe plum backed up by spices and cedar with velvety smooth tannins. Textured wine with a long lasting finish.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with steak, burgers, roast and rich pasta with tomato an meat sauce.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Clos du Bois California Pinot Grigio 2008, CA, USA
A light to medium-bodied very fruity Pinot Grigio from CA.
Technical Data: 100% Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel only in order to preserve its freshness.
Description: Bright pale straw color. On the nose the wine exudes tropical fruits aromas and white peaches. On the palate, this Pinot Grigio expresses first tropical fruits and white peach then on the mid palate it follows up with a touch of minerality and white flowers flavors to finish with lime. Nice and crisp palate for a medium length wine.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with light fares and starters or even white meats in tomato sauce or grilled. Can also be enjoyed with a picnic or by the glass alone.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine was made to be drunk young.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99
Technical Data: 100% Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel only in order to preserve its freshness.
Description: Bright pale straw color. On the nose the wine exudes tropical fruits aromas and white peaches. On the palate, this Pinot Grigio expresses first tropical fruits and white peach then on the mid palate it follows up with a touch of minerality and white flowers flavors to finish with lime. Nice and crisp palate for a medium length wine.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair extremely well with light fares and starters or even white meats in tomato sauce or grilled. Can also be enjoyed with a picnic or by the glass alone.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine was made to be drunk young.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99
Clos du Bois North Coast Chardonnay 2008, CA, USA
A full-bodied rich and creamy Chardonnay from the North Coast area in CA, one of my "to-go" Californian Chard!
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. Aged 6 months on the lees in a combination of French and American oak barrels.
Description: Bright gold color. Creamy/buttery nose showing off aromas of pear and baked apple enticed with caramel from its aging. Its palate is quite and echo of its nose with the addition of oaky flavors. The wine has a rich mouthfeel and is textured. A long lasting finish and a good acidity will complete the picture.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with pasta in cream sauce and luscious fare...as well as with Latin American cuisine or Asian spicy food. I could most definitely enjoy this wine by the glass or even pair it with a French cheese called Petit Pont L'Évêque, if I am not mistaken, this cheese is from the category called soft ripened cheese with washed rind.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. Aged 6 months on the lees in a combination of French and American oak barrels.
Description: Bright gold color. Creamy/buttery nose showing off aromas of pear and baked apple enticed with caramel from its aging. Its palate is quite and echo of its nose with the addition of oaky flavors. The wine has a rich mouthfeel and is textured. A long lasting finish and a good acidity will complete the picture.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with pasta in cream sauce and luscious fare...as well as with Latin American cuisine or Asian spicy food. I could most definitely enjoy this wine by the glass or even pair it with a French cheese called Petit Pont L'Évêque, if I am not mistaken, this cheese is from the category called soft ripened cheese with washed rind.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99
Murphy Goode Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, CA, USA
A full-bodied creamy Chardonnay from Sonoma in CA.
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. Aged a few months in French and American oak barrels, 10% new.
Description: Bright medium gold color. Nose of good intensity expressing, at first, aromas of baked apples, tropical fruits and stone fruits, backed up by oak, yeast and cream. The palate is alluring, well balanced and long lasting, mingling together pear and white pepper flavors to oak, buttery notes and minerality. Quite creamy thru and thru with a nice touch of pineapple at the very end of the palate.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with salmon, crab meat, pasta with Shrimps in white sauce and scallops... I could also see this chardonnay to be paired with a cheese called "Bonne Bouche", an Ash-Ripened (creamy) Goat Cheese by Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. Aged a few months in French and American oak barrels, 10% new.
Description: Bright medium gold color. Nose of good intensity expressing, at first, aromas of baked apples, tropical fruits and stone fruits, backed up by oak, yeast and cream. The palate is alluring, well balanced and long lasting, mingling together pear and white pepper flavors to oak, buttery notes and minerality. Quite creamy thru and thru with a nice touch of pineapple at the very end of the palate.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair well with salmon, crab meat, pasta with Shrimps in white sauce and scallops... I could also see this chardonnay to be paired with a cheese called "Bonne Bouche", an Ash-Ripened (creamy) Goat Cheese by Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery.
Score: 7/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Monday, September 6, 2010
Murphy Good The Fumé 2008, North Coast, CA, USA
A medium to full-bodied crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma in CA.
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc also known as Fumé. A small portion of the wine was aged on oak, 57% French and 43% American, 6% new.
Description: Light bright gold color. Nose of medium intensity, showing off tangerine, citrus fruits and spices. Quite floral at the very end. The palate is quite an echo of its nose, with flavors of tangerine, orange zest and white flowers interwoven with white peach, white pepper and a touch of oak.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food, from spicy food, quesadillas with chicken, seafood, salad with blackened shrimp, to a bowl of fruits's salad.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc also known as Fumé. A small portion of the wine was aged on oak, 57% French and 43% American, 6% new.
Description: Light bright gold color. Nose of medium intensity, showing off tangerine, citrus fruits and spices. Quite floral at the very end. The palate is quite an echo of its nose, with flavors of tangerine, orange zest and white flowers interwoven with white peach, white pepper and a touch of oak.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food, from spicy food, quesadillas with chicken, seafood, salad with blackened shrimp, to a bowl of fruits's salad.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $14.99
Murphy Goode California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, CA, USA
A medium to full-bodied elegant Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from California.
Technical Data: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Nine months in French and American oak, 17% new.
Description: Bright garnet red in color with purple hues. Intense red and black fruits nose laced with oak and old leather. Rich mouth-feel expressing flavors of ripe cherries, plum and black berries interwoven with oak, spice and leather. Elegant supple tannins with a chocolaty long lasting finish and a hint of dried herbs. This wine has some texture to it.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Best with BBQ-ed meats and roasted veggies.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $24.99
Technical Data: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Nine months in French and American oak, 17% new.
Description: Bright garnet red in color with purple hues. Intense red and black fruits nose laced with oak and old leather. Rich mouth-feel expressing flavors of ripe cherries, plum and black berries interwoven with oak, spice and leather. Elegant supple tannins with a chocolaty long lasting finish and a hint of dried herbs. This wine has some texture to it.
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Best with BBQ-ed meats and roasted veggies.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 2 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $24.99
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Roney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, USA
A medium to full-bodied refined, supple and elegant Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in California.
Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir, 10 months in 100% French oak.
Description: Bright ruby red in color. Elegant nose of red berries well integrated to rose petal and violet aromas as well as oak and spice. On the palate, the wine is lush and elegant with smooth tannins, concentrated ripe cherries backed up by rose petal flavors, plum, cedar and a touch of liquorice. Quite a wonderful program all at once!
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Try it with a Californian Cheddar from the brand Fiscalini called San Joaquin Gold which is a semi hard cheese with a natural rind and a mild buttery taste.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99
Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir, 10 months in 100% French oak.
Description: Bright ruby red in color. Elegant nose of red berries well integrated to rose petal and violet aromas as well as oak and spice. On the palate, the wine is lush and elegant with smooth tannins, concentrated ripe cherries backed up by rose petal flavors, plum, cedar and a touch of liquorice. Quite a wonderful program all at once!
Food Pairing & Service: Will pair with a wide range of food. Try it with a Californian Cheddar from the brand Fiscalini called San Joaquin Gold which is a semi hard cheese with a natural rind and a mild buttery taste.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Drink now and up to 3 more years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay2008, Sonoma County, USA
A full-bodied creamy style Chardonnay from Sonoma County.
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, 60% of the wine was aged 4 months only in French oak to add some creaminess to it.
Description: Bright gold color. Clean nose with aromas of baked apple, lemon, pear and soft oak. On the mouth, full-bodied creamy style Chardonnay expressing flavors of pear, baked apple, a pinch of pineapple entwined with some spicy notes and a touch of toasty oak. Very long lasting finish with a well balanced acidity.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a creamy style cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, this pairing will delights you! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, if like me, you like a flavorful and full bodied Chard. You could also paired this wine with creamy dishes, strong fish and shellfish. Serve chilled.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk now or over the next couple of years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $17.79
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, 60% of the wine was aged 4 months only in French oak to add some creaminess to it.
Description: Bright gold color. Clean nose with aromas of baked apple, lemon, pear and soft oak. On the mouth, full-bodied creamy style Chardonnay expressing flavors of pear, baked apple, a pinch of pineapple entwined with some spicy notes and a touch of toasty oak. Very long lasting finish with a well balanced acidity.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a creamy style cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, this pairing will delights you! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, if like me, you like a flavorful and full bodied Chard. You could also paired this wine with creamy dishes, strong fish and shellfish. Serve chilled.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk now or over the next couple of years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $17.79
Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Sonoma County, USA
A medium-bodied crisp and fruit forwards Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County.
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% of the wine was aged a few months only in oak. twist off cap, no cork.
Description: Light gold color. Intense nose of tropical and green fruits aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and shows some minerality and herbaceousness along with fruity flavors such as pear, citrus and pineapple. Crisp and refreshing with a nice acidity.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a Goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Vermont and is called Coupole, this pairing will knocks you socks off I guarantee it! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with salad and mild fish. Serve chilled.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk in its youth.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.29
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% of the wine was aged a few months only in oak. twist off cap, no cork.
Description: Light gold color. Intense nose of tropical and green fruits aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and shows some minerality and herbaceousness along with fruity flavors such as pear, citrus and pineapple. Crisp and refreshing with a nice acidity.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and refreshing wine which will pair well with a Goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the “Cheese Fromagerie” Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Vermont and is called Coupole, this pairing will knocks you socks off I guarantee it! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with salad and mild fish. Serve chilled.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: This wine should be drunk in its youth.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.29
Franciscan Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, USA
A silky smooth Merlot Blend from Napa Valley (Yountville South). Just so you know, this wine is quite a charmer!
Technical Data: 99% Merlot and 1 tiny % of Cabernet Sauvignon, just to say there some in there:-). 16 months in 60% French and 40% US Oak barrels, 25% of were new.
Description: Ruby red in color with purple hues. Intense cherry and plum aromas backed up by light oak. Elegant and full-bodied palate showing off very soft tannins and refine characters of cherry and plum, with some tobacco, a hint of black pepper and some earthiness on top of oaky flavors. The wine is textured and jammy as well as well balanced and long lasting.
Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well the French cheese called Chaumes as suggested by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in. Also due to the richness of this wine it will go wonderfully with some hearty dishes or even a steak.
Score: 9/10. I have to say, I am not usually a Merlot Lover but this one got definitely into me!
Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $26.99
Technical Data: 99% Merlot and 1 tiny % of Cabernet Sauvignon, just to say there some in there:-). 16 months in 60% French and 40% US Oak barrels, 25% of were new.
Description: Ruby red in color with purple hues. Intense cherry and plum aromas backed up by light oak. Elegant and full-bodied palate showing off very soft tannins and refine characters of cherry and plum, with some tobacco, a hint of black pepper and some earthiness on top of oaky flavors. The wine is textured and jammy as well as well balanced and long lasting.
Food Pairing & Service: Will accompany really well the French cheese called Chaumes as suggested by my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in. Also due to the richness of this wine it will go wonderfully with some hearty dishes or even a steak.
Score: 9/10. I have to say, I am not usually a Merlot Lover but this one got definitely into me!
Ageing Potential: Up to 5 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $26.99
Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Napa Valley, USA
Light to medium-bodied Napa Sauvignon Blanc from the Famous Franciscan Winery. Quite a surprising Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of one from New Zealand for the flavors it displays.
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. A very small portion of the fruit was fermented in neutral French oak barrels on the lees for a very short time to lend more texture to the wine.
Description: Pale straw yellow in color. Intricate nose exuding grapefruits and lemon zest aromas. Crisp and delicate palate for this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc showing off grapefruits flavors well mingled with lemon zest, grass, lime and limestone. A bit of minerality, a nice acidity, some texture and a good balanced round up this wine.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and zingy Sauvignon Blanc to pair with a goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Poitou region in France and is called Chabichou du Poitou, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with light spicy food, creamy linguine and the usual shellfish and mild fish. Serve chilled.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.49
Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. A very small portion of the fruit was fermented in neutral French oak barrels on the lees for a very short time to lend more texture to the wine.
Description: Pale straw yellow in color. Intricate nose exuding grapefruits and lemon zest aromas. Crisp and delicate palate for this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc showing off grapefruits flavors well mingled with lemon zest, grass, lime and limestone. A bit of minerality, a nice acidity, some texture and a good balanced round up this wine.
Food Pairing & Service: A crisp and zingy Sauvignon Blanc to pair with a goat cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Poitou region in France and is called Chabichou du Poitou, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well, or paired with light spicy food, creamy linguine and the usual shellfish and mild fish. Serve chilled.
Score: 8/10.
Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.49
Franciscan Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley, USA
Full bodied Napa Chardonnay from the Famous Franciscan Winery. This wine has long been one of their Flagship.
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. 8 months on the lees, French and US Oak. The grapes for this wine are originated from Carneros and South Napa Valley.
Description: Bright pale yellow in color. Fragrant nose for an appealing wine, baked apple and pear with a touch of sweet aromas mingled together with a slight touch of oak from its light barrel ageing on the lees. Very focused palate, lots of honey flavors at first, followed by pear and baked apple, a touch of white pepper, some buttery flavors and a hint of oak, for a long lasting, creamy style, mouth watering Chardonnay. The wine has intense flavors but is still very round and soft.
Food Pairing & Service: A delightful Chardonnay wine which will pair well with a creamy/buttery type of cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well if you are like me and love a full of characters Chard. by itself, or paired with creamy linguine and shrimp/shellfish or even better, my favorite would be with salmon on the plank nicely rub with herbs. Serve chilled.
Score: 9/10. Great find, stack it up.
Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay. 8 months on the lees, French and US Oak. The grapes for this wine are originated from Carneros and South Napa Valley.
Description: Bright pale yellow in color. Fragrant nose for an appealing wine, baked apple and pear with a touch of sweet aromas mingled together with a slight touch of oak from its light barrel ageing on the lees. Very focused palate, lots of honey flavors at first, followed by pear and baked apple, a touch of white pepper, some buttery flavors and a hint of oak, for a long lasting, creamy style, mouth watering Chardonnay. The wine has intense flavors but is still very round and soft.
Food Pairing & Service: A delightful Chardonnay wine which will pair well with a creamy/buttery type of cheese, try the one recommended to me by one of my friends from the "Cheese Fromagerie" Department from the store I was tasting in, the Cheese is from Burgundy in France and is called Délice de Bourgogne, I could never have enough of that pairing! Of course, this wine can be sip by itself as well if you are like me and love a full of characters Chard. by itself, or paired with creamy linguine and shrimp/shellfish or even better, my favorite would be with salmon on the plank nicely rub with herbs. Serve chilled.
Score: 9/10. Great find, stack it up.
Ageing Potential: Up to 3 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $25.99
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Simi, Alexander Valley Cabernet Savignon'06, CA, USA
A dry but smooth and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Alexander Valley re-known for being "The" best place to produce "Cabs" in California.
Technical Data: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in 38% new French oak and 25% new American oak.
Description: Dark garnet color with ruby hues. Charming plumy nose exuding also candied black fruits aromas enticed with black pepper and cedary notes. On the palate, lush, fresh berries flavors and ripe plum are dominant, backed up by a hint of roasted tobacco, a touch of cedar and very ripe smooth tannins for a velvety long finish.
Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat or tomato based hearty dishes.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 8 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.99
Technical Data: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in 38% new French oak and 25% new American oak.
Description: Dark garnet color with ruby hues. Charming plumy nose exuding also candied black fruits aromas enticed with black pepper and cedary notes. On the palate, lush, fresh berries flavors and ripe plum are dominant, backed up by a hint of roasted tobacco, a touch of cedar and very ripe smooth tannins for a velvety long finish.
Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat or tomato based hearty dishes.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 8 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $30.99
Simi, Sonoma County Merlot'06, CA, USA
A spicy and elegant Merlot blend from Sonoma County in CA.
Technical Data: 93% Merlot blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 13 months on oak.
Description: Ruby red color. At first, aromas of spicy cloves are dominant then,the rich fruity aromas are coming forward and the wine shows an intricate nose of cassis, plum and ripe black cherries all laced together for creating a very pleasuring bouquet. Elegance is what comes to mind when sipping this wine, again a lot of complexity here, the palate is rich and exudes ripe black fruits in general and more particularly black cherries and black berries, you will find as well smooth tannins thru and thru, some cedary notes, a hint of leather and a great balance for a velvety finish.
Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat "in sauce" or with a square of dark fine rich chocolate.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.99
Technical Data: 93% Merlot blended with 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 13 months on oak.
Description: Ruby red color. At first, aromas of spicy cloves are dominant then,the rich fruity aromas are coming forward and the wine shows an intricate nose of cassis, plum and ripe black cherries all laced together for creating a very pleasuring bouquet. Elegance is what comes to mind when sipping this wine, again a lot of complexity here, the palate is rich and exudes ripe black fruits in general and more particularly black cherries and black berries, you will find as well smooth tannins thru and thru, some cedary notes, a hint of leather and a great balance for a velvety finish.
Food Pairing & Service: I can imagine sipping this wine while enjoying red meat "in sauce" or with a square of dark fine rich chocolate.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $22.99
Simi, Sonoma County Chardonnay'08, CA, USA
A medium-crisp and complex full-bodied buttery Chardonnay from Sonoma County in CA.
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay aged 6 months in 25% new oak.
Description: Bright straw yellow color. On the nose, lemon and orange blossom aromas are entwined with a hint of honey and a touch of buttery oak. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and expressing a nice complexity showing off luscious tangerine mingled with green apple and ripe pear backed up by slightly butterscotch flavors and a buttery cream long lasting finish. Extremely well balanced, nice acidity with a touch of zing just by the end of the palate.
Food Pairing & Service: This is a gorgeous wine to enjoy by itself or with food. I would particularly recommend seafood or Asian spicy dishes with this wine, I would also definitely pair it with clam soup or Alfredo linguine with shrimps.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6-8 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay aged 6 months in 25% new oak.
Description: Bright straw yellow color. On the nose, lemon and orange blossom aromas are entwined with a hint of honey and a touch of buttery oak. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and expressing a nice complexity showing off luscious tangerine mingled with green apple and ripe pear backed up by slightly butterscotch flavors and a buttery cream long lasting finish. Extremely well balanced, nice acidity with a touch of zing just by the end of the palate.
Food Pairing & Service: This is a gorgeous wine to enjoy by itself or with food. I would particularly recommend seafood or Asian spicy dishes with this wine, I would also definitely pair it with clam soup or Alfredo linguine with shrimps.
Score: 9/10.
Ageing Potential: Easily up to 6-8 years.
Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99
Monday, August 2, 2010
Columbia Crest Two Vines Riesling'07, Collumbia Valley, Washington State, USA
A wonderful sweet Riesling wine for an unbeatable price!
Technical Data:100% Riesling grape aged in stainless steel tanks to preserves the freshness and fruitiness of this wine.
Description: Bright gold color with greenish hues. An intense nose with aromas of green apples and peach and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and on the sweet side of the spectrum, showing flavors of peach, pear, white flowers, as well as some stony flavors. Sweet but not overly sweet, very well balanced wine thru and thru.
Food Pairing & Service: Will do wonders with any Asian spicy dishes or fusion cuisine or with any shellfish. Will pair perfectly also Indian spicy food. Could also be served as a dessert wine.
Score:9/10, great find, stack it up!
Price as seen on DC shelf:$8.99
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