tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71238788850836448902024-03-05T21:10:05.621-05:00The Sodden Snow MonkeyI have been enjoying wine but I have not been taking great notes, or even good notes or even notes that I can find. I hope this will fix some of that. The great thing about a blog is that it can have a picture of the label. I don't know about you but a visual helps me remember the bottle a lot better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-26999750064450110482017-09-05T06:15:00.000-04:002017-09-05T06:15:03.127-04:00Phones with CamerasFinally leaving the Luddite ages for a smartphone. I can actually see the screen! And read it! In the blog intro I talk about storing label pics on the blog well now I can store them on the phone. This totally streamlines the process of keeping this blog updated. <br />
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NonLuddites are screaming, No Duh! at me. But others who have yet to put away their tin cans with strings are more understanding.<br />
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I cannot say that my wine knowledge has increased much in the intervening years but my palate has gotten pickier. My pocketbook has not kept up. I have moved back to include craft beers and ciders. I have added cheeses, good cheeses to my retinue. <br />
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I can give up meat in my diet but I do not want to give up the great (and confessions to be made: even not so great) cheeses. I know health films have reminded us that, like cake mixes which have so many parts per whatever of rat and bug pieces, milk has so much cow pus which in cheese terms is described as "coagulated cowpus." <br />
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I am good with that. Most of the time. The other times it keeps me from overeating. That's a win win.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-37689759167996553542013-11-16T14:46:00.000-05:002013-11-16T14:46:24.603-05:00Ferrari Brut N/V<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfV5BZLAtMnW4-jd8qGKhhPeJRJ4CpijpCL5pJMMCfSkSbYlQMOzXiWTn2SPyfZuwZfgor-861R0XKdefl_A9fd4KLMEjBEItZM-SIgB3cab0r6FPyB-mdG7bNC1Q9BaYeZF4rgs4Uso/s1600/ferari+brut+nv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfV5BZLAtMnW4-jd8qGKhhPeJRJ4CpijpCL5pJMMCfSkSbYlQMOzXiWTn2SPyfZuwZfgor-861R0XKdefl_A9fd4KLMEjBEItZM-SIgB3cab0r6FPyB-mdG7bNC1Q9BaYeZF4rgs4Uso/s1600/ferari+brut+nv.jpg" /></a>Ferrari Brut N/V (Italy)</h2>
Wine Spectator score: 90 My score: 88<br />
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I must be a hard grader. While I enjoyed the consistent taste and agressive bubble attack on my palette, I rate this an 88, maybe - which is still quite good & makes this one of my new Go Tos for bubbles.<br />
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According to the shop pamphlet write up: "Ferrari Brut is made using the traditional Champagne techniques." I might ask: which tradition might that be? On its own or via a 'traditional' infusion of gas? Given the aggressively strong bubbles I'm guessing the later. I am not complaining about the wine, but rather the coy wording on the sales precis.<br />
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One criteria which is an absolute must for me on bubbly things, especially if they want a rating higher than "BLECH" is a consistent taste from the front to back of palette. This is surprisingly tough to find. This one was far from Blech. I am not sure what I tasted but it sure was consistent from sip to swallow.<br />
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While I don't know if I agree with "significant overtones of ripe golden apples, wild flowers" I still enjoyed it. The bubbles were too aggressive to get any taste beyond the sensation until you stopped to think hard about what you were sniffing or just drank .<br />
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The retail price at the the local was $19.99 which is a very good deal for this. At a compared price of $24 elsewhere: not so great. There is more competition at the $25 point.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-31709312036884625442013-09-28T17:03:00.001-04:002013-09-28T17:03:43.465-04:00Barbera del Monteferrato 2011<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maraia</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Barbera del Monteferrato 2011</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoEw9syemLgQHhANZteku2sG7IaeAAIi-k87t9tDnGU-WOPosU8MjdVCAz1j7qB-KMIlPAp7Jn0ZGil7z5YhPXKiaA_C94mCVocpbwlsYDXSzOjBefGmXwtFLR0lMILS34R1-AaX5W-w/s1600/2011++barbera+del+monferrato..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoEw9syemLgQHhANZteku2sG7IaeAAIi-k87t9tDnGU-WOPosU8MjdVCAz1j7qB-KMIlPAp7Jn0ZGil7z5YhPXKiaA_C94mCVocpbwlsYDXSzOjBefGmXwtFLR0lMILS34R1-AaX5W-w/s400/2011++barbera+del+monferrato..jpg" width="166" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Quite lovely now though when I bought this last year I penciled in the years 2014-15 on the label. I couldn't wait. This is my second bottle this year. I hope I can leave the others stashed away until next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It drinks leaner than my robust fall zinfandels but still flavorful without being fruity. Sure it has some berries of some sort but they are just before full ripe berries with a touch of tart. No discernible tannins, it is quite smooth.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am not currently eating like the foodie I used to be but this went better with cheese than with meat: meaning it went better with my cheese-tortilla roll up than with my cheese n salami tortilla roll up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope to return to cooking up bigger meals but I have to afford the ingredients first.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My education in wine has taken precedence over my cooking. I know I can cook. I am still learning the differences in wines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have been drinking wine inbetween the last posts and this one but they have been short and posted to Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mips97/wine/">My Wine on Pinterest</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has been easier to post on Pinterest than to get some of the blog to work.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-53016771307633150992012-12-29T19:35:00.002-05:002012-12-29T19:39:08.958-05:002009 Jubileo Zapata Zinfandel<span style="font-size: large;">So much for resolutions of the last year. I attended a number of tastings and a WONDERFUL class about Loire Valley wines . . . but did I blog about them? NOOOoooooooo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry about that. I will try again this coming year to be better about that and about noting the wine bottles opened in house, though I admit I went through a 2 month phase of tea and beer drinking but the craft beers were worth writing about, too, if I had infact, stopped drinking long <span style="font-size: large;">enough </span>to write about them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VOMJ8w1g1xWFqn2D-KJ_aQK0DS4fVOMJ4TeKQpNGsdE4P1kA8W1vwAOtX6kPQMkYvWWY1AuF7H5xyY2jwfLdiaBpaVnKal9QUxvNMOgihSNyufL8UMrq09uM3uL9CpfjPX89-3ZgslI/s1600/09+zinfandel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VOMJ8w1g1xWFqn2D-KJ_aQK0DS4fVOMJ4TeKQpNGsdE4P1kA8W1vwAOtX6kPQMkYvWWY1AuF7H5xyY2jwfLdiaBpaVnKal9QUxvNMOgihSNyufL8UMrq09uM3uL9CpfjPX89-3ZgslI/s1600/09+zinfandel.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Anywho! A wine I have had in my basement for a couple of years just waiting for an opportunity to come out was a Mexican Zinfandel. Mexico isn't noted for good wine which prompted me to buy this one. As I recall the original tasting, I didn't buy it for the taste there were other Zins which packed more punch, which I loved more than this one but they weren't the novelty from Mexico. I bought it because <span style="font-size: large;">it was from Mex<span style="font-size: large;">ico and did not taste bad.</span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the original tasting in 2011, I recall a thin tasting but okay wine, overpriced at that time - higher than what it is selling for now - IF you can find a bottle. It's not well known and from a country not known for wines so you might still find it. If you find it for under $20 consider it, if you find it for under $15, buy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Opening it toni<span style="font-size: large;">ght</span> for a spiced rib dinner with roasted vegetables we experienced a wine whose personality changed between courses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At f<span style="font-size: large;">irst opening, thin t<span style="font-size: large;">asting, very fruity, on the s<span style="font-size: large;">weet side.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Given a few mo<span style="font-size: large;">re min<span style="font-size: large;">utes: <span style="font-size: large;">bright be<span style="font-size: large;">rry </span>fruit, on the sweet side.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">After abo<span style="font-size: large;">ut an hour: fruit disappe<span style="font-size: large;">ars, <span style="font-size: large;">wine gains a deeper di<span style="font-size: large;">mension. <span style="font-size: large;">It we<span style="font-size: large;">nt very well with an assortment of <span style="font-size: large;">cheese and fin<span style="font-size: large;">ally, with the dinner.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was by no means the hot bold alc<span style="font-size: large;">ohol bomb that many zins are<span style="font-size: large;">. It was on the light side for a zin<span style="font-size: large;"> but<span style="font-size: large;"> all the more ver<span style="font-size: large;">satile because of th<span style="font-size: large;">at. Alco<span style="font-size: large;">hol i<span style="font-size: large;">s listed in the 14%+<span style="font-size: large;"> range bu<span style="font-size: large;">t you didn't feel that in the nose or the throat.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have bott<span style="font-size: large;">le<span style="font-size: large;"> don't wait too m<span style="font-size: large;">uch longer to open it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-38496076877563014732012-02-11T20:36:00.001-05:002012-02-11T20:36:54.643-05:00A Couple of Quick Food Pairing Notes<span style="font-size: large;">Successful food- wine pairings. Quick note.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steak Bomb Calzone & even some Hawaiian Pizza: 2008 Pennywise Pinot Noir.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">wine: soft fruit, rounded, a little earthy yet kinda light. I figured it would probably work with the steak but was unsure about the tricky sweet-sour nature of the Hawaiian Pizza but it worked well. There was enough earthy but smooth nature of the wine to still work with the Hawaiian side after the sweetness canceled out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roasted Pork Loin with (roasted) garlic: 2008 Irony Pinot Noir</b>: the wonderful, almost magical alchemy that happens in a synergetic pairing. As an aperitif the wine was tart, either sour cherry or cranberry viewpoint depending. With the pork, the wine became deeper, fuller. Apres dinner, over talk even with hours of aeration in the glass, the wine still retained a nice rounded, full, nature.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-50164500794017889232012-02-08T21:50:00.002-05:002012-02-08T21:55:34.522-05:00Aruma 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUx6E7cwtkwrhyphenhyphen62_y_HFbOQcWMdFeOZBmvuYQ61pHnwJt-y36yqlOYp0sFKukLMjdcc6XImIRrRKb94-njNfTWY6MWdP_n44Ehae6mmSygn2Ga4kO3iA-pRnJR4HrxNTcZcGlNH4Cvs/s1600/aruma+750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUx6E7cwtkwrhyphenhyphen62_y_HFbOQcWMdFeOZBmvuYQ61pHnwJt-y36yqlOYp0sFKukLMjdcc6XImIRrRKb94-njNfTWY6MWdP_n44Ehae6mmSygn2Ga4kO3iA-pRnJR4HrxNTcZcGlNH4Cvs/s320/aruma+750.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
My new Go-To? The available vintage of my GoTo Bogle Phantom is almost up. Aruma is deep, rich, also wonderful...maybe not quite as rhapsodic but close enough for less $$.<br />
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Many Malbecs I have experienced have a rough edge that some aging softens. This one does not. This one is roll your eyes up in your head, curl your toes wonderful as is.<br />
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Deep color, deep aroma & dark cherry, rich flavors. Wonderful partnership between Lafitte and Catena. Great value.<br />
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I tried the new vintage, the latest bottled vintage of K-BZinfandel...what a disappointment. Maybe age will deepen it but right now it doesn't begin to capture a fraction of the wonderful depth of the previous vintage. It looks like I may be drinking a lot of the Aruma until summer whites take over again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAh1zH8LOVitpwWZj5ap31-RWQ-zgLQPr-acQdhI7p8SsxsOx7ce4r85KZf8WmWPlk0P-XLdnCS5qjlB8VCvTJ4IEfymO1GoFyoUAXSIURR5HJhUklexnK9bvsS2USZkUK2E1AiI9Eglw/s1600/aruma+back+label+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAh1zH8LOVitpwWZj5ap31-RWQ-zgLQPr-acQdhI7p8SsxsOx7ce4r85KZf8WmWPlk0P-XLdnCS5qjlB8VCvTJ4IEfymO1GoFyoUAXSIURR5HJhUklexnK9bvsS2USZkUK2E1AiI9Eglw/s200/aruma+back+label+600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-1291490257726691872012-01-21T18:23:00.002-05:002012-01-21T18:23:50.851-05:00Bogle Phantom 2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLmFT0en06NtwABlRt6KiOvDTD2acvB33lxLbl6B5nfnNMP1urm1iJHUMFdrd2OKSVPQcwAcObwZnGdCFWD4IvUp5b_hyOY4Dtj-dkkhzEXPI9tMyHGmmWpJ2ILWDT-TNHFnZSiKpUkI/s1600/bogle+phantom+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLmFT0en06NtwABlRt6KiOvDTD2acvB33lxLbl6B5nfnNMP1urm1iJHUMFdrd2OKSVPQcwAcObwZnGdCFWD4IvUp5b_hyOY4Dtj-dkkhzEXPI9tMyHGmmWpJ2ILWDT-TNHFnZSiKpUkI/s320/bogle+phantom+resized.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This became my back up wine after I drank my last bottle of Klinker Brick Old Vine Zin '09. This isn't K-B but it has been close enough to go back to the wine shop for more bottles. It will be my Go-To wine until I get a chance to try the latest vintage K-B.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">A red blend which is deep, rich and wonderful weight to snuggle up with on cold and now snowy nights.</span> <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-11464464232167957342012-01-21T18:11:00.001-05:002012-01-21T18:11:21.047-05:00Buttonwood Hawk Red 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGijy1p-an_aE464WcZblBLoWkqkNLrTz08qKlIAXJks6lnGXHgaF3-v49Hsa_YX7U2j6ig0hzaI_v3dyOFGVPNpQj2uG-sPyjaJgLB_Zs8zQNfjizPMzaJssxx2nq5gZcll-287EF2mE/s1600/buttonwood++resized+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGijy1p-an_aE464WcZblBLoWkqkNLrTz08qKlIAXJks6lnGXHgaF3-v49Hsa_YX7U2j6ig0hzaI_v3dyOFGVPNpQj2uG-sPyjaJgLB_Zs8zQNfjizPMzaJssxx2nq5gZcll-287EF2mE/s320/buttonwood++resized+front.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This was one of a local wine club pack. It is a good thing I made notes. I had no clue how I ended up with this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is an unspecified red blend from 1 of the 2 appellations in Santa Barbara county, California.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The color was deep. Tannins were still present but on the gentler side. I noticed them only in afterthought while I was thinking about what I was drinking. They helped the wine stand up to the food, keep it's character. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">It didn't have the weight of cabs or other cab dominant blends but it certainly had more oomph than many Merlot blends.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It was certainly tasty but I wouldn't go out of my way to look for it.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-58354020092435085352012-01-21T18:00:00.001-05:002012-01-21T18:00:23.898-05:00Zappa Zappa Zappa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7U-5pBG9ikq6j1L3789P2OlbEU61QjXmpI7QiDE-shVaRjARsU9szqW6M3SqmO2G9NKJPli2YdtJomUkgx6pnUQxtPXm-dpsocSgBvekwLzAwHsn1mSKmR3BEKn3tQnIp5HLGLt-l_w/s1600/zappa+front+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7U-5pBG9ikq6j1L3789P2OlbEU61QjXmpI7QiDE-shVaRjARsU9szqW6M3SqmO2G9NKJPli2YdtJomUkgx6pnUQxtPXm-dpsocSgBvekwLzAwHsn1mSKmR3BEKn3tQnIp5HLGLt-l_w/s320/zappa+front+resized.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is what I said when I went back to the wine shop when I picked up the last three bottles of this a year or 2 back!</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A red blend from the Languedoc made up of Syrah, Tempranillo and Grenache.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFMxkxTkmkB5Py15CegQJCul65Ix-Sic6ROCFRLOyebb5fKnv7y0-mxSeyEesgEkf8ipzI3EZyica2k80UEfiGycI4VtEmXXdE91OoOxh726EOE_0md07_SqbKm-WT7lxW6TYi-n3nfA/s1600/zappa+back+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFMxkxTkmkB5Py15CegQJCul65Ix-Sic6ROCFRLOyebb5fKnv7y0-mxSeyEesgEkf8ipzI3EZyica2k80UEfiGycI4VtEmXXdE91OoOxh726EOE_0md07_SqbKm-WT7lxW6TYi-n3nfA/s200/zappa+back+resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Color was very red. The tannins, smoothed. The fruit wasn't over the top but just enough for my mood. It held up over the 4 days it took to finish the bottle.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-86429987400792117222012-01-04T19:27:00.000-05:002012-01-04T19:27:22.193-05:00Saladini Pilastri 2006<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsBBpRhATtUm-3ECvWTDnqhtucVzAUGqpmuvtJLj5Eu5w67jtc55JezJHhgEe4JqVI0SUAcwdlpiytaBkSRHQ2eW8MaBxJxYsMfuQrCLyYkdcb5gc4p2qtb4TF1JOSTUbZ0nvwlizy3c/s1600/saladini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsBBpRhATtUm-3ECvWTDnqhtucVzAUGqpmuvtJLj5Eu5w67jtc55JezJHhgEe4JqVI0SUAcwdlpiytaBkSRHQ2eW8MaBxJxYsMfuQrCLyYkdcb5gc4p2qtb4TF1JOSTUbZ0nvwlizy3c/s320/saladini.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pregio del Conte. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This seems to be a red blended wine with no mention of varietal.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Nose: not really aromatic or aromatic enough for me to identify anything...blackberry-ish with a touch of eucalytus?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Color: heading into brick.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Taste: Smooth. Very light fruit, just a touch of something just barely sweet? - or maybe that was what my capellini w basil marinara & lamb pushed it to be. Medium finish.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now that dinner is finished, the wine in my glass is not sweet at all. Apparently I guessed well at my pairing tonight. Yippee! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Good thing I liked it. I have 1 bottle left in my cellar. I am trying to work my way through the older bottles before they get past their prime. So far I have been lucky. There were some that were starting the down slide off the bell curve. This is probably the last year for this 06.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-57162305814672012642012-01-04T19:08:00.000-05:002012-01-04T19:08:41.522-05:00Li Veli Primonero 2008<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Primitivo & Negroamaro. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu3rTJzK0UnLVgCwV3Y9v9DHenLFrwvrdVlKPL5BRL5XM5aDuzschXYYs464mt6o1hLGn7K3RHGKCU41syv28_EoGxtjwMNjtWULSZ48zpV6jP1x2kFtYSdjY4vHPMvFOdbxHVAvmi2c/s1600/primonero.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu3rTJzK0UnLVgCwV3Y9v9DHenLFrwvrdVlKPL5BRL5XM5aDuzschXYYs464mt6o1hLGn7K3RHGKCU41syv28_EoGxtjwMNjtWULSZ48zpV6jP1x2kFtYSdjY4vHPMvFOdbxHVAvmi2c/s320/primonero.png" width="88" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not my usual label type picture. I pitched the bottle before I remembered to take a pic. My bad.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It wasn't the wine taste I was looking for that night. I couldn't remember how it tasted and I opened it without doing a quick internet search. My bad again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The wine wasn't bad. It just wasn't what I was in the mood for that night or the nights it took to finish.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The nose was slightly medicinal.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Color: red heading to brick at the edges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Taste: No obvious fruit erm...maybe a not sweet blackberry? Smooth. Long finish. Earthiness - in a good way. No taste of ass that night.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-43126034596628666522012-01-04T18:57:00.001-05:002012-01-04T18:57:21.184-05:00Chateau Les Tours Seguy 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSNMtIPZikbyeaB9kMX5vqWqvq4pKZrZfpX5Ftw3UyiOM-rRFeOTQHKAz15eA-tpwJ_kHkoVRzdzamt2P5gPh8rTTEKkg-5GyP279DjYxANjXhNYzgm_JN0s4n0YJlMt3kzBdQNbW8FU/s1600/Les+Tours+Seguy+2997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSNMtIPZikbyeaB9kMX5vqWqvq4pKZrZfpX5Ftw3UyiOM-rRFeOTQHKAz15eA-tpwJ_kHkoVRzdzamt2P5gPh8rTTEKkg-5GyP279DjYxANjXhNYzgm_JN0s4n0YJlMt3kzBdQNbW8FU/s320/Les+Tours+Seguy+2997.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just when I thought the fresh barnyard was bad....I open up one which smells like an outhouse. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a laminated wine wheel which lists categories which help neophytes identify what they are smelling. It identifies Chemical smells of all sorts, including Hydrogen Sulfide & Kerosene. It doesn't list sh*t. It must be a universal given. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The smell did not go away with aeration though it was less so the next day. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That's it. Beyond drinking through the obscure, garagiste wines already in my cellar I am not getting any more. I could really use the smells of summer berries right about now: even more so when the snows start to fall.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">90% Merlot, 10% Cab Sauvignon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Other than the offending nose, the taste wasn't bad. It was a plummy taste, on the lighter side. Light finish.</span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-5115280626792384452011-12-22T11:23:00.001-05:002011-12-22T12:14:24.005-05:00Apologies for not keeping up! Happy Christmas!<span style="font-size: large;">My abject apologies for not posting as regularly as I've been drinking. Thank you for bearing with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My New Year's resolutions are to strive...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. to post about every single bottle I open - wine, craft beer and distilled spirit (mmmmmsinglemaltscotch).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. to hit the books again to read up on wine so I can write more useful commentary than just ..."yummmmy" & a comment about blissfully curled toes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. to make more cogent notes on tastings in the area. I will not be able to list all wines tasted but I want to post about that great discovery which blows out the competition at a tasting - at least in my opinion.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, Happy Christmas! I hope it finds you and your family well and with a bottle (or 2) handy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the expected Christmas wines at Chez Monkey is Mumm Napa, brut prestige, a Napa Valley Sparkling wine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwqcXqJUWI2K2x4Y1Sw8qFGZcbpwfhyphenhyphen1ukia8HkLnYcJtzrBWSDcKdHp3kZoS5tjYshyayDaRptJ574ie5EtM8laZN_rR8O_CFwwfQzImnYvoiQXecyQLx0ZzSIXTiDNT6nRv1upXMiY/s1600/mumm+napa+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwqcXqJUWI2K2x4Y1Sw8qFGZcbpwfhyphenhyphen1ukia8HkLnYcJtzrBWSDcKdHp3kZoS5tjYshyayDaRptJ574ie5EtM8laZN_rR8O_CFwwfQzImnYvoiQXecyQLx0ZzSIXTiDNT6nRv1upXMiY/s320/mumm+napa+front.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other wines are still to be determined after a consult with local wine gurus. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-31292759392041955272011-09-05T19:25:00.001-04:002011-09-05T19:27:03.878-04:00Ondarre Reserva 2004 Rioja<span style="font-size: large;">I originally bought this to make sangria. I needed a diversion from summer whites so went to some of the older reds I had in the cellar which I wanted to drink through. I was not in the mood for sangria. I am more of a purist than not. I don't like adulterated coffees, beers or wines. I am of the opinion that coffees which need flavoring are inferior coffees to begin with, likewise beers and wines. In terms of cooking and drinking, I believe that the better the base ingredients, the better the end result, though some cooking is very forgiving of some questionable choices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, this one started out a little firmer than what I was expecting. At first swirl, it was hot with alcohol. The tannins were there but were smooth. There was very little fruit. It was a very good food wine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I do not have a picture of the label...how did that happen? Was I enjoying the wine that much? Maybe!</span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-62467434792765839802011-09-05T19:06:00.000-04:002011-09-05T19:09:24.884-04:00Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2007<span style="font-size: large;">Nose: light citrus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Taste: not oaked, mild tasting with a pleasant citrus that I can't describe as one or another specific citrus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Finish: medium long</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh47B2eHpxk_wZu80sbhih6LoWBl7k2wDSmU2hyAE9BQamzk5-yDxyQLVGG50P62x1MATxhq2S8p6Tged8B35izUPeEY1LmENe4dLdEHRxwH9vpuVlBlScIh3qMkaHKZoxA77qGGFOYc/s1600/sonoma+coast+chard+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh47B2eHpxk_wZu80sbhih6LoWBl7k2wDSmU2hyAE9BQamzk5-yDxyQLVGG50P62x1MATxhq2S8p6Tged8B35izUPeEY1LmENe4dLdEHRxwH9vpuVlBlScIh3qMkaHKZoxA77qGGFOYc/s200/sonoma+coast+chard+1.jpg" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh47B2eHpxk_wZu80sbhih6LoWBl7k2wDSmU2hyAE9BQamzk5-yDxyQLVGG50P62x1MATxhq2S8p6Tged8B35izUPeEY1LmENe4dLdEHRxwH9vpuVlBlScIh3qMkaHKZoxA77qGGFOYc/s1600/sonoma+coast+chard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is another one which went down easily and well. I am beginning to appreciate what white wines bring to the table. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-86763256829142688172011-08-13T21:35:00.001-04:002011-08-13T21:44:10.614-04:00Petite Arvine 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTRdM2WhAL3L19AEuFKRg_8OSKRTLWoA5yW7qkqwa6gHwqXzcOhVlKc9GpZ46IY2BmploWXX0mJBU2isZSt93M5HnuwTfRDRgYg-wY-pLZDxoeJiqihs0GR4SXamAZUtJrXymovhHWD0/s1600/petite+arvine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTRdM2WhAL3L19AEuFKRg_8OSKRTLWoA5yW7qkqwa6gHwqXzcOhVlKc9GpZ46IY2BmploWXX0mJBU2isZSt93M5HnuwTfRDRgYg-wY-pLZDxoeJiqihs0GR4SXamAZUtJrXymovhHWD0/s320/petite+arvine.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I think I waited a year too long to open this but it was still surprisingly good. Since I have never heard of the grape before...I did not even know this was a white wine until I opened it. It's from Switzerland. Who knew Alpine regions grow grapes? Okay, wine enthusiasts know that. I'm new at this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about it, I would have thought this would be a light wine: thinking cooler mountains, higher elevations - again, without looking up specifics.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjD7W03Qwhh1tGsqvAryrEuL1ceRJ-bw6socnRc_LuXDdU-xx3E1heEfUOuapIzvETfH86rb6eYy532jqY7PlJIIKKaLEOuSx3wE6HwFfD9Ep_bbPbnHRtLXT10STlYJwaYvw3l_10nc/s1600/petite+arvine+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjD7W03Qwhh1tGsqvAryrEuL1ceRJ-bw6socnRc_LuXDdU-xx3E1heEfUOuapIzvETfH86rb6eYy532jqY7PlJIIKKaLEOuSx3wE6HwFfD9Ep_bbPbnHRtLXT10STlYJwaYvw3l_10nc/s320/petite+arvine+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">It was a deep yellow in the glass with no change in color at the edges. It smelled of pineapple and alcohol. Oh it was so good. It went down so easily and lightly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An amazing thought: Switzerland which would not have known about pineapples without help from imports grows a grape which gives them some of that same great taste (but without the excessive juicy sweetness of an actual pineapple)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On the second day it was no longer pineapple: it was pink grapefruit. I like pink grapefruit. It's regular grapefruit I don't much like.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-3134590239216970312011-08-13T21:25:00.000-04:002011-08-13T21:25:24.785-04:00La Lapin Chardonnay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsySztqpYyQbGi4Nr0Kulbkexmw2J_3KL1_lnihyBbbcVh9zLKkBBeJ7i8mE541ufbFoRz78lK_WnGJABdVJq8QwRsNoeOwwaUlQocgXbt9Np7XBFLDGPRHGoRNxdMXynMpX6Xn0zqiCM/s1600/le+lapin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsySztqpYyQbGi4Nr0Kulbkexmw2J_3KL1_lnihyBbbcVh9zLKkBBeJ7i8mE541ufbFoRz78lK_WnGJABdVJq8QwRsNoeOwwaUlQocgXbt9Np7XBFLDGPRHGoRNxdMXynMpX6Xn0zqiCM/s320/le+lapin+1.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">An odd waxy, weirdly floral (yukky geranium?) nose.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The taste wasn't much different. It was that waxy oddness. Maybe even some of that yucky geranium. Some citrus was trying to overcome the odd tastes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With aeration: the oddness decreased but never fully went away. Some apricot came through, which helped.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-87037300115888596082011-08-13T21:09:00.000-04:002011-08-13T21:09:02.445-04:00Copertino Riserva 2003<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6VOz9AYkW5-xrG_M6mBdhPfVYcpkSNaJph1h3s1cOQVwQauaW4GdL2Qu4yvEppUHTNC1MU3HfcrTZLk68BxuWQzcJEs_ppETd_4R8abLTwJheBlos3E-LQ0_vHlpxe3DjnFGE3gvKbA/s1600/copertino+2003+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6VOz9AYkW5-xrG_M6mBdhPfVYcpkSNaJph1h3s1cOQVwQauaW4GdL2Qu4yvEppUHTNC1MU3HfcrTZLk68BxuWQzcJEs_ppETd_4R8abLTwJheBlos3E-LQ0_vHlpxe3DjnFGE3gvKbA/s320/copertino+2003+1.jpg" width="173" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">If you love the stench of a fresh barnyard...and I mean horse apple fresh...then this is the one for you. The stench does not go away with time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I did not try this with an aerator. Maybe that would have helped the smell. It probably would have hurt the taste. The color was past red heading into brick. It probably won't last much longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The taste doesn't need any help. If you can get past the smell, the taste is smooth, light berry, evenly slightly creamy yet food friendly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The taste was the same into the second day...as was the smell. As I said, the nose did not dissipate or change into anything more pleasant. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-15659695363943205132011-08-13T20:56:00.001-04:002011-08-13T21:10:01.905-04:00Harmonie 2009<span style="font-size: large;">Muscadet de Serve et Maine sur lie. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdCtffzPBoN55DlzZSzEe4wP4DJ3AA0CP0bkQMnO9oEZ-pwhTqy81tOWxcQmfazlr9wIqWr08TTHTg69q7s5bqPzn9DUCgPy99R-xs-rwky23gvsrFFV4zEMrjuQdBdarU-pfgODuDac/s1600/Harmonie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdCtffzPBoN55DlzZSzEe4wP4DJ3AA0CP0bkQMnO9oEZ-pwhTqy81tOWxcQmfazlr9wIqWr08TTHTg69q7s5bqPzn9DUCgPy99R-xs-rwky23gvsrFFV4zEMrjuQdBdarU-pfgODuDac/s320/Harmonie+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First sip is EEEEEEYOOOOOWWWWWW sharp. That's what happens when you just can't wait a little bit for it to open up and calm down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A short time later: very light citrus on the nose. Taste was smoother, maybe some light peachy type taste with just a touch of citrus, nice citrus but not grapefruity citrus. Not exactly peachy but sort of peachy. There was a hint of effervescence with every sip which dissipated almost before you knew it was there if you weren't looking for it. I was looking for it. I was curious about the 'Sur Lie.' Yup, there's tiny bubbles at opening sip. Short finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was lovely. A lovely summer wine. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-13785200179129038302011-08-10T17:42:00.002-04:002011-08-13T21:10:57.068-04:00Hayes Ranch Cabernet Sauvingnon 2009<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't take any more white wines. I didn't even wait to chill this one. The first glass was at 58 degree cellar temp. It was barely okay reminding me of cheaper mass produced supermarket wines, if okay is defined as "okay for the price." It was a smooth cab but a thin cab. Few discernable tannins in that it did not give any hint of raspiness or mouth drying when sipped.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcy1jppipWmn75lILTWEfJ4pirrPYMd1JYfy4bKBrjlgQ8nGvGvGUZfLGxyC3LcX5sXo7uED32R9l5l0hZZrXoG3i_qqtfeVxan-FjFsNmRA7NYYtFC4utPPYYA5nmbfin4H3fgzzFKA/s1600/Hayes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcy1jppipWmn75lILTWEfJ4pirrPYMd1JYfy4bKBrjlgQ8nGvGvGUZfLGxyC3LcX5sXo7uED32R9l5l0hZZrXoG3i_qqtfeVxan-FjFsNmRA7NYYtFC4utPPYYA5nmbfin4H3fgzzFKA/s320/Hayes+1.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I did not notice the rich cherry taste which the label promised. There was some blackberry. Smoky oak? Not in the cellar temp pour. The following evening was different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took me 2 more days to finish this bottle. The bottle was in the bar frig with a stopper in it. It kept really well. Chilled, it tasted very buttery and now I could pick up some ripe cherry. I much prefer this chilled. I will have to remember to do that if I get any future bottles of this</span>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-4844093374536591232011-08-05T21:20:00.001-04:002011-08-13T21:12:52.969-04:00Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc & Viognier 2010<span style="font-size: large;">Fantastic patio pounder. Great wine for the hottest days!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrh_tuq7CSVkM3004yIbMy2Z6epgT9_S62pCmtgq3_ubtsbJTCo4bJq-R5HefMH6og0tlsj5AaNG9M3j_rf0EbtslAzGjJ7IOdCFfBy1Pkn8iVVLkj62UDE1IEbEeVNtagJ1fA0MIrlU/s1600/pine+ridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrh_tuq7CSVkM3004yIbMy2Z6epgT9_S62pCmtgq3_ubtsbJTCo4bJq-R5HefMH6og0tlsj5AaNG9M3j_rf0EbtslAzGjJ7IOdCFfBy1Pkn8iVVLkj62UDE1IEbEeVNtagJ1fA0MIrlU/s320/pine+ridge.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is another case inwhich I don't much like Chenin Blancs or Viogniers but I love them together in this combination. My nose was picking up floral notes but the taste was more citrus but not annoying, sharp citrus. It was pleasant, refreshing citrus with some other elements that softened the citrus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The was a tremendous $ value at under $9, for a refreshing wine which went well with a number of foods, again, general picnic, light dinner or summer type foods. Or just by itself on the back deck. I did not discern any degradation in quality or change in taste over a few days. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-58051939298421307712011-08-05T21:05:00.003-04:002011-08-13T21:13:41.069-04:00Due Uve 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0786OBDnB-AzkWfSemu3jIRWojoN5V9mJ7ck-GtA7Aq2WLV7lzK8oD4n5Q3_HXYep4IUvtyjtAx7Wlkux1ynrv-MjS2iB88_Syoc1-bsUO8tpg0xY19E9MVXz6k_9oINi8C3wE2gT6LQ/s1600/due+uve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0786OBDnB-AzkWfSemu3jIRWojoN5V9mJ7ck-GtA7Aq2WLV7lzK8oD4n5Q3_HXYep4IUvtyjtAx7Wlkux1ynrv-MjS2iB88_Syoc1-bsUO8tpg0xY19E9MVXz6k_9oINi8C3wE2gT6LQ/s320/due+uve.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 50% Pinot Grigio, 50% Sauvingnon Blanc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am not a fan of most Pinot Grigios or Sauvingon Blancs. I am not a fan of grapefruit juice, alcoholic or not, not to mention the stink of cat pee on the nose which describes most Sauvingon Blancs from New Zealand in my experience. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This was from Veneto so I felt a little safer in this choice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Due Uve was nicely aromatic (apricot?), not too tart, not too sweet, and very refreshing. Light color. The second day was as good as the first. Works against an array of summer picnic type foods.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-78303186256112572132011-08-02T19:34:00.003-04:002011-08-13T21:14:13.298-04:00Domaine de la Bergerie Rose<span style="font-size: large;">Yes! A rose (can't find my accents) . A pink wine. A neither here nor there wine. There is a wine shop owner who won't passively accept my anti Rosee gestures (crossed fingers, garlic, rotating 3 times tossing salt over my shoulder). She knows why I dislike rose. Neither of us are shy about our opinions and views. She has been on the money with all of her recommendations for the past few years. She said I would like this one.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzm2QHD9HfRBz29uP-sZfgI1Yv3X-Jfj-DNImkn7c5EbcaV5wacQoRrnvakfiOcRa_CAubcMmhU8Mfdtgjg_NjHqZ8l0Jx9yV0oZXLZMSF7HEx0OuSQKkMoUKQg78sKJB31xrVskKSrM/s1600/rose+de+loire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzm2QHD9HfRBz29uP-sZfgI1Yv3X-Jfj-DNImkn7c5EbcaV5wacQoRrnvakfiOcRa_CAubcMmhU8Mfdtgjg_NjHqZ8l0Jx9yV0oZXLZMSF7HEx0OuSQKkMoUKQg78sKJB31xrVskKSrM/s320/rose+de+loire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Notice the bottle. It is empty. No, I did not pour it down the sink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first night it was reminiscent of what I don't like about roses: neither here nor there. It was okay. It went well with the salad I ate that evening: more romaine, vidalia, gherkin and blue cheese dressing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second night it was deeper, richer and fuller tasting. It was still pink but it drank more like a light red only chewier. I really liked it the second night. If I were ever having this again, I would start drinking it from the second night onward.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-36182789154190562732011-08-02T19:16:00.002-04:002011-08-13T21:14:48.860-04:00Rosemount Chardonnay 1999<span style="font-size: large;">You heard me: 1999. I had 3 bottles from a move a long time ago. I drank 1 a couple of years ago it wasn't bad. It was fuller, richer tasting than I thought it would be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't so lucky this year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX5Dab7t-RlAbioBeLLC81aNKkjilKI_3q8iRBkhKlQ-Ry9M7piHrUI7wyeoV59I_za49UmexGkKcwdllYne0bhyphenhyphen5PGtfV_sKEpe7AGPvn8KSxd-93bQX-22OlMIxKL7ccJWu6sMsx1o/s1600/rosemont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX5Dab7t-RlAbioBeLLC81aNKkjilKI_3q8iRBkhKlQ-Ry9M7piHrUI7wyeoV59I_za49UmexGkKcwdllYne0bhyphenhyphen5PGtfV_sKEpe7AGPvn8KSxd-93bQX-22OlMIxKL7ccJWu6sMsx1o/s320/rosemont.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first clue that I was too late was the orange wine inside the glass. It wasn't just a deep gold. It was ORANGE. I should have taken a picture of the glass of wine. No worries. I have that one other bottle. I may save that for a demo. I will take that picture. I have never seen orange wine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It had a vinegary tartness in the nose and yes, on the tongue. I did take a sip just to test, which I promptly spit out. Definitely gone. Gone! This is one reason I am using this summer to clear out the accumulated white wines from who knows when and where. That and the consistent heat.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123878885083644890.post-64773557672732397882011-08-02T19:07:00.002-04:002011-08-13T21:15:24.916-04:00Chateau la Guilbonnerie<span style="font-size: large;">It's red. It's Bordeaux. I couldn't take anymore whites at the time. I knew this was on the rich, robust side but I needed something different from what I was drinking through this summer. I did not even chill it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWVashJGdzyCZ54NzFOsELEaP4uAA4KXTfKIGRh4bv-QT37_ymwvrwdQYNGssC8tuRcxdFMWmi796Z9tpbr-7TL_dkySuoImZMFxwaHmnKQU88Hq31rZ-99vnuTXB5raLKhJLG4vAZdU/s1600/la+guilbonaire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWVashJGdzyCZ54NzFOsELEaP4uAA4KXTfKIGRh4bv-QT37_ymwvrwdQYNGssC8tuRcxdFMWmi796Z9tpbr-7TL_dkySuoImZMFxwaHmnKQU88Hq31rZ-99vnuTXB5raLKhJLG4vAZdU/s320/la+guilbonaire.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It tasted like it should have been more expensive than it was. It had plummy richness. It hit the spot. I have to remember to get some more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't usually acquire too many of any 1 kind anymore because there are too many wonderful new tastes and types of wines coming around the corner but there are just some that act as not so old favorites; the known entities. This is one of them.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0