Amy's LA Wine Blog

A new Valpo.

2010-06-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm on a Valpolicella kick. And I really liked this one. It's the first time I've had or seen this producer, but I'm really glad I found it.

David Sterza, Classico Superiore Ripasso, 2007.

Compared to regular Classico Valpo, this wine is a full, deep crimson color and it has pronounced raisin character which comes from, of course, the Ripasso method, where the wine is refermented ("passed over" so to speak) on the skins of grapes pressed for Amarone. This brings up the alcohol a bit and also gives it a noticeable sweet, raisined character with some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. There's also some noticeable volatile acidity on the nose, but you know, VA is a relative flaw. In this case it actually adds a little aromatic lift, and is typical of the region of production.

You can find it around for about $20, and it blows the socks off a lot of other wines at that price point.

Joguet Chinon 2006

2010-06-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Finally!! The exam is finished and now I can go back to what I do best... studying. Because it looks like I will be taking it again! Good for me I guess and good for the blog.

Blogging is about 112th on my list of favorite things to do. When I'm doing it, I hate it. When I'm not doing it, I'm thinking I should be doing it.

There were a few mistakes I made that I made. Believe it or not, as much Cab Franc as I drank last year I mistook it for Valpolicella and vice versa. So I went out and bought some of these and tasted them side by side.

Perfumed, a little brett, a little reduction with tobacco leaf aromatics, med + acid, 13.5% alc.
rustic, grippy tannins and black currant and copper penny on the palate.

Delicious in a tasting and even better sitting on the couch and watching Top Chef Masters
while sipping.

Hillside expoure, hand picked, 5 day cold soak, 21 days on the skins (!), 30C Ferm temps,
daily punchdowns and finally, MLF in barrel, with the wine spending about 14 months
in 1-3 yr old neutral wood barrels. Don't say I never did any research for you!

Charles Joguet, Clos de Chene Vert, Chinon, 2006.

About $26.

Silvaner.

2010-03-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Glaser Himmelstoss, Silvaner, Franken, Germany, 2006.

I'm a little late blogging on this, as I drank it AGES ago, well by AGES I mean around Christmas. It was a gift from an MW friend, as she knows I need to study up on my non-Riesling German varieties. Like Muller Thurgau, which is generally flabby, lower in alcohol and tastes like nothing, the opposite of Silvaner really.

This wine actually had some heft, and it's high acidity and peachy character give it a little bit of length and complexity. I'm not saying it's Grand Cru Burgundy or anything, it's a simple easy drinking wine that went quite well with cauliflower soup and grilled cheese (check out my friend Rob's blog for that recipe...)

Silvaner is mostly found in Rheinhessen and Frankenm though some can be found in Alsace, Alto-Adige, Switzerland and Eastern Europe. I think it makes a nice alternative to something like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. Even though it's not as aromatic, the acidity makes it slightly comparable... or at least that's my silly little opinion.

Chianti at it's peak...

2010-02-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Rocca delle Macie, Chianti Classico, Riserva, 2004.

I liked this wine, but didn't love it. It was so inexpensive though for Riserva that I am cutting it some slack. I thought it was really nicely balanced, moderate plus alcohol, grippy but integrated tannins and nice sour cherry fruit, however it was getting a little dried out and these was some VA on the nose that I usually find pleasant in Italian wine, but to me it seemed like this one was just on the verge of being oxidized.

BUT the good news is that it got better the longer it was opened, which doesn't make sense actually since I felt it was already a little oxidized (from long barrel age perhaps?) I would suggest a nice rough and tumble decanting and then splashing around in your glass for a bit. It's definitely showing some nice secondary savory notes on the nose. Drink now!

$24.99 Rosso Wine Shop

Yum, Brunello!

2010-02-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Caprili, Brunello di Montalcino, 2004.

If I could drink Brunello everyday what a great life that would be!

I loved, loved, loved this wine! It was so perfumed, richly textured, firm tannins, which though fairly astringent were still pleasant and had a real stick to the roof of your mouth peanut butter kinda texture. Stunning wine. 100% Sangiovese, as Brunello must be by law. Great vintage. Pick it up! It's not cheap, but what the hell are you waiting for? Drink cheap when you're dead. For now, go for it... $56.99 Wine House.

Hello Enzo!

2010-02-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Enzo Boglietti, Tiglineru, Dolcetto d'Alba, 2007.

I heard from Charles Curtis, MW a few weeks ago in an Italian wine seminar for the IMW residential classes that Dolcetto smells like dog food, I guess this is a marker for some people? I can't say I've ever had that experience but now when I think of Dolcetto all I think of is Kibbles 'n Bits.

I really liked this wine, $19.99 at the Wine House, it was darkly colored with black stone fruits, plums, etc., moderate tannins, which gave it a nice astringency on the finish and moderate acidity. It certainly doesn't have the acidity of Sangiovese, Barbera or Nebbiolo, but definitely some dusty minerality, which to me just screams Italy.

Tn.

2010-02-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Verasol, Tn, Tempranillo, Navarra, 2008.

For $8 this wine is pretty damn good. Very primary red berry fruit, all done in tank, gives it an aromatic lift with moderate acid and moderate tannin. The first time I tasted this I mistook it for Cotes du Rhone, the second time I blind tasted it in a flight I deliberated, was it Grenache, Tempranillo, maybe inexpensive Merlot? But the more I deliberated the more I knew it was my old friend tempranillo who likes to screw me over in all blind tastings because it's just so moderate everything. Cheap and very drinkable.

$8, Domaine LA.

2 Napa wines.

2010-02-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Summers, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2005.

I tasted this in a line-up of Summers Zin, the CS, Matuco Malbec and then 3 wines that I had poured into smalelr bottles for blind tasting. I htink they were Cht. de Negly Languedoc Roussillon, 2007? Olivier Pithon, La Coulee, Cotes de Roussillon, 2007 and a Rioja of some sort. Can't remember that last one!

What I liked about the Summers is that it was very typical of the region of production (in others words I nailed it in the blind tasting - go me!), in this case Napa Valley. It had complex notes of new French oak (those lovely cinnamon and nutmeg baking spice character) and very clean cassis fruit. A really beautifully structured wine with fine-grained tannins, moderate plus, refreshing acidity and a long persistent finish. I preferred it to the Zinfandel mostly b/c I prefer French oak to American oak and Cabernet to Zinfandel.

I still felt the Zin was very nice and balanced. Not nearly as extracted or alcoholic as a lot of Zinfandels can be. It was more high-toned with red berry fruit than the CS which leans toward a black fruit flavor profile. So different strokes for different folks.

Nice to taste some good domestic wines! They are both available on the Summers Winery website. $35.00 for the Zinfandel and $65 for the CS Reserve.

Lambrusco!

2010-02-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Lambrusco, Lini 910, NV

I did a little research online for this beautiful low alcohol (11%) sparkling Italian wine and turns out it's considered the Best Lambrusco in the World! Well, I will have to agree besides the Concerto by Medici Ermite, which is also incredibly beautiful.

I loved this totally dry sparkling red wine first and foremost b/c it's low alcohol so I can drink a lot more of it. Second, it has great fruit extraction and tannin too, which make the finish long lasting (for this style anyway).

Highly recommended for a romantic evening in!

$17.99 El Vino

Sour cherry delight.

2010-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Fontodi, Chianti Classico, 2006.

A really great vintage in Tuscany this was a great wine for $29.99. I think I nailed it in my blind tasting too if remember correctly, so they clearly made this one right. I love the ripe sour cherry fruit, moderately astringent tannins, dusty minerality and firm but silky tannins. I'm getting thirsty just thinking about it.

Luckily, it's pretty widely available and probably is lurking around in some smaller shops too...

$29.99 Wine House

$27.99 K&L

$32.99 Wally's

Half dry.

2010-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

Robert Weil, Riesling, Rheingau. Kabinett, Halbtrocken, 2007.

Picked at Kabinett sweetness level, but almost fermented dry, I love this crisp, refreshing style. Apply, firm acidity, no petrol notes yet... but I can see that they will develop over time. I'm clairvoyant like that. Super delicious and on sale at K&L for $14.99. What???? I guess the economy has hit hard in H-Wood.

G.D. Vajra.

2010-02-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

G.D. Vajra, Langhe, Nebbiolo, 2007 (?)

Damn! I can't read the vintage, and the bottle has long since been recycled, but you know it's like 2005, 2006 or 2007, whatevs!

We really enjoyed this bottle. I like Langhe Nebbiolo because the tannins are really quite approachable when young compared to Barolo and Barbaresco and of course, far less expensive. I think I actually blind tasted this one for Chianti Classico. I keep getting Nebbiolo and Sangiovese confused in blind tastings, which may seem crazy to some, but it's just a thing I've got. Around $22 at the Wine House.

Jack the dog.

2010-02-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Every now and then life is about more than wine...

This little guy needs a home! His name is Jack, he's 5 years old and a real love bunny. Email me if you're interested and want more info.

Ruby red sparkling.

2010-02-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Parigot, Bourgogne Brut, Cremant, NV.

I can't call this a rosé, cause it's so damn red, like Valentine's day red, but it's also not as intensely red as a sparkling Aussie Shiraz. It's kinda in between. I love the Parigot rosé for great value sparkling wine, but this baby is much deeper and richer and even has a slight phenolic textural component to it that makes your tongue quiver. Loads of ripe black cherry, wet stone minerality and lively, refreshing acidity. Just what Cupid ordered for V-Day. Easy to polish off a bottle between 2 people with the added potential for romance following consumption.

A fun, surprise sparkling wine from Burgundy. It's surprisingly pretty widely available. El Vino, Domaine LA, Woodland Hills Wine Company. Priced around $22-$25.

Mont Olivet, Cotes-du-Rhone, 2006. $15-$17

2010-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Origin as closely as possible, 6pts.: Cotes du Rhone

Light ruby color, red berry fruit profile, moderate minus soft tannin, good mid-market quality (moderate persistence on finish, light complexity of garrigue character), high alcohol (14%) point to Southern Rhone, Vacqueryas, Lirac, Cotes du Rhone. Primary red fruit character, moderate persistence on finish and simple style confirm Cotes du Rhone.

Identify predominant variety or varieties, 6pts: Grenache, Syrah

Translucent ruby color, garrigue aromatics, fine-grained moderate minus tannin, raspy mid-palate with moderate acidity, raspberry framboise flavor profile points to Grenache dominant wine. Light brambly character and ripe black plum aromatics indicates use of Syrah. High alcohol (14%) and use of inert wood vessel consistent.

Identify vintage, giving reasons and discuss wine's potential for future development, 8pts:

Youthful, bright translucent ruby color, fresh plum character indicate 2-3 years old. High alcohol points to ripe vintage 2006, 2007. Lacks baked fruit intensity of hot and dry 2007 vintage. 2006 by cooler August weather than 2007, which allowed for full phenolic and sugar ripeness, some rain near harvest prevented over ripe fruit character found in 2007.

Drink now for fruit purity, but has some tannin and good fruit intensity to hold in bottle another 3-4 years, though lacks fruit concentration and more intense garrigue elements to develop further complexity.

I originally had this wine in Vacqueryas, as it is a much better example of Cotes-du-Rhone than I usually taste. So I'm not quite sure how to funnel it down to CdR over Vacqueryas or Lirac.

Bag me.

2010-02-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

My pinot noir loving friend, Marcel, sent me a link to notcot.com and their very cool wine accessories. I'm kind of a sucker for silly wine things like this. I think this thing is the cutest little wine coat I've ever seen. Well, it's the only wine coat I've ever seen, so maybe that's not saying much, but If you're a Bag-in-Box person and love outdoor events, you would look totally sleek and cool with this slung over your shoulder. And no one would ever know that the bag cost more than the wine...

Now if they only had a bag that could tap a bottle of Burgundy (and I don't mean Paul Masson Hearty Burgundy....)

Vin Santo / Vin de Paille / Recioto di Soave

2010-02-04T08:52:00.001-08:00

In trying to distinguish these in a blind tasting, anyone have, first, any good arguments notes for structural differences and second, aromatic profiles? Much appreciated!!!

Taut and Lean.

2010-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Craggy Range, Riesling, Marlborough, NZ, 2008.

Wow. This wine was an acid bomb. And you know I love acid and embrace acid, but I'm on this fence about this one. I like it, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't write about it if i didn't, but I mean, JEEZ LOUISE as my mother would say, this is one acidic mother, if you know what I mean.

Like biting into a ripe lemon, with a little bit of candied character, medium bodied, a slight petrol note, it was refreshing. But it needs food. Preferable something very fatty and creamy to cut through the acidity. I think the pH is like 2.9, which is close to a lemon.

At any rate, you have to try it if just for the experience of saying that you did. It's like jumping off a bridge. Only safer. And it probably won't kill you. Unless you're allergic to acidity, which would be ridiculous.

Wine House, $18.99.

A good deal...

2010-01-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wild Earth, Central Otago, NZ, Pinot Noir, 2007.

I blind tasted this wine, of course, I guess I don't need to say that anymore, I will let you know when I DON'T blind taste something and the primary black cherry fruit took me to the new world right away. I struggled between C. Otago and Chile. It had a little herbaceousness that made me think it might be S. American. But it's that black cherry fruit intensity, high acid, low tannins that is consistent with New Zealand and C. Otago in particular. The color was like BRIGHT, star bright ruby. There was a little vanilla / baking spice / new oak character on this, but it was well integrated and the finish was long with loads of black cherry, so it delivers good quality for the price.

This is $23.99 at the Wine House. I think it was marked down from a higher price point, so you PN lovers should go grab a few bottles before it's gone.

Pricey Riesling.

2010-01-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hirsch, Gaisberg, Kamptal, Austria, 2007.

This wine was really great, but it totally threw me off. Generally when I think of Austrian Riesling I think higher alcohol 13.5%ish, dry, taut lime acidity. But this wine had a little residual sugar and the alcohol was 12.5%, the acidity was moderate plus, but certainly not the intensity I usually expect from Austria. It even had a little creaminess on the palate, which I think is due to some lees contact.

But wow, expensive!!

At any rate, a fun wine if you have a little spare change, $45.99 at the Wine House.

PF.

2010-01-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

Olivier Merlin, Pouilly Fuissé, 2007.

yes, it's true that I sell this wine, but really I'm not biased! It's fantastically beautiful. I love to take it out just so I can drink the remnants at the end of the day.

What I love about it is that it tastes like a really good village level white from the Cote de Beaune. Except that it's impossible to place in a specific appellation. It's rounder and richer than anything in the CdB, but really far too good for almost everything made in the Macon. Think yellow apple lusciousness!

You can get this at Barbrix for around $50, which, of course is a great price. And I highly recommend Barbrix anyway, so get your butt over there.

Not half off.

2010-01-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series, Margaret River, Riesling, 2006.

Wine House $19.99.

This is a really delicious little Riesling that I blind tasted with 2 other Rieslings. One of those MW questions, "3 wines, same variety, different country". I thought this was New Zealand, Marlborough, but really it was far too juicy and approachable for NZ. I had a New Zealand wine in this flight as well and it was AUSTERE, with a capital A U S T E R E. I guess I'm being redundant, but I'm getting older, so that's what I do.

Speaking of getting older. I am in Ft. Lauderdale right now. For work, not by choice, not that there's anything WRONG with FT. Lauderdale I'm just saying... I was having breakfast this morning. Sat next to 2 old men. They were talking about restaurants. One guy says to the other in a thick NY accent, "You gotta try this new French restaurant down the street, called SAGE. Great French food. The BEST French food. On Mondays everything is half off. $40 bottle of wine, $20. $18 entree, $9. Lamb Chops, I love Lamb Chops, $22 regularly, guess how much they are on Monday?? $11! Martini's $10 usually, not on Monday, they are $5!" I was like OK! We get it! Everything is half off!!!

Anyway, just a side note about how funny old people are. So this wine, ripe green apple, little tropical fruit and high, but not tart acidity. Real nice people. Real nice. And it's only $20 dollar. Though if you go to SAGE maybe you can get it for $10???

Cheap Malbec!

2010-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ambas, Mendoza, Argentina, Malbec, 2008.

Lots of primary red berry fruit, this wine is easy-drinking, easy easy easy. Like totally gulpable. It was a sample sent to me in the mail by Fresh and Easy. I had it pegged as about a $15 retail wine, but from the primary fruit I could tell it was done in tank, but well done, which you know I usually don't say about wine done in tank.

Get ready for this... it's $6. Six dollars people. How can anyone make wine for $6??

Anyway, grab a bottle as you pick up your organic skirt steak on your next trip to F&E.

Gordon Ramsay

2010-01-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

There may be some of you who do not know that I am secretly in love with Gordon Ramsay. But I am. When he says, "I'm in the shit." I swoon. My husband perhaps knows this best because he's in love with him too.

So I was pleasantly surprised to get this email... To all of my chef friends you have to do this so that LA is well represented!!!!

GORDON RAMSAY AND THE PRODUCERS OF THE BIGGEST LOSER ARE NOW CASTING AMATEUR CHEFS FOR A NEW INSPIRATIONAL COOKING SHOW!

Can you cook well despite never having been formally trained? We are currently searching for budding chefs from all walks of life - amateur chefs, passionate foodies, the ultimate dinner party host/hostesses...

Now one of the world's most acclaimed chefs, GORDON RAMSAY, is giving you the opportunity to become a MasterChef!

MasterChef is a show that celebrates great people who make great food. The show will give contestants the opportunity to develop their cooking skills while being encouraged, mentored and celebrated by the industry's best and evaluated by world-renowned judges!

If you are passionate about cooking and ready to change your life then audition for MasterChef, an inspiring cooking show from the producers of The Biggest Loser!

LOS ANGELES OPEN CASTING CALL INFORMATION
Sur La Table

Farmer's Market
6333 W. Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
SUNDAY JANUARY 31st
TIME: 10am-4pm

To pre-book a time IN LOS ANGELES please email sweet.casting@gmail.com with YOUR NAME, AGE, CURRENT PHOTO, BRIEF BLURB ABOUT YOU, HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN COOKING, YOUR SIGNATURE DISH, ETC

PLEASE GO TO FOX.COM/CASTING FOR SHOW DETAILS, AUDITION SPECIFICS AND NATIONWIDE CASTING CALL INFO

Also, please note:

All casting call applicants MUST bring one prepared dish to be served at room temperature. You will be able to plate your dish at the given casting location. You will be responsible to bring any utensils or other materials you may need.

St. Jo

2010-01-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Domaine Faury, Saint-Joseph, 2007.

What a delicious little gem. I blind tasted it for Crozes-Hermitage, but whatevs, close enough, yes?

I said to Peter, wow, this is the best $25 wine I've had in a long time. It tasted like a $50 wine, Hooray for that! Spicy, some integrated wood tannins, a little smoke and game on the nose, some new French oak, baking spices, super yum.

$25.99 at the Wine House.

A little old wine to bring in the New Year.

2010-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Olga Rauffault, Chinon, 1982.

Every few months Brian Kaliel, the sommelier at Melisse, stops by the Veritas Warehouse (just 6 floors up from Palate Restaurant in Glendale, and we sort through all the old and rare forgotten bottles at the back of the warehouse. We found 4 bottles of this wine. You know how I LOVE Chinon, so does Brian, so I was very generous, let him have 3 and I took one for myself.

I wrapped it up and put it under the tree for Peter and I to drink during the holidays. I wasn't sure how it was going to be, the one thing it had going for it was that it had been stored, unmoved, at 55 degrees in a humidity controlled warehouse.

I'm happy to report that it was totally delectable! Lip-smacking good. Brian had the same experience. It had lots of red fruit still, but also secondary characteristics - a little nutty with dried herbs - super yummy. Tannins were silky and it went down very nicely with Hoppin' John, the special southern black eyed pea recipe that's supposed to bring good luck for the New Year.

Stop by Melisse and get one of the few remaining bottles of this wine. It's pretty reasonably priced, at around $125 - well worth every penny!!

Yum.

2010-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Domaine du Bel Air, "les Vingt lieux dits", Bourgueil, 2006.

This was really one of the most delicious wines I've had in long time, just spectacularly wonderful! Bags of ripe red fruit, ripe, soft tannins and that edge of acidity that makesLoire Cab Franc so refreshing and totally gulpable. I did not want to share, but sadly I was at a dinner party, so I had to.

It's $17.99 at the Cheese Store of Silverlake.

Tryvertising.

2009-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

There's something so cute about this I should have posted before Christmas. Wine tasting samples by mail. Who knows if the wine is any good, but it's called tryvertising for a reason. Try it before you buy it. Love this idea!

S. Africa Sparkler.

2009-12-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

Pongrácz, Western Cape, South Africa, NV.

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay.

This was a fun little sample I received from Fresh & Easy, a new small scale (though multiple) market in LA and surrounding areas that I believe is an offshoot of Tesco in the UK. Well you know the Brits love their S. African wines, and me, well, I haven't been the biggest fan of wines from this region, but this sparkler was really a nice little surprise.

Restrained aromatics, lemon, apple fruit on the palate, a clean simple, easy drinking wine, great for the holidays when you have a lot of people to pour for. Two years lees aging, which adds a light biscuity quality, and it has a fairly high dosage at 11 g/l which balances the acidity.

What's great is the price, $14.99 and you can pick it when you get your holiday ham!

Valpo or Cab Franc?

2009-12-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

Corte Sant'Alda, Valpolicella, Ca' Fiui, 2007.

This wine tortured me. Translucent ruby color, moderate plus tannin, moderate alcohol, muted aromatics and red berry fruit on the palate. Could be anything. I guessed Cabernet Franc, Loire. But what's funny is that there was something on the finish that I just couldn't pinpoint, like what the hell is that doing in Cabernet Franc?

It was a slightly bittersweet chocolate note, and I even wrote "dusty minerality" which to me always always always goes back to Italy. Love the dusty Italian thing. But even with that note I took a left turn and ended at Cab Franc because I just couldn't think what else it could be. Well, now I know. A very nice little Valpo, not super complex, really just an everyday drinking wine.

$21.99 at the Wine House.

Roagna Dolcetto

2009-12-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Roagna, Dolcetto, 2007.

I think this wine is just outstanding quality for the price. Super delicious - NOT too tanky and primary like so many really bad Dolcettos - it must be done in neutral barrel. No new oak, that would kill the soft blueberry fruit, but definitely has some complexity that occurs in neutral barrel.

Peter and I often pour off a little wine into an air tight 187ml bottle so that I can use it for blind tasting. So I got home from Tavern Monday night (which incidentally just has some of the best take home food in LA from the Larder) and drank it from my little 187ml bottle. I didn't know what it was. I thought Grenache. Why am I always thinking Grenache? But it was totally delicious 2 weeks later and much needed after a night at work.

Domaine LA, $18.99.

Graciano.

2009-12-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Ijalba, Graciano, Rioja, 2005.

I just couldn't figure out what this wine was. I tasted it blind of course and it had moderate acid, moderate to low tannin, was super fruity, like jammy strawberry and raspberry fruit and the color super dark. And so I thought maybe Grenache - but where would Grenache like that be from in the Old World? Priorat? But it didn't have the alcohol of Priorat.

I got frustrated, Peter said, just guess the region, not the grape and I said, how in the hell can I guess the region without knowing the grape? And the winemaking didn't help either. No oak, all tank, making it primary fruit central, so it could be from anywhere! Finally I settled on Grenache / Syrah blend from Languedoc.

Regardless it was lovely little wine, perfect for holiday cheer (it looks like it's been gift wrapped already) and I shouldn't hold my failures at blind tasting against it.

Domaine LA around $20.

Frappato.

2009-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Arianna Occhipinti, Il Frappato, Sicilia, IGT, 2007.

I will admit I did not taste this wine, but my friend Marcel bought it at Domaine LA ($35), and he was supposed to share it with me, but he got a little wine happy and drank it himself. I asked him for a tasting note and this is what he sent to me (see below). it's biodynamic and the grape variety is Frappato, can't say I've ever had a Frappato! And a very nice 12.5% alcohol level. Its-a-nicea.

"it was quite good. my memory was it was very pinot-ish upon opening, and then settled into a little zing, some light pepper."

Torbreck, Cuvee Juveniles

2009-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Torbreck, Barossa Valley, Cuvee Juveniles, 2008.

This was a sample that was sent to me some time ago, my lack of blogging (this MW stuff takes up A LOT if time people, that and the full time job and the winemaking and the sommeliering) means it may or may not still be available, but I assume it is. We wanted to review this on DrinkThisTV, but we kinda ran out of money for taping and so I just blind tasted on my own last week over Thanksgiving.

This is ripe, rich with stewed strawberry fruit which immediately led me to the New World. High alcohol, low acid to warm climate. Assuming it was a grenache / syrah blend (primary strawberry fruit, moderate tannins, smoky undertones) at a mid-market price point (moderate persistence on the finish, lack of oak) I considered Chile, California and Australia. It didn't have the herbal qualities of Chile and the "tanky" lack of oak use is far more prevalent in Australia than CA for this blend, and that there isn't a lot of blended Grenache at this quality level in Ca anyway, led me to Australia. I was in SE Australia, not specifically Barossa because of the primary fruit quality. I might have expected Barossa to have some new French or American oak and this wine absolutely did not have oak.

One thing that I really liked about it is that it didn't ahve that high alcohol, high acid thing that seems to be totally unnatural and that I find in so many inexpensive Australian wines. High acid and high alcohol means super ripe fruit from a warm climate that's been acidified. High acid and high alcohol are really only prevalent in Italian varieties, like Nebbiolo from Barolo. Because I didn't sense acidulation I rated this wine of higher quality, it just felt more honest to me, for whatever that means!!!

La Rioja Alta, Reserva

2009-12-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

La Rioja Alta, Vina Ardanza, Rioja, Reserva, 2000.

I will confess, I struggle with identifying Spanish wine. In particular Rioja, but if you can find that dill component on the nose, and I say this realizing that in the last post I said NOT to give any significant weight to aromatics, that you too can learn to identify Rioja. Now that I know its there it's impossible to mistake. I say that, of course, knowing that I probably will not identify it correctly next time I taste it. One thing you can't be in the blind tasting game is cocky. You have to assume everyone is out to get you.

The thing about Tempranillo if it gets French oak treatment, as many do in Navarra and Ribera del Duero is that it tastes like just about anything. It's moderate across the board, moderate tannin, moderate acid ("they say" it's on the lower side of acidity, but I frequently do not find that to be true), moderate fruit concentration. And the fruit profile is both red and black just to complicate matters. Some aromatics that might help pin point the wine are leather and tobacco leaves, if anyone knows what tobacco leaves smell like. I guess I don't. Maybe our smokers out there can fill us in.

This was a great wine, and I don't say that very often, at $34.99 it's a perfect wine for the holidays because its savory with dried herbs and fruit and the time in barrel has created a slightly oxidized, but lovely flavor profile. You should grab a bottle for you and ONE OTHER PERSON. No need to share. Get it at the Wine House.

GriVo.

2009-12-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Volpe Pasi, GriVo, Pinot Grigio, 2008.

One could say that I am not the greatest Pinot Grigio fan. I think to be a fan, that is one's preferred style, of Pinot Grigio means that one has not indulged in the other great wines of the world.

However, Peter gave me this a blind tasting and if I were to drink a Pinot Grigio, it would likely be this one. My quick notes were as follows:

Color: straw-gold

Acid: moderate plus

Alcohol: moderate plus (14%)?

Tannin / Phenolic: yes, points to less gentle handling, harder pressing technique

Fruit: baked apple, juicy pear, lemon / lime notes

Oak / WM: no, possible MLF due to lower than expected acidity, but cool ferm temps by fruit preservation and tank ferm for temperature control

Quality: good mid-market, moderate persistence on finish

My point being this note could be for any innocuous white Italian wine. Chardonnay, Trebbiano, Gargenega, Greco di Tufo, etc. etc. Est! Est!! Est!!!????

I actually thought it was Pinot Grigio in the end, but only after agonizing on why it couldn't be these other varieties. lacks richer texture of Chardonnay, but lemon / lime notes and apple easily can be Soave, Greco. That's why aromatics cannot be relied upon. What ultimately took me to Pinot Grigio was the phenolic quality on the finish. It's often that with PInot Gris / Grigio I get this quality, a slight bitterness. I was perhaps wrong on the alcohol too, though this was a fairly rich style PG.

At any $16.99 at Domaine LA. You will like it me thinks.

Walk like an Egyptian...

2009-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! But this time instead of lunch, it's dinner ala Ancient Egypt at Melisse in Santa Monica with my friend and brilliant chef, Brigitte Caland. This Sunday, November 15th at 7pm, 5 courses of pure Ancient deliciousness for $65 (not including tax, gratuity or wine). It's one of those meals where you want to bring 5 friends and hang out for a couple hours, you know, like in the days before people had TV. Email me to RSVP!

Food for thought...

2009-10-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am doing the wine for a series of lunches (one a month on Sunday at Melisse). My friend, Brigitte Caland, is a classically trained French chef who is incidentally also an expert in ancient languages. She's a very smart and very cool person and an amazing chef. All the food is a modern interpretation of the ingredients they were using in these areas long long ago. Brigitte is even sticking to the utensils and pots used to make these meals. All her research on the food has been taken from ancient texts and their original languages. Above is one of the dishes that will be served next Sunday though I've been sworn to secrecy not to reveal the rest!

Please join Brigitte Caland in her new culinary adventure: cooking at Melisse once a month. Meals are inspired by literary and historical texts. 1:00 pm at Melisse, Santa Monica $65 per person food only ($90 with wine pairing) $450 for the series ($650 with wine pairing) wine list available separately.

October 25 menu inspired by Mesopotamia

November 15 menu inspired by Ancient Egypt

January 24 menu inspired by the Bible

February 21 menu inspired by Ancient Greece

March 21 menu inspired by Ancient Rome

April 18 menu inspired by the New Testament

May 23 menu inspired by the Abbasids

June menu inspired by Suleiman the Magnificent

Brigitte Caland has studied Semitic languages at UCLA and has degrees in Arabic and Hebrew from INALCO-Paris. She is currently preparing her Doctoral dissertation. After finishing cooking school, she trained at Marc Meneau- L'Espérance, Philippe Legendre- Le V (Four Season) as well as the Pourcels brothers Maison Blanche in Paris.

Sorting and pigeage...

2009-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

We began processing 2009 Hocus Pocus this weekend. Picked at 4am on saturday morning and began sorting at 9. It took me, Peter and our friend Susan from Venokado 6 1/2 hours to do 2 1/2 tons. It was a very. very slow process. We lost the sorting table this year, but who cares? What do we need that for when we can just do it the old fashioned way, pull out of the bin cluster by cluster and place on the destemming machine. Fruit looked great! Even though I don't look so good. I look downright possessed.

And then today I did some pigeage. Finally found a way to use those rain boots I bought 2 years ago. I love this photo. Banana Republic meets the Wine Ghetto.

Trader Joke's

2009-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

A friend of wine, who (whom?) wishes to remain anonymous or actually wishes to use the pseudonym Cocos Minx, sent this to me. And I can't agree more. I've stopped shopping at Trader Joe's because the food is just downright sub-par. And the wine is for people who don't care what they are drinking. There's a good market for that kind of wine I guess.

"I shopped there today for the first time in a long time. I needed unbleached coffee filters. I defy any wine-knowledgeable individual to find anything worth drinking on those shelves. The same old product mix of Ancient & Justifieds (Estola Cencibel, La Mancha), Own-Label Swill (Flying Saucer this, that, & the other), & Southern Wine & Dispirited Standard Brands (BR Cohn Silver Label Cab - still only $14.99? Coleridge should write a bleedin' poem about it). You know "Inventory, we have a problem," when you're actually considering buying Stonehedge Reserve Petite Syrah (sic), California, rather than inserting it into the nearest body-modified trisexual cashier."

Dan Aykroyd makes wine and wants you to taste it. With Him!

2009-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hi my friends,

It's been a long time since my last post, but harvest has been keeping me very busy! That said today I'm back with a good one and an invite to a local event at Whole Foods at Third and Fairfax. I sadly can't be there because we are pressing pinot on Friday and I have to drive up Thursday night, but I would love to do this!

I did a commercial for Comcast back in the days when I was still young, and by that I mean I think I was 31, so what was that. 4 years ago? Anyhoo, John Landis directed it and it starred Dan Aykroyd. We didn't have much contact off set, but it was a thrill to work opposite him for the hour or so that we shot that part of the scene. I mean, he is a legend. And I'm like a legend that never got anywhere. So we have the legend part in common.

Now Dan is making wine, and so am I. So that's more we have in common! I'm in full support. I haven't tasted the wines yet, but I hope some of you can go to the tasting and let me know what you think. Needless to say I have far more faith in this project than that terrible Ed Hardy project.

What I love is that he is out selling it. He has to pimp his goods just like the rest of us do. That means he has some long-term investment in the project. And I dig that. This is no different than me and Peter pouring at Rosso, El Vino, Domaine LA, Silverlake Wine or Colorado Wine Co. You gotta be present.

Below is the invite and also a little more about the wine.

We would love to have you and your readers join us this Thursday, October 8th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Whole Foods Market at 3rd and Fairfax (6350 W. 3rd Street, 90036), for an intimate gathering while Dan signs bottles of his new Discovery Series California wines.

About Discovery Series California

Dan Aykroyd first developed his love of wine while working on Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers, when musician Steve Cropper introduced Dan to Premier Cru Bordeaux and other world-class wines. Since that time, Dan has immersed himself in the wine world, launching his own brand in Canada in 2007 to rave reviews by wine critics, media and wine lovers alike. In 2008 Dan teamed with the winemakers at DeLoach Vineyards in California's Sonoma County to create a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay in a style that reflects his passion for entertaining family, friends, and fans.

PN at 3am.

2009-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Picking started at 3am... Here are some photos!

It has begun... or will tomorrow anyway.

2009-09-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's official. Our harvest will begin tomorrow. Peter and I have decided to bring in some Pinot from Carneros. The Napa side of Careneros. This was a bit of an unexpected turn of events, but we really liked the vineyard and the owners at Thomson Vineyards, as seen here on Google Earth. The town of Napa is to the Northeast. Peter flew up to check it out on Friday and viola we are now making Hocus Pocus PN again. As its going to be blistering hot this week up there, we've decided to pick tomorrow. Starting at 3am. We are concerned about leaving the fruit out there this week because we think all we will get is sugar development and no flavor development. We want moderate alcohol wine, not 14% PN. Plus, we are afraid they will just dump water on it as it gets hot and that's no good. So we are off and my poor husband will be busy by himself until I can get up there this weekend. So here's to a great vintage - we hope! Ching! AMY

Lots of Xs and Zs.

2009-09-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Gurrutxaga, Bizkaiko, Txakolina, Spain, 2008.

In the vein of Vinho Verde comes another light bright lady, Txakolina. A grape variety that expresses fresh, crisp citrus notes and tart green apple. Like Vinho Verde its a mere 10.5% alcohol and has a spritzy spunk which makes it the perfect Monday morning breakfast wine. Start your week off with this blend of 60% Hondarribi Zuri, 20% Mune Mahasta and 20% Txori Mahasta.

Can you say that 10 times fast?

The perfect pairing with raws oysters to speed up your waning summer libido.

Around $20 at Larchmont Wine and Spirits.

A sack of delicousness.

2009-09-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Adega Cooperativo Regional de Monçao "Trajarinho," Vinho Verde, Portugal, 2008.

I could drink Vinho Verde day and night, what with its light spritz, citrus spunk and low alcohol content (generally around 10%).

This one was particularly enjoyable because of its label. It's like looking into the clouds and finding rabbits and unicorns. Open to interpretation. I see many things in this label. An old man's face, a fish hook, or potentially a ball sack.

At any rate, try not to think of the ballsack and try to think of pink roses and furry lambs.

$12 at Larchmont Wine and Spirits.

Tea for two. Two for tea.

2009-09-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Velenosi, Antica Lacrima di Morro, (vintage? oops!)

You can see by this photo that the night was getting on... darkness settled on the deck and Simon and friends began to move to heavier wines. Goodbye Vermentino and rose. Hello... umm... hello... uh... jeez... what is this??

I put my nose in this glass and said WHOA! Spectacular! I have never in my lfie had a wine that smelled like this wine. It was as if Paula had poured me a lovely cup of Earl Grey tea. The lavender overtones were HAUNTING, and I've never said that about a wine before. Ever in my life. I've heard a lot of people use lavender as a descriptor, and I've always smiled and nodded and went a long with it. But this night, wow! Did I get some lavendar. And black tea. Simply delicious.

This winery is located in the Marches region of Italy, more specifically in the Rosso Piceno Superior zone. I do love me some Rosso Piceno. Not that I get to drink it that often. Lacrima di Morro is the grape variety and I want to say that its all done in tank. You know I generally hate tank fermented and "aged" wines. They are fruit dominate and lacking in complexity. But this little one just sings. Have it with a scone perhaps. Or Japanese chocolate like we did.

Around $15 at Larchmont Wine and Spirits.

Crispy Cream.

2009-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Saint Andre de Figuieres, Cotes de Provence, 2008.

This is a serious rose people. And I mean like really good and complex and beautiful and elegant and simply divinely fantastic. I found this wine to be both creamy and crisp on the palate. Don't know why that is, but its not an austere kill-you-with-acid rose. Rather its slowly seductive. Gives a little cream and gives a little crisp.

You can't help but love the strawberry cream notes. Like love it for summertime people. And in case you hadn't noticed its still kinda summertime here. Until they put out that fire I'm celebrating summer. That could be next year and I'm fine with that.

Around $15, this is available at both Larchmont Wine and Spirits and Domaine LA.

We've got a lime one here.

2009-09-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Domaine de la Louvetrie, Muscadet Sevre et Maine, 2004.

It's not everyday that I get to drink a 2004 Muscadet, but its not everyday that I get to hang out with Simon, Simon Cocks as he's known to his friends.

What a beautiful lovely treat this was. Undertones of this, overtones of that. Complex and rewarding to drink. Lime and briny salty flavors dominate with yeasty notes and an every so slight floral touch. What is that? white flowers of some sort? I wish I knew botany better. But alas, I know not.

$14.99 Larchmont Wine and Spirits.

Excite, engorge, engage.

2009-09-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Ah! My friends, it has been some time since my last post, which was about a sad lost dog and nothing whatsoever to do about wine. So let's try to remedy things. First of all, I'd really like to change things up a bit. So I'm thinking about a new format. Not quite sure of the particulars yet, but hopefully a good idea will come to me in the next few weeks.

Today I begin a 7 day adventure with Larchmont Wine and Spirits. Simon Cocks, as he's known by friends and enemies alike, is a stand-up guy with a couple of great dogs who really knows how to pick great wines for a great price. Says the Tony the Tiger, "He's GREEAAATTTT!"

Domaine Maestracci, E PROVE, Corse Clavi Blanc, Vermentino, 2008.

Wow! Well, I can't say I drink a lot of Vermentino, but this one is at the top of my list to drink again. On warm breezy nights (we got at least 2 of those in LA this year) it's the perfect starter to a long night of debauchery and deception. I say deception because this wine is a bit deceptive. Vermentino from France? Who knew? I certainly didn't. I always associate, correlate, relate (whatevs) Vermentino to Italy. So lie, deceive and drink French Vermentino.

It's like fresh squeezed meyer lemons in a glass. Fermented meyer lemons that is. Crisp, no oak, very clean and linear and even has a little spritz to get your tongue excited and engorged. No, I don't mean engorged. But what do I mean? I'm having one of those Christopher Durang moments in Beyond Therapy. I think I mean excited and engaged. Engaged, engorged, whatevs.

So enjoy this for $16.99 at Larchmont Wine and Spirits. Ask for Simon. Simon Cocks, as he's known by his.... well you know the rest.

Dog Found

2009-09-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Anybody want a great dog?

I found her at La Brea and Washington yesterday. She's a pit / lab mix. Super sweet. About 9 months old, but probably 65 pounds. The most lovable, well adjusted dog ever. Very healthy.

We are taking her to the West LA Shelter today as Bubbles has not taken too kindly to her, and we are sure she has owners and hope that they look there. She's potty trained and just a barrel of love and kisses. If you know anyone who is interested, that's where she will be.

Deeper and darker.

2009-08-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Petralava. Rosato, Etna, 2008.

Deeper and darker than yesterday's rose, I really enjoyed this one. Hello friends, welcome to my belated summer rose kick!!

And its totally unique, made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino. Loads of minerals and black stone fruits.

Venokado, $21.

Rose deliciousness.

2009-08-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a glass of rose in so long, and when I drank this I couldn't understand why I don't drink it more often.

Le Saint Andre, Vin de Pays du Var, 2008.

Very clean, bright and refreshing. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, every fresh red berry under the sky.

When Jill from Domaine 547 gave this wine to me, she said, See, you can like something under $13. This is $12!!! Holy cow! $12?

Look, you can't ask for much more than that, and as you can see we drained the bottle... didn't take a lot to convince me to have more than one glass.

A real howler.

2009-08-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Domaine de Nerleux, Saumur-Champigny, 2004.

K&L, $23.99.

I'm not sure what the howling dogs represent, but this wine was so delicious, I was howling too. So was Peter. And when we started howling Bubbles, the dog, started howling. She loves Cabernet Franc as much as we do. Mostly because when we drink it it causes us to be very happy and are therefore less likely to scold her when she barks at the cat across the street. This wine had lots of fruit, and great savory mushroom notes.

That's what I call YUM-O-RAMA!

Something I've never seen...

2009-08-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

One last P.S. from Wisconsin...

There are many ways to save time in this world, and with the hustle and bustle of modern times who doesn't need to skim a few minutes off some of your daily activities?

With the invention of the drive-thru, people no longer had to walk for their food. They could just stay seated and have a meal instantly delivered to the driver's seat. When I was in college, Prell came up with 2 in 1 shampoo. Why put shampoo in, wash it out, only to have to put conditioner in and then wash it out? What a lifesaver for those mornings when the hangover was big and time to get ready for class was small.

But this product? This product is truly revolutionary. A blend of red wine and chocolate, you now no longer have to chew your dessert. You can just enjoy it directly from your wine glass. Only the Dutch could dream up such a perfect beverage. Smooth Dutch Chocolate blended with Cabernet Sauvignon from France. Apparently this product was developed because when red wine is paired with the wrong chocolate, it can result in an epic disaster for your taste buds. This "wine" ensures that you get the perfect chocolate and wine pairing every single time. It makes health claims too, as both chocolate and wine are rich in antioxidants. In my mind this product is the perfect answer to the desert island game. Because then you wouldn't have to choose between chocolate and red wine. You could have both! Hallelujah!

ChocoVine, Holland, NV. Around $10 where you can find it. Maybe Spencer's Gifts?

A few last thoughts on Wisconsin.

2009-08-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well my friends, its has been a great 5 days in Wisconsin, huh?! The hot, humid weather really wetted my palate for some terrific wines, and I hope you enjoyed our sojourn this week. There are a few more pictures I'd like to share with you along with a great bottle that we purchased in Chicago at a terrific wine shop called Red and White. Domaine Guiberteau, Saumur, 2005. We enjoyed it immediately upon arriving home from the airport. It was what one might call totally FAB, a dense and rich Cab Franc. $29.99, and well worth every penny!

I'm sure not everyone in the mid-west spells this poorly, but it does make one think about education reform. How's that coming Obama?

If you've ever enjoyed rabbit stew, it would be hard to do so again after visiting these adorable fuzzballs at the Wisconsin State Fair. "Nibble, nibble! he says and Please don't eat me, I love you!"

It speaks, and Peter listens. At Freiss Lake Pub in Hubertis, you can get your beer opened by a deer's ass. That's worth the trip in and of itself!

Goodbye Chicago and Milwaukee, we shall miss you!

Pork takes its hold and Gaja rescues.

2009-08-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

I found my true calling in the Swine Barn at the Wisconsin State Fair. It didn't take long for me to decide that I wanted a career in pork. But which way to go? I could now see my path, but it was so convoluted. There were so many arrows directing me every which way, what's a girl to do? Bacon or belly?

Well, I went back to Peg's house in a panic. I needed to make decisions and I needed to make them fast. Wine life wasn't for me anymore.

When I explained my predicament to Peg, she led me to her pool, just a small part of the beautiful 37 acres she and her husband own on Little Freiss Lake in Hubertis, and sat me down with a half bottle of Gaja, Rossj-Bass, Langhe, Chardonnay, 2005. She didn't say much, we mostly made small talk about the birds and the bees, literally, but soon the wine begin to have an effect. The world seemed less hostile, less confusing and the thoughts of sugar pork fairies dancing in my head diffused into ripe plump grapes bursting on the vine. Peg smiled, this isn't the first time a guest of hers has surrendered to the pork sirens.

But damn those siren calls! They didn't get me! I was back! This little baby Gaja may just have saved my life. Could you imagine Amy's LA Pork Blog? I think not.

The 2006 is available at 20-20 Wine Merchants in full 750ml bottles.

Mas Good.

2009-08-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

While Peter was drinking Boombalatty (see below), my friends Peg and Sonoma wine guru turned Wisconsin wine retailer, Phil of Thief Wine in Milwaukee, were drinking their favorite summer rose.

Mas Carlot, Costieres de Nimes, Tradition, Rose, 2008.

Made of grenache, mourvedre and syrah, its a bit of a fatty boombalatty itself, for rose anyway, and done entirely by saignee method, which I guess is redundant because it's not like it can be made in France any other way (Champagne being the exception, of course).

Very enjoyable, simply loaded with fresh, ripe strawberry fruit with floral overtones on the nose and a lovely little bit of spice on the finish. Delish! And to top it all off, it's available at K&L for $9.99.

Boombalatty beer.

2009-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

And now... Peter's Wisconsin beer blog..

Fatty Boombalatty, a slang phrase for a VERY big marijuana joint or a person with lots of junk in the trunk. Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about.

This was delicious beer! Very hoppy, and true to its name, a bit of a fatty. A Belgium style wheat ale, I found it to have Indian spices, lots of yeasty flavor and Peter says, "has fruity lemon peel notes and good depth of flavor."

I'm not sure where you can find this around here, but definitely pick some up if you run across it and let us know where you found it!

I was duped!

2009-08-17T12:55:00.001-07:00

Well, I have to make an addendum to my post below. I said it was true authentic Wisconsin Sangiovese - and can you believe it??? I was wrong!!

My friend Phil of Thief Wine in Milwaukee commented:

"No WI terroir in that wine - the Sangiovese is grown in Washington. (Hence the "American" designation) Very little Vitis Vinifera in Wisconsin; Riesling's about the only one cold-hardy enough to overwinter in the Midwest."

I thought the comment should be read by all so I wanted to post it - thanks for the correction Phil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sangiovese.. the perfect pairing with cheddar?

2009-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Bet you didn't know I'd look so good with udders, huh? Your wildest fantasies have come true.

Wollersheim Winery, Sangiovese, American Dry Red Wine, 2007. Now this tasted like an honest to God Wisconsin wine! And I was happy for it! While this wine was a little thin in the fruit department, it had nice high acidity, reminded me of slightly unripe cherries, which you know I like, and it the perfect wine to drink in the setting on the Wisconsin State Fair. What I really liked about it is that it tasted true to its, forgive the banal expression, terroir. There was no doubt this was a Wisconsin wine! Perfect with cheddar? I dunno about that. But when I snuck a glass to a prize winning Holstein dairy cow in the bovine livestock stables, it seems to go down well with a big mouth of dry hay.

No, seriously, I'm kidding people! I didn't feed it to the cows. I drank it myself and enjoyed every drop. You can get it on their website for $13! Support the Heartland!

A week in Wisconsin!

2009-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

For the next week I am going to take a break from the LA wine scene and feature wines I tasted on our recent trip to Wisconsin! We went to see a very close friend of mine, Peg SanFelippo, a fellow student in the MW program. What a great time we had!

We went to the Wisconsin State Fair and did a little local wine tasting. I made this video that has terrible sound and was shot sideways, but for my diehard fans (meaning my dog, Bubbles) this will be a riveting video.

After tasting a few selections, including a Sangiovese, which I will blog about tomorrow, we decided the best was Cht. Saint Croix Cabernet Sauvignon. $20 at the fair and also available on their website. I just couldn't figure out if the pronunciation was "croy" or or "qua"? I think its "croy"... but I digress. I found this wine had nice structure and very good cassis fruit, very enjoyable. So enjoyable it made me think, Wisconsin, really? So I looked at the label and lo and behold the label states "Vinted and bottled by.." as opposed to "Produced and bottled by..." So me thinks this could be very good bulk wine imported from California and bottled in Wisconsin. I could be totally wrong, but the second clue was the alcohol level, 14.5%! I have a tough time believing they can get that high of an alcohol level in that cool humid climate. But then again, maybe they are chaptalizing... but the alcohol was very balanced with the fruit concentration... so I dunno people. I just know it was heads and tails better than the other wines there. Most of which were made of fruit. I tasted a lemon wine in the video at the end and let me just say it was like tart lemonade with alcohol.

Barbrix.

2009-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to Barbrix yet, the new bistro-style small plates endeavor by Claudio Blotta, formerly of La Terza and Campanile, and his wife Adria Tennor, movie star in the making, then you are missing out! It's on Hyperion, just east of the Mayfair and Trader Joe's at Griffith Park Blvd, at Tracy... a perfect way to spend a warm CA evening.

And this isn't only because they Holus Bolus BTG at the rock bottom price of $10! That's a big reason to check it out for sure, but its so comfortable and inviting, and we love supporting the little guys. Adria, Claudio and their chef, Don, have an efficient and super friendly staff awaiting to pour you terrific wine, serve you tasty plates to share and to make you feel like you're in your own backyard being waited on hand and foot.

And just to show you that I'm not totally biased, I am a big fan of the Parigot Rose. A deliciously fruity, raspberry and cherry laden sparkler from Burgundy. And who doesn't love a glass of the elegant but dark and brooding Lambrusco from Medici Ermete?? AND LOOK AT THE PRICE!! TEN BUCKS and SIX BUCKS PEOPLE! What do you want for $6 these days?

Totally affordable and totally fun! Check it out - but make a res because they are currently very bust being the hippest Resto in SL.

Jill and Palmina at FO.

2009-08-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, I didn't have a picture of the bottle, so this is the best I could do!

In the background is my good friend Jill Bernheimer, of none other than our fav online retailer, Domaine 547 (soon to be known as Domaine LA, the bricks and mortar version on Melrose just west of Highland.) Last Friday we had an impromptu date at Father's Office in Culver City, where we enjoyed a spectacular glass of Palmina, Dolcetto, SB County, 2008 - IN KEG!

That's right at FO, they love the low carbon footprint and for $9.50 a glass this wine was a knockout. I also just had the Arneis at aoc last night - high acid but totally creamy - a strange and wonderful sensation... Me likey Palmina!

Like a mood ring in a bottle.

2009-08-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Podere Il Palazzino, Grosso Senesi, Chianti Classico, 2004.

I was having a very bad day. So bad that nothing Peter could say or do could possibly make me feel better. So he did what every good husband would have done and picked out the best wine we had in the house that was drinking good now.

He blind tasted me on it naturally and I was stuck between an excellent Barbera, like Elio Grasso, or Sangiovese. The more I swirled it in the glass the more complex it became and soon I thought BINGO! This is Sangiovese and its either an excellent Reserva or a more mediocre Brunello. It was neither. It is just plain old Chianti Classico, but so fabulous it will knock your socks off. What great length and complexity and a terrific good mood bring-abouter... Thanks to my hubby.

Wine House, $39.99.

Chinon blah blah blah.

2009-08-06T00:53:00.000-07:00

Philippe Alliet, Chinon, l'Husserie, 2006.

A great deal at K&L, $27.99.

This is what they have to say about it:

Philippe Alliet with his wife Claude work 17 hectares of vines in and around their village of Cravant-les-Coteaux in the Chinon appellation. The only producer in Chinon to land two stars in the Revue de Vin de France's prestigeous Classement, Alliet uses no chemicals, plows his vineyards continuously is a minimalist in the cellar. He believes that the wines are made in the vineyard. The grapes are destemmed completely followed by a long fermentation, but not by an extended maceration. The wines are never drying, and Alliet believes that wine should taste good in the first year and in the 10th year. The result is astonishing with huge extraction, perfectly balanced fruit, tannins and acidity to make the wines approchable in their youth, but able to age forever.

Blah, blah, blah, nothing new... its made in the vineyard, no chemicals, blah, blah. Who cares right? Does it taste good?

Well, my friends, I'm happy to report that it's delicious! Lots of fresh raspberry fruit with savory mushroom like undertones. Grab a bottle before its gone... You know once I write on a wine, the whole city goes out and buys it... I'm that popular...

..hello? Is there anyone out there???

Good riesling, cheap price.

2009-08-05T00:39:00.000-07:00

Gerhard, Rheingau, Feinherb, Riesling, Spatlese, 2007.

This was really beautiful. Not too sweet, actually for Spat, quite dry, and the perfect balance of acid and fruit. BUT the best thing about this wine is the glass stopper, called a Vino-lok, its so elegant and really makes you feel like you're drinking something special. Which, of course, you are. And the price is right....

Wine House, $23.99.

Boochee...

2009-08-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Bucci, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Classico, 2007.

Now, I have to say, I have never had a Verdicchio like this. Usually Verdicchio is, ummm, you know, a little spritzy and cheap tasting. No oak, just light and refreshing. So when Susan at Dominick's recommended this wine to us, I wasn't expecting to be impressed. But, of course, because Susan recommended it us, I should have known it would be delicious!

It was so richly textured. Creamy and soft. Not at all austere. It still had citrus and lemon components, but more like lemon curd vs. biting into a lemon!

It's a great deal too. Around $25 (I can't remember exactly - oops!) on the wine list.

Underground...

2009-08-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Angelus Dinner, an undergound dining experience with aoc's own, Ria Soler.

Hey guys, check this out if you've got a hungry tummy and a free night next Thursday, August 13th. Cost all inclusive of tax and tip is $80.

Chef Seth Nathan puts on a great dinner for only 20 people once a month. Click on the link above and check out the menu...

Wines to be served:

Francois Mikulski, Aligote, 2006

JCB Rose, Russian River Valley, 2007

Chateau de Pierreux, Beaujolais, Brouilly, 2005

Holus Bolus, Syrah, 2007

Delish people!! Join Ria for a great night of food, wine, music and mingling.

Reservations: 510-406-1097

Julian does Casetta...

2009-07-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

They say a picture speaks louder than words. But a picture doesn't actually speak, and a video does, so its far to say that a video speaks louder than a picture which speaks louder than words.

A bottle of rose and a meal for $16.99!

2009-07-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Recession Proof

Guest blogger: jeff z @rossowineshop

2008 Chateau Mas Neuf Rosé
Costieres de Nimes - Price: $11.99

Made with 45% Cinsualt, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah. A brilliant little southern French rosé. Chock full of fresh strawberry and cherry aromas, but ripe fruit, later in the season-ripe. On the palate fresh squeezed lime and lemon zest with red fruit and a crisp, bracing finish. Perfect with almost any Summer dish, like the one below.

Cost of Risotto -- $5
Cost of Rosé -- $11.99

Cost of dining al fresco with your BFF (under $20) --- "Priceless"

Spring Green Risotto
Ina Garten

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
1 cup chopped fennel
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 pound thin asparagus
10 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving

Directions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)

When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.

Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

Campy Campari.

2009-07-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Friends! Lovers! I have been traveling for about 2 weeks straight - so please forgive my absence!

Today I would like to speak of my good friend, Campari. As I was stranded in the Denver airport this past Monday, I found an "in" to the American Airlines Admirals Club. My boss has a lifetime membership there dating from 1965. The bartender had probably been there since 1965 as she wasn't quite with it, as they say.

Campari is wonderfully refreshing - bitter and slightly sweet. So let's give wine a rest for the day and toast to the beverage made of fermented artichokes. Or thats the rumor anyway - you got anything different???

You can get this anywhere. So don't ask.

CDP in Disguise?

2009-07-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Artadi, Vinas de Gain, Rioja, 2006.

It's no secret to anyone I've talked to int he last 7 weeks that the red wine paper on the Master of Wine exam was very difficult for me! The first 4 wines were from... you got it! RIOJA! Where did this one think they were from? BORDEAUX, my friends, Bordeaux. Don't know how, don't know why, but that was my best educated guess.

And last night when blind tasting I had this in SOuthern Rhone. To which Peter replied, "Would you get that color in Southern Rhone?" To which I replied, "Shut it Hunken." to which he replied, "Maybe you want to give it another guess?" To which I replied, "No, final answer." To which he replied, "Well, then you're wrong." To which I replied, "Shut it Hunken."

Now I stand behind my S. Rhone guess - as this wine had moderate (and in retrospect perhaps LOW) acid, which is sort of a Grenache (and incidentally, Tempranillo) trait. It was moderate plus alcohol to me, label says 13.5%, but I am not buying that, and very nice fruit extraction. A modern Chateauneuf-de-pape. But of course, the alcohol would have been more like 15% for CDP and perhaps, yes, Hunken is right, the color would have been so dark. And the tannisn were slightly more grippy than CDP, I guess. What do I know?

At any rate (was that most boring thing you've ever read or what? Almost put me to sleep to write it), the wine was lovely and had nice Framboise flavors - hello Southern Rhone from Spain. 12 to 14 months in 40% new French Oak... ain't that a bitch?? How can one identify Rioja without the American Oak?

$26 at K&L, though I'm sure its pretty widely available at other stores.

There's a stink in my Loire!

2009-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

I recently blogged about the 2006, but found the Catherine and Pierre Breton, Bourgueil, "trinch", 2007 at the Cheese Store of Silverlake for $19.99 and thought BINGO! The 2006 was so delish - how could the 2007 let me down?

Well, for starters, this wine suffers from a little problem that we call reduction. It was shockingly very very stinky - hard boiled egss kinda stinky. I was shocked because these wines are usually so beautifully made that I just can't imagine what went wrong here. I take that back, I know what went wrong here, but how did it happen to my fav Breton??

Frequently with a little oxygen via decanting the eggy aroma will go away - but sometimes its just too far gone... Well this sort of did half and half. We decanted and swirled... some of it blew off, it certainly became a lot less offensive, but some of it didn't, and I really am not into wine with stink. I like to smell the fruit and the savory elements of Cabernet Franc and sadly I felt that the stink overwhelmed the fruit.

While I really really really want to recommend this wine, its a tough one for me. My friend Marcel said, "This smells like something you'd pay a lot of money for at a fancy restaurant." and I thought that was hilarious, because in some ways he's right - I think a lot of flawed wines are tolerated as the product of "terroir" and are served at fine places. And, just for another opinion, Peter really liked this wine. So decide whose side you're on and go see Julian at the Cheese Store either way. They also just got in the "new" vintage - 1998 - of Lopez de Heredia Rose. It's $28.99 so I refrained this time as we really are trying to budget... But I know its delicious.

This budgeting crap is so hard.. and that's part of the reason the wine blog has been so sparse lately!!! We are drinking samples - I will have to start to blog on those!

Cocktail!

2009-07-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's been cocktails aplenty at the Christine-Hunken household lately... as we have run through our stash of wine and have yet to replenish. The damned economy!

This is, of course, a Margarita, with Herradura Reposado and Patron Orange Liqueur. FRESH lime and lemon juice, a little simple syrup, kosher salt and viola! Happiness in a glass.

We went to Lucques last night to celebrate my new position with Veritas... and instead of Champagne I had a grapefruit cucumber-something and Peter had a Caprihina and we felt like we were on vacation, which was nice because we haven't had one of those this summer yet.

So pour yourself up a little vacation cocktail... I have one in my future tonight...

Pourtal.. it's a date!

2009-07-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

What a month for celebrations! For Americans, July has the 233rd year of Independence and France her 220th. The “People” arose July 14th 1789 and stormed the 450 odd year old Bastille prison, number 232 Rue Saint-Antoine of Paris. Her revolution was internal and justice was swift. So swift, necessity being the mother of invention, a guillotine was the outcome for most of the royals.

From Wikipedia I quote: “In the early afternoon of around 1:00, the crowd broke into the undefended outer courtyard and the chains on the drawbridge to the inner courtyard were cut. A spasmodic exchange of gunfire began; in mid-afternoon the crowd was reinforced by mutinous Gardes Françaises of the Royal Army and two cannons. De Launay (the prisons Governor) ordered a ceasefire; despite his surrender demands being refused, he capitulated and the vainqueurs swept in to liberate the fortress at around 5:30. When the rioters had entered the Bastille, they collected cartridges and gunpowder for their weapons and then freed the seven prisoners (which they had to do by breaking down the doors, since the keys had already been taken off and paraded through the streets). Later, the governor and some of the guards of the Bastille were killed under chaotic circumstances, despite having surrendered under a flag of truce, and their heads paraded on pikes.”

Join the beautiful and talented Cara Bertone and the owner of Veritas John Winthrop (Los Angeles’ based direct wine importer of supreme French wines) at Pourtal on Tuesday, July 14th when we will feature wines for the “People” (hold the pikes).

They will both be there to share the storied wealth of these fantastic French country wines: Olivier Merlin’s Macon "La Roche Vineuse" 2006 (the secret choicest table wine of the Big Dog French winemakers) or the Jo Pithon Anjou "Les Pepenieres" 2005, an absolutely mind-bogglingly, stunning Chenin Blanc. Rounding out the red Burgundy contingent with Roland Thevenin’s Monthelie 2005 or Camille Giroud’s "Le Croix Moines" Maranges 1er Cru 2006 (an extraordinary “sleeper” wine for lover’s of les vrais Pinot Noir). Plus, who could not have the ultimate red summer sipper, Michel Lafarge’s deliriously guzzleable Bourgogne Passe-tout-grain "L'Exception" 2006, a Gamay & Pinot Noir tout de suite tradition or the sturdy Michel Guignier Morgon "Cuvee A L'ancienne" 2005. All told, we will have 18 wines to celebrate with AND one of the descendents of the Bastilles Governor De Launay, a Touraine Rose of such discretion and delicacy, capitulation is de riguer!

To those who joins us on the 14th, a complimentary Kir will be served to all who recite the serment du jeu de paume (the Tennis Court Oath).

“We swear never to separate ourselves from the National Assembly, and to reassemble wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the realm is drawn up and fixed upon solid foundations.”

In the immortal words of Phineas Beck, “These French people know how to LIVE!” Salute!

Whole lot of crap.

2009-07-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the terrible photos, but there were taken surreptitiously with my iPhone.

All I have to say about the Ed Hardy rose is.... seriously????

Is this where the world of wine is going? Or worse yet is this where Whole Foods - our "local" "organic" "specialty produce" store is going?

There's a reason I stopped buying wine at Whole Foods. Where there are many reasons, but this is definitely one of them. I hold Whole Foods in a higher position in my mind than Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons - at least the lighting is better and its cleaner - and then I see this. Increasingly they stock these sort of commodity wines that really have nothing to do with wine at all. I expect this at Ralph's and Vons, and I know there's a market for "wine as beverage" but this is far worse than that. It's "wine as novelty", it might as well be for sale at Spencer Gifts in the mall.

What's most amusing about this wine is the description, "Hot pink color with violet highlights". And its from France? How many hot pink roses do you see from France? No variety, no region listed as far as I can see... (Please correct me if I'm wrong) Put Ed Hardy on it and the people will buy it? In my heart of hearts I truly don't think people are that dumb. Let's see if Ed Hardy is still in style next year and if the brand can evolve into something more authentic. Let's see if our neighborhood Whole Foods at 3rd and Fairfax can get back to walking the "local" walk and not just talking the "local" talk. I know many small importers and wineries (and I'm not talking about my own!) that have had no luck with the wine people at WF and now I see why - they support the big guys.

Independent thoughts...

2009-07-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

I thought THIS was a very interesting article on South African wines in the New York Times this week, and I am prompted to comment based on a tasting the Peter and I did at El Vino last night.

Two friends of ours came to the tasting. It was early. We weren't busy. So we got to talking about a recent trip they recently took to Stellenbosch. They loved the wines, actually there are very few consumers that I talk to who don't LOVE South African wine. However, I am not one of them! I kind of agree with the article, and while I know there are other regions which have the same problems as South Africa, in SA it seems to be a bit of an epidemic.

The burnt rubber aromas that the article sites, from an article written by Jane MacQuitty, MW, of The Times in London, have been omnipresent in most the SA wines I've tasted in recent memory. And no, I can't name producers because I tend not to remember wines that don't appeal to me. And I hate to make sweeping generalizations... but even in the MW program we are taught that the rubbery aromas are often indicative of South Africa, although we are encouraged to refer to it as "iodine" aromas, as burnt rubber appears derogatory. On the red wine paper this year, the only wine I got right - out of 12! - was the South African Cabernet. It had the tell-tale aromatics of burnt rubber... ooops... I mean iodine that made it a real "banker" for me.

A few months ago, in prep for the exam, I was deep into listening to wine podcasts to fill every moment with wine. I listened to a great podcast on the UK Wine Show with wine faults expert Sam Harrop, also an MW. And I found his explanation of this phenomenon entirely satisfactory, as he knows far more than I do about these things.

Many soils in South Africa are nitrogen deficient. Therefore musts are nitrogen deficient. Yeasts use nitrogen as a nutrient source. A lack of yeast available nitrogen (YAN) during fermentation, means that yeasts use the amino acid cysteine as a nitrogen source, a metabolic process that produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S smells like rotten eggs. If left untreated, hydrogen sulfide is then reduced to disulfides, which in turn can be reduced to mercaptans, producing rubber, garlic and onion aromas. Super yuck. H2S can be treated by adding copper sulfate or giving the wine a good vigorous racking to introduce oxygen to the must which will help breakup these complex sulfur bonds. However, most disulfides and mercaptans cannot be treated and once formed are there for good. Yikes!

The point being, healthy fermentations require a little work and maybe even the addition of nitrogen (usually in the form of DAP - diammonium phosphate), though some believe this is just yeast junk food and shouldn't be used at all. Who knows? It all depends when you add it - as it can cause its own problems if added too late in the fermentation process. All I know is I'd rather have a drinkable wine with DAP added then one that smelled of burnt rubber.

Anyway, some technical thoughts for the day...

Tavern is terrific! Part 2.

2009-07-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

No, I know you think I'm biased, but I'm not. This morning after Bootcamp Peter and I were trying to think of where to have breakfast and we thought about all the BAD places there are in town, I won't name them, but you know what they are. I have yet to have a breakfast that blew me away. Wait, I take that back, brunch at Ammo is totally fab. But other than Ammo, the usual suspects suck.

So we drove to Tavern - all the way to Brentwood - in our workout clothes. And half way there as we were sitting in traffic on the 10 I thought, we should have just eaten at home, this is too much trouble, etc. etc.

BUT after we sat down and ordered and I had tea and Peter had coffee and Suzanne came out to say Hi, we were so very glad to be there and then the almond croissant came out and we were in heaven. We ordered the smoked fish plate and the oatmeal with cherry compote and all I can say is that there really is no reason to have breakfast anywhere else in the city. It's totally reasonably priced and well worth the drive. Here's a peak at the breakfast menu. As a bonus the dining room is gorgeous and they welcome you in whatever attire you are wearing!

Next time I am ordering the butter crumbed eggs, which reminds me of a glorious brunch I had at Prune in NY last summer...

breakfast menu

Soft-scrambled eggs with fontina and crème fraîche
Butter-crumbed eggs with arugula and soft polenta
Chorizo and eggs with fried potatoes
Priests pancakes with Vermont maple syrup
French toast with bananas foster and hazelnuts
Smoked fish with toasted rye & redwood hill cream cheese
scottish oatmeal with dried fruit and steamed milk
Housemade granola with milk or yogurt + berries
Seasonal fruit / berries
Fried potatoes
Vande rose bacon or ham
Country pork sausage patties
Toast basket with butter and jam

From the larder

Croissant
Almond croissant
Pain au chocolat
Walnut bundle
Monkey bread
Pecan sticky bun
Caramelized apple turnover
Cornmeal blackberry shortcake
dried cherry and almond scone

One good thing about the recession.

2009-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Elio Grasso, Vigna Martina, Barbera d'Alba, 2005.

Well finally, after 13 years I paid off my last student loan from Vanderbilt, and this was our celebratory wine!

While I would have preferred Krug, I have to say I was very very satisfied with this little beauty. I just love love Elio Grasso. It's traditional and restrained, but not dirty or oxidized. It's all done in neutral barrel, which gives a spicy complexity to the wine, while, of course, not imparting any over the top vanilla flavors.

With only 2.2 hectares of this under vine, we usually only buy a few bottles of this a year as it seems to disappear shortly after its released. Thanks to the recession I've seen it around a little more than usual. See the recession isn't ALL bad, right??

Wine House $27.99.

Passetoutgrain?!

2009-06-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Robert Chevillon, Passetoutgrain, 2006.

Ah! My new fav, goodbye Cru Beaujolais, hello Passetoutgrain. This is a very interesting wine from Burgundy where Gamay is blended with Pinot Noir, a minimum of 30% Pinot, but some of the best are 50/50 Gamay and PN. Unlike Beaujolais, there is usually not a lot of carbonic maceration, the best producers preferring to vinify the PN and the Gamay the same way.

While I'm not sure on the exact blend of this wine, it's much different than 2 of my absolute favorite Passetoutgrains, Michel Lafarge and Francois Mikulski (both 50/50). This leads me to believe that its a higher percentage of Gamay, as it was more candied cherry than black cherry and very very light in style, high acid which made it very refreshing. It did take a little while to open up. I went from "I hate this wine!" to "wow! This ain't bad."

Peter bought this at Mission Wines in South Pasadena for $23.

Another sale item.

2009-06-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Domaine Belle, Crozes-Hermitage, Les Pierrelles, 2005.

I got this wine as a gift from a friend, but I recently saw it on sale at K&L for $24.99 and think it's a great bargain!

I love Crozes because the flavors are so reminiscent of framboise and I like framboise, but not the sweetness of it and so this is a perfect compromise. Raspberry, black cherry and black pepper - perfect for summer BBQ for all you beef eaters out there. As for me, I think I will drink this with some grilled asparagus. Charred and yummy!!!

Who Says California Wine Doesn't Age?

2009-06-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger: Jeff Zimmitti, Rosso Wine Shop

Inspired by a friend who turned me onto a 1991 Dominus some months back, I proposed to our tasting group that I source a few 1991’s and we compare 18-year-old Napa Cabernet. As my inclinations are almost always old world (I will generally pull an Italian or French wine as my “go to” wine) this tasting might be the one to start to alter my thinking.

These wines were all amazing. They had some things in common from a profile perspective but they were all distinct and delicious. Not a corked or damaged wine in the bunch and a fantastic experience overall.

We tasted the wines blind and none were decanted. The group’s overwhelming favorite was the Insignia. But we decided this might not be fair because the Insignia had 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, so not a “true” Cabernet. My blind favorite was the Montelena (along with one other person).

This is the order they ended up being served blind.

1991 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Very good. Fleshy, easy fruit. Good aromatics. Dark red berries and earth.

1991 Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa Valley
More complex than #1. Higher acid. Some good funk in the nose. Cherries. Mint. Forest floor.

1991 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Silky. Tar in the nose. Intense. Gobs of fruit on the palate.

1991 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley
Tomatoes and Twizzlers in the nose. Nice brightness. Rich. Good balance.

1991 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Dusty. Rich red fruit. Bright acidity and a little funk in the finish.

1991 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Red candied nose. Silky texture. Great balance of intensity and richness. Well done.

Go find some older California wines and give it whirl.

A trip to SF.

2009-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Giulin, Accornero, Monferrato, 2006.

100% Barbera.

This wine came from a shop called Prima Palate in Marin County for $28, and so far we haven't been able to find it in LA, but it was super delicious and worth keeping an eye out for in the future.

We drank this on the third evening we were in Napa the week of the MW Exam. But even though I was drowning my sorrows, I recognize a good Barbera when I drink one. My big beef about Barbera is that the affordable ones are often done in tank and taste very, well, "tanky", just meanign that they have tons of primary fruit and not a whole lot else going on. Though I could find very little info about this wine online in English, it definitely had some barrel influence and the fruit was well integrated with the alcohol and the oak and soft tannins. A really beautiful easy drinking wine.

So next time you're in the SF surrounding areas, go by Prima Palate and pick up a bottle!!

Go Riesling!

2009-06-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Schlossgut Diel, Dorsheimer Pittermannchen, Nahe, Kabinett, 2006.

I found this wine in the sale bin by the register at K&L and while I'm sure there's none left, they had some great buys in that bin! This was $24.99, marked down from $32...

Though it had some RS, it wasn't too sweet, just right. Petrol, honeysuckle, white flowers, very aromatic, perfect for poolside frolicking! I LOVE RIESLING!!

While I usually look for Rheingau or Mosel when browsing for German Riesling there are some great producers in the Nahe, including Schlossgut Diel and Donnhoff.

In love with Saint-Amour.

2009-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Domaine Cheveau, Saint-Amour, 2007.

Ok, well you know what Dr. Phil says, people don't give up habits, they replace them with other habits. It's public knowledge that I've been weening myself off of Cabernet Franc as it was becoming a real problem. But now I have another problem, Cru Beaujolais. I LOVE good BJ - no funny jokes Mr. Robert Porker, Jr., and this one was a real beaut. Loads of cherry and raspberry fruit, but not too primary, low tannins, high acid, totally thirst quenching!

$28 at Venokado.

Cornas!

2009-06-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Domaine Durand, Cornas, Empreintes, 2005.

This was real bang for the buck!! Smokey, delicious and totally clean. Which you know I love - I hate the dirty Rhone wines - no interest in drinking horse poo. But fora recovering vegetarian, this was really beautiful because it had pork/ham notes on the palate, which made me feel like I got my protein.

$26.99 at K&L.

A virtual post-it on Tokaji.

2009-06-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever blogged on a dessert wine before. I don't drink very many, hence the dearth of posts on this type of wine.

Royal Tokaji, 5 puttonyos, 2003.

I bought this down at Wine Exchange for $29.99, as I needed to taste it before the exam. I kept getting other wines confused for it, but when I tasted it, I realized its really a very specific style of wine, probably more akin to Chenin Blanc than anything else I can think of. But doesn't have the wet wool / bruised apple aromatics of Chenin.

First, I should say its from Hungary, but then most of you know that already. Second, its fairly low alcohol, 10%. Third, the grape variety, Furmint, is super high in acidity. And while the residual sugar is also quite high, for this one it was 170 g/l (to put that in perspective wines are considered dry if below 4 g/l and Sauternes is around 110 g/l), the acid is so searing that its really hard to detect the high sugar levels. And for those of you new to Tokaji, the Puttonoyos represent the amount of sugar in the wine and range from 1 to 6 (low to high).

Anyhoo, if I were having a dinner party and wanted to serve dessert wine it would be this or a Coteaux du Layon from the Loire Valley or a Beerenauslese Riesling from Germany. I like lots of acid to balance the sugar...

If you're wondering why I posted pictures of post-it notes I was trying to justify to you why I had taken a break from blogging. My brain was dead post-exam. I had post-it notes up all over the house, so there wasn't a moment when I wasn't learning something. Vin Santo and Ice wine production methods posted on the mirror in the bathroom so I could learn while brushing my teeth. .. MLF was by the front door... stats on China all over the office, Biodynamic / Organic / Sustainable farming methods on the full length mirror, etc. etc. I am beginning to get the impression that I look at myself in the mirror a lot.

But now I feel invigorated and I know each of you have been terribly anxious for me to start the blogging adventures again. So here it is. Royal Tokaji.

Nothing.

2009-06-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

Ok people, I'm back! Sorry for the delay in wine recommendations, I know you hang on my every word.

Plus, aren't you sort of tired of the same old commentary? I am. Let's change it up. More guest bloggers is what I say!

Sweet what????

2009-06-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a website I visit frequently called GrapeWallofChina.com, great great grape site if you want to know more about the Chinese market. And because we should all know more about the Chinese market because I think they are the next big thing in the world of wine, its worth boning up on. Non pun intended in regards to this post.

Peter and I have made a few labeling mistakes, stuff that has cost us over $6,000 to correct. Mostly just legal mumbo jumbo that we didn't catch. But nothing like this. Though I'm inclined to think our wines do sometimes taste like "sweet fuck" I certainly wouldn't ever say it.... guess I just did. This label was mistranslated and now I think Alice White wines have a bit of a PR problem on their hands. Check out the post on GrapeWall. Far funnier than anything I could write!

Less is more.

2009-05-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

Clos Rougeard, Saumur, Champigny, 2003.

Even though I said no more Cabernet Franc, I figured I had to go out with a bang.

Drink this. It's one of the best examples of top quality Loire Cabernet Franc ever. Enuf said!

We drank this wonderful bottle on our 1st year anniversary

Tadtastic voyage.

2009-05-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of forgetting about Cabernet Franc, let's forget about wine altogether. Lately I've been into buying single bottles of large beer, like this one at 550ml, and splitting with my husband on nights where a full bottle of wine seems a little much (ala when I come home from work at aoc at 1030pm). Still, a girl needs a little sumthin sumthin to take the edge off a hard days work.

I am not one of those chicks who likes light beer. I like me beer to taste like something and this Samuel Smith, Tadcaster, Taddy Porter (according to the label it's famous Taddy Porter) makes mama easy and loose and happy. Coffee, toffee and sweet licorice notes, this beer hit the spot last Monday and because I only drank 225ml I didn't have to get up and pee 3 times during the night (an occupational hazard).

I got this at Whole Foods at 3rd and Fairfucks, I mean Fairfax, for $4.89 where they seem to have a large selection of single bottle beers, some well known, some less well known. The Wine House also carries a great deal of beers I've never heard of, but I plan to try each and everyone of them as soon as this exam is done next week. Can't believe that in 6 days I will sitting in that exam room tasting and writing my day away... for 4 long days.... How exciting and terrifying. Mostly terrifying... In the words of Karate Kid master Wax On. Wax Off. That's my approach.

Anyhoo, Cheers to Taddy.

The death of blogging about Cabernet Franc.

2009-05-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

David Chaveau, Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon, 2006.

Again with the Chinon! I am literally boring myself now and I'm actually off my Chinon kick for awhile I think. I'm burned baby. I need diversity in my life, after all Carrie Bradshaw wears more than Manolos. There's Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Payless. All kinds of shoes. And likewise I need to be exploring the world of wine further this summer as I've become like an old woman who only wears tan Naturalizers.

This wine: Plummy, high acid, good tannin structure, violets, the whole Cabernet Franc shebang.

$14.99 at K&L Wines and Palate.

Pinot is from Earth and nothing is from Mars or Venus.

2009-05-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Rex Hill, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Reserve, 2005.

I can't remember why Peter and I bought this bottle, only because our retail expenditures lately have been under $25, it must have been a pre-unemployment purchase.

We tasted this next to some Burgundy samples that I had out for the day and even though Oregon is often compared to Burgundy the styles of these 2 regions are very very different and I don't think it's totally apparent until you taste them side by side. Oregon just has more fruit- juicy cherry and a little candied fruit - far less earthy and savory characteristics compared to Burgundy. Both high acidity, both low to moderate tannins, depending on the winemaking, of course, but nevertheless, worlds apart... literally.... well not LITERALLY. They are countries apart I guess... worlds apart would be like Mars and Earth. As far as I know they don't grow grapes on Mars. Yet.

Anyhow, treat yourself to some high end PN, I know that part of the business is struggling these days. You'd be doing your duty as a consumer. $35.99 at the Wine House.

Green wine.

2009-05-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Bronco Adamado, Vinho Verde, 2008.

I stole this directly from the website Domaine 547, written by Simon Cocks of Larchmont Wine and Spirits. Of course, this was from the 2007 vintage, but its Vinho Verde - so who cares??

I LOVE THIS WINE - and there ain't many wines at $10 that I love. I just got a another few bottles for myself this week. So read on!

Is this the perfect summer wine? Is such a thing possible? We think this acutely refreshing and lively white from the northwest of Portugal comes awfully close…A blend of mostly Loureiro, with a little Trajadura and Pederna, this Vinho Verde (“Green Wine”*) shows ample jasmine, ripe green melon, kiwi and green apple on the nose. It is light-bodied, nervy and fresh on the palate with plenty of citrus and tart apple flavors.

There is also a fun light effervescence which tickles the tongue nicely. A mere 10% alcohol by volume means quaffability one usually only dreams about. You could polish off a bottle with barely a backward glance…

Pair this with seafood, the finned and the shelled, especially ceviche, spicy Asian and Latin dishes, Indian food and a multitude of appetizers. It is a very adaptable food wine. $10.99 a bottle. –SC

* A clarification: the wine is NOT green, but “Verde” refers to its youthful freshness…so now you know.

Let's make a deal.

2009-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Domaine du Colombier, Cuvee Gaby, Crozes-Hermitage, 2004.

I know that I've written on this before, but it was just as delicious this time around as last time. It just smells like syrah, tastes like syrah and feels like syrah. Black pepper, a little raspberry framboise note, some smoke and game, well integrated tannins, a fine drink my friends!

Hi Times in the OC for $22. Yowzers! Is that cheap! the 2005 is like $30. So order this while its still in stock. Peter says, "It's a good deal!"

Royal dirt.

2009-05-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Charles Joguet, Chinon, Les Varennes du Grand Clos, 2002.

From the king of Chinon. El Rey de Chinon. We got this for $21.99 at Wine Exchange, a real steal! I think they may have a few bottles left and if so, call now and get the ones because it was an earthy delicious delight! A wee on the leathery and barnyard side, but you know, every now and then I like to get a little dirty.

Good night.

2009-05-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

Pian del Campo, Toscana, IGT, 2006.

This wine is mostly Sangiovese with a little Canaiolo, and it's totally refreshing and totally delish. While it has loads of fresh cherries and a little dusty Italiano quality on the finish, there's also a depth to it and a darkness that makes it a little mysterious. Like the Dark Knight. The dark night. The noche oscuro. The noir nuit. Wow, this is getting a little redundant, huh?

It was $19.99 at Woodland Hills Wine Company. A nice reasonable price in unreasonable times.

Wow, that was deep.

Anniversaries, exams and good drinking...

2009-05-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Pierre-Marie Chermette, Fleuris, Les Garants, 2007.

Ok, next to Cabernet Franc I think my fav value wine is Cru Beaujolias, but my fav producer of high end Beaujolais has to be Chermette. I just love the elegance, the texture, the lack of bubblegum carbonic flavors, a real class and beauty to these wines. The truth is, I don;t know much about them, but I know I like them and will ahve to look up some info for the next post. Too tired right now.

The good news is that the MW exam is a mere 3 weeks and 1 day away. I literally can't believe it. It has been 3 1/2 years of studies and mostly a really intense 9 months that has lead up to this and no matter what happens I vow to be excited that I at least made the effort, you know?

Also, Peter and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary yesterday and had a great time in SF after another MW mock exam. GREAT GREAT dinner, maybe the best dinner I've ever had in SF, at Terzo. YOU MUST GO!

Anyway, this wine, $23.99 at the Wine House... but you can get at lots and lots of other retailers big and small....

Hot Chiles.

2009-05-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Rayun, Maipo Valley, Syrah, 2006.

I can't remember if I've ever blogged on a Chilean wine, my guess is that NO I have not. And really not for any other reason than we just haven't bought any. You know, we stick to the Frenchies and Italianos mainly, and that's just because I hate being disappointed and at this point in my life, I've been a drinkin' a lot and I know what mama wants.

That said, it was fun to taste something other than Cabernt Franc for a change. And no this isn't from the Peter Weygandt book, so that's another change too. I really enjoyed this wine - very varietally correct, tasted like syrah, and Susan, from Venokado, nailed it. Of course she did because she's just that good.

And get this... it's CHEAP... like really cheap... A very respectable wine for $10 at Silverlake Wine.

Self promotion.

2009-05-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

A new episode of DrinkThisTV up and running!

http://www.drinkthistv.com/