Wine Shindig

Explorations in wine, particularly Pinot Noir and non-Chardonnay whites. Cheers!

2009 Poggia Anima “Samael” Montepulciano

February27

2009 Poggia Anima “Samael” Montepulciano

This Montepulciano is one of my new favorite wines, and not just because the label has a nice shade of pink! Simply delicious, goes well as a pre-dinner wine as well as with easy weeknight dishes like chicken, pasta, pizza, etc.

Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Where: Highland Wine
Next time: Get a case!
Price: $15-ish

2008 Gilbert Cellars Allobroges

February26

2008 Gilbert Cellars Allobroges

This blend of 62% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre and 15% Grenache paired fantastically with some leftovers we had, mentioned in a previous post: braised lamb and honey-onion tart (amazing! spend a Sunday afternoon on this pair, and you’ll be happy you did!).

Plus, KUDOS to the Gilbert Family and their marketing folks for this kick-ass video they put together that’s on their website – I have fallen in love with them and their wine even more, plus the ladies’ fashion sense is mimic-worthy!

If you’re interested in the history of an Roman-era Celtic people, the Allobroges, read more on Wikipedia.

Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $20
Next time: Get a glass or a case!

2009 Scarbolo Cabernet

February25

2009 Scarbolo Cabernet

Mr. W. really liked this wine – citing some “buttery” characteristic that I didn’t taste, feel, and even if I had, I tend to not like “buttery” wine. Gross. Not my cup of tea on this one. Too bad… the label is a gorgeous shade of red, with a ferris-wheel-esque design that’s fun and inviting.

If you’re bent on trying it, it’s a mix of 70% cab franc and 30% cab sauv. Knock your socks off.

Origin: Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $16
Next time: I’ll pass


2010 Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha

February24

2010 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros

This Spanish garnacha is a beautiful wine, full bodied but smooth. Paired like a gem with this braised lamb shoulder chops recipe. We subbed out the roasted root veggies from this recipe in lieu of these honey-roasted onion tarts (YUM!).

Other fun things I like about this wine – the label shows a person riding atop a bear (too cool!) plus the name is difficult to pronounce and always makes me feel like I’ve had more wine than I really have… am I slurring my words already?! With “Navaherreros,” yes…

Origin: Madrid, Spain
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $17
Next time: Get a case or a glass

2010 Casa Marin Pinot Noir “Tres Vinedos”

February23

 

2010 Casa Marin Pinot Noir “Tres Vinedos”

If you love a bright, perky wine you’ll love this Pinot from Chile! If you like your wine a little less perky, open this several hours to a day in advance, and it mellows out really nicely as well.

According to their website, they are a family owned winery and the closest winery in Chile to the Pacific Ocean.  They also have a bed and breakfast at the winery, if you’re thinking of visiting.

They make several other varietals, as well, like Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris (First I’ve heard of that one…), Reisling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah, as well as another label, Cartagena. I’ll definitely be on the lookout to try these other wines from Casa Marin.

Origin: San Antonio, Chile
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $22
Next time: Get a glass or a case!
Special feature: Twist-off – perfect for picnics, or when you hate dealing with the wine opener!

2005 Guenoc Petite Sirah

February21

2005 Guenoc Petite Sirah

For a while, I had a really great run with Spellbound’s Petite Syrah, but the next vintage wasn’t as good (very disappointingly, but I’ll always give them another chance at the next round). But Spellbound got me into trying Petite Sirahs, which has been really fun since there’s some amazing ones out there and oftentimes, the ones I’ve found remind me of a great Zinfandel but cheaper.

This one from Langtry Estate Vineyards didn’t rock my world though. Not bad, just not “WOW!”

Origin: California
Where: Hop City
Next time: I’ll pass
Price: ? I think this one was around $12-$15?

 

2009 Domaine Coudoulis

February20

 

2009 Domaine Coudoulis Lirac

This Cabernet Franc was absolutely fabulous! No oak, but full bodied and rich fruit flavors. Great with something from the grill, like a filet mignon or lamb.

Origin: Lirac, France
Where: Highland Wine
Next time: Get a bottle! Or Get a case, if that’s your price point.
Price: $22

2006 Domaine de Nerleux “Clos des Chatains”

February19

2006 Domaine de Nerleux “Clos des Chatains”

They put more effort into this super-busy label than they did the wine inside. Too bad… I love a good Cab Franc.

Origin: Vieilles Vignes Samu-Champigny, Loire, France
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $19
Next time: I’ll pass

2008 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir

February18

2008 Belle Vallee, Pinot Noir

This wine was delicious! Great as a pre-dinner wine or with a lighter dish or yummy salad with fun things like dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pistachios.

Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $15
Next time: Get a case!

2009 Domaine Coudoulis

January30

2009 Domaine Coudoulis
Lirac, France

Get a bottle
Highland Wine – $22

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