Falling In Love (Is So Hard On The Liver)

Wow, I don't know about you guys, but it is seriously rosé weather!!! It's been so warm and sunny, (sunburn, we meet again) I just can't help myself! I might be a "Burgundy Brat" and a bubbles whore, but sometimes a girl just needs a good rosé! One I'm currently in love with, is a 2009 Chateau Montaud Cotes de Provence, an interesting blend of Grenache and Syrah, but I think there's a touch of Cinsault in there, judging by the aromatics and juiciness of it all...

We tasted this at my store a few weeks ago, and as soon as I put this baby in my mouth, it was like, "Oh god yes, two please!" It's that good...

I love the nose on this one, the strawberry and salinity and delicate herbal notes just jump out of the glass at you, but it's not cloying or overwhelming! The wine is bone dry (as all good rosés are) and finishes crisp and clean. With a low alcohol, it's PERFECT for hot summer days! Sip this while eating a goat cheese quiche, or an omelet with chorizo! It absolutely begs for lighter fish dishes, or anything you'd imagine eating whilst sitting outside a little bistro somewhere in the heart of Provence.

And if the color is putting you off or making you doubt your manliness, just remember; if it's good enough for hot sexy Spanish bullfighters and cowboys, it's good enough for your desk jockey self. RECOGNIZE!

Woohoo! It's Bubble Time, Baby!

So today I got some good news, WOOHOO!!
To celebrate, I decided to treat myself to a bottle of NV (Non Vintage) Edmond Barnaut Grande Réserve Brut Grand Cru Champagne! I've never had this Champagne before,( a problem everyone here knows I LIVE to fix) and what really made me want to try it was that Monsieur Barnaut was kind of a Champagne bad ass. He was one of the first pioneers in Champagne who stood up and gave a resounding "Eff You!" to the big boys of Champagne, and started a solera system using 66% Pinot Noir, and 34% Chardonnay that is still used today! Yes yes, I know, this is nothing new, hooray for back blending, yada yada, shut up, I'm drinking it and you aren't, so HA! I win! :)

That is all, there was no real point to this post, I just wanted to boast about getting good news and rub it in that I'm drinking yummy bubbles!

Now it's your turn! Pop that cork baby!! Let's all toast a rebel :)

Alain Corcia 2006 "Creme de la Creme" Chateauneuf-du-Pape

I was intending to age this a little more, but after working for almost two weeks straight (we're building a new website, hooray overtime!!!) and a certain someone getting his doctorate, I decided this was deserved!!

It's a dark, opaque, inky purple, with lots of red, ripe fruits on the nose. A little black plum, some smoke, tobacco, black pepper, and something meaty, almost leathery on the nose.

The mouth is more smoke and definitely tar, pepper, leather, raspberry, violets, and some plum. It seems the focus is more on savory meat-type things than fruit, definitely old world! It finishes nicely, with a bit more of the violet character coming through. It seems a bit tight right now, I bet it would be beautiful and dusty in about three years!!!

All in all, not bad for instant gratification!!

S&M in a Glass- Aragon Patricia Amontillado Sherry

I'm not usually a sherry drinker. And by usually, I mean never... Well, until now..
Patricia makes a few different styles of sherry, but so far my favorite is the Amontillado. The nose is just INTENSE! You can smell this sucker from a mile away! The nose is full of caramel, pecans, burned sugar, dried fruits, and cashews! One sip, and your mouth gets a spanking from the tart, dry, and almost salty sherry-ness of it all. Then you exhale (and if you're me, you shiver), and it's this beautiful cashew oil, followed with vanilla.

I like it with a bit of a chill, it kind of helps take the bite off, and it goes GREAT with chocolate covered peanuts!!! I'm blaming this specific combination/ nightly habit as the reason I've put on five pounds AFTER the holidays!!!

So like I'm saying- Patricia Amontillado--hurts so good.....

Domaine de Fontsainte Rouge, 2005, Corbieres France

When we were first tasting this wine, I was lazy and didn't bother taking notes, but did write the name down surrounded by little hearts; which everyone knows is an incontrovertible sign of quality and prestige. ;)

I know almost nothing about Corbieres, although I'm sure I could fake it if I spent some time with Google.
What I do know is that this wine is fun, funky, and just geeky enough to keep me interested! The nose is just full of black fruits, something like dark wet earth, smoky maybe, but with a touch of cocoa. See what I mean? How often do you get to say you get fruity and muddy, and it's a good thing?!?

The flavor is just total chocolate covered blueberries! (I now know what they taste like, thanks to my last trip to California, and some super awesome wine-traveling buddies!!! ) The tannins are soft, but firm. They play well with the rest of the components, but your mouth knows who's wearing the proverbial pants! After spending some time, there's this totally cool in-glass transformation to something less playful, the fruit kind of gives way to a more serious dusty violet and liquorice notes.
I wouldn't think this wine would benefit from much decanting, as I think part of the fun of this wine is that chocolate covered blueberry kick. I also find this interesting, because the blend is 60% Carignan; 30% Grenache Noir; 10% Syrah, all grapes that would normally like a bit of decanting.

I think what I like most about this wine, aside from the sheer nerdiness that it inspires, is that I'm getting all of this for the price of $12!!

Cesanese Update

So day three and the Cesanese is still going strong!!
The tannins relaxed and softened a bit, and the fruit is showing more red characteristics, less big juicy black plums, and sadly the baker's chocolate has died as well, making this a more subtle wine, yet still FREAKING AWESOME!!! At this point, I'm going to just give in and buy a case, I think I've just found my house red staple!!

(Can you tell I love this wine? I've sold about two cases this past week!)




Btw, have I mentioned I'm an AWFUL cook lately?!? Seriously, burnt cinnamon rolls are NASTY! If you are in the Mclean/Reston/Herndon area and find burnt cinnamon rolls incredibly tasty, let me know, I'd be glad to share them with you....

2005 Faunus Cesanese Del Piglio, Lazio, Italy

Holy crap how I love me some Cesanese!!! I was seriously thinking of writing this tasting note in verse, just to show it how much I love it, but then remembered I'm a terrible poet (and blessed enough to know it. HA!) and I'm not nearly drunk enough to play that off.. Oh well...

I love this wine, it's a semi-transparent ruby in the glass, with a nose full of sour cherry, some blackberry, dust, a bit of cocoa, and hint of herbaceousness that keeps it interesting.
It's a relatively light body, with some pretty powerful cherry and plum flavors in the glass. It hits the mid-palate with a wonderful kick of acidity, moderate tannins, and some baker's chocolate that I'm really digging! I could most definitely see this as a great pizza and pasta wine.

What really gets me excited about this wine is the price, it's only $12!!! I LOVE when I find an everyday Italian that gets me excited to talk about! This isn't drinking like a $12 bottle of wine, it's too delicious and there are just too many things happening in the glass. Which makes you wonder why can't MORE wine be this damn good, this damn cheap!?!?
If only it had a screw cap..... ;)

2007 "Kung Fu Girl", Charles Smith Wines, Washington State

OMIGOD this wine is just straight up FUN!!! It's sassy!

It's a pale lemon green with a nose bursting of youthful citrus, grapefruits, green apple, and a hint of pear.
It's off-dry, but with this nice, saucy little bitchslap of acidity. It's like getting your pigtails pulled in elementary school, if you HAD pigtails on your tongue.... whatever, that's a quandary for another day...

The body is light, with a more defined citrus, green apple, grapefruit, lychee, and a hint of that pear again.

I seriously love this wine, it's relatively cheap (around $15), low alcohol (12.5), and has a really enjoyable acidity! Kung Fu Girl is just awesome, from the name, to the label, to the screwcap, to the taste!

I'm seriously thinking of buying a case, because I just can't shut up about this one...
Drink it and let me know what you think!

2006 White Fences Vineyard, Midnight Red

This is another Virginia wine, also 100% Chambourcin. I know, I'm seeing the trend, too. I promise to start being more geographically promiscuous!

This baby is as deep and mysteriously dark in the glass as the name suggests.
We got pronounced black and white pepper, black cherry, plum, fig, black tea, and oddly enough; something meaty or leathery.

Thankfully, the wine was very fruity, not at all gamy, full of figs, stewed raisins, anise, and blackberries.
It was dry, with low tannins and a really nice finish. I would drink this now, as I can't see this standing up to cellaring very well, but it's definitely something great to have around the house!

It's only 12.5% alcohol, which means you can have a glass and *still* manage to keep up your end of the conversation! Unless it's about something crazy, like how hot they think Jancis Robinson is, or how devastatingly witty he/she/it thinks Alice Fiering is. (Then I'd suggest you smile and nod, hide all the sharp implements, point to something shiny, take the booze and RUN!)

2005 Davis Valley Winery Chambourcin, Virginia

Let me just say, I freaking LOVE this wine!!

It's rich and full of juicy, ripe red cherries, white pepper, cloves, some sweet spice, a touch of smoke, some dark chocolate, and something like blackcurrant leaf.

It's off dry, with medium tannins and body. I got flavors of prunes, stewed raisins, cherry, stone fruits, a touch of vanilla, I swear I kept thinking Dr. Pepper!!!

It's great on it's own, was great chilled, and is even better now that it's getting cold outside! I should know, I've got the windows open and I'm drinking a glass right now... It's really good with some dark chocolate, and not so good with salted cashews or a tomato & bacon sandwich (shut up, I'm an AMAZING cook!), but I digress...

This is one of those really great introductory wines. It's smooth and easy drinking, with some residual sugar, and it's so approachable! I can't wait to slip some to my sister, who is currently in love with both Inca Kola *shudder* and had a grand old time with the (bone dry) Cava I brought her. Who knew?

I'm not sure how much this was, since I'm drinking the last of what we got at sale prices for the Wine Expo, but I promise you, if you buy it and don't like it, you can give it to me and I'll LOVE you for it! (Just make sure you don't drink from the bottle, backwash is nasty. It is not cool to drool.)

Tir Na N'og, 2006 Old Vines Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia

According to the back of the bottle, "Tir na N’og (pronounced “Tier nah Nohg”) is Gaelic for “Land of the Youth”. Irish legends and myths tell of a land where mortal time was suspended and everyone was young and beautiful. A place we all no doubt aspire to live in."

Blah blah blah, cool marketing gimmick, yada yada... I wasn't impressed with the $30 price tage, and (call me cheap) but I expected more from this.

It's a dark, inky purple, almost opaque in the glass, with a nose full of black fruits, plum, slate, and a touch of pepper. The body is light/medium, same with the tannins. So all you fans of the "I just licked a cotton ball" feeling, sorry...
I was surprised, as the first pour fills you with old world style black fruits of plum and blackberry, some violets, with a nice kick of pepper. Very not like McLaren Vale....

It *did* taste a little too hot for me, but at 14.5%, it's almost a port, so don't worry, kill a bottle with your friends and you'll all be on your asses together! Just don't drive, start an impromptu karaoke session, or start drunken emailing people!

Spend a little time with this, and you'll notice the in glass transformation into something fruitier, younger, but still with a hint of saltwater brine.

Again, not something I'd turn down, but not something I see as being worth thirty bucks!

I'm just sayin'

2004 Montecillo Crianza, Rioja, Spain

Bought this on a whim, as the $7 price tag was too hard to pass up, and I think I'm becoming a "Temp Tramp" (as in Tempranillo, jerk!) !

Pouring this baby gives you an indication of it's character right away! It's a beautiful, brooding garnet color, the nose is big with dark chocolate, espresso, black tea, black currant, and blackberries.

It's dry, full bodied, medium tannins, very "firm" in the mouth, with pronounced black pepper, smoke, violets, dark chocolate, black cherry, espresso flavors.

It's medium alcohol, at 13.5% but, *DAMN*!
It's got a great finish, long but not terrible, it's so full and robust, and in-your-face about it's flavors! This is NOT a sissy wine, and I can't decide if I'd rather have it with buffalo steak, barbecue, or spicy sausage gumbo....

After spending some time with this (including a bubble bath) I'm really liking this more and more! Sure, it's a little showy, and puts hairs on your chest, but I'm kind of digging that. If it's too much for you, try chilling it, putting your big girl panties on, or letting it breathe for about twenty minutes. It's nice to witness the in-glass transformations of this particular Temp; it becomes more savory, more bacon and game and meat flavored. (And if that doesn't get you drooling, I won't mention the chocolate covered bacon I'm plotting on next!!!)

I bet Robert Parker would cream his jammies if there was more oak in this!!

2007 Bitch Grenache, Barossa Valley, Australia

Having heard glowing remarks about this wine, I (impatiently) ordered it from wine.com.
Maybe the heat, or the vibrations had an impact, because I was sorely disappointed.
I got raisin, black pepper, smoke, something medicinal, maybe copper. Honestly, all I can say is that it was diluted. I'm having a hard time finding information online about this wine, particularly concerning rain, because then I might be able to understand. But probably not, as there are ways of concentrating the fruit to make up for this dilution, and at 15% alcohol, they could have given de-alcoholifying a shot!!!!
Seriously can't believe this was $13!

NV Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad, Penedes, Spain

I love this stuff!!
Clear, Pale Lemon Green, nice thin strings of tiny bubbles!
It's clean, light intensity, seems youthful, although that just be the effervescence.
The nose is full of citrus, honeysuckle, lime, peach, toast, bread, and biscuity.
It's dry, with medium acidity, obviously low tannins, it just dances in your mouth!
The flavors are again, citrus, peach, honeysuckle, toast, and bread. It's low alcohol, medium length, it's a great quality, I've bought four bottles of this, and I'm already down two!!
At $20 it's not the cheapest out there, but I think it's worth it. Also makes a great gift!

According to their website, it's 67% Macabeo, and 33% Parellada.

If you get the chance, DEFINITELY pick this one up! And if you find it anywhere near the Baltimore region, drop me a line, you'll be making one of my lab rats' day!!!!!!!

2005 Bonny Doon Cardinal Zin, Central Coast

Bought this on a whim, as I'd been meaning to get more into the much-maligned Zins. Drinking it was as much fun as reading the label!! Seriously, check it out sometime, unless you live in Ohio, where, apparently, it's banned. And, naturally, that just makes me want to drink it more!! The artist is quite a riot, too. I'm thinking of ordering some of his prints.

It was a clear, deep ruby, with a light intensity.
I got aromas of red and black fruit, dried fruit, plum,cherry, raisin, vanilla, black currant, blackberry, raspberry, smoke, black pepper, herbaceous, and some black currant leaf.
Dry, low-medium acidity, medium tannins, pronounced flavors! Definitely jammy!!
Flavors were red and black fruits, plum, raisin, black pepper, cherry, blackberry, touch of smoke.

Definitely unique, and fun! I can't wait to get some more, this definitely has a place at my table!

2006 Caymus Conundrum, California Table Wine

I must admit, I'm quite partial to Conundrum. I really like the game of figuring out the blend. I'm using figuring out quite loosely, as normally I just end up giggly with an exasperated boyfriend who rolls his eyes at all my attempts to involve him in something he clearly just wants to drink and NOT discuss! Hooray internet! ;)

Clear, pale lemon color, nose was pronounced and youthful, very fun.
Nose was full of citrus, grapefruit, peach, apricot, banana, lemon, lime, pear, honeysuckle, and melon.
It was off-dry, with a nice medium acidity, obviously low tannin, light body and a wonderfully pronounced intensity that just dances right through the palate!
Again, the flavors were citrus, lime, grapefruit, tropical fruits,peach, butter, banana, melon, vanilla, honey, and honeysuckle.
The alcohol was low, (13.5), and definitely was ready to drink!

It was interesting to witness the in-glass transformations, starting out as fresh and fruity and flirty fun, then turning into something sexy, refined, with more herbaceous characteristics showing through.
Kind of like watching Tigger turn into Shere Khan!!
Day 2 was even better!! (Yes, I'm impressed I rationed myself as well!)

2006 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir, Central Coast

I'm a big fan of the Cycles Cab, but I wanted to try their other wines to see if they deserved those two gold medals. At $15 it's a bust, though in a side by side comparison, my "lab rat" and I enjoyed the Cab much more!!

Somewhere between ruby and garnet, with a nose of black pepper, black fruits, definitely black currant, some strawberry, sweet spice, leather, cinnamon, and clove.
It's a dry, low acid, medium tannin, medium body, pronounced intensity.
The flavors were spicy, with black pepper, clove, black fruit, black currant, and smoke being the most noticeable ones.
The alcohol was medium (13.9) with a pretty decent medium to long finish. It's an okay quality, definitely could use some age.

I wasn't blown away, and I can think of better $15 Pinots.

Cheesetique White Wine Flight Tasting Notes

Cheesetique is this awesome little place in Del Ray. We went there for dinner this past Tuesday. It's a cool little place, the hours are weird, (closed on Mondays is kind of de rigeur around here I'm learning) the people were nice, and we walked out of there with some awesome new cheese, quince paste, and some clotted cream for a friend's birthday.

Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with the wines. Most were served way too cold, a pet peeve of mine!
So first up is the 2006 Gavala from Santorini, Greece. I'm having a hell of a time finding information on this wine, but I *think* it's made of Assyrtico and Aidani grapes. Don't quote me on that though.

It was pale lemon, with the nose being of a very light intensity. Again, I'm stressing this was dumb, so maybe that's why I didn't get much from it.
I got a lot of grass on the nose, with some lemon and lime thrown in as well.
The flavors follow along the same vein, herbaceous, lemon, lime, and something bitter I couldn't pin down.
Personally, I didn't think the wine was worth the $9 price tag.

Next on the list was a 2007 Le Paradou Blanc Provence, France (Viognier)
I was rather excited about this one, I always get excited when I see organic wines being featured, if a bit wary. I happen to be a large fan of sulfites.
Pretty pale lemon, medium intensity, aromas of pear, apple, blossoms, and bananas.
It was off dry, light intensity, flavors of green apples, white pepper, green fruits, and a touch herbaceous.
All in all, it was good, fruity, and fun! In a kind of skip and go naked kind of way. Bet it'd be great on picnics! Definitely worth eight bucks!

The last on the tasting lineup was a 2006 Albarino do ferreiro from Rias Baixas. I was super excited, since the Rias Baixas is one of those trendy little areas that (hopefully) will be getting more attention now that we're all getting more global!!
Unfortunately, this was a total letdown, it was meaty and gross. Lots of wheat, some grass, no balance no love, just ick. Seriously not worth the $14.


Quince paste is awesome stuff, a little weird (it doesn't melt!!) but awesome!