2005 Duncan Peak Petite Syrah
This might be my favorite Wonder Red of the year. Yep, that's right. Saving the best for close to last. The good folks at McCarthy & Schiering always have great tips and this one was a doozy. I challenge anyone to find a red that has as much depth, body, and structure as this one for a mere $10. And it smells divine. Sip it while cooking and also enjoy with dinner. It's scrumptuous.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
White Wine for the Holidays
2008 Chateau des Cleons Muscadet Seure et Maine
Holiday food runs the gamut: ham, cookies, cheese, tofurky. You name it...you might be eating it! This white is crisp and light, yet has enough depth to go with many of the vittles you might find on your table this holiday season.
Holiday food runs the gamut: ham, cookies, cheese, tofurky. You name it...you might be eating it! This white is crisp and light, yet has enough depth to go with many of the vittles you might find on your table this holiday season.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Slurping Chariot
2007 Chariot Gypsy
Well, folks, it has taken almost two months of tastin' to come up with a worthy recommendation. So, I am VERY happy to have finally come across a wine worthy of a blog post. All we really know is that this wine hails from Californie and, I've got to say, it does it proud. Bold and smooth, full and tasty, it's just plain easy and rewarding to drink.
Well, folks, it has taken almost two months of tastin' to come up with a worthy recommendation. So, I am VERY happy to have finally come across a wine worthy of a blog post. All we really know is that this wine hails from Californie and, I've got to say, it does it proud. Bold and smooth, full and tasty, it's just plain easy and rewarding to drink.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Trader Joe's Holy Grail
2007 San Greal Red Supper Wine
'San Greal' means Holy Grail in French. I must concur that this is the Holy Grail of inexpensive red table wines. Hailing from Mendocino grapes, it's just plain lovely. Nice acidity (meaning it'd cut through a garlicky pesto or a delicious red sauce), and yet no bite. A long, rainy Seattle fall/winter could be much more tolerable with enough of this wine on hand.
'San Greal' means Holy Grail in French. I must concur that this is the Holy Grail of inexpensive red table wines. Hailing from Mendocino grapes, it's just plain lovely. Nice acidity (meaning it'd cut through a garlicky pesto or a delicious red sauce), and yet no bite. A long, rainy Seattle fall/winter could be much more tolerable with enough of this wine on hand.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Chile Delivers Delightful Pinot Noir
2008 Leyda Classic Pinto Noir, Central Valley, Chile
We think of Chile for Carmenere or red blends, but not Pinot. But maybe we should should! This Pinot Noir is fantastic. Round, ruby notes make it extremely versatile. It'd be lovely with salmon, and would also be great with pork or chicken dishes. Any Pinot fan will be a fan of this bottle.
Thanks to Leigh Arredondo for finding this find!
We think of Chile for Carmenere or red blends, but not Pinot. But maybe we should should! This Pinot Noir is fantastic. Round, ruby notes make it extremely versatile. It'd be lovely with salmon, and would also be great with pork or chicken dishes. Any Pinot fan will be a fan of this bottle.
Thanks to Leigh Arredondo for finding this find!
Delicious Rosso Dolce
Reggiano Lambrusco Rosso Dolce Le Grotte
Ever had a sparkling Shiraz? Lucky you! They tend to be delicious, but spendy. This is a great alternative. At a mere 8.5% alcohol per volume, you can sip this while making the burgers and nibbling on the appies and still be okay if you decide to have a glass of wine with the grilled burgers. Termed a 'soft' red wine, this has much less alcohol per volume than most red wines, while still being totally satisfying and tasty. In addition to being nice with bbq and pizza, it'd also be oh-so-good with a strawberry tart.
Ever had a sparkling Shiraz? Lucky you! They tend to be delicious, but spendy. This is a great alternative. At a mere 8.5% alcohol per volume, you can sip this while making the burgers and nibbling on the appies and still be okay if you decide to have a glass of wine with the grilled burgers. Termed a 'soft' red wine, this has much less alcohol per volume than most red wines, while still being totally satisfying and tasty. In addition to being nice with bbq and pizza, it'd also be oh-so-good with a strawberry tart.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Un Tres Bon Viognier...from California
2007 Mont Pellier Viognier
Who says sushi can only be paired with sake and beer?! Viognier is kind of, sort of similar to a Muscat or Riesling, but nowhere as sweet. It's much more dry (although not too dry), with distinct floral notes and low acidity. It goes well with Thai or Vietnamese food, but goes even better with sushi. (Honestly, you'd do better with a Riesling for anything spicier, but this would be okay.) Montpellier is far from being a boutique Napa winery (wine snobs, steer clear!), but it's good value for what you get.
Who says sushi can only be paired with sake and beer?! Viognier is kind of, sort of similar to a Muscat or Riesling, but nowhere as sweet. It's much more dry (although not too dry), with distinct floral notes and low acidity. It goes well with Thai or Vietnamese food, but goes even better with sushi. (Honestly, you'd do better with a Riesling for anything spicier, but this would be okay.) Montpellier is far from being a boutique Napa winery (wine snobs, steer clear!), but it's good value for what you get.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Perky Pinot
2008 Picton Bay Pinto Noir
As with most price-performing Pinot Noirs, this one is better than expected, but you'll still know you're drinking a "bargain". Working in its favor is the fact that it actually tastes like a Pinot. A lot of cheap Pinots don't even taste like Pinots, so this is no small thing. Hailing from New Zealand's Marlborough region, it shares the grassy notes you get from Sauvignon Blancs from there as well. Sounds weird, but it's quite nice!
As with most price-performing Pinot Noirs, this one is better than expected, but you'll still know you're drinking a "bargain". Working in its favor is the fact that it actually tastes like a Pinot. A lot of cheap Pinots don't even taste like Pinots, so this is no small thing. Hailing from New Zealand's Marlborough region, it shares the grassy notes you get from Sauvignon Blancs from there as well. Sounds weird, but it's quite nice!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Ridiculously Good Riojo
2008 Riojo...downtown Vancouver
Alright, here's the deal. You can only get it if you email Mark Hendrickson (aka Shark) at overcome@shaw.ca, but it's so good! It's what a Rioja should be. Ruby colour, sniffy nose and then a deep, yet bright taste. Got red meat? Get Mark's Rioja.
Note: We tasted this while in Vancouver, B.C. for the weekend and Mark is still brewing his own wine...but if people "in the know" learn of this, they may scoop him up to be their Lead Winemaker!
Alright, here's the deal. You can only get it if you email Mark Hendrickson (aka Shark) at overcome@shaw.ca, but it's so good! It's what a Rioja should be. Ruby colour, sniffy nose and then a deep, yet bright taste. Got red meat? Get Mark's Rioja.
Note: We tasted this while in Vancouver, B.C. for the weekend and Mark is still brewing his own wine...but if people "in the know" learn of this, they may scoop him up to be their Lead Winemaker!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Chalk Two Up for Chalk
2007 Chalk Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Intrigued by how good the Chalk Creek Cab was, I decided to try the Sauvignon Blanc. Yep, it's good, too. Although not as interesting as, say, the Monkey Bay or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, it's quite good and it's also half the price, so who's complaining? Not me!
Intrigued by how good the Chalk Creek Cab was, I decided to try the Sauvignon Blanc. Yep, it's good, too. Although not as interesting as, say, the Monkey Bay or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, it's quite good and it's also half the price, so who's complaining? Not me!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Chalk + Cab = Yummy
2005 Chalk Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
Go ahead. Take a sip. How much do you think it costs? Okay, not to ruin the ending but...$4.99!! It turns out that Trader Joe's is able to score such good deals on their wine because they 1) wait until a winery is desperate to get rid of inventory and 2) come with cash in hand. This one-two punch lands some mighty good wines in our homes. This one is big and bold -- there's nothing subtle about it. But it's a cabernet sauvignon, so we'd expect nothing less. If you're grilling a steak or portabella mushroom, this is your wine.
Go ahead. Take a sip. How much do you think it costs? Okay, not to ruin the ending but...$4.99!! It turns out that Trader Joe's is able to score such good deals on their wine because they 1) wait until a winery is desperate to get rid of inventory and 2) come with cash in hand. This one-two punch lands some mighty good wines in our homes. This one is big and bold -- there's nothing subtle about it. But it's a cabernet sauvignon, so we'd expect nothing less. If you're grilling a steak or portabella mushroom, this is your wine.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Perfect Pinot Grigio with Pasta
2007 Caposaldo Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio excels at cutting through anything acidic. So if, for instance, you're making a linguine with zucchini, tomatoes and toasted almonds in a lemony-shalot sauce, it's a perfect pairing. (See June 2009 issue of Cooking Light page 124 for the recipe.) At $9 a bottle, this bottle is a stand-out. A little earthier and full-bodied than a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio can stand up to bolder flavors and more acidity, while still holding its own.
Pinot Grigio excels at cutting through anything acidic. So if, for instance, you're making a linguine with zucchini, tomatoes and toasted almonds in a lemony-shalot sauce, it's a perfect pairing. (See June 2009 issue of Cooking Light page 124 for the recipe.) At $9 a bottle, this bottle is a stand-out. A little earthier and full-bodied than a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio can stand up to bolder flavors and more acidity, while still holding its own.
2007 is Truly Terrific!
2007 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Red Wine
Yep, it's another wonder wine from 2007. The lesson is: when in doubt, lunge for the 2007. This one is made exclusively from Nero d'Avola grapes and is smooth and velvety with a bright bouquet. Grilled anything is great with it, as is a grilled veggie salad of eggplant, onion and zucchini. Thank you, Trader Joe's!
Yep, it's another wonder wine from 2007. The lesson is: when in doubt, lunge for the 2007. This one is made exclusively from Nero d'Avola grapes and is smooth and velvety with a bright bouquet. Grilled anything is great with it, as is a grilled veggie salad of eggplant, onion and zucchini. Thank you, Trader Joe's!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Punchy Panilonco
2007 Panilonco Carmenere
Subtle, it is not. Refined? Um, no. But it's tasty and stands up to everything from ribs to spicy food, so there's not much to complain about. A Trader Joe's special find, this is some serious swilling wine for the summer season. (It might also be the least expensive wine ever posted to the Wonder Wine blog!)
Subtle, it is not. Refined? Um, no. But it's tasty and stands up to everything from ribs to spicy food, so there's not much to complain about. A Trader Joe's special find, this is some serious swilling wine for the summer season. (It might also be the least expensive wine ever posted to the Wonder Wine blog!)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Gold Medal Winner
2003 Domaine Fond Croze Cotes du Rhone
When I see a little award sticker on a bottle of wine, it ups the ante. If it won an award worthy of the sticker, it ought to be super wonderful, right? Well, this one is! It won the 2004 Concours des Vins Cotes du Rhone and you'll see why after your first sip.
When I see a little award sticker on a bottle of wine, it ups the ante. If it won an award worthy of the sticker, it ought to be super wonderful, right? Well, this one is! It won the 2004 Concours des Vins Cotes du Rhone and you'll see why after your first sip.
2007 Shines Again
2007 Domaine de Couron Merlot
This wine is as lovely as the little town from which it hails. It is further proof of what a great year 2007 was for Rhone wines. This producer also makes a Cotes du Rhone red and it'd be interesting to compare it to both this Merlot and some other 2007 Cotes du Rhone.
This wine is as lovely as the little town from which it hails. It is further proof of what a great year 2007 was for Rhone wines. This producer also makes a Cotes du Rhone red and it'd be interesting to compare it to both this Merlot and some other 2007 Cotes du Rhone.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Relish the Reserve Perrin
2007 Reserve Perrin Cotes du Rhone
2005 was good for Bordeaux. 2007 was good for Cotes du Rhone. Across the board, these are good wines and this one is no exception. If you drink this and like it, try a 2007 from another producer. You likely won't be disappointed. (Can't promise, but it's a good bet!) If you're making anything inspired by the Mediterranean, this would be good to have on hand.
2005 was good for Bordeaux. 2007 was good for Cotes du Rhone. Across the board, these are good wines and this one is no exception. If you drink this and like it, try a 2007 from another producer. You likely won't be disappointed. (Can't promise, but it's a good bet!) If you're making anything inspired by the Mediterranean, this would be good to have on hand.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A Passable Pinot Noir
2006 don Rodolfo Vina Cornejo Costas Pinot Noir
Salmon season in the Northwest is right around the corner (okay, it's a little ways off, but still). Salmon + Pinot Noir = Total Deliciousness. Problem is, Pinot Noir tends to be spendy. This one is $10. It's a perfect second bottle of Pinot, to be drunk after you've sipped something slightly more fabulous (like a Russian River Pinot from California or, if you like something lighter, a Willamette Valley Pinot). And if you've only got $10 for your wine budget for the evening and you're having salmon, you won't be disappointed if this is your only bottle!
Salmon season in the Northwest is right around the corner (okay, it's a little ways off, but still). Salmon + Pinot Noir = Total Deliciousness. Problem is, Pinot Noir tends to be spendy. This one is $10. It's a perfect second bottle of Pinot, to be drunk after you've sipped something slightly more fabulous (like a Russian River Pinot from California or, if you like something lighter, a Willamette Valley Pinot). And if you've only got $10 for your wine budget for the evening and you're having salmon, you won't be disappointed if this is your only bottle!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Marvelous Marechaux
2004 Chateau les Grands Marechaux, Premieres Cotes de Blaye
Summer of '04 was hot. This caused a wide-spread heatwave across much of Europe and resulted in much splashing in public fountains, as well as some really good wine. This wine is a shining example. Round, full, and scrumptious, this wine can hold its own against some of the much more expensive Bordeaux. If you've liked some Cotes de Provence, you will definitely like this. It doesn't have a ton of structure, but at $9 a bottle, do we really care? This is truly a fabulous wine for the price.
Summer of '04 was hot. This caused a wide-spread heatwave across much of Europe and resulted in much splashing in public fountains, as well as some really good wine. This wine is a shining example. Round, full, and scrumptious, this wine can hold its own against some of the much more expensive Bordeaux. If you've liked some Cotes de Provence, you will definitely like this. It doesn't have a ton of structure, but at $9 a bottle, do we really care? This is truly a fabulous wine for the price.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Portugal Performer
Berco do Infante Reserva 2007
Portugal is proving to be about so much more than port. This red is an excellent example. It's a blend of Castelao and Aragonez grapes, has lovely tannins, while still being pretty mellow, especially once it has been open for a bit. This is strong enough to hold up to a steak, but would also be dandy with a soft, creamy cheese.
Portugal is proving to be about so much more than port. This red is an excellent example. It's a blend of Castelao and Aragonez grapes, has lovely tannins, while still being pretty mellow, especially once it has been open for a bit. This is strong enough to hold up to a steak, but would also be dandy with a soft, creamy cheese.
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