Taste the Grape Dot Com

BOZO

2008-04-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

"BOZO"....that is what I felt like after I tasted this wine! BevMo was having their get the second bottle for a nickle sale, so I ventured out to see what they had to offer. As I walked thru the doors, I saw a customer picking up four bottles of Beauzeaux Red Wine 2005. It is a blend of 68% Zinfandel, 21% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Charbono, 2% Lagrein, 1% Valdiguie, 1% Grenache, 1% Tempranillo. I thought about it and moved on. None of their selected sale wines were catching my eye. I went home. Saturday, I went back. Another gentleman also had a few bottles of this wine (along with others), so I decided why not! He took notice that I had these wines and we started to talk. He was saying that he had purchased it before and that he was having a get together that evening, so it was a good wine to be served....for the price . I was beginning to feel somewhat safe. While at the register, the cashier asked me if I had ever tried this wine before, I said no, and told him of my conversation and seeing others purchase it. I should have asked him "why"!! When I got home I put the wine away, but his comment was grating on me. I gave it a taste.......**BLECH** It was nasty!! Thin....alcohol nose and taste. Needless to say, I took the bottles back for a full refund. I have read mixed reviews on this wine, so do not take my word for it.....try it for yourself.....you may not feel like a BOZO!!

Cheers

Come to the Cantina

2008-04-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

"Cantina" is Italian for "wine cellar", and I would love to have more of this wine in mine! I was in my local warehouse store and this unique bottle caught my eye. The wonderful script, the twig piece tied with straw....very rustic. Cantina Zaccagnini 2002....a red dry wine. I expected it to be bold....dry. As I opened the bottle the "nose" also confirmed that it would be just that. But as I took the first sip, I was surprised that it was softer than I had anticipated...dry, yes, but not too dry.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wine....seek out a bottle.....with some sharp cheddar...salami....a loaf of freshly baked bread and I think you will too.......

CHEERS!

A Fine Spirit

2008-04-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

I had purchased a bottle of Bogle Phantom 2004 (which was not easy to come by) quite a while ago waiting for a special occassion....well, some type of occassion....ok, any occassion to unleash the ghost. I chose the first episode of TOP CHEF to be just the right time (hey, it doesn't take much!). Upon opening the bottle, I noticed the writing on the cork; bo-gle n. [Scottish origin] A friendly spirit; a phantom.
A cute little fact...thanks! The wine is a blend of 54% Petite Syrah, 43% Old Vine Zinfandel, 3% Old Vine Mourvedre.....ahhhh....sent from heaven. I loved it!

With the wine, I had prepared a dinner of personal pizzas made on whole wheat pita bread, topped with roasted garlic...roasted red peppers and tomatoes....artichoke hearts.....mozzarella cheese.....hmmmm.....the aroma and the flavors......I can cook when I want to!

It was a wonderful evening of good food...good company....TOP CHEF....and a VERY friendly spirit.

CHEERS!!

Velvet Moon

2008-03-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Trader Joes was touting this wine of theirs in the recent flyer, so I decided to give it a try. I will admit that the first time I saw it in the store, I gave it a look, but decided to pass it by. I wish I had done so the second time! Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 was thin and had nothing notable nor memorable. For the purchase price of about $5, one would be better off purchasing a bottle of Charles Shaw.

A small, sad Cheers.....

Welcome to the Dog House

2008-03-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

"WELCOME TO THE DOG HOUSE", that is what it reads on the back label, well, I wish that is where I had left it....in the dog house! I came across this cute little label as I was browsing the wine aisles in my local grocery. I am a dog lover and I am sure that is why I fell for this one (hmmm.....what a marketing victory). The wine itself, Dog House Checkers' Cab 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon - Oakville, CA, was not as alluring. They gave it "two paws up".......I couldn't even get my tail to wag.........

WOOF!

Fishing for Info

2008-02-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

Last week a couple of family members and I, went to dinner at Spaghetti Eddie's. Looking at the wine menu I chose a Salmon Creek Cab. Actually, my sister chose their Pinot Grigio, so I went with the same label. Never having it, I was not certain what I was going to get. After our toast, we tasted and enjoyed our choices. I wrote down the name, wanting to look it up when I got home. Doing some research , I found that it was one of the many labels by Bronco Wine Company. I also found out, that I could not purchase it from any local retailers. I did see where I could buy it on the net, but also finding out that it is a wine that is basically sold to restaurants. Hmmmm.....first I had heard of this practice. Oh well.....I was a bit disappointed, but I am sure I will come across another wine that will be enjoyed and hopefully, easier to acquire!

CHEERS!

Rack 'em Up

2008-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Once again I racked my wine......getting closer!!! In fact, it will be in May when I bottle it and finally taste what I have been waiting for. It better be good!!!!
Don't you worry.....you'll be the first to know.....

CHEERS!

Two Different Cabs

2008-01-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am currently "vacationing" (let's say) at my sister's house and found a bottle of wine (unopened...to my surprise!) that was sitting on the counter looking neglected. I thought I may as well give the little guy some company. It was a Jordan Cab Alexander Valley 2002. Nothing spectacular, but hey, after the week I had, it tasted just fine......just a simple red wine wanting to be enjoyed.

Today, as I was doing a bit of shopping, I picked up a bottle of Yellow Tail Cab 2006. I had always heard good things about this Australian, but never picked it up. Was I surprised!! Very smooth and actually a bit more taste of fruit that was very much unexpected. This is a wine that I will buy more of....which brings to mind that the Super Bowl is just around the corner.......

CHEERS!!

Two Worlds

2008-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

The last of the three wines from the J Filippi Winery was a 2004 Deux Mondes (translation "Two Worlds") Reserve Cucamonga / Bordeaux. This blend of 29.5% Ch Reynier Cab, 29.5% Ch Reynier Merlot, 14.9% Cucamonga Valley Cab, 11.2% CV Petite Sirah, 9.1% CV Syrah, 2.9% CV Cabernet Franc and 2.9% CV Zinfandel......WHEW!!!! This red is deep ruby in color.....complex and intense. Aromas of red berry fruit, mint, vanilla and roasted coffee beans.....mmmmm....so good......

This is a perfect marriage between the varietals from the "Two Worlds". This is definitely a wine to uncork when wanting to make an impression...simply beautiful.

CHEERS!!

A BIG Red

2008-01-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Another wine that I had the opportunity to indulge in was a 2005 Big Joe Barrel Blend #2 - California Red, also from the Joseph Filippi Winery. WOW.......this wine is HUGE!!!! A real oak bomb of the spiciest sort (which I normally don't go for, but this was wonderful). Cumin, dill, cinnamon, white pepper and pine....they are all there!

This wine is also a limited production of 312 cases.....so if you like them BIG, run out and wrap your taste buds around this one!

CHEERS!!

A Fragile Red

2008-01-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, I had a reason to celebrate (back home in CA!!) and I had the opportunity to indulge in some fabulous wines. The first of the three was a 2006 Pinot Noir Monterey from the Joseph Filippi Winery in Rancho Cucamonga. This was a delicate red....salmon color was clean and clear. Lemongrass, green olives and lightly ripened mango on the palate. Lively tannins and a medium body. This was a limited production of 310 cases......I wish I had more!! This was a wonderful wine to be enjoyed now, IF you can get your hands on it!

CHEERS!!

I will follow with two others that were opened on that same Sunday....they only get better!

Ringing in 2008

2007-12-31T05:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone and my sincere apologies to all. I can not believe that I have not posted since October!!! Well, I can believe. There have been SO many changes going on in life, that I have unfortunately put my blog on the backburner.

I will be back in the New Year!!! I want to be back in the New Year. I always enjoyed my blog and I hope that others have as well.

Have patience (always easier said than done).......

CHEERS and be safe when ringing in the New Year!!

The Lady in Blue

2007-10-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Remember this one.....flashback to the 70's! I was in BevMo, browsing thru the wine isles and in the German section a description card caught my eye. I think in it somewhere it mentioned peach....and I zoomed in on it. Unfortunately, there were no bottles in stock. When I read the name, it rang a bell, but I could not place it. I continued shopping, purchased a couple of other bottles and was on my way. I had to do some grocery shopping and passing by the liquor section, it caught my eye. The tall blue bottle with the "Blue Nun" on the label! My memory awoke!! I had never drank the wine (I was not old enough at that time), but I recall my parents having it in the house. Of course, I grabbed the bottle and could not wait to give it a try! It needed to be chilled, so in the fridge she went, waiting to be had with dinner.

When the time came, I uncorked the bottle and poured it in my glass. It was a light straw color, and the aroma fruity. Upon tasting, it is a crisp wine with the ripe peach fruit flavor. Very nice...

I read where the company had gotten a bad rep and went thru some hard times, but they are making a comeback.

Next time when you are looking for a very nice white wine, why not give this one a try...."Blue Nun Qualitatswein Rheinhessen 2005".

Cheers to the memories.......

"Toogood"

2007-10-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have returned! We made it back from our trip to the Placerville area. I had never been there before, and I really enjoyed it! It was about an 8 hour drive, so by the time we arrived, we were at first excited, then exhaustion set in. Before turning in for the evening, we broke out the food and wine. Bread, cheeses, salami, fruit and a go-to favorite Fetzer Gewurtztraminer. A feast set for a king!! The next day was going to be a busy one, so lights out.

Saturday's itinerary, first called for a drive out to Auburn. It was a beautiful drive. The trees were just starting to turn to their warm reds and oranges......fall, what a wonderful season. The air was crisp and clear.....heaven.

Next stop....the wineries! There are just SO MANY of them. We headed towards the Fairplay area. We only had to go to a few before we found the one that we thoroughly enjoyed. "Toogood Estate Winery". The tasting room is in a man made cave where they have the tasting bar, a small store and also barrel tasting. The wines were wonderful! I purchased a bottle of "Block Five" 2005 Herbert Zinfandel and also a half case of "Porto Zino Futures", which will be bottled in the spring, from the barrel tasting. A special shout out to Seth, who was just an awesome guide.....Thanks!

Next, we headed to Apple Hill to meet up with a (new) group of friends. We met them for the first time here. We chatted, laughed, took in some of the local events, laughed some more, then we headed back to the room, fore we had a long drive back the next day. We stopped off and picked up a pizza to accompany the Zin that was just waiting to be uncorked! I"ll tell you, this was the best Zin I have had. Bold and delightful....wish I had a had purchased two........

If you are in the area, this is a definite winery to visit and enjoy.

CHEERS!!

Dry Spell

2007-10-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry that I have not posted in a while, but I have had a bit of a dry spell. Haven't had any new wines, no wine tasting events, NOTHING! But, that is all going to change SOON!! This weekend I am headed up north to the Placerville area. The main reason for going is a get-together with a group that I belong to, but another reason is the wineries in the area. I did not know just how many there are! I also plan on taking a couple of bottles with me, so maybe I will purchase something new. I do have an unopened bottle of Bogle Phantom that I was saving.....for what I don't know.....HAHHAHAAA!!!
OK, it is time to break this dry spell and get back into the swing of things!!

BOTTOMS UP!!!!!

Viva Espana!!

2007-09-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

I was not sure what to expect when purchasing this wine, but if "peach" is in the description, I am there! It is Albarino Condes de Albarei 2006. This is a very good wine. Peach bouquet, crisp, refreshing. I have enjoyed this with roasted chicken and steamed vegetables, Caesar salad and sushi. It paired wonderfully with all. Pick up a bottle and enjoy....

CHEERS!!

Red, Red Wine

2007-09-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

I picked another winner! This is a Mouton Cadet Red 2004 Bordeaux. A wonderful blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc. They could not have been more precise with their description of being "an elegant bouquet of flavours". I loved this wine and will definitely enjoy again and again.

CHEERS!

My First Jug

2007-09-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished the first step in making my first gallon jug of wine....WOO-HOO!! How exciting! It was not as difficult as I had anticipated. Granted, it is just a basic fruit wine, but I DID IT! It now has to sit for 24 hours, then I add the yeast, then let time do its magic. So, in a few months I will have some wine. AWESOME!!

CHEERS!

What A Red!

2007-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a red wine in a while, but yesterday I had one which was WONDERFUL! It is a Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Barrelli 2002. Fruity...oak aged....it glided over the palate. This is one I would definitely recommend (and buy over and over again!). I enjoyed this wine with a vegetable (mushroom/garlic) and peperoni pizza (which was tasty as well!).

Pick up a bottle of this one. You won't be disappointed.

CHEERS!!

Unexpected

2007-09-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I opened a bottle of 2006 Gewurtraminer and expecting the usual sweetness, was surprised by the dryness of this particular wine by Firestone Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley. It was not bad, just unexpected. It offered bright flavors of mandarin orange, pear and spice that unfolded into a crisp , off dry finish.

I served this wine with sushi, shrimp, and raw fresh vegetables. If you are looking for something different in a Gewurtz, give this one a try.

Cheers!

A Pleasant Surprise

2007-09-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I was pleasantly surprised by a new wine that I had purchased. It is a Beaujolais, which I have never tasted before. I am not sure where I picked it up from but I do know that it was under $10. It is ChiroUbles Beaujolais Georges Duboeuf 2005 - France. It has a fruity aroma and taste, but it was drier than I had anticipated. I liked this wine!! I had my glass with dinner which was a broccoli and cheese omelet (made with egg whites I might add!). If you come across this wine, try it, I think you may like it!

CHEERS!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2007-09-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Football season is here (WOO-HOO!!) and it starts tonight with The Colts going up against The Saints.

Yes, that is a beer in the picture. A Kostritzer, a German black lager....and I plan to be enjoying it soon!!

Prost!!

Not So Good

2007-09-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

The other day at our local market I picked up a bottle of Crane Lake Sangiovese 2005. It was on sale (couldn't pass up the bargain!) and not having it before, thought I would give it a try. So, Saturday I prepared a turkey breast with steamed vegetables and opened the bottle. When giving the wine a sniff, I could tell that this was not going to be good. Taking a sip.....yep, I was right....it was not good. I believe it had gone bad...a bit of a taste of vinegar. Should I give it another shot.....probably won't...not in the near future anyway.

I'll Be In The Kitchen

2007-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received in the mail a new book "The Joy Of Home Winemaking" by Terry Garey. No, I wasn't in the kitchen all night working on my first batch....but I can't wait to get started!! I will definitely keep everyone posted on my progress.

On a separate note, Wednesday/Thursday I went on a camping trip. I have not been in years!! Had a great time.....maybe the bottle of Sangria had something to do with it!!!

CHEERS!

Top Chef

2007-08-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe not Top Chef, but I even surprised myself on this one (for a first try!). Last night for dinner I prepared seared ahi that turned out quite well!! Perfectly cooked...nice searing on the outside and wonderfully pink on the inside. I served it over a white cabbage salad with a wasabi vinaigrette. The wine I chose was Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2005. This wine was wonderful with its honeyed peach and apricot flavors. After I finished, I thought to myself why pay $$$ when I can prepare the same thing at home for less than half the cost! This may become a habit!!

CHEERS!