December 9, 2008

Saint Croix Vineyards Port

This port I bought some years ago when I visited this winery with my mother and sister. At that time I was just beginning to explore wines and didn't know anything about them. I was interested in whites that were "fruity" and any kind of rose. I found this port there and really liked it and was so proud of myself for liking a 'red' that I bought this 1/2 bottle. We've been carrying it around with us ever since. When Anthony suggested we open it I was excited - until he informed me it may have turned into vinegar by now (I think he was just giving me a hard time).
Anthony's little history lesson for me - Port wines are fortified, which means that alcohol is added before the fermentation process is complete, thus leaving the sugars behind. This preserved the wine while also making its alcohol content significantly higher. Apparently it was found that wine could not withstand the rocky and tumultuous trips on trade ships and thus would turn into vinegar. When alcohol was added during the fermentation process the wine became much more stable. The alcohol is added early in the fermentation process for port wines, thus causing them to be sweet with a high sugar content. If the alcohol is added late or just after the fermentation process a dry wine is created.
This port is very sweet but very rich with a wonderful smell and even better taste. Somehow it doesn't overwhelm you with sweetness and though it is smooth it has a little spice to it. Every taste leaves you wanting more.
Saint Croix doesn't list a port on their website any more but retailed it for around $30/bottle in the past. The bottle is a tall, dark 1/2 bottle with a simple, classy PORT label.

December 7, 2008

Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio 2006

Riff is an Italian winemaker and this Pinot Grigio originates from vineyards on the foothills of the Dolomites, which is part of the Alps. I tried it last night and really didn't like it. It had a very flowery flavor and made me think of the color mauve and old ladies in pink lace and southern flower patterns. However, Anthony informed me that I was not allowed to comment on a wine that I had not tried at its optimum temperature. So I chilled it over night. It is better chilled but it is still not going to convert me back to a white wine drinker - which may not entirely be the fault of this bottle. It is still flowery but not so overwhelming and has a bit of bite when it hits the back of your tongue. It could be light and refreshing in the hot summer, especially paired with a light salad.
This wine retails for around $13/ bottle and the bottle is fairly standard dark color with an interesting design on the label, intended to remind one of the substantial amound of dolomite limestone present in the soil in this region.

November 16, 2008

Altun Reserva 2003, Bodegas Altun, Rioja

This is a Spanish red wine made from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes. It is, as Anthony pointed out, a very earthy wine with a little spice but not enough to overpower the other flavors. You can taste a bit of the deep fruits in it but it is by no means 'fruity'. It is a smooth wine that leaves a pleasant red wine flavor in your mouth. Intense but not too much to enjoy. I really liked it and would drink it often. I also thought it was cool that the wine is hand harvested and they use no herbicides or pesticides. Anthony says he would pair this with grilled meats, pork and even salmon. It is a classic dark bottle with a simple label and runs about $27/bottle.

November 7, 2008

Dunnigan Hills Matchbook Chardonnay 2006

This wine is a blend of grapes from the Dunnigan Hills and Northern California. It is light and fruity with hints of apples and citrus. It is a wine that was given to Anthony by one of his wine reps. He is not going to put it in his restaurant and I can't say I blame him. It hits your mouth very smoothly but seems to disappear almost immediately. If you are not paying attention, you can miss the taste completely. It has no lingering flavor and is easily forgotten. The bottle is more impressive with a long neck and a large base and a classy label highlighting the Matchbook name. It retails around $15/ bottle.

October 31, 2008

Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

This red is a blended wine of Cab. grapes from three different counties from California. 45% Mendocino County, 30% Lake County, 25% Napa County. The wine-maker also adds just a touch of Shiraz to add a smidge of spiciness. It's aged for fourteen months in small oak barrels to give it interesting black cherry and vanilla bean notes. Medium bodied, rich Cab. with easy tannins. Grilled meats are the obvious choice for this but you should also give it a try with Thyme Roasted Pork Loin with an Apple-Paw-Paw Butter.
Becky's Comments - It's a pretty spicy wine. It definitely makes the nostrils flare and the mouth dry. While Anthony could pick out the vanilla, I could only taste a bit of the chocolate that was mentioned on the bottle. Everything else seemed to me to be covered by the spiciness. I could definitely see it with a grilled filet or pork loin.
It is a basic bottle with classy label.