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From the Village
2007-12-07 17:33:00
Village Winery in VA, that is. I picked this bottle up at Village Winery on our tour this summer, it cost $17, clocked in at 12% alcohol by volume, had a fake cork, and I believe it is NV, or at least I can't find any vintage info on the bottle.On the nose I found spice, smoke, leather, and raspberries. Oddly enough, I also smelled what I can only describe as fireworks after you've shot them off. In the mouth the wine was fruit, light and pleasant, showing raspberries and a bitter chocolate essence. Overall, a little tannic and a little too sweet to go with the pasta and fresh tomato sauce.
More About: Merlot , Village

From the Village
2007-12-07 17:33:00
Village Winery in VA, that is. I picked this bottle up at Village Winery on our tour this summer, it cost $17, clocked in at 12% alcohol by volume, had a fake cork, and I believe it is NV, or at least I can't find any vintage info on the bottle.On the nose I found spice, smoke, leather, and raspberries. Oddly enough, I also smelled what I can only describe as fireworks after you've shot them off. In the mouth the wine was fruit, light and pleasant, showing raspberries and a bitter chocolate essence. Overall, a little tannic and a little too sweet to go with the pasta and fresh tomato sauce.
More About: Merlot , Village

Lava Flows
2007-12-06 15:50:00
The bottle for the evening was a 2003 Lava Cap American River Red. We purchased this bottle from Wine Q for $11.99 with free shipping! It clocked in at 14.5% alcohol by volume and had a real cork closure. The wine is a blend of 46% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Sangiovese, and 7% Merlot, and hails from El Dorado County.On the nose I found oak, spice, cedar, blackberries, and dark fruit. In the mouth there were black fruits, black currants, and a slight hint of blackberry. The wine was spicy and had an alcohol kick, but was great after it aired a bit.My overall impressions were "woah" and this still needs a bit of time or to be decanted for a while before serving. We drank this on it's own, but I would suggest serving it with pasta or meatloaf!
More About: California

Lava Flows
2007-12-06 15:50:00
The bottle for the evening was a 2003 Lava Cap American River Red. We purchased this bottle from Wine Q for $11.99 with free shipping! It clocked in at 14.5% alcohol by volume and had a real cork closure. The wine is a blend of 46% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Sangiovese, and 7% Merlot, and hails from El Dorado County.On the nose I found oak, spice, cedar, blackberries, and dark fruit. In the mouth there were black fruits, black currants, and a slight hint of blackberry. The wine was spicy and had an alcohol kick, but was great after it aired a bit.My overall impressions were "woah" and this still needs a bit of time or to be decanted for a while before serving. We drank this on it's own, but I would suggest serving it with pasta or meatloaf!
More About: California

Reminder: WBW #40 in 1 Week!
2007-12-05 12:25:00
So get out there and find your Petite Sirah ! You can find lots of resources over at PS I Love You as to who produces Petite Sirah.Happy hunting of your beast, as Alder has named Petite Sirah!Report back to me at ctsonadora@gmail.com on December 12 with the link to your entry or your tasting note if you don't have a blog.
More About: Week , Reminder , Remi

Reminder: WBW #40 in 1 Week!
2007-12-05 12:25:00
So get out there and find your Petite Sirah ! You can find lots of resources over at PS I Love You as to who produces Petite Sirah.Happy hunting of your beast, as Alder has named Petite Sirah!Report back to me at ctsonadora@gmail.com on December 12 with the link to your entry or your tasting note if you don't have a blog.
More About: Week , Reminder , Remi

Mauritson Again!
2007-12-04 12:36:00
The bottle for the night was a 2005 Mauri tson Westphal Vineyard Rockpile Zinfandel . I think we drink a lot of Zinfandel. This bottle came in my latest shipment from Mauritson, which we are working through at fairly quick pace, which is alarming, given that we won't see another shipment from them until next October. It had a real cork closure, cost us $27.60, and Matt tossed the bottle again before I could write down the alcohol content...perhaps that's why he looks a little sheepish in my picture!On the nose I found vanilla, blackberries, dark fruit, and oak. The wine had a sort of sweet perfume about it, which is different from what I'm used to with Zinfandels, I sort of expect an overall spicy aroma. In the mouth the wine showed blackberries, black cherry, and a bit of oak. Overall, is was smooth and balanced in the mouth.I served it with what is known around our house as "Liz's Mom's Chicken Casserole," a recipe I got in 2nd grade from a friend at the time whose name i...
More About: California

Mauritson Again!
2007-12-04 12:36:00
The bottle for the night was a 2005 Mauri tson Westphal Vineyard Rockpile Zinfandel . I think we drink a lot of Zinfandel. This bottle came in my latest shipment from Mauritson, which we are working through at fairly quick pace, which is alarming, given that we won't see another shipment from them until next October. It had a real cork closure, cost us $27.60, and Matt tossed the bottle again before I could write down the alcohol content...perhaps that's why he looks a little sheepish in my picture!On the nose I found vanilla, blackberries, dark fruit, and oak. The wine had a sort of sweet perfume about it, which is different from what I'm used to with Zinfandels, I sort of expect an overall spicy aroma. In the mouth the wine showed blackberries, black cherry, and a bit of oak. Overall, is was smooth and balanced in the mouth.I served it with what is known around our house as "Liz's Mom's Chicken Casserole," a recipe I got in 2nd grade from a friend at the time whose name i...
More About: California

Spaniard Invades!
2007-12-03 14:13:00
*Disclaimer: I received this bottle as a sample from Wine Q because I am a Beta Club member.This hefty bottle arrived at my doorstep via a WineQ delivery. Little was I to know what lay inside that box.........a giant red from Twisted Oak Winery in the form of a bottle of the 2005 Spaniard . A close up picture of the label and excellent depiction of the Twisted Oak for you:The bottle clocked in at 14.6% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and can be purchased from WineQ for $44.99. It's a red blend of 64% Tempranillo, 21% Graciano, and 15% Garnacha. This is one not to miss for the lively PrincessBride-esq description on the label.On the nose the wine showed blackberries, black currants, spice, your favorite leather couch, cloves, and something really dark and almost earthy that I can't quite place, kind of like walking through a cedar grove. In the mouth, there are very fresh blueberries, currants, blackberries, and baking spices. Overall, the wine was very smooth with a...
More About: California

Spainard Invades!
2007-12-03 14:13:00
*Disclaimer: I received this bottle as a sample from Wine Q because I am a Beta Club member.This hefty bottle arrived at my doorstep via a WineQ delivery. Little was I to know what lay inside that box.........a giant red from Twisted Oak Winery in the form of a bottle of the 2005 Spainard. A close up picture of the label and excellent depiction of the Twisted Oak for you:The bottle clocked in at 14.6% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and can be purchased from WineQ for $44.99. It's a red blend of 64% Tempranillo, 21% Graciano, and 15% Garnacha. This is one not to miss for the lively PrincessBride-esq description on the label.On the nose the wine showed blackberries, black currants, spice, your favorite leather couch, cloves, and something really dark and almost earthy that I can't quite place, kind of like walking through a cedar grove. In the mouth, there are very fresh blueberries, currants, blackberries, and baking spices. Overall, the wine was very smooth with a...
More About: California

A Sight to See
2007-12-03 01:55:00
I know this isn't a food blog, but sometimes I can't resist sharing what goes on in the Wannabe Wino kitchen. I think Matt wanted to compete, or at least show that he can do cool things too, with my delicious Thanksgiving meal...so on the morning after Thanksgiving, he pulled out this.And his drill (new drill bit that we sterilized for those who are concerned about that sort of thing!).And he made a spectacle in the kitchen to impress our guests, serving them Ostrich Egg! He was inspired by "Battle Egg" on the Iron Chef and decided this was something we had to try. So he opened it and I cooked up a huge batch of scrambled eggs for our guests!I suggest serving at your next brunch with Mimosas or perhaps a nice Moscato d'Asti.
More About: Misc , Sight

A Sight to See
2007-12-03 01:55:00
I know this isn't a food blog, but sometimes I can't resist sharing what goes on in the Wannabe Wino kitchen. I think Matt wanted to compete, or at least show that he can do cool things too, with my delicious Thanksgiving meal...so on the morning after Thanksgiving, he pulled out this.And his drill (new drill bit that we sterilized for those who are concerned about that sort of thing!).And he made a spectacle in the kitchen to impress our guests, serving them Ostrich Egg! He was inspired by "Battle Egg" on the Iron Chef and decided this was something we had to try. So he opened it and I cooked up a huge batch of scrambled eggs for our guests!I suggest serving at your next brunch with Mimosas or perhaps a nice Moscato d'Asti.
More About: Misc , Sight

Barn Blend
2007-11-30 13:52:00
We finally drank our bottle of the 2006 Nelson Family Vineyards Barn Blend ! This came in a club shipment in April, but I somehow neglected it. Matt and I were lucky enough to attend the barn blending party this year, you can see me playing mad winemaker in the picture below, but we unfortunately did not win. My love of Zinfandel led me to encourage my table to concoct a Zin heavy blend, while the two finalists were Cabernet Sauvignon heavy. As was the previous year's winner.The 2006 was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, in order from greatest to least, though I either didn't record the exact percentages or they weren't available. It had a real cork closure, clocked in at 14.8% alcohol by volume and cost us $18.40. On the nose I found currants, earth, leather, saddle room, spice, and cloves. And interesting mix and a complex nose that kept showing more as it aired. In the mouth the wine has mellowed from our tasting at the Barn Blend Party, but it still ...
More About: California

Barn Blend
2007-11-30 13:52:00
We finally drank our bottle of the 2006 Nelson Family Vineyards Barn Blend ! This came in a club shipment in April, but I somehow neglected it. Matt and I were lucky enough to attend the barn blending party this year, you can see me playing mad winemaker in the picture below, but we unfortunately did not win. My love of Zinfandel led me to encourage my table to concoct a Zin heavy blend, while the two finalists were Cabernet Sauvignon heavy. As was the previous year's winner.The 2006 was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, in order from greatest to least, though I either didn't record the exact percentages or they weren't available. It had a real cork closure, clocked in at 14.8% alcohol by volume and cost us $18.40. On the nose I found currants, earth, leather, saddle room, spice, and cloves. And interesting mix and a complex nose that kept showing more as it aired. In the mouth the wine has mellowed from our tasting at the Barn Blend Party, but it still ...
More About: California

Old Vines
2007-11-30 01:44:00
I must admit, I'm never quite sure what "old vines" are. I know I've seen other bloggers debate this topic quite a bit. In this case the vines are all over 90 years old. (Sometimes I've seen "old vine" on 30 year old vines and that doesn't make me happy, 30 isn't old!)Our wine for the evening was a 2004 Old Vine Seghesio Zinfandel . We picked this up on our visit to Seghesio in April, one of our stops along our Sonoma trip. The bottle cost us $33, a bit more than we normally spend, but I really liked this bottle of wine at the tasting. It had a real cork closure and clocked in at 15.3% alcohol by volume.On the nose I found leather, raspberries, spice, and licorice.In the mouth the wine showed raspberries and blackberries and just a touch of the licorice. Overall the wine was smooth and balanced, though slightly sharp on the finish. It's drinking fairly well now, not sure if it will smooth out any more.We drank it on it's own, but my affinity for Zinfandel is to grill u...
More About: California

Old Vines
2007-11-30 01:44:00
I must admit, I'm never quite sure what "old vines" are. I know I've seen other bloggers debate this topic quite a bit. In this case the vines are all over 90 years old. (Sometimes I've seen "old vine" on 30 year old vines and that doesn't make me happy, 30 isn't old!)Our wine for the evening was a 2004 Old Vine Seghesio Zinfandel . We picked this up on our visit to Seghesio in April, one of our stops along our Sonoma trip. The bottle cost us $33, a bit more than we normally spend, but I really liked this bottle of wine at the tasting. It had a real cork closure and clocked in at 15.3% alcohol by volume.On the nose I found leather, raspberries, spice, and licorice.In the mouth the wine showed raspberries and blackberries and just a touch of the licorice. Overall the wine was smooth and balanced, though slightly sharp on the finish. It's drinking fairly well now, not sure if it will smooth out any more.We drank it on it's own, but my affinity for Zinfandel is to grill u...
More About: California

Purple Beauty
2007-11-28 13:45:00
The wine for the evening was a 2005 Quivira Mourvedre . You'll be noticing lots of new wines around here as the shipments are pouring in from my wine clubs after a long summer break. Hopefully come April I'll have a new selection of wineries for you as we are planning to head up to Calaveras County to visit El Jefe.The wine had a real cork closure, clocked in at 14.4% alcohol by volume, came in a club shipment and cost around $24 (can't find the price on line, this is my best guess).On the nose I found vanilla, leather, spice, pepper, and bramble fruit. Overall the nose was did not display much fruit. In the mouth I found licorice, blackberries, cherry pie, and what I think might have been eucalyptus, or in any case was a medicinal note. The wine was fruitier in the mouth than on the nose. I found it to be dark and earthy with a slightly bitter component. It was a bit tannic, so I think it could age. We have another bottle in the basement, so I'll try to hand onto that on...
More About: Beauty , California , Purple

Purple Beauty
2007-11-28 13:45:00
The wine for the evening was a 2005 Quivira Mourvedre . You'll be noticing lots of new wines around here as the shipments are pouring in from my wine clubs after a long summer break. Hopefully come April I'll have a new selection of wineries for you as we are planning to head up to Calaveras County to visit El Jefe.The wine had a real cork closure, clocked in at 14.4% alcohol by volume, came in a club shipment and cost around $24 (can't find the price on line, this is my best guess).On the nose I found vanilla, leather, spice, pepper, and bramble fruit. Overall the nose was did not display much fruit. In the mouth I found licorice, blackberries, cherry pie, and what I think might have been eucalyptus, or in any case was a medicinal note. The wine was fruitier in the mouth than on the nose. I found it to be dark and earthy with a slightly bitter component. It was a bit tannic, so I think it could age. We have another bottle in the basement, so I'll try to hand onto that on...
More About: Beauty , California , Purple

It's a Mauritson Month
2007-11-27 13:52:00
And time to root around in my cellar to see what's ready for drinking!In my last post about this wine, I said you should hold it for at least another year or so. Well, it's been 7 months and I just couldn't leave this one in the cellar anymore. We needed a less expensive bottle for drinking after dinner and this one fit the bill at $19.20. I believe this bottle came in a club shipment, though I honestly couldn't say for sure as we picked up a case at Mauri tson on our very first trip over a year ago and have subsequently received 3 more shipments from them. Whatever the case, this bottle arrived before I started using CellarTracker. The wine was a 2003 Mauritson Grower's Reserve Zinfandel . It clocked in at 15.1% alcohol by volume and had a real cork closure.No alcohol on the nose this time. White pepper, blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, fresh blackberry on the nose. Definitely very prominent white pepper. More vanilla shows through as the wine airs. In the mouth, totally ...
More About: California , Month , Mont

It's a Mauritson Month
2007-11-27 13:52:00
And time to root around in my cellar to see what's ready for drinking!In my last post about this wine, I said you should hold it for at least another year or so. Well, it's been 7 months and I just couldn't leave this one in the cellar anymore. We needed a less expensive bottle for drinking after dinner and this one fit the bill at $19.20. I believe this bottle came in a club shipment, though I honestly couldn't say for sure as we picked up a case at Mauri tson on our very first trip over a year ago and have subsequently received 3 more shipments from them. Whatever the case, this bottle arrived before I started using CellarTracker. The wine was a 2003 Mauritson Grower's Reserve Zinfandel . It clocked in at 15.1% alcohol by volume and had a real cork closure.No alcohol on the nose this time. White pepper, blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, fresh blackberry on the nose. Definitely very prominent white pepper. More vanilla shows through as the wine airs. In the mouth, totally ...
More About: California , Month , Mont

Not Quite Summer
2007-11-26 13:40:00
But I still love Sauvignon Blanc ! And this one arrived in my latest shipment from Mauritson, whom I haven't had any new wines from in a year as they were kind enough to combine my shipments for me to help my wine budget! So I was very excited to try out some of the offerings from the past year.The wine was a 2006 Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc. It clocked in at 13.5% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and cost us $13.60.On the nose I found figs, grapefruit, wet stone, grass, and mainly citrus. The nose was fairly reserved, but easier to detect after it had warmed up a bit. In the mouth I found peach, grapefruit, and minerals. The wine was acidic and crisp, but well rounded.We drank this on it's own one night, but I would serve it with crab or perhaps some nice creamy cheeses as an appetizer!
More About: California , Summer , White

Not Quite Summer
2007-11-26 13:40:00
But I still love Sauvignon Blanc ! And this one arrived in my latest shipment from Mauritson, whom I haven't had any new wines from in a year as they were kind enough to combine my shipments for me to help my wine budget! So I was very excited to try out some of the offerings from the past year.The wine was a 2006 Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc. It clocked in at 13.5% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and cost us $13.60.On the nose I found figs, grapefruit, wet stone, grass, and mainly citrus. The nose was fairly reserved, but easier to detect after it had warmed up a bit. In the mouth I found peach, grapefruit, and minerals. The wine was acidic and crisp, but well rounded.We drank this on it's own one night, but I would serve it with crab or perhaps some nice creamy cheeses as an appetizer!
More About: California , Summer , White

Thanksgiving Recap
2007-11-26 03:01:00
15 pounds of turkey (with all but a drumstick gone as of lunch today!)10 pounds of potatoes8 guests6 bottles of wine3 pounds of green beans1 pounds of cranberries1 package of burnt rolls (oops)1 burn and 1 accidental grating of my thumb=5 pounds heavier and one exhausted wine blogger.Another Thanksgiving under my belt, my second, but my first in our new house!Back to work and regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and didn't have to loosen their belts too much!
More About: Recap

Thanksgiving Recap
2007-11-26 03:01:00
15 pounds of turkey (with all but a drumstick gone as of lunch today!)10 pounds of potatoes8 guests3 pounds of green beans1 pounds of cranberries1 package of burnt rolls (oops)1 burn and 1 accidental grating of my thumb=5 pounds heavier and one exhausted wine blogger.Another Thanksgiving under my belt, my second, but my first in our new house!Back to work and regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and didn't have to loosen their belts too much!
More About: Recap , Hank

Gobble Gobble
2007-11-21 15:41:00
I am in full prep for Thanksgiving . Hosting for Matt's family, 8 of us total. That's the most people I've ever cooked a meal for, so I'm a wee bit nervous!I'm not big on the whole "here's my ultimate Thanksgiving pairings" post thing, but as an fyi, we are having an Austrian Riesling provided by Matt's Aunt and Uncle, two lovely Roses, one from domaine547 and the other from Wine Q, and a raspberry Merlot from a local vineyard for dessert. I've also got a few bottles of Pinot Noir stuck off to the side in case anyone wants some red with dinner!I wish you and your's a happy and safe Thanksgiving and I hope your turkeys cook perfectly! I'll likely be off the posting while my house is full of relatives, but I'll attempt to pop on.Happy Thanksgiving!
More About: Misc

Gobble Gobble
2007-11-21 15:41:00
I am in full prep for Thanksgiving . Hosting for Matt's family, 8 of us total. That's the most people I've ever cooked a meal for, so I'm a wee bit nervous!I'm not big on the whole "here's my ultimate Thanksgiving pairings" post thing, but as an fyi, we are having an Austrian Riesling provided by Matt's Aunt and Uncle, two lovely Roses, one from domaine547 and the other from Wine Q, and a raspberry Merlot from a local vineyard for dessert. I've also got a few bottles of Pinot Noir stuck off to the side in case anyone wants some red with dinner!I wish you and your's a happy and safe Thanksgiving and I hope your turkeys cook perfectly! I'll likely be off the posting while my house is full of relatives, but I'll attempt to pop on.Happy Thanksgiving!
More About: Misc

Announcing Wine Blogging Wednesday #40-Que Sirah Sirah
2007-11-20 13:16:00
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, sends you off in search of what is arguably my favorite red wine varietal: Petite Sirah . So often confused with Syrah or Shiraz, it deserves it's own time to shine, and this is it.Petite Sirah is lesser known by the name Durif. I have noticed, and actually picked one up, Durifs coming out of Australia recently, so they are out there, it just takes some hunting. I haven't found any from France yet, but maybe one of you will have better luck than me.The assignment is simply that. Report back on any Petite Sirah that strikes your fancy.Post your review on Wednesday , December 12 and send me an email at ctsonadora@gmail.com with a link to your review. If you don't have a blog, please send me your tasting notes and I will be happy to publish them here and include you in the round up.I am thrilled that my theme suggestion was taken by our fearless leaders over at Wine Blogging Wednesday and am incredibly happy to be hosting this month. ...
More About: Anno

Announcing Wine Blogging Wednesday #40-Que Sirah Sirah
2007-11-20 13:16:00
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, sends you off in search of what is arguably my favorite red wine varietal: Petite Sirah . So often confused with Syrah or Shiraz, it deserves it's own time to shine, and this is it.Petite Sirah is lesser known by the name Durif. I have noticed, and actually picked one up, Durifs coming out of Australia recently, so they are out there, it just takes some hunting. I haven't found any from France yet, but maybe one of you will have better luck than me.The assignment is simply that. Report back on any Petite Sirah that strikes your fancy.Post your review on Wednesday , December 12 and send me an email at ctsonadora@gmail.com with a link to your review. If you don't have a blog, please send me your tasting notes and I will be happy to publish them here and include you in the round up.I am thrilled that my theme suggestion was taken by our fearless leaders over at Wine Blogging Wednesday and am incredibly happy to be hosting this month. ...
More About: Anno

Freshly Pressed: WBW #39 Round-Up
2007-11-20 04:31:00
Y'all should mosey on over to BrooklynGuy's blog to read his excellent round-up of all the WBW #39-Silver Burgundy wines.Despite crushing computer problems, he's got his round-up posted and it looks like lots of excellent wines were again tasted for us to seek out on upcoming wine shop visits, not to mention for me to pick up another bottle (or 6) of the wine I tasted!Happy reading to all and stop by here tomorrow morning for the WBW #40 announcement!
More About: Round Up , Round

Freshly Pressed: WBW #39 Round-Up
2007-11-20 04:31:00
Y'all should mosey on over to BrooklynGuy's blog to read his excellent round-up of all the WBW #39-Silver Burgundy wines.Despite crushing computer problems, he's got his round-up posted and it looks like lots of excellent wines were again tasted for us to seek out on upcoming wine shop visits, not to mention for me to pick up another bottle (or 6) of the wine I tasted!Happy reading to all and stop by here tomorrow morning for the WBW #40 announcement!
More About: Round Up , Round