What To Drink Tonight

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2

Luna Di Luna Chardonnay Pinot Grigio
2007-06-20 04:02:00
2005ItalyLa lunadel sole della lunadel dio del solDei diiDiscendeL'arresto la confusioneMoon of the moonSun of the sunsGod of godsDescendStop the confusionA friend recommended Luna Pinot Grigio . I stopped on my way home and had a little discussion with the wine guy. I don't believe I bought the right wine, but I enjoyed what I bought. Luna di Luna Char donnay Pinot Grigio and Luna di Luna Pinot Grigio Pinot Grigio were available in the large bottle size. As I wasn't sure I was buying the right one, I opted for the smaller bottle and only the Chardonnay Pinot was available in that size. The wine guy tried to stop me from purchasing either one. He even asked me if I trust my friend's recommendation. I said "just give me the damn wine." (No, I didn't say it out loud - just in my head.) This is a fat, bald guy with a heavy NY accent who is supposedly "100% Italian" and he thinks Luna is "over-rated." I told him to shut the hell up and let me be the judge (no, I actually said that in...
More About: Donna

Four Vines Biker Zinfandel
2007-06-19 00:27:00
"The Biker "2004Paso Robles, California"Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye;That's all we know for truthBefore we grow old and die.I lift my glass to my mouth, I look at you and sigh."William Butler YeatsWill definitely drink again.I purchased this "once-a-month" wine (cost wise) for Father's Day dinner (the same dinner that is mentioned below with The Liberty School Chardonnay). It was good on its own and went well with aged cheddar cheese and Carr wheat crackers before dinner. The wine became more peppery following the crackers and cheese, and the cheese became more cheddar-y. I enjoyed it with the grilled pork loin as well. Again, it was spicey but it brought out the taste of the marinade (which had a bit of mint as well as many other flavors, but the Zin brought out the mint). The finish was long and satisfying. Overall, a good buy, even though higher than I normally try to spend.8 out of 10A whopping 15% alc. by vol. (the Guy liked that part and asked for m...
More About: Zinfandel

Liberty School Chardonnay
2007-06-18 03:32:00
Central Coast2003Will definitely drink again.This wine was very good at the end of a hot, humid day on the patio with Carr whole wheat crackers and Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese. It was equally as good served as an accompaniment to the dinner I made: Grilled pork tenderloin with garlic and ginger (recipe posted on Chez Nathalie site), baby red potatoes with Greek Yogurt, and a baby greens salad. For those who are not fond of intense oakiness, this is a low-oak wine. I tasted mostly pear, a hint of vanilla and slight butter. Very refreshing for a summer evening.7.75 out of 10Liberty School 2003 Char donnay Paso Robles, California$13.99 / bottle
More About: Donna

Mirone
2007-06-17 03:19:00
Red WineProduct of SpainVino de MesaWould drink again. Good everyday wine for the price."Mirone" was the signature of "Mir Geribert" who was the Prince of Olerdola (in Spain) during the 11th century. He came into confrontation with the Count of Barcelona, Berenguer Ramon I (1040 - 1059). I believe, though I could not confirm, the confrontation had something to do with Christianity.This wine had me fooled all night tonight. It's bouquet was earthy and peppery and it tasted peppery and somewhat strong upon initial mouthful. But it had little to no finish whatsoever. It totally weakened out. This was prior to dinner. Once again, finally looking to my Wine Lover's book, I made the most AWESOME dish tonight: "Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Mint Sauce". I hope to post this recipe on my currently lame Chez Nathalie website if you should want it (give me 24 hours). Suffice it to say it was so good I can't wait to make it again. I happily grow mint in my (also) lame garden off my kitchen a...
More About: Iron

Columbia-Crest Merlot
2007-06-16 21:17:00
Grand EstatesColumbia Valley2003 and 2004Would drink 2004 again, and maybe try another bottle of 2003 to see if what I experienced was just a corked wine for that particular bottle.Silence can be torturous and deafening, it's numbing her ears today.Wanting to do what's best,hoping instinct is leading the right way.Relinquishing to Washington State, she pours a glass of Columbia-Cres t .Following Kevin Zraly's once-a-week recommended list, I bought a bottle of Columbia-Crest Merlot last week when I also purchased the Kendall Jackson Chardonnay (also one of the list's once-a-week wine recommendations). I thoroughly enjoyed it as a glass on its own unaccompanied by any food. I don't remember what I did eventually have to eat with it, but it tasted better all alone. This week I thought I purchased the same vintage (2004) but didn't notice until I got home and poured a glass that it was actually 2003. The taste was much different which is what made me go back and study both bottles t...

Love My Goat
2007-06-15 01:39:00
Bully HillLove My GoatRed WineRide it out with me.Driving into work, pondering the world's troubles and what I can't do,My thoughts are accompanied by Bono and U2:"Heaven on Earth,We need it now.I'm sick of all this hanging around.I'm sick of the sorrow.I'm sick of the pain.Sick of hearing again and again,that there's never going to be peace on Earth."Needing a distraction and a serious mood shift,I visit "Wine World" on my way home.If you buy six bottles there's a discount,So I then peruse the store more and happily roam.Before dinner I pour myself a glass of "Bully Hill"Cover the glass, swirl, lift my hand then smell -smoked turkey and lettuce on toast,not quite sure if I've met heaven or hell.SERIOUSLY. Smoked turkey, lettuce and toast. That's what I smell. The taste (to me) is interesting, weird. It gets me at first like grape juice, then tastes . . . meaty, like smoked turkey. Not much finish. The taste didn't change at all with dinner (ravioli and carrots). This is t...

Kendall-Jackson 2005 Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve
2007-06-12 01:42:00
Kendall-Jackson Char donnay California 2005I sit reflecting as the radio plays,and the "Rascal Flats" hauntingly enter my thoughts through my daze:"I've dealt with my ghosts and I faced all my demons,Finally content with the past I regret.I've found you find strength in your moments of weakness.I've been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long . . .I'm moving on.I've lived in this place and I know all the faces,each one is different but they're always the same.They mean me no harm but it's time that I face it,they'll never allow me to change.But I never dreamed home would end up where I don't belong.I'm moving on.I'm moving on, last I could see,Life has been patiently waiting for me.And I know there's no guarantees, but I'm not alone.There comes a time in everyone's life when all you can see are the years passing by.And I have made up my mind that those days are gone.I'm moving on . . . . . . Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road,I'm movi...
More About: Donna , Reserve

Captain! PLEASE Bring Me My Wine . . .
2007-06-07 21:09:00
Bear with me through this seeming tangent. This has been quite a week. It began this past weekend when my washer broke. I bit the bullet and put a new washer and dryer on my credit card and paid for weekend delivery but it couldn't be installed because our shut off valve was broken. I had to call a plumber first. My new washer and dryer are sitting in my messy garage. Trying to get Sears to come back has been impossible. I've got (3) kids, and a dog that occasionally throws up (this week of course being one of those occasional occurences) and I've been without a washer now for 6 days. The Guy left for MA to cover Patriots training on Monday night and I came down with a nasty respiratory infection of some sort Tuesday morning. That same day I somehow unintentionally got in the middle of my boss and my friend (his wife) and their nasty marital demise, which then resulted in friction between myself and my boss's 80-something year old mother (who I also work for - and you don't wan...
More About: Wine , Lease , Ease , Captain

Chianti Classico Riserva 2003
2007-06-05 04:26:00
There almost every day,now, perhaps indefinitely, gone again.The sun's warmth was out,but it must retrieve back in.The moon has risen but no longer brightly,leaving only her thoughts to reflect in the Chianti .Chianti Classico Rise rva 2003TomaioloI have never been a fan of Chianti. It's about the last red I would choose. The few I've ever had have completely sucked all mositure out of my mouth. I stopped at a very cool wine shop near where I work on my way home. The owner recommended this Chianti with dinner (homemade pizza again). I knew from my favorite wine author, Kevin Zraly, that 2003 was one of the "best bet" years for Tuscan wine, AND, I knew that a Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the better values. This was a pretty good Chianti. I enjoyed it more on its own than with my pizza. It had more flavor and a much better finish than any previous Chianti I've encountered. I know a lot of people don't particularly care for "oakiness", but I tend to gravitate toward it. This ha...
More About: Anti

Barefoot Pinot Grigio
2007-06-01 04:26:00
The air is thick, my skin sticksthere is no breeze.Nothing moves, no blade of grassnot one of any leaves in the trees.Then, the greeness of the foliage becomes flourescentbackdrop to the blackening sky.I raise my head and arms, knowing what's comingand close my eyes.The storm within me subsides as the wind begins to blow.The outside-inside polarization calms me and I reach for my chilled Pinot Grigio .BarefootPinot GrigioTotally refreshing well chilled on a hot day. My mother brought this over on Memorial Day along with three bottles of various reds. The Pinot was by far the most enjoyed by all. Although our food was fairly casual (burgers and dogs), I did also have grilled shrimp and I thoroughly enjoyed the Pinot with the shrimp tossed with leftover cold penne and grilled yellow, orange and red peppers and sweet onion.Cheap. Really cheap. $5.99 but mom got it on sale for $4.99! Not bad at all.7 out of 10$5.99Californiawww.barefootwine.com
More About: Foot

Joel Gott Zinfandel
2007-05-28 20:22:00
The opportune time for an aging wine; so delicate.I dream of pulling that cork; yet fearful.For now I am so happy to have it close by me; though it remains unopened.I watch it mature; admiringly.I dream of its substance; hopeful.I think about it; feel my heart grin.And settle for now with 2005 Joel Gott Dillian Ranch Zin.Joel GottZinfandel Amador CountyThis wine perplexes me. I taste-tested it one night and absolutely hands-down LOVED it. I'd give it an 8.25 that evening. On my way home from work, I'd had no food for awhile to alter my taste. I would have bought it that night, but the price tag (for me) is a once-a-month selection.Fast forward to this weekend. It was The Guy's b'day Saturday and I knew in the back of my mind I was going to purchase this zin for the occasion. I didn't tell him it was out of the usual "cheap" category and we had it with grilled steak and chicken and grilled red, yellow and orange peppers with sweet onion. I was completely disappointed. It tasted l...

Brulwood Merlot
2007-05-24 03:43:00
Some other place, another timeSome day never comesAnd life goes by.My daily thoughts confuse me and muddle my head,Pour me two glasses of Merlot And give me my bed.Awaiting sleep I let go and let be,Comforted by the oneness I've always felt within, to the earth, sky and sea.And when I wake, I once again trustThat what was meant to be, will find a way indeed to one day be.2004Brulwood MerlotCaliforniaWould drink again.I don't believe this can be bought mainstream. It's a restaurant only brand actually put out by Gallo Cellars (I think).My boss is going in for surgery and will be out for six weeks. We stayed late tonight preparing for his absence. We then had dinner together at a local Italian eatery. Though it was a very pleasant environment, it was a small place and it was casual. I knew better than to ask for a wine list. When I asked our server what they had for wine, she looked perplexed and I prayed she would not say "Red or White." It was one step above that: "We have Chianti...

Los Vascos Reserve
2007-05-22 01:56:00
"So I called up the captain, 'please bring me my wine'and he said; 'we haven’t had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine' "The EaglesHotel California (my all-time fav karaoke song - I especially love pleading that second line!)Los Vasco sCabarnet SauvignonReserve 2004I can't help but read this label without thinking of my brother David. "LOS VASCOS!!!!" he always says loudly and enthusiastically with a "Mehican" accent. And my girls laugh and laugh.Very peppery and warm, hint of vanilla, wood and spice. A last hint of licorice as it goes down. More spice than I like, but a good wine overall. I think the balance is good. The finish is slightly disappointing after holding the first mouthful. Probably great served with steak. I had turkey meatballs so I can see where it might not have been as good as it could be due to my pairing it with poultry.7.25 out of 10www.pasternakwine.com14.0% alc. by vol.$16.99 / bottle"The French Connection(French Investment in Chile)French Investo...
More About: Asco , Serve

Two Tone Farm Chardonnay
2007-05-21 03:33:00
California2004Would drink again.Another screw top - this is becoming the way to go. Enjoyable on its own. I tend to like "oakiness" in my chardonnay - this does not have an oak taste to it. It is all fruit (pear) and butter. I stir fried chicken with fresh ginger and garlic in olive oil and put it over Romaine with celery, grape tomatoes, freshly grated parmesean and freshly ground black peppercorns. I was just going to have olive oil and lemon over it but I had a craving for Ranch. I thought for sure the Ranch dressing would make the Char donnay less enjoyable, but it didn't at all. This Chardonnay was good on its own and with dinner.7.25 out of 10St. Helena, California13.2% alc. by vol.$10.99 / bottle"Malolactic Fermentation is a second fermentation that lowers tart malic acids and increases the softer lactic acids, making for a richer style wine. The result is what many wine tasters refer to as a buttery bouquet."From "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course" by Kevin Zraly
More About: Farm , Tone , Donna

Houghton Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
2007-05-20 03:13:00
I look to the stars and then to the moon,Longing for the straightforward life of June.Residing within the reach of chaos awaiting a sign,I relinquish to a blend of Cab, Shiraz , and Merlot wine.Houghton2004Cabe rnet 71% Shiraz 20% Merlot 9%Would drink again.This evening's selection was enjoyable. The Houghton blend was nice on its own. The alcohol content is on the higher side, but the berry and oak combo persevered. While the berry bouquet was strong, the initial taste I experienced prior to swallowing was eucalyptus. I made lasagna and the Houghton lost something - it tasted "thinner" with the meal. However, upon reintroducing last night's Zinfandel with the meal, the Zin was better matched. Overall though, the Houghton was good.7.25 out of 10www. houghtonwines.com14.5% alc. by vol.Western Australia$14.99 / bottle (I bought on sale for $11.99)Wine Fact care of Kevin Zraly: "Most Cabernet Sauvignons are blended with other grapes, primarily Merlot. To use the grape variety on the la...

Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel
2007-05-19 02:27:00
Was it you, or was it me?I felt ugly, nervous - I needed to leave.There was a wall I couldn't see.I just want everything to again be so fine;I long for cherry, chocolate and anise,Give me Paso Robles wine.2005Appellation SeriesPaso RoblesI think I've mentioned before that Uncle Bob introduced me first to Rosenblum Cellars on one of our fine Thanksgiving gatherings. I have revisited various Rosenblum Cellars labels a few times since, but never with that initial fondness. I caught another glimpse of it tonight. Of course, I did spend a little more to get it and that's not supposed to be the focus of this blog. But I so needed it! First, I must say, I was looking for something entirely different.I was finally cooking again from my Wine Lover's Diet book (I misplaced the book for the last few weeks and found it this evening - can you believe it was on my little black, wrought iron cookbook shelf???). I made "Soy-Glazed Salmon" and it called for a Syrah (for recipe see www.cheznatali...
More About: Zinfandel , Ella , Lars

Duck Pond Syrah
2007-05-19 02:16:00
2003Duck Pond Syrah At my local wine shop's Friday night tasting I sampled this and loved it. I think it is worth the $12.99 it can sell for. Although I do enjoy melding my wines with food, this wine had an enjoyable intensity on its own. A little berry, a little oak, a moderate intenseness. Nice balance.7.5 out of 10www.duckpondcellars.comColumbia ValleyWashington State$12.99 / bottle

Trinchero Family Merlot 2003
2007-05-15 03:34:00
"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to food."- W. C. FieldsTrinchero Family 2003 Merlot Monterey CountyAlcohol: 13.5%Price: $11.99Rating: 6.5 out of 10When the bottle was first opened, the room filled with an immediate grapey aroma and I thought "Oh, this is going to be good." But it wasn't for me. It was disappointing. I think the "Two Buck Chuck" Shiraz might have had a little more going for it. It first tasted strong, then really dry and bitter, followed by a thin grapiness which then turned into a metallic (think aluminum can) taste - YUCK! I hate that. All right, it was probably on par with the Two Buck Chuck due to its stronger immediate taste.http://www.trincherowinery.com/[The Guy's take]7 out of 10Would try a different yearThis wine was not as bad as the first impression The Gal wrote... at least that's what I keep telling myself. When I bought it, I thought, Hmmm... nice label, Montery Country Merlot, 2003 vintage... It should be ok.Contrary to the "Yuck" adjective...

Double Post: "Two Buck Chuck" Shiraz and Chateau Peyfol 2003 Red Bordeaux W
2007-05-14 05:46:00
Reading last night's post, it seems like I went off a bit on an unrelated tangent. However, the point I was trying to make was how, just like food, environment can play into one's wine experience. In my case, I was melancholy from the music I'd been playing and feeling blessed looking and listening to my children while thinking about my past and their future all rolled into one. The wine enhanced that feeling and created an overall nostalgic experience. Whereas the night prior, I was in a different emotional state and was listening to classical music and even though I drank more of the wine then, it didn't seem to enhance my mood. It's the same thing as going to a great restaurant and thoroughly enjoying the food and the company you're with and ordering a wine that tastes great. I've done that and left deciding I've got to go buy a bottle of that great wine. I've bought it, brought it home, and it just doesn't taste the same. As a matter of fact, I've wondered what the he...
More About: Post , Double , Shiraz , Chuck , Chateau

Food Pairing Update on Clos du Bois Zin (and a little more than I bargained
2007-05-13 04:11:00
Though I made tacos for my children, I decided to make myself some "healthy" sweet Italian sausage (made with organic chicken and sweet red pepper and green pepper) and pair it with last night's Clos du Bois Zin (which recommends Italian Sausage as an accompaniment). It was slightly better. Probably by just over one half point more. For some reason, it hit me harder. I had less wine tonight and it effected me more.I was quietly emotional and reflective and felt the wine warming me (which felt really good). Of course my custom CD playing in the background probably played a slight part in the overall experience as well - I went from listening to my Billie Holiday collection to The Beatles "Let It Be," Kansas' "Dust in the Wind," U2's "With or Without You," Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," ending with Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." I watched my beautiful children and listened to them just innocently talking and told them how very much they mean to me and how much I so want them...
More About: Food , Update , Litt