What To Drink Tonight

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Robert Mondavi Vinetta
2007-10-25 04:27:00
2005 Private SelectionCaliforniaWill drink again - yet another good pick for the money.This blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 11% petit verdot, 5% malbec and 2% cabernet franc was thoroughly drinkable. I am not a fan of Robe rt Mondavi anything (no offense, I just haven't liked any of his wines). One of the guys I work with kept telling me I had to try Mondavi's "Vinetta". I couldn't find it anywhere. I found it waiting for me at my desk on Monday morning.The color was almot a flourescent purple. The scent was fruit, licorice and alcohol. Although Mondavi describes this as a "Bordeaux-inspired" blend, I found it more fruity than earthy. For the first time, I smelled and tasted licorice mixed with dark cherry, followed by oak. There wasn't much of a finish, but there was a nice quick burst of oak at the end that I did enjoy.I think it would serve well as an everyday wine to have on hand for relaxed company (not any connoisseurs).Glasses are raised,toasts are spoken.Rese...
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Chapelle-St.-Arnoux Gigondas
2007-10-24 03:07:00
Cuvee2004France This was a good French wine - will buy again. I bought this wine to go with "Boeuf Bourguignonne" (Beef Burgundy) - please visit http://www.cheznathalie.com/ for the recipe. I was looking for a Bordeaux preferably but ended up with this. It was really good, though it needed a little more "oomph". But I enjoyed it very much anyway. Although I felt it needed more fruit and did not seem to have a "burst of flavor", there was something about it I liked a lot. It did have a slight mineralness in the finish which I enjoy. It had a bit of a "warm rock" taste as well. It was very consistent and balanced. I enjoyed it more on its own than with the meal. I felt the meal needed a stronger wine to bring out the taste of the recipe and the wine did not hold up as well to the strong flavors of the meal. But it was good anyway. She dances to "Wilco"Round and round she goesShe bends down and looks at me upside down through her kneesThen she bounces up and spins until she's dizzy I ...
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Root: 1 Cab 2005
2007-10-23 01:50:00
2005Cabernet SauvignonColchagua Valley, ChileWill drink again (yet another good value - great taste for the money).The Guy and I have had Root : 1 before and enjoyed it, but it was prior to posting our blog. So I decided to revisit it this weekend on a whim when I saw it for $9.99. I smelled and tasted . . . "Hot Rocks" - not The Rolling Stones, mind you, just hot rocks. This is an awesome experience. I've had it before with another previously reviewed wine (Terra Bossa 2004 Cabernet), but not as strong as this. It is definitely an "earthy" taste but taken to the next level. It really reminds me of granite warmed by the sun. I believe this is different, however, than a "mineral" experience. Which, brings me to my next reflection: the mineral survey. Thank you to those of you who participated. Next time I'll let a survey run without deadline.The November issue of Wine Enthusiast (http://www.wineenthusiast.com/) has an article by Tim Patterson on the last page: Rocks In My Head - The...

Ladybug Red Cuvee VI
2007-10-20 18:24:00
Red Table WineRedwood ValleyCaliforniaWill drink again. (Good every day wine to have on hand and drink now.)Ladybug Red is a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot and Cabernet. The vines are aged an average of forty years. Although it does not say so on the label, this is an organic wine. I have not found any really good organic wines for some reason, but this was a pleasant surprise to learn it was organic and yet tasted so good.It drinks well on its own and would probably pair well with lighter foods (turkey burgers, chicken, tomato-based light sauces and pizza). Nice berry flavor followed quickly by pepper and then a slight toasted oak fnish.Besides being a pretty good value, I really like the Lady Bug factor here. Lolonis Vineyards shipped in huge amounts of Lady Bugs and Praying Mantis for use as natural pesticides. Lady Bugs do not like grapes but they do like eating other insects.She walks along the cliff's edge,always searching out to sea.Waiting, watching, longing,Eyes on ...

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
2007-10-17 05:08:00
McManis Family VineyardsCalifornia 2005 Will drink again. (This is another good buy for the price.) The color a deep garnet red, this wine was on the sweeter side the first night I drank it. The next night it was more oak-like and slightly smokey. It is recommended to drink it with steak or red meat. I drank it all on its own and really enjoyed it the first night. The next night it proved to be a good accompaniment to bacon horseradish cheddar cheese and cracked wheat crackers. It lost some of the sweetness and became more smokey. The wheat flavor in the crackers was very pronounced following a sip of the wine. "Couldn't understand a single word he said, but he sure had some mighty fine wine . . . and I helped him drink his wine."-Three Dog Night (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog) 8.25 out of 10 $9.99 / 750 ml bottle 13.5% alc. by vol.http://www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com /
More About: Cabernet Sauvignon , Sauvignon

Novy Syrah 2004
2007-10-16 04:34:00
2004 Novy Syrah Gary's VineyardSanta Lucia HighlandsCalifornia Will drink again (though not currently in the budget - The Bro bought this one). (I know I was supposed to review Penfold's Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2001 next but we had so many different wines in two days that I couldn't keep up. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't outstanding and it was $19.99. I will try to do an official review at a later date.) This wine smelled rather lightly of slight fruit and herb. The flavor was delicious -slightly dry at first, becoming less so as the fruit kicked in, then the berry flavor sort of turned spicy beef-burgundy like with a nice herb-like finish. We had this wine with parmesean encrusted chicken, roasted asparagus and curried saffron rice. We were all hit up side the head with wicked pepper and spicy curry when a bite of the rice was followed by a sip of wine. We weren't sure if the wine was doing it to the food or the food was doing it to the wine (or a combination of both). The Gu...

2004 Nipozzano Riserva Chianti
2007-10-13 05:15:00
2004Chia nti RufinaTuscanyWill drink again. See the rating below.I am not fond of Chianti. It is too dry and there is not usually much of a finish for me. Tonight, I had a Chianti I thoroughly enjoyed. This was very good. I think if you're a Chianti lover, you are going to really appreciate this wine. Actually, if you're not a Chianti lover (as myself) you will appreciate this wine. It's a good wine to start with.It was very fruit forward in scent and taste. It was a "deep, plum red" in color (per The Guy's description and I concur). After the fruit, I was hit with the dryness which is usually where I stop liking Chianti because that's all there is. But it was followed by a nice finish. It was definitely "Chianti" in taste, but at a "higher" level. It had a smoothness and a lingering finish that made it especially good. And, for the first time, I tasted plum. It tasted good on its own and with our dinner (home-made pizza with fire-roasted tomatoes, ricotta, fresh organic mozzare...
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Smoking Loon 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2007-10-09 23:44:00
2005CabernetCaliforniaWill drink again. This was a very enjoyable, inexpensive wine. The balance was just right. The fruit was right there, followed by oak, a hint of pepper, a very slight smokiness, then a thyme-like finish. I drank it on its own, but it was good with dinner as well (turkey meatballs, spaghetti squash and parmesean cheese). It would probably accompany a hearty stew or beef dish very nicely."In Europe we thought of wine as something as healthy and normal as food and also a great giver of happiness and well being and delight. Drinking wine was not a snobbism nor a sign of sophistication nor a cult; it was as natural as eating and to me as necessary."Ernest Hemingway --A Moveable Feast8 out of 10$9.99 / 750 ml13.5% alc. by vol.http://www.smokingloon.com/ (it will redirect you to Don Sebastiani & Sons - look for Smoking Loon there)
More About: Cabernet Sauvignon , Sauvignon

Carmen Reserve 2005 Merlot
2007-10-08 02:21:00
Valle De CasablancaChilePaso Robles, I am SO glad you found the Phantom as alluring as myself. You are a lucky dog that you've got yourself a case.Might drink again.Note: I have posted two reviews tonight. Please see my review below of Clos du Bois 2004 Chardonnay.OK - This is very funny to me. With regard to the Phantom wine that I reviewed a few nights ago (the same wine I also refer to above in my comment to Paso Robles) I read an on-line review while looking where I might purchase it. The person loved Phantom, but one of their "tastes" they picked up was "Creosote". I made all kinds of comments to The Guy about whether or not he thought that person climbed into their fireplace and licked the back wall to actually know what creosote tastes like. Now, I know fully well in the back of my head that I have smelled weird things in wine that I have not actually tasted in real life (cat pee comes to mind for instance). So I really do know better than to poke fun at a strange taste. But...
More About: Carmen , Merlot , Reserve , Serve

Clos du Bois 2004 Chardonnay
2007-10-08 00:56:00
2004Sonoma ValleyCaliforniaWill definitely buy again.We went to a family surprise party held privately down by the sub base at this little hole-in-the-wall bar "VooDoo Daddy's". We had a great time and I enjoyed a few glasses of Clos du Bois ' 2004 Char donnay . It was very good and really hit the spot for some reason. First taste was of strong oak and pear followed by intense buttery vanilla - just what I long for in a Chardonnay. I had a lengthy conversation with the bartender who did a great job of seeking me out and keeping my wine glass full. She's really young and her husband is serving in the Navy. He was home for the day and she had to work and he was shipping out for Japan the next day - not a happy bartender. But she still took care of me.I did not take a picture of the bottle so I thought I'd share a picture my daughter actually took of the wall.8.0 out of 1013.5% alc. by vol.$11-14 / 750 bottlehttp://www.closdubois.com/
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Nine Stones 2005 Shiraz
2007-10-06 02:16:00
Hilltops2005 Shiraz AustraliaMight drink again.As I was doing my "photoshoot" for this blog, I opened the wine to pour into our two glasses and went to work shooting some pix. The entire dining room filled with this wonderful, strong fruit scent while I took shots. I started salivating anticipating what the wine would taste like. The color was really dark purple - almost like ink.The taste was bitter first and tasted a bit like Robitussin cough syrup, then very spicy and peppery and dry. Slight fruit with a short finish ended it.I was disappointed based on how wonderful the initial room-filling aroma was. The taste didn't hold up to what I smelled. It definitely tasted better after having sat open for half an hour. It's a good wine for the price and would probably do best as a drinkable one to have on hand for casual entertaining. I bet it is a wine that will definitely improve with age.7.5 out of 10$11.99 / 750 ml14% alc. by vol.I received my "Wine Enthusiast" mag this afternoon a...
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Kim Crawford 2006 Sauvignon Blanc
2007-10-05 04:22:00
2006Sauvignon Blanc MarlboroughWill drink again.A striking scent of lemon, grapefruit, thyme and pear. Served well-chilled, this wine was excellent with halibut (visit http://www.cheznathalie.com/ for the exact recipe). It tasted good on its own, but I enjoyed it more with dinner. It was slightly more acidic than I like, but most sauvignon blancs affect me that way (I'm a Chardonnay girl when I'm not all things red). What I really loved about this wine was that it was all fruit until it followed a bite of my halibut and then the oregano in the recipe suddenly burst forward following a sip of the wine. The taste was right on with how it smelled. Mostly lemon, grapefruit and pear up front, followed by a little acid, then thyme, then a nice subtle mineral finish.Questions remain unansweredFrustration mountingCandle burnsYears countingToo much unsaidWatch the flameConfusion becomes the normNothing remains the sameTrying to clear the headWanting shapelessness to take form7.75 out of 101...

Phantom 2004 Sirah Zinfandel Blend
2007-10-02 03:55:00
54% Petite Sirah43% Old Vine Zinfandel 3% MourvedreCalifornia - V.2004Will most definitely drink again.Supposedly, this wine is only found in retail stores once a year - just in time for Halloween. Then it's gone again and hard to get your hands on. I got the last bottle in the store I was at. They have more on order but it's not due in for a couple more weeks.I was beginning to think 2007 was going to end without my tasting a most excellent wine. That's when the "phantom" came in. Awesome. Deep, deep ruby color. The bouquet was heavy smokey fruit - not sweet. While there was almost a burst of fruit flavor initially, it quickly became dry and smokey followed by an outstanding mineral and earth finish.I preferred this wine on it's own. The night we had it we had a light leftover and salad menu so I didn't try to pair. It is recommended to serve with a hearty winter dish. The Guy and I consumed the bottle and tonight, as I write, I long for more. I keep going back to smell the emp...
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The 3rd Bottle White Table Wine
2007-10-01 04:45:00
White Table Wine Napa Valley, CaliforniaWill drink again.This has been a great weekend for wine and posting. I'm up late and I don't care. I am working on a project for my grandmother's 90th birthday and it has forced me to learn how to get all the pix I've been taking for YEARS off the camera and into websites! I can now post pix of labels here and am so HAPPY! Last night's wine (posted here now) was great. I can't wait to post tonight's wine tomorrow - a 9.0 has been found THIS YEAR!!!!! Check back on 10/01 for the label.This is a very drinkable, good wine - stand alone. Make it with the right meal and it's fabulous. If you'd like a SURE THING food pairing, please visit http://www.cheznathalie.com/ and prepare the Chicken Francaise, Lemon Noodles and Italian Spinach recipes I've posted there and serve this wine with it. You can't go wrong. This was an awesome, PERFECT pairing. Please note, the recipe calls for white wine in the chicken and I used The 3rd Bottle ; I am of ...
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Kiwi Cuvee 2006 Sauvignon Blanc
2007-09-29 03:34:00
2006Sauvignon Blanc FranceWill drink again.Very enjoyble, easily drinkable wine when well-chilled. The scent was of Dijon Mustard meets Granny Smith apple. It's taste was very much tart apple, follwed by a hint of vanilla, then dryness, then . . . mustard. It was good alone and good with take-out barbecue chicken and red onion pizza.No poetry tonight, just the chorus of one of the few 80's songs I actually love very poignantly floating around in my head:"Wish I knew what you were looking for, might have known what you would find."The ChurchUnder the Milky Way Tonight7.5 out of 1012% alc. by vol.$9.99 / 750 mlVin de Pays du Jardin de la France
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Terra Bossa 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
2007-09-25 18:18:00
2004Barossa ValleyAustraliaWill drink again.Interestingly enough, or bizarrely, this wine had a "stone" flavor - like a piece of granite lying out in the warm sun. It had slight fruit and had a nice smokey and (what I believe to be what I am experiencing) "mineral" finish. Once again, the Barossa Valley pleases me.The gathering place, inevitably,of home, hearth, friends and family.Creativity and warmth are nurtured here,a place to gather children near.Homework, meal preparation, lessons on life,a place to let go of worry and strife.Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, everyday scents so divine,the place I prefer to raise my glass of wine.A toast shared between mother and son,the kitchen is where I like my day to be done.8.25 out of 10$13.99 / 750 ml13.5% alc. by vol.http://www.thornclarkewines.com/
More About: Cabernet Sauvignon , Terra , Bossa , Sauvignon

J.Lohr Seven Oaks 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2007-09-24 17:53:00
2005Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, CAWill drink again.I love "blends" and this is a good one: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Mer, 2% Sy, 1% Mal, 1% Cab Fr, & 2% "Other". This dark purple concoction smelled like cherries and coke. It was on the drier side with mild fruit flavor, stronger spice, a hint of oak, and a pretty good earthy finish. It's flavor was accentuated when paired with a beef casserole I made - very nice accompaniment. It also paired very nicely with chocolate for dessert - it brought out a tobacco-like flavor in either the wine or the chocolate I'm not sure which. There are not a lot of red wines out there that do pair well with chocolate, so that was a nice bonus.Spathiphyllum, strong in its erectness,soft in its curves.A yin-yang blend,where strength and beauty meet.For admiration by all, and the likes of Georgia O'Keefe.Quietly existing in its gorgeous simplicity,a lily-reminiscent symbol of Peace.8.0 out of 1013.5% alc. by vo...

Topel 2004 Syrah
2007-09-22 03:58:00
2004CaliforniaI really like this wine. Will drink again.The initial scent of this wine was earthy and perfume-like, followed by a "carrot-top" scent - it smelled like the greens on the top of a carrot. The intitial taste was a heavy earthiness mixed with a nice blend of fruit followed by a great mineral and oak finish. This wine is very enjoyable - plain and simple.Hills blackened by fluorescent midnight blue sky,One lone star twinkling softly up high.Filled with lush summer green, or blanketed by winter snow,Earth's presence is felt, though not seen, below.8.25 out of 10$22.99 / 750 ml (on the pricier side for what I prefer this blog to be about)14.2 % alc. by vol.http://www.topelwines.com/
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Renwood 2005 Red Zin
2007-09-21 06:11:00
2005Sierra FoothillsCaliforniaWill drink again - already did, and will yet again.I had this wine a couple of weeks ago alone and really, really liked it. I had it again tonight with salmon and crab cakes. It tasted different, more peppery than fruity, but it was still good. Tonight it had more of an herb taste than a sweeter, plum taste that I noticed before. It's easily drinkable. It smells a bit like a summer barbecue in a glass. Not a bad finish, sort of "meaty". I think it's a good value for the price.The coldness still resonates, aches,thoughts disintegrating laden with strife.Shut out, message received, loud and clear,looks good on paper but not in real life.As if things every really could . . .Yes, just let it be . . .another glass of Renwood.7.75 out of 10$9.99 / 750 ml13.5% alc. by vol.http://www.renwood.com/

337 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2007-09-19 02:53:00
2005LodiCabernet Sauvignon Would drink again.Nice post from Pasa Robles, thank you so much for your "breathing" input.This wine eluded me. My first reaction was too dry, not enough flavor and I don't want any more. The Guy then handed me the last of last night's the Little Penguin and told me to compare. I thought for sure the Little Penguin would taste wicked sweet in comparison, but it didn't. They almost tasted the same to me but I knew they were vastly different. I'm not sure why they tasted so similar (except for possibly the "breathing" effect on the Little Penguin), but it piqued my interest in having another sip.I then ate some pizza I'd made of whole grain crust, awesme fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, Buffalo mozarella, parmesean, sauteed orange peppers and sauteed baby bella mushrooms (though the back of the bottle suggested it be served with "food acceptable at a Viking feast"). I had another sip of the 337 and it totally grew on me. It went from my wanting to "take it...

The Little Penguin 2005 Merlot
2007-09-18 04:19:00
2005Merlot South Eastern AustraliaWill drink again. I'm continually pleased with the continent of Australia's ability to produce wine.If you are looking for an easy, drinkable, slightly sweeter than dry red table wine, for less than $10, this wine is where it's at. It's on the lighter side, so I wouldn't serve it on a "serious" night, but it's highly drinkable and pleasant. It would go well I would think with either grilled chicken or pizza in general. I drank it alone (no food, and like George Thorogood too).Interestingly enough, its bouquet was butter and sugar corn on the cob for me followed by a sweet cherry (think candied like Maraschino, not an all natural cherry). Although I'm not sure how I feel about the whole "breathing" thing, I found this wine slightly more enjoyable after it sat open in my glass for an hour by accident while I tucked little ones in to bed to dream of butterflies and flowers and hearts, and one bigger one in to bed - the gothic princess, to dream o...
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Wild Horse 2004 Chardonnay
2007-09-16 02:29:00
2004Char donnay Central Coast, CAWill drink again.Tonight was supposed to be a night of Zin. Instead it became a night of sin. This purchase changed my menu to a sinfully creamy, Fettucine Alfredo with fresh parsley and a fresh block of parmesean and fresh green beans sauteed in olive oil and garlic (only because the back of the wine bottle suggested a "cream-based pasta dish"). In addition, we had "Bantam Bread's" Traditional Peasant bread. This wine was a great choice to accompany the whole meal.Initial scent was of citrusy-apple. The initial part of the first taste was sour apple - then sweet pear, followed by oak and creamy vanilla on the finish, perhaps a "mineral" taste as well - does anyone know what that means? Because I don't. I read it on other blogs all the time but I have no idea what that means. Tonight's wine was "soft and velvety" on the finish with almost an "oily" feel - but not in a bad sense, it was good. So I wonder if what I sensed was "mineral" or am I way off...
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the turk
2007-09-15 04:35:00
2004Barossa ValleySouth AustraliaWill drink again - the Barossa Valley entices me every time.This is an awesome blend of 54% shiraz, 26% mourvedre, 12% grenache, 8% cabernet. This wine is on the drier, spicier side for my usual likes, but the berry in it comes through equally as well - very nice balance. A deep purple-claret in color, its bouquet was of smoked turkey or grilled chicken salad but I could smell the "heat" as well. It was a well-balanced taste of dry, spicy, sweet berry and heat right from the first mouthfeel. A very nice finish completes it - the flavor lasts and does not change into anything else. Interestingly, it's very stable from start to finish. If you like it from the beginning, you'll like it at the end. I drank it alone (no food).This may be a really "Duh" revelation, but it dawned on me tonight that I get as much pleasure in wine as I do in cooking (and eating) because both indulge all five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. I love to see the c...
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Parallele 45
2007-09-14 02:23:00
2005Cotes du RhoneFrance"Wine is a living liquid containing no preservatives. Its life cycle comprises youth, maturity, old age, and death. When not treated with reasonable respect it will sicken and die." Julia ChildI am forever in search of a French red to rock my world (albeit on the cheaper side). But I didn't find it, yet again. One of the guys at work told me "You can't go wrong with a 'Parellele 45' ". I don't know if it's just me or what. But this was disappointing. It's bouquet was very earthy - which I love (The Guy said it smelled more to him like someone's feet and then he launched into this whole thing on Europeans tending to not bathe very often and what if someone's unbathed feet were used to press the grapes, etc. Please, no offense if you're European and reading this - take it with a grain of salt. I myself don't agree). It also smelled a bit like Kalamata olives (another of my food loves). So I thought I was headed in the right direction. Initial mouthfu...

Mark West Pinot Noir
2007-09-11 03:37:00
2006Sonoma CountyCaliforniaNot bad, but probably won't buy again. See rating at end in bold."Cornycopius" - Thank you for your post. I laughed so hard on an otherwise dreary day.This Pinot Noir 's bouquet was a soapy alcoholic berry. But that was about it for the berry I'm afraid. Dry, heavy on the oak and spice, very light on the vanilla, and not enough berry for a good finish. I was disappointed. You know, just a personal obervation, but I think these "new" higher alcohol content wines are sacrificing flavor for "BAM" and I don't like it one bit.The days pass, each one feeling like weeks,as the ramifications of change set in.The soul stirs as it seeks,the missing puzzle piece to complete within.Longing to again feel just fine,and questioning yet again just what IS best.Desperately turning to distraction:music, religion, wordplay, philosophy and finally, Mark West .Sort of settling on his Pinot Noir wine.7.25 out of 10$11.99 / 750 ml.13.8% alc. by vol.http://www.markwestwinery.com/

Ozwell Chardonnay
2007-07-02 02:08:00
Ozwell Select ReserveAustralian Vintner's Char donnay 2006Yes I will indeed drink this again.Oh that famous first guitar strum brings me all the way back.It's a "Hard Day's Night" spent with John, Paul, George and Ringo,and the train of what lies ahead has not yet left the track.I'm six years old and in my room, playing my first 45.Happiness surrounds me: Great Grandma Dexter's post cards, Barbies, and teddy bears;life ahead just beginning, me and the Beatles exist in time, each very much alive.1970, John, and George, all gone with the toll of a bell, the music plays now but it's yesterday.Thirty-seven years have just blown by.Memories linger in my glass of Ozwell Chardonnay.I have enjoyed a glass of this Chardonnay for the last (3) nights with what I ate and by itself too. It tasted great with everything and on its own. For me it was a bargain for the price. Buttery lemon oak.8 out of 10$11.99 / 1.5 L bottle (on sale for $9.99)13.0% alc. by vol.South Eastern Australia
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Chardonnay - This Wine Poet's Favorite White
2007-06-27 01:33:00
Walking and riding bikes in the late afternoon heat,wearing just enough clothes.Coming home to cool grass leaving behind the sweltering street,lightly misting my girls, laughing under the hose.Writing my thoughts, birds and crickets in song,out on the patio, I end my day.Waterford crystal dances beside cobalt, blue spheres and patchwork arcs,welcoming a crisp, chilled Luna di Luna blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay .I previously reviewed Luna di Luna, but thoroughly enjoyed a small glass again. Not having a new wine to review, I thought I'd list some interesting facts about my favorite summertime wine.Chardonnay is a white burgundy. Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir are the major grapes of Burgundy, France. Chardonnay grapes grow best in Burgundy and Champagne, France; California and Australia.There are more than (30) wine grape varieties planted in California. In 2004, the following was the top acreage breakdown:2004 California Totals:VARIETAL.......................... .........ACR...
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Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio and Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz
2007-06-25 23:21:00
Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2005ItalyShiny green motionSun passing through summer treesDancing in the breezeA little Haiku, for you, prior to my wine review :)Would drink again.We taste-tested this at Olive Garden. I liked it - slightly drier than I normally prefer, but very good flavor and balance and I think with the right food pairing it would be excellent. I probably should have had it with my meal (linguini, garlic, basil and tomatoes), but I opted for the Penfolds Thom as Hyland Shiraz (review next) because I love reds so much (plus the antioxidant level in reds is far superior to the practically non-existant levels in whites).7.5 out of 10 (could definitely be an 8 with food)Not sure of the alc. by vol.Approx. $18.99 - 21.99 / bottleTrentino-Alto Adige RegionPenfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz2005AustraliaDefinitely will drink again.I ordered this at Olive Garden and really enjoyed it before my meal, and with my calamari appetizer. It did not accompany my main meal well and I knew th...
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Bin 65 Chardonnay
2007-06-22 00:43:00
Lindeman's2006Char donnay Will drink again."Happy summer" - backyard lit up with fireflies, running after them with a jar.Playing train with Dave in the hall with the kitchen chairs while mom washes the floor,and swinging on the swings for hours.The distance and emotional journey between now and then SO far.Innocence so precious, and lost long ago.The life I've weaved, regrets, so strange from what I'd dreamed as a little girl.How I wish I knew then what I now know,never in the past would I have wasted a day,having traveled from chocolate milk to Lindeman's Bin 65 Chardonnay.I'm afraid I drank 3/4 of the bottle and I haven't yet had me dinner. I am talking like a pirate, me hearties, and am very agreeable this evening lads. I must admit, though, for $6.99 this wine is worth it. Very nice flavor and quite the punch. I only wish Johnny Depp was me dinner partner. I'd be hoisting the flags and stripping me clothes dontcha know. I might even be willing to walk the plank.7.75 out of...
More About: Donna

Bogle Old Vine Zin
2007-06-21 02:10:00
2005Bogle VineyardsOld Vine ZinfandelWill drink again.Made to be with water,remaining stagnant too long.Pulling from home port,following a song.Out onto unchartered waters, losing the way,no captain, compass broken.She entrusts the sea,feeling more at home with each wave's sway.Gliding along the water's glass surface,her reflection appeared more beautiful than it was.The sea presented full of life and a welcome warmth carrying her well.But now the waters appear to have darkened, her reflection no longer there,the sea seems colder, brewing a tempest swell.She feels it's letting her go, almost pushing her back to home port in it's confusion.Should she forge ahead, or let it be?With the impending storm feeling unsurmountable, unsteadily, regretfully, the ship begins her retreat from the sea.Damned if she do, damned if she don't, either way seems a sin.New destination: Clarkesburg, California.Sommelier, bring me Bogle Old Vine Zin.I personally have (so far) found, you can't go wro...