No! This is the 2004 vintage of a wine that I previously reviewed for the 2003 version! The wine was a 2004 Ceja Vino de Casa. I picked this bottle up in one of my WineQ shipments for $19.99, it had a real cork closure, and was a blend of almost equal portions Syrah and Pinot Noir (I think a bit more Pinot Noir (52%) than Syrah (48%)), and clocked in at 13.6% alcohol by volume.On the nose of the wine I found spiced apples, plum, cherry, spice, clove, and cedar. The fruits (other than the spiced apples) on the nose were really bright and jumped out of the glass. In the mouth I found cherries, spice, clove cigarettes, and maybe it's just the power of suggestion but I certainly got the crab apples El Jefe mentioned in his review, and unlike him, I have indeed been around a crab apple tree more recently than 20 years ago! I also got some hints of violets and rose petals.
For once I took my own suggestion regarding this wine, though clearly with a different vintage. When I drank the 2003 last year I served it with grilled steak, risotto, and raspberry/wine reduction sauce. Then I though that the body of the wine would be better suited for a simple pasta dish, so that is what I served it with this year....and it was a pretty good match! The wine stood up nicely to the acidity of the tomato sauce and wasn't overpowered by any heavy grilled flavors or thick cheesy risotto!
Posts
sounds like syrah provided the dominant flavor profile. Interesting blend of a strong bold grape varietal with a soft delicate one.
cheers
JOhn
4/23/08, 8:43 AM
I thought the wine was a lot more pinot noir-like than syrah, both taste and texture wise. This was a very nice bottle! When you include pictures of what you ate with it, it makes me very hungry, also.
4/23/08, 12:46 PM
Hola Sonadora,
Thank you for enjoying our 2004 Red Vino de Casa! I look forward to you tasting our 2005 vintage - just as tasty. If you're ever in our neck of the woods please pay us a visit!
Salud!
ariel ceja
4/24/08, 2:34 PM
4/24/08, 2:34 PM
Yum! I love when you review Q wines, for the simple selfish reason that I have them around and you give me good ideas for food pairings! Of course, I enjoy all your posts :)
4/27/08, 8:25 PM
I absolutely LOVE this wine! I find it to deliver equal proportion of the two varietals, each in perfect harmony with the other and each distinct and delicious. Ceja is one of our favorite wineries. They are great people making great wines!
5/16/08, 8:18 PM
Thanks everyone for stopping by and for all the comments. I can definitely recommend this bottle to everyone, and must say I am jealous of Brittany and Ariel who have easy access to it!!
6/4/08, 8:17 PM