But first an announcement. I quietly passed by 600 posts. Today marks post number 602 here at Wannabe Wino. Wow, I've been quite the busy wino for the last less than 2 years. Now onto your regularly scheduled programming :)
I, along with several other wine bloggers, among them, Tim of WineCast, Andrew of Spittoon, Sharon of Bloviatrix, Richard of A Passionate Foodie, Ryan and Gabriella of Catavino, Dale of Drinks Are On Me, and Joe of 1 Wine Dude, will be participating in a live Twitter Tasting hosted by Bin Ends Wine.
Bin Ends Wine is a retail shop in the Braintree, Ma and has recently opened up into online sales. The concept is that they offer fine wines at steep discounts, and if you are lucky enough to live in the greater Boston area, the shipping is free.
The participating Bloggers, joined by Etienne Hugel, will be tasting through 5 of Hugel's current offerings. Hugel will be right there with us, providing information and his thoughts about the wines. The tasting is on August 21, and you can read all the details here. Hugel is a high end producer of wonderful wines from Alsace, so we'll be tasting Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer....yum!
The best part is, Bin Ends Wine is selling 2 bottles each of 3 of the wines for only $85, which is a steal. So you can join in on the fun! Just buy the wines, and follow me on Twitter and follow Bin Ends Wine, and join us next Thursday for our live thoughts on what promise so be some fantastic wines from Alsace.
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Wino Wordle
I first read about Wordle over on Good Grape, then saw it again this afternoon on Wino Sapien and decided I had to check it out for myself. Wordle will take the feed from any RSS site and create a word image aggregation of the terms used frequently on your blog.
I present the Wannabe Wino Wordle:
I present the Wannabe Wino Wordle:
Filling the Basement
This is what our basement looked like before our 2008 Sonoma trip and before the great Reorg of 2008.
During our reorg. We pulled out all the wine that was there, and opened all the boxes that arrived yesterday.
We organized everything into varietals so that we would find things easier...well, that's the idea.
And after! We completely filled up the 9 racks we had, plus a styrofoam case we had been previously using, and had to add 6 more styrofoam shipper halves to contain it all!!
Hours later, we are done, and exhausted!
The Polls Have Closed
And the winner is that 37% of the readers who answered my poll spend between $0-$15 on a bottle of wine. Coming in a close second and third were $15-$20 (30%) and $20-$30 (28%). Overall 59 people responded.
I think this fairly represents the range of wines I tend to drink and review here. A few go over $30 a bottle, but those are just the occasional bottle and I rarely, without having previously tried it, would buy a bottle in the store that is over $30. The wines we drink that do go over that price range tend to be gifts or have come in club shipments directly from wineries. Though I do admit to the rare splurge on a bottle that a fellow blogger has raved about, or a fancy Champagne for a special occasion!
I'm going to stick up another poll, this time about how much wine you keep on hand.
Thanks for participating!
I think this fairly represents the range of wines I tend to drink and review here. A few go over $30 a bottle, but those are just the occasional bottle and I rarely, without having previously tried it, would buy a bottle in the store that is over $30. The wines we drink that do go over that price range tend to be gifts or have come in club shipments directly from wineries. Though I do admit to the rare splurge on a bottle that a fellow blogger has raved about, or a fancy Champagne for a special occasion!
I'm going to stick up another poll, this time about how much wine you keep on hand.
Thanks for participating!
Cork Reindeer Ornament
Last year I put up a post asking what to do with the neverending bag of corks that accumulates in my kitchen pantry. I mentioned some of the things I had done with them, place cards for our wedding, a cork board/dry erase board, and that my mom had purchased a cork reindeer ornament at a craft fair for me.
Since then, one of the search terms I see most often is some combination of "reindeer," "cork," and "ornament." Sadly, I don't think any other information exists on the internet about these things, and I feel bad for the people that keep ending up here looking for for instructions on how to make such a thing.
So this year, I took pictures for all those of you who arrive here looking for reindeer. This doesn't look that hard to make if you are at all crafty and have a glue gun (this is how non-crafty I am, do people actually still use glue guns?), some corks, a bit of twine, ribbon, and googly eyes!
Have at it folks. If you make one, send me a picture and I'll post your version up here. I'm thinking about going into the cork ornament reindeer business myself, but have no clue what I'd do with an army of cork reindeer.
Press Credentials for Wine Tastings
Do you think a blogger like me would qualify for press credentials at a wine tasting event? I would love to attend the DC International Wine and Food Festival, but am unsure if I would be considered "press."
You can find the press policy here.
Anyone have any thoughts?
You can find the press policy here.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Gobble Gobble
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 WineQ, 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!
Weekend Round-Up
Short this week, only two local stores that I am aware of are hosting tastings.
Arrowine, Arlington VA:
Tonight, 5:30-7:30, Spanish Selections from The Henry Group.
Tomorrow, two tastings. 1-4, all wines from October's Spain special will be on the tasting bar and The Country Vintner will be pouring a selection of Italian wines.
Out of Site Wines, Vienna, VA:
Tonight: 5-8, dueling Chardonnay from Tolosa Vineyard in CA. Taste the oaked and unoaked versions.
Tomorrow: 1-4, 4 under $20 value wines from CA, WA, France and Spain.
Arrowine, Arlington VA:
Tonight, 5:30-7:30, Spanish Selections from The Henry Group.
Tomorrow, two tastings. 1-4, all wines from October's Spain special will be on the tasting bar and The Country Vintner will be pouring a selection of Italian wines.
Out of Site Wines, Vienna, VA:
Tonight: 5-8, dueling Chardonnay from Tolosa Vineyard in CA. Taste the oaked and unoaked versions.
Tomorrow: 1-4, 4 under $20 value wines from CA, WA, France and Spain.
Weekend Round-Up
Go to Arrowine in Arlington tonight from 5:30-7:30 to taste selections from Roanoake Valley Wine Company, or tomorrow from 1-4 for a double header with Oregon Pinot Noirs from Roanoake Valley Wine Company and selections from Potomac Selections.
Tonight at Out of Site Wines in Vienna you will find "Affordable Burgundy and Bordeaux" from 5-8. If you head over to Out of Site tomorrow wines from Sancerre, Bordeaux, and the Northern Rhone will be poured.
At Church Street Cellars in Vienna on Saturday from 5-8 Republic National Distributing will be pouring a lovely selection of Italian wines.
Two tastings at the Curious Grape this weekend as well! Tonight, highly rated wines from Autralia, New Zealand and South Africa will be poured from 6-8. Tomorrow, all-new 2005 Bordeaux from 1-4.
Tonight at Out of Site Wines in Vienna you will find "Affordable Burgundy and Bordeaux" from 5-8. If you head over to Out of Site tomorrow wines from Sancerre, Bordeaux, and the Northern Rhone will be poured.
At Church Street Cellars in Vienna on Saturday from 5-8 Republic National Distributing will be pouring a lovely selection of Italian wines.
Two tastings at the Curious Grape this weekend as well! Tonight, highly rated wines from Autralia, New Zealand and South Africa will be poured from 6-8. Tomorrow, all-new 2005 Bordeaux from 1-4.
Weekend Round-Up
At UnWined in Alexandria (home of my WBW Portuguese wine!) you will find a special event NEXT Sunday, October 21 from 3-5. Stop in to taste the wines of Cantine Grotta de Sole.
Tonight at Out of Site Wines in Vienna you will find a tasting of 2004 Possums Shiraz from 5-8 pm. Now who doesn't want a wine with the same name a snarling rodent with large teeth? It's from Australia, so maybe Edward has heard of it?
Tomorrow at Out of Site, stop by for a tasting of selections from a new distributor, Nice Legs. The company features boutique wineries of the Pacific Northwest and will be pouring 4 selections two of which are from Walla Walla! Catie would be proud.
Tonight at Arrowine in Arlington from 5:30-7:30, sip a selection of wines poured by Bill Mckenney of Michael Downey Selections. I've got nothing creative to say about this.
Tomorrow at Arrowine, 2 tastings from 1-4! You will find all of the selections from October's grapes of Spain being poured. Albarino, Verdejo, Monastrell, oh my! Around a dozen selections! Ryan and Gabriella over at Catavino will scold you if you don't go. You will also find Dionysos pouring a selection of their wines.
Finally, a big event in Reston this weekend. Festa Vino 2007. Food, wine, entertainment, crafts. Looks like many VA wineries are participating as well as importers of Italian wine. Around 50 wines will be poured. $25 at the door gets you the tasting and your take home glass.
Tonight at Out of Site Wines in Vienna you will find a tasting of 2004 Possums Shiraz from 5-8 pm. Now who doesn't want a wine with the same name a snarling rodent with large teeth? It's from Australia, so maybe Edward has heard of it?
Tomorrow at Out of Site, stop by for a tasting of selections from a new distributor, Nice Legs. The company features boutique wineries of the Pacific Northwest and will be pouring 4 selections two of which are from Walla Walla! Catie would be proud.
Tonight at Arrowine in Arlington from 5:30-7:30, sip a selection of wines poured by Bill Mckenney of Michael Downey Selections. I've got nothing creative to say about this.
Tomorrow at Arrowine, 2 tastings from 1-4! You will find all of the selections from October's grapes of Spain being poured. Albarino, Verdejo, Monastrell, oh my! Around a dozen selections! Ryan and Gabriella over at Catavino will scold you if you don't go. You will also find Dionysos pouring a selection of their wines.
Finally, a big event in Reston this weekend. Festa Vino 2007. Food, wine, entertainment, crafts. Looks like many VA wineries are participating as well as importers of Italian wine. Around 50 wines will be poured. $25 at the door gets you the tasting and your take home glass.
Weekend Round-Up
Head on over to UnWined in Alexandria tonight from 6-8 to taste lesser known reds and whites from the Northern Rhone Valley poured by JAO Imports. As a special treat, chocolates from a local chocolatier will be offered.
Tonight at Arrowine in Arlington from 5:30-7:30 you will find Elite Wines pouring a selection of Spanish wines.
Saturday at Arrowine from 1-4 there will be two tastings. One will be of value Spanish wines poured by Aurelio Cabestrero and the other is Italian wines from Grappoli Imports.
On the tasting bar at Out of Site Wines in Vienna from 5-8 tonight you can stop by to taste a 2006 Crios Rose from Argentina and a 2000 Domaine des Sources Syrah from from France.
Saturday at Out of Site you will again find JAO Imports (popular guys this week) from 1-4 pouring 4 wines dubbed "Elegant for Autumn Entertaining. You'll taste a Vouvray Brut, a White Burgundy, a Pinot Noir and a Rosso.
Tonight at Arrowine in Arlington from 5:30-7:30 you will find Elite Wines pouring a selection of Spanish wines.
Saturday at Arrowine from 1-4 there will be two tastings. One will be of value Spanish wines poured by Aurelio Cabestrero and the other is Italian wines from Grappoli Imports.
On the tasting bar at Out of Site Wines in Vienna from 5-8 tonight you can stop by to taste a 2006 Crios Rose from Argentina and a 2000 Domaine des Sources Syrah from from France.
Saturday at Out of Site you will again find JAO Imports (popular guys this week) from 1-4 pouring 4 wines dubbed "Elegant for Autumn Entertaining. You'll taste a Vouvray Brut, a White Burgundy, a Pinot Noir and a Rosso.
IHO Domaine 547
I noticed Domaine 547's post on Christmas/Holiday packaging for wine, and I know they were looking for ways to display multiple bottles in a gift basket minus the basket kind of way, but wanted to share this anyway. Last Christmas when I was looking for a gift bag for wine for friends at Christmas time, I came across this gem and just had to buy it.
BTW, apparently, I can't figure out how to get an image to appear in comments. Can you even do that??
Weekend Round-Up
At Arrowine in Arlington this weekend, you will find two events:
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, two events will also be going down:
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 5-8 PM: RIJCKAERT AND BOOKWALTER
Friday Wine Down
Friday, September 21, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Francisco "Friday Fran" Astudillo of Elite Wines Imports will be here to present a selection of wines from around the world. Among the selections will be the new vintage of Torbreck's "Woodcutter's" Shiraz, the Parker favorite that has scored between 91 and 93 points in the Wine Advocate for four years running and has been called a "knock-out" and "one of the great values in the marketplace". Take advantage of special discounts during the tasting.
Saturday Tasting
Saturday, September 22, 1-4 pm
Tom Kiszka of Potomac Selections will be here with new wines from France. Try lots of new wines and new vintages including the great new vintage of Crozes Hermitage wines from Domaine des Hauts Chassis. These reds have earned raves in the Wine Spectator and they're only at Arrowine. Try lots of great new wines and load up on your favorites; we'll have special discounts on all the wines in the tasting!
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, two events will also be going down:
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 5-8 PM: RIJCKAERT AND BOOKWALTER
- 2004 Rijckaert Macon-Montbellet - This Chardonnay has a lot of the characteristics you would expect from Burgundy: pronounced minerality, pleasing acidity and good barrel flavor integration. But Rijckaert has a style that is unmistakably unique and somewhat difficult to describe. The word that comes to mind is precision. But rather than reading our words, better that you come and taste it.
- Bookwalter Lot No. 21. Having been exposed to a lot of great wines from Washington State over the summer, we were pleased to find yet another. Bookwalter fits the classic image of a cult winery - small production of finely made wines that are snapped up immediately upon release. This wine is a delicious multi-vintage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. We're told there is quite a celebration in Washington State when these wines are released; come join our celebration in Vienna as we introduce you to this wine. (We don't expect it to last long. We're told that only 40 cases come to VA and it sells out at wholesale in only a day or two each year.)
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1-4 PM: ALL SPANISH LINEUP
Cindy Yim, one of the owners of Elite Wines, has just returned from a week in northern Spain where she visited the producers whose wines Elite imports. In addition to their direct imports, Elite is our distributor for the imports of Aurelio Cabestrero's Grapes of Spain. That gives them one of the best portfolios of Spanish wines in VA. We've worked with Cindy to select four terrific Spanish wines to feature on the tasting bar this Saturday. Beyond her discussion of the wines, if you offer her a little encouragement surely she will tell you something about the people, their vineyards, their wineries, and even their cuisine.
That's it for this weekend folks, I'll let you know if I hear of anything else!Weekend Round-Up
Head on over to Arrowine in Arlington for 3 tastings this weekend!
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, you will find:
**TOP CHOCOLATES FROM MICHAEL RECCHIUTI + WINE** (Fri, Sept 14, 6-8 pm) --
Friday Wine Down
Friday, September 14, 5:30 - 7:30
Join Mark Magness of Select Wines and take a wine tour around the world. Take advantage of special discounts during the tasting.
Saturday Double-Header Tasting
Saturday, September 15, 1-4 pm
One store. One time. TWO GREAT TASTINGS!
The French Wine Tasting: Jonas Gustafsson of Dionysos Imports will be presenting a fabulous selection of wines from some of the top areas of France. There will be white wine from Alsace, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre. Red wines will be open from Burgundy and Bordeaux. Try 'em and buy 'em. The special tasting discounts make it easy!
The Italian Wine Tasting: Alberto Panella of Grappoli Imports will be showing excellent new wines from Italy! Alberto will show beautiful new Tuscan reds from Carlo Vittori, a big red from Umbria, and many more. Once again you'll be able to take advantage of great discounts during the tasting.
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 5-8 PM: NEW 2006 THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE BAROSSA SHIRAZ!
2006 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Barossa Shiraz. Every fall folks look forward to stocking up on the latest vintage of this perennial favorite. It always arrives in September or October, and it always runs out months before the next vintage is released. Be the first in your group to taste the new vintage -- we'll have it open for sampling this Friday evening on the tasting bar.
To induce you to buy your stash from us, we've put it on sale for 3 days. Buy 6 bottles or more and take 10% off our low regular price, which is unchanged from last year despite a cost increase. We want your business on this wine.
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1-4 PM: MOSTLY ITALY; PRIMITIVO VS. ZINFANDEL
September is a transition month, sometimes reflecting summer and at other times hinting at autumn. This Saturday we'll capture the spirit of transition by looking back a few weeks by showing a refreshing rosé and a verdicchio, and then we'll set our sights to cooler days to come by showing a hearty primitivo and zinfandel. John Grimsley of Grappoli Imports will lead the tasting.
A heads up to next week's event at UnWined in Alexandria:
Wednesday September 19 - Tuscan Tasting, 6-8pm
This drop-in tasting will feature Proprietor Guido Andretta from Tenuta Vitanza of Montalcino. We'll feature four wines from his estate, including the 2001 Brunello!
Reservations are not required.
**TOP CHOCOLATES FROM MICHAEL RECCHIUTI + WINE** (Fri, Sept 14, 6-8 pm) --
- a rich, buttery Chardonnay paired with Recchiuti's Burnt Caramel Sauce
- a black cherry-like New Zealand Pinot paired with dark milk chocolate
- the intense 85% bars (one jazzed up with the addition of crunchy cacao nibs) paired with a single-vineyard Argentine Malbec and an earthy red from southern France
- a gorgeous, intense Chardonnay made in the seemingly emerging style that holds the oak in favor of riveting flavors of pineapple, lime, and green apple
- a super value in Sonoma Cabernet that you've never heard of, made in a lush, approachable style
- a bold, smoky blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petite Sirah as only California could do it
- an old favorite in red from the Cotes-du-Rhone that's better than ever in the 2005 vintage
- a newly-imported, 90-Point Chateauneuf made by the flamboyant mayor of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- a pair of gorgeous, spicy reds from Chateau Fortia and Bosquet des Papes (90+ points each!)
Weekend Round-Up
Seems like just yesterday when I posted last week's round-up!!
Over at Arrowine in Arlington, there will be two events this weekend:
Over at Arrowine in Arlington, there will be two events this weekend:
Friday Wine Down
Friday, September 7, 5:30 - 7:30
Bill McKenney of Michael Downey Selections will be presenting a delicious range of wines from Italy. Take advantage of special discounts during the tasting.
Saturday Tasting
Saturday, September 8, 1-4 pm
Tom Kiszka of Potomac Selections will be here with wines from France and California, some new ones and some old favorites. Take advantage of special tasting discounts!
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, you also have two great tastings to choose from!
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 5-8 PM: A COUPLE OF BEAT-THE-HEAT REFRESHERS
Summer hangs on, as it often does this time of the year. Many of you can't wait to open up big cool weather reds, but the stretch of warm weather underway has many of our customers running out of wines to refresh. We have a delightful new Spanish Cava Brut and an Italian Orvieto to help keep you cool this weekend.
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1-4 PM: DECIDEDLY NEW WORLD WINES STYLED FOR FALL DINING AND ENTERTAINING
Despite the current heat, cool weather can't be very far away. That calls for whites with more body and richness, as well as heartier red wines. Rob Davis of Associated Distributors is back with some standout wines this Saturday. Two of these wines are made by superstar winemakers of the Southern Hemisphere -- Aurelio Montes of Chile and Rolf Binder of Australia.
- 2005 Montes Alpha Chardonnay (Chile/Casablanca Valley). In 2000 this wine was voted "Best Chardonnay in the World" in a simultaneous cyber-tasting in 26 cities hosted by Slow Food and VinItaly. About this vintage the Wine Spectator said (89 points): "Pretty pear, apple and piecrust notes on a creamy frame. Judicious toast on the finish lets the minerality come through. Nice length." During an April 2007 blind tasting event of over 60 Chardonnays from Chile and Argentina, The Wall Street Journal selected Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 as the Best. Nice pedigree.
- 2005 Incognito Viognier (California/Lodi). The Viognier formerly known as Roussanne. The vines that provide the grapes for this award-winning wine have an interesting and controversial history. Previously awarded "Best Rhone in the World" as a Roussanne at the 2000 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, subsequent DNA testing at U.C. Davis determined that this unique grape is a rare clone of Viognier that mysteriously appeared in California during the past decade and is not, in fact, a Roussanne after all. Properly named Viognier, the wine won Gold at the 2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition as Best in Class. Tempted?
- 2004 Santa Ema Merlot Reserve (Chile/Maipo). Since Rob introduced this wine to the shop in early August, it has been one of our best sellers. We couldn't resist sharing it with those of you haven't found it yet. By the way, it's also got good press. Ask Rob.
- 2004 Rolf Binder Heinrich (Australia/Barossa Valley). 45% Shiraz, 35% Grenache, 20% Mataro. Wine Spectator (91 points): "Light on its feet. Dances across the palate with berry, pomegranate and rhubarb, picking up sweet spice and fresh orange peel notes on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2014." Robert Parker, Jr. calls Binder "one of Australia's finest winemakers." This wine is delicious!
**WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: CHERYL'S FAVORITES FROM HER TRIP TO AUSTRALIA** (Fri, Sept 7, 6-8 pm) -- Out and about this Friday night? Stop by the tasting bar and say G'Day to Cheryl! She's just back from a quick trip Down Under and she's dying to share her photos and all her favorite wines from the tour, which included visits to well-known wineries like Thorn-Clarke, Morambro Creek, and Step Rd, as well as lesser-known boutique estates like Heathvale and Schwartz.
THE WEEK'S MOST EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS (Sat, Sept 8, 12-3 pm) -- It's that time of year: Just as everyone goes back to work and gets serious after Labor Day, so too, the wine industry starts to heat up, with hot new arrivals and a few great deals starting to pour in for the fall season. Stop by the tasting bar this Saturday and sample a knockout line-up of impressive new arrivals -- including a powerhouse Rioja -- as well as a great deal on on of our favorite California Chardonnays!
Weekend Round-Up
As we round the corner of fall, I thought I would start up my weekend round-up for the Northern VA area again as things get back in full swing.
At Arrowine in Arlington:
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, VA:
At Arrowine in Arlington:
Friday Wine Down
Friday, August 31, 5:30 - 7:30
Bill McKenney of Michael Downey Selections will be presenting a delicious range of wines from Italy. Take advantage of special discounts during the tasting.
Saturday Tasting
Saturday, September 1, 1-4 pm
Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions will be showing a wonderful selection of French wines. There are some wonderful values in this lineup and the prices get even better with our discounts during the tasting. Ed brings the wines from the estate to Arrowine. Fewer middle men means you save!
At Out of Site Wines in Vienna, VA:
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 5-8 PM: TWO OLD RELIABLES
During the Summer, the purpose of wine is often just to quench our thirst and divert attention from hot weather. With the Fall season just around the corner, it's time to think a bit more seriously about good food and wine pairings. This Friday we'll have two "old reliables", Sancerre and Cotes du Rhone, open for tasting and discussing. Stop by and get reacquainted.
ON THE TASTING BAR THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1-4 PM: LOIRE WHITES AND SOUTHERN FRENCH REDS
Continuing with Friday's theme of refreshing whites and transition weather reds, we welcome Reta Smith of Potomac Selections for her debut on our tasting bar.
- 2006 Dom. des Trois Toits Gros Plant du Pays Nantais. Captures the smell and taste of the Atlantic- sea salt and shells. If you're not at the beach, close your eyes and let this wine transport you there.
- 2006 Joel Delaunay Touraine "Estate". Riveting Sauvignon Blanc that is at once juicy and flavorful, while displaying cleansing minerality on the finish.
- 2005 Dom. la Bastide Merlot VDP d'Hauterive. This wine has as much juicy and pure cherry and plum fruit as any value-priced Merlot, without sharing any of the chocolate, vanilla, and creaminess of New World Merlots. Amazingly inexpensive when there's no oak involved and cheap vineyard land available.
- 2005 Dom. Le Roc des Anges Cotes du Roussillon Villages. Delicious blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah, much from old vines. Tastes like a serious Southern Rhone, say from Vacqueyras or Gigondas.
A shipping issue
Thanks to Dr. Debs for posting this timely (for me anyway) post on Wine Life Today that she found on Good Grape. The post is regarding the shipping of wine to consumers and how it's a big issue facing the industry today.
And I must agree. Especially given that I just got royally screwed by UPS. A shipment of 6 bottles was scheduled (per the phone call of UPS) to arrive at my home on Friday. I went home early to wait for it. And I waited. And waited. And it did not come. So I think maybe it got shipped to our old apartment. I went over there. And nothing. I harass the front desk people into showing me the package log for Friday to make sure it didn't get sent there. Nothing.
I call today to track it. Supposedly UPS came and left a notice on our door at 6:47PM on Friday. Well, apparently this was a ghost UPS truck and a ghost notice, because let me tell you, it wasn't there. I may be oblivious at times, but I certainly don't miss it when people ring the doorbell or when missed package notices are taked to my front door.
So now, my beautiful wine that cost $170 has been sitting in a hot warehouse the entire LONG weekend. That's 3 full days, plus 2 full dasy today being driven around in our achingly hot weather. I fear the worst dear wine lovers: my wine will be cooked. I am doubly irritated and pissed off due to the fact that I was sitting in my living room when this was supposedly delivered.
PS: Even more irritated now that I just found out they will attempt to deliver at 4 today. No one will be there and every other time UPS has come, they arrive around 7. When we are home. Of course, not today though.
And I must agree. Especially given that I just got royally screwed by UPS. A shipment of 6 bottles was scheduled (per the phone call of UPS) to arrive at my home on Friday. I went home early to wait for it. And I waited. And waited. And it did not come. So I think maybe it got shipped to our old apartment. I went over there. And nothing. I harass the front desk people into showing me the package log for Friday to make sure it didn't get sent there. Nothing.
I call today to track it. Supposedly UPS came and left a notice on our door at 6:47PM on Friday. Well, apparently this was a ghost UPS truck and a ghost notice, because let me tell you, it wasn't there. I may be oblivious at times, but I certainly don't miss it when people ring the doorbell or when missed package notices are taked to my front door.
So now, my beautiful wine that cost $170 has been sitting in a hot warehouse the entire LONG weekend. That's 3 full days, plus 2 full dasy today being driven around in our achingly hot weather. I fear the worst dear wine lovers: my wine will be cooked. I am doubly irritated and pissed off due to the fact that I was sitting in my living room when this was supposedly delivered.
PS: Even more irritated now that I just found out they will attempt to deliver at 4 today. No one will be there and every other time UPS has come, they arrive around 7. When we are home. Of course, not today though.
My Problem
We don't have internet access at home right now.
Which means I can't type up my tasting notes or upload my pictures. And that leaves me with several posts that I have written but have not attached the pictures to yet.
So while I've been drinking wines as usual, I don't know that I can make any real wine related posts until the Internet people show up on Saturday to hook up our cable. I had high hopes for drinking some wine out tonight, but I checked out the wine list of the place we are headed to and woefully discovered that there are only 3 reds and 3 whites on it. That's it. And one of the reds is The Little Penguin Pinot Noir if that provides you an indication of the type of wine list.
I was interested to note that the Washington Post Wine Writers noted the Nora Albarino as one of their favorite white wines under $20. I had recommended that to Dr.Debs a while ago and she reviewed it a few weeks ago. I'm hoping the mention in thePost won't drive up the demand and the price of it around here as it is one of my favorite "go-to" white wines.
Other wine events of note:
We have moved our wine into our basement at the new house. What looked HUGE in our apartment as it basically took up what space remained on either side of our bed looks itty bitty in our basement. And, as I've been monitoring it, our basement seems to have been steady for 2 weeks at a 62 degree temperature. While I realize that 55 is more ideal, I wonder if it will be okay down there? Keep in mind most of wine doesn't hang around for more than a year or so as I make no pretense about attempting to store and age wine. Thoughts?
My second WineQ shipment has arrived with a Sauvignon Blanc, a Zinfandel and a Red Table Wine. I'm much looking forward to my next shipment which has some Twisted Oak Petite Sirah in it, something I've been dying to taste! My only concern is that I've now purchased all the wines under $20 that are available through WineQ to ship to VA. I'm all for trying new things, but I hesistate to spend more than $20ish on a wine I haven't tasted yet...Hopefully some of the other wines will be able to ship to VA soon or more new arrivals will pop up!
Finally, I can't figure out where to put the wine fridge in the new house. Keeping it in the basement with the wine seems to defeat the purpose of its convenience. And the way the new kitchen is designed it doesn't seem like there is a logical place to keep it. Hmm, perhaps my next kitchen will be designed around a built in wine-fridge.... :)
Hope to be back in gear soon!
Which means I can't type up my tasting notes or upload my pictures. And that leaves me with several posts that I have written but have not attached the pictures to yet.
So while I've been drinking wines as usual, I don't know that I can make any real wine related posts until the Internet people show up on Saturday to hook up our cable. I had high hopes for drinking some wine out tonight, but I checked out the wine list of the place we are headed to and woefully discovered that there are only 3 reds and 3 whites on it. That's it. And one of the reds is The Little Penguin Pinot Noir if that provides you an indication of the type of wine list.
I was interested to note that the Washington Post Wine Writers noted the Nora Albarino as one of their favorite white wines under $20. I had recommended that to Dr.Debs a while ago and she reviewed it a few weeks ago. I'm hoping the mention in thePost won't drive up the demand and the price of it around here as it is one of my favorite "go-to" white wines.
Other wine events of note:
We have moved our wine into our basement at the new house. What looked HUGE in our apartment as it basically took up what space remained on either side of our bed looks itty bitty in our basement. And, as I've been monitoring it, our basement seems to have been steady for 2 weeks at a 62 degree temperature. While I realize that 55 is more ideal, I wonder if it will be okay down there? Keep in mind most of wine doesn't hang around for more than a year or so as I make no pretense about attempting to store and age wine. Thoughts?
My second WineQ shipment has arrived with a Sauvignon Blanc, a Zinfandel and a Red Table Wine. I'm much looking forward to my next shipment which has some Twisted Oak Petite Sirah in it, something I've been dying to taste! My only concern is that I've now purchased all the wines under $20 that are available through WineQ to ship to VA. I'm all for trying new things, but I hesistate to spend more than $20ish on a wine I haven't tasted yet...Hopefully some of the other wines will be able to ship to VA soon or more new arrivals will pop up!
Finally, I can't figure out where to put the wine fridge in the new house. Keeping it in the basement with the wine seems to defeat the purpose of its convenience. And the way the new kitchen is designed it doesn't seem like there is a logical place to keep it. Hmm, perhaps my next kitchen will be designed around a built in wine-fridge.... :)
Hope to be back in gear soon!
I like Wine. I like Contests.
Therefore, I really like Wine Contests.
In case you hadn't already seen this one, I wanted to draw your attention to a new contest for free wine, this time being hosted by Russ, the Winehiker. Russ is offering wine prizes to the best reviews of his site, California Wine Hikes, written by other bloggers. The top six will win a prize and the best review will be the recipient of a full case of wine valued at $500.
The contest starts today and runs for 6 months, so you have plenty of time to explore Russ' website and get to know what he does and how he does it before posting your review!
Russ promises more details today, but for now you can check out his current post on the contest.
Best of luck to everyone!
In case you hadn't already seen this one, I wanted to draw your attention to a new contest for free wine, this time being hosted by Russ, the Winehiker. Russ is offering wine prizes to the best reviews of his site, California Wine Hikes, written by other bloggers. The top six will win a prize and the best review will be the recipient of a full case of wine valued at $500.
The contest starts today and runs for 6 months, so you have plenty of time to explore Russ' website and get to know what he does and how he does it before posting your review!
Russ promises more details today, but for now you can check out his current post on the contest.
Best of luck to everyone!
What's in a Name?
I haven't seen a lot of writing about this particular win some free wine contest, so I thought I'd bring it to the attention of anyone who might be interested.
Wine Weekly posted an article last week about a winery in Washington State that is running a contest to name their winery. The Winery is slated to open in 2008 and will be a part of the Woodinville Wine Village. According to a Seattle Times article, the wine village will be home to four wineries, shops, restaurants, hotels, condos, etc.
The idea behind the contest is that you submit your entry through the website of the Washington Wine Company, and if your name is chosen you win 2 cases of their wine every year for a decade. From what Wine Weekly says, you have until May 30 to submit your ideas for a name.
Other details seem to be scant, though it appears they make 3 red wines and currently have a few (virtual?) pictures of what the tasting room will look like when completed. Free wine seems like a good idea to me, and I always think it's interesting to see how wineries create buzz about themselves among consumers, so I pass this along to all you creative geniuses out there in case you have a brilliant idea!
Wine Weekly posted an article last week about a winery in Washington State that is running a contest to name their winery. The Winery is slated to open in 2008 and will be a part of the Woodinville Wine Village. According to a Seattle Times article, the wine village will be home to four wineries, shops, restaurants, hotels, condos, etc.
The idea behind the contest is that you submit your entry through the website of the Washington Wine Company, and if your name is chosen you win 2 cases of their wine every year for a decade. From what Wine Weekly says, you have until May 30 to submit your ideas for a name.
Other details seem to be scant, though it appears they make 3 red wines and currently have a few (virtual?) pictures of what the tasting room will look like when completed. Free wine seems like a good idea to me, and I always think it's interesting to see how wineries create buzz about themselves among consumers, so I pass this along to all you creative geniuses out there in case you have a brilliant idea!
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