Wine Unfiltered
The Guide to Wine, the Universe and Entertaining
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Stay tuned for….
Aug.26,2010The this year’s all new 2010 Fall TV Preview pairing… Coming mid September!
Check out last years list here!
Warehouse 13? More like Winehouse 13!
Jul.9,2010
Ok, that title is just terrible.
But I am still excited that on Syfy Channel, the Jane Espenson created show, Warehouse 13 is back. And I’m even more excited that Firefly alumni Jewel Staite and Sean Maher are guesting next week! In honor of it’s return, I thought I would do a little pairing. It’s been a while since I’ve done it. Lost scarred me a little bit.
My choice? My first thought was that in honor of next week’s guest, I know that Jewel is a California Central Coast wine fan, and that Gainey is on her list. But for the series itself, I would personally go with something a little more underground if you will, a little more rare. But still reasonable.
Yes, I’m a nerd. Deal.
Sticking with Central Valley:
Kenneth Volk 2007 Touriga, Pomar Junction Vineyard $36.00
Part of their Heirloom Collection, their site puts it like this:
“Almost every grape variety could be considered an “heirloom”, as most have been around for over a millennium. At Kenneth Volk Vineyards, however, we’re using the “rarity” definition rather than the “antique” one, to categorize rare varieties which we feel make remarkable wine”.
To me, categorizing rarities has Warehouse written all over it.
I had the opportunity to taste some of Kenneth Volk’s Heirloom Collection up at their tasting room in Santa Maria back in April, and let me tell you, I was blown away by this particular one.
The 2007 Touriga was blueberry pie, peppercorn steak, and exotic spices all rolled in one. Smooth finish, rich and luxurious. Seriously interesting, if not odd in the very best way. It was like Willy Wonka’s 3 course meal gum in a bottle. And now that I think about it, it definitely feels like something the Warehouse would store in its treasure trove of goodies.
Warehouse 13 Tuesdays, 9pm.
Tags : Warehouse 13, wine pairings
I get asked a lot about wine and its serving temperature. The rule of thumb used to be “room temperature: approx. 65 degrees.”. But room temp ain’t what it used to be aka: too darn warm. So here is a fab wine chart to go by thanks to the good peeps over at Snooth.
USE AND ENJOY!
Just in time for summertime fun….
Jun.10,2010
PlatyPreserve $12.99
Well, as some of you may know I am a fan of wine gadgets, gizmos, aerators and have been looking for the ultimate preserver. This new goodie may lead me to my wine Shangri-La… if it works. I am itching to try.
It’s from the makers of the PLATY Water Bottles and apparently it’s been around for a little while. What!??! Why the heck haven’t I heard of it then?? I’m usually pretty darn good with these things, and soon realized it was because it was circling mostly in the backpacking, traveling, REI, trail community rather than Sonoma sippers. If True Fabrications had not sent me an email last week, it would definitely be a while longer before I found out about it. So thanks TF! I’m telling you right now, as soon as the news gets out wide, it will be selling everywhere in 5 months. Mark my words people!
What do you guys think? Any takers? Anyone already tried this thing out?
PRODUCT INFORMATION: PlatyPreserve is the best way to protect the taste of an opened bottle of wine by completely eliminating the presence of oxygen. While alternative methods might have you pump air out of the bottle or inject gas into the bottle- PlatyPreserve has you transfer your un-finished wine into an air tight reservoir to truly protect the taste of your wine so it may be enjoyed several days or even weeks later.
You just squeeze the Platy Preserve to remove air!
Source: http://www.truefabrications.com/shopexd.asp?id=1491#ixzz0qTWEZ9AD
What to pair with Series Finale of LOST?
May.4,2010
Something smooth, memorable, but inexpensive enough to be able to buy 2 bottles for a four hour night-athon of LOST on May 23rd.
Check out my full review of this worthy wine here!
Jacob would probably approve.
Retail Price: $14-$16
CHARACTER: 2008 SISQUOC RIVER RED
| Vineyard & Appellation Composition
Harvest Barrel Notes Fermentation Fining & Filtration pH TA Alcohol Production Bottling Date |
Flood Family Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 11%Malbec, 9% Sangiovese.
Fall, 2008 Aged 14 months in 44% new oak. American, Hungarian. 100% Malolactic Fermentation. Unfiltered 3.6 6.4 g/L 14.60% 1,002 cases. March, 2010 |
DM : Drinkmaker Alec Franks. His notes: “The nose is full of juicy red berries, with hints of black fruits and sweet cola. The smoky oak is very respectful of this fruit forward blend. On the palate wonderful flavors of strawberry custard, cran-raspberry and anise lead the way to a mellow and smooth mouth with balanced concentration with the oak supporting a light chalky finish. American and Hungarian oak aged for 14 months”.
CRAFT SYSTEM:
Color: Glossy Rosewood.
Richness: Full Body.
Aroma: Earthy vanilla, barest smoke, oak, blueberry buckle, very ripe berry.
Flavor: Viscous and ripe dark berry fruit, hint of vanilla oak, slight smoke and suggestion of sweet herbs.
Texture: Smooth as heck. Lush and long finish.
ABILITIES
STRENGTH: Very ambitious for the price. And it succeeds. Big and lovely, but still smooth and luscious.
DEXTERITY: Nice balance. I don’t like food interrupting its marvelous taste and texture for me personally, but would go with anything that a good Merlot would go with.
CONSTITUTION: Holds up for hours. Maintains an even quality.
CHARISMA: Enticingly aromatic.
EXPERIENCE POINTS: Young. But amazing now. I’m sure a year or two would be fine.
ARMOR CLASS and HIT POINTS: Medium. 2 solid days strong.
VP STATUS: High. Tastes like a 30 bottle of Merlot.
.
CAMPAIGN SETTING: You’ll want to savor, so settle back and pair with Series Finale of Lost, ABC May 23rd.
And at such a good price, you can probably get two.
..
Rating: d20
Tags : Rancho Sisquoc, Red Wine, River Red, santa barbara
Retail: $36
Sort This Out Cellars 2006 VinoNostra “Mobsters” Red Wine
Samantha bought this up at STO’s tasting room in Solvang. A secret blend that I racked brain trying to figure out the main grape in it. Michael Cobb finally helped me out with my struggle by slipping me a paper with the varietal on it. BUT I’LL NEVER TELL!! Hahahahaha!
SPECS:
Released: February 21, 2009
Vintage: 2006
Appellation: California
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now through 2013
ANALYSIS and RESPONSE:
It was actually very interesting to everyone. And on top of that, I found my tasting notes very different the two times I tried this. This time I found tons and tons of black olive on the nose, smoke and menthol that I didn’t pick up in wine country. Last time was a lot more blueberry, vanilla and smokey orange oil. I love the idea of combining both notes to make up an interesting wine. One thing the group likes is something that stops us in our tracks and go: Hmm!
Until next time… Thurst for Thursday….
Tags : blend, Red Wine, Solvang, Sort This Out Cellars
2008 Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc: Tons and tons of chive and lemon, crisp and fresh. Born for fish. Interesting if not an acquired taste on this one. I personally like it. Can find under $10.
2007 Cameron Hughes LOT 110 Pinot Noir Los Carneros:Another winner after decanting. Pretty nice and of course, especially for the price. Strawberry, earth, and bright red fruits. Ample acidity with chocolate spice and a subtle tannin.Can find under $25.
2007 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir Central Coast: Initially had an odd young sparkling element to it and dissipated after decanting. Cherry, blueberries barest hint of earth. Some allspice and touch of oak. I got this at a ridiculous deal of $9.99 so for the price, it was very decent.
2006 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley: A winner. But only after decanting. Complex with black cherries, raspberry, definite cinnamon allspice and vanilla oak. Hint of licorice and earthy finish. You have only one day, maybe two to enjoy.
