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Aug.26,2010The this year’s all new 2010 Fall TV Preview pairing… Coming mid September!
Check out last years list here!
Wine Unfiltered
The Guide to Wine, the Universe and Entertaining
Category : Movie, TVino + Party Pairs
Aug.26,2010
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
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.
A Little Easter From Down Under
Apr.5,2010
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand $12.99
For Easter afternoon dindin, Tom grilled up some fab lamb with baked potato and roasted garlic cream brussels sprouts. Yum in my book! And what better choice for Easter lamb chops from New Zealand than a nice white wine from New Zealand as well. Luckily, I opened this wine the day before to give it a try and it ended up being better the next day. Being very acidic, it smoothed out with zesty fruit and green bell pepper notes. I prefer my Sauvignon Blanc a little greener and less vitamin-gooseberry, but it’s decent.
SPECS:
VINEYARD LOCATIONS: Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley
VINE AGE: 2 – 14 years
PRUNING REGIME: Cane Pruned, Vertical Shoot Positioning
HARVEST DATE: 27 March – 25 April 2009
YIELD PER VINE: (weighted average) 5.1 kg 11.25 pounds
YIELD PER ACRE: (weighted average) 4.3 tons
YIELD PER HA: (weighted average) 10.9 tonnes
MATURITY ANALYSIS AT HARVEST (weighted average)
BRIX: 21.9
TITRATABLE ACIDITY: 12.0g/L
pH: 3.1
WINE ANALYSIS
ALCOHOL: 13% v/v
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2g/L
TITRATABLE ACIDITY: 7g/L
pH: 3.2
RATING:
Ahh, if only you thought of movies when you think of Oscar night. Oh, you mean one or two of you still do? I thought all anyone thought of these days was red carpets, diamonds, dresses and celebrity gift bags. Okay, so I do like that part too. But the Oscars don’t hold as much joy for me as they did when I was say, 17. That’s probably because I hadn’t moved to Los Angeles yet and half of the actors weren’t my actual neighbors. When you see what every celebrity gets handed to them from 3000 miles away in a different world … it’s glamorous. When it’s next door and they shop at your supermarket, it sucks.
Too real? Sour grapes? Probably. But speaking of grapes, sour or otherwise, my subtle (NOT!) yet, affordable pick for the 2010 Academy Awards is something you can afford to get at that celeb-ridden supermarket and glows as ruby as the red carpet itself. Appropriately, Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Diamond Collection 2008 Pinot Noir, Silver Label.
You can find this wine for as high as $19.99 at Gelsons or as low as $9- $13 at Costco.
SPECS:
Appellation Monterey County
Blend 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol 13.4%
Total Acid .60
pH 3.57
Barrel Regimen New and used French oak
Released May 2008
Retail $18.00
I am sipping as I write this and torturing myself watching E!’s horrendous broadcast. Okay, I just changed the channel.
It’s nice to have a Pinot Noir actually taste like a Pinot…not a faux drama queen Meritage or a Pinot overacting like a Bordeaux. Then again nothing is real in Hollywood. But your wine can be. It’s reasonably priced. It’s a beautiful bright, ruby red garnet hue and the label is a shining silver-blue diamond. Very festive.
Hints of brown spice, minor mushroom, young plum and strawberry. Clean finish. The more it opens up the better it is. But make no mistake, it is simple. Simple, straightforward, light and a little lovely. Unlike Hollywood.
Okay, okay I’m done with the Hollywood jabs, because truthfully, I love it here in Hollywood. I knew I was always meant to be here since I was 12, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Now go drink dah’ling.
Valentastic
Feb.10,2010
Wild Heart Winery 2003 Central Coast Merlot
$45
Venice in a glass. Deep oaky fruit, vanilla, sensual texture, tons of baking spices and hint of incense. Smooth, ripe, elegant.
Not cheap. I didn’t care. It was joy in a bottle for me.
SPECS:
Barrel aged
Bottled in June of 2008
109 cases produced
15.2% alcohol
Convivial Pairing: meats, chocolate, love
Movie Pairing: “Dangerous Beauty” starring Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell and Oliver Platt
Rating: d12
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Lost again? Have some more wine.
Feb.2,2010In honor of tonight’s season premiere, here is an encore listing of my drinking choices for a good Lost viewing. And so help me, if Ben pisses me off tonight, I will find a way to jump through the screen.
Even though a light refreshing beachy white may seem the obvious choice, I chose all reds… you need something pretty solid and grounding to follow Lost and it’s weighty episodes. If not, you’ll probably take out your frustrations on white wine, down 3 bottles without even knowing it, and curse Michael Giacchino’s booming sting as ‘LOST’ in giant letters pop on the screen.
My picks–
Price point: Tug boat.
In honor of Jacob and flight number:
Jacob’s Creek Limited Release Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 $8.99
Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $15.79
Price point: Sailing Yacht.
In honor of Sawyer and his dramatic ocean copter dive:
Sawyer Cellars Merlot 2004 $39.00
Babcock Pinot Noir Ocean’s Ghost Vineyard 2006 $54.99
Price point: Charles Widmore.
In honor of Dharma Initiative class of 1997 and Ben’s Smoke Monster confession:
Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1977 $79.95
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills Ten 2006 $99.99
These wines aren’t just fun names, they are all pretty well received and worth considering. My fave? The Babcock Pinot. Even better than that? Knowing what the hell John Locke is talking about.
Happy New Year! With….
Dec.30,2009
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
Non-Vintage Champagne, France
3 SELLING POINTS :
1) Very accessible price for real Champagne @ approx. $40.00.
2) Crisp heady fruit, versatile with food AND dessert.
3) Hints of mineral, cream and apple.
POP. FIZZ. YUM.
Have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve!
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Rating: d8
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Just in time for the holidays…
Dec.20,2009
Wine Unfiltered’s new WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING guide is here!
Everything from pairing methods to pairing samples, cheese and wine tenets, and even the ultimate multi-tasker!
Take a look at the PAGES link at the top of our home page and enjoy the Holiday season everyone!
Tags : cheese, Christmas, New Year's, Wine, wine and cheese pairing
W.U.’s Thanksgiving Day Wine Picks
Nov.25,2009
Well, you may have noticed I have been at little MIA lately… taught my first wine and cheese class, had another successful Thanksgiving craft fair, had multiple dental visits, tons of show deadlines and a million other distractions. Some some great, some pretty lousy. But that’s life isn’t it? All I know is that I am about ready to have a little pumpkin pie, Macy’s Parade and Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation…. also known as Thanksgiving Day.
This Thanksgiving, I am certainly grateful. A great job, family and an amazing new set of friends I have been blessed with this year. And a Thanksgiving Day Potluck!
Here are Wine Unfiltered’s wine choices for this year’s Turkey Day. Lots of versatility, lots of aroma. And some fab wine treats for dessert. Be warned, I love very aromatic, lush wines for Thanksgiving. It’s a day to splurge on flavor!
ON THE MENU:
The dinner whites:
Brut Campagne Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin : True Champagne. Perfect way to start. And Finish. And sip throughout come to think of it.
Saarloos and Sons ‘Daughters’ Chardonnay 2007 -Santa Barbara County : Tons of pear, crisp, light and super aromatic. Saarloos always takes their time with their wine and you can taste it.
Demetria 2008 Chardonnay -Santa Barbara County : Pretty and crisp. Almost a smidge of effervescence. Lovely fruit, well structured. Screams turkey.
La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast : Oaky, traditional, rich and dependable. Kind of like Thanksgiving.
Demetria 2008 Beton Blanc (Marsanne Roussane Grenache blend) : New! TBD
Demetria 2006 Viognier -Santa Ynez Valley : Beautiful. Light yet viscous. Shades of aromatic flowers, ripe fruit and zippy finish.
The dinner reds:
Demetria 2006 Cuvee Sandra Pinot Noir -Santa Rita Hills : Can you tell I love Demetria? There pretty much isn’t a wine I don’t like from them. Everything you wish a Pinot Noir was. Every time. ‘Nuff said.
Dahlia 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir -Monterey County : Nice. Light, versatile, hint of oak, raspberry.
La Vie 2006 Black Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir -Santa Lucia Highlands : Brilliant. Smooth berries, oak, refined and very elegant. A lot of love went into this.
The dessert/aperitif wines:
Chien 2008 Edelzwicker -Santa Barbara County : Lovely with almost any cheese course. Rich, tons of crisp green apple finish.
Castello Di Amorosa Gewurztraminer 2007 Anderson Valley : New! TBD
La Vie 2007 Late Harvest Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands : Like a Red Label Tokai for less. Tons of honey and richness, tart end. I am counting the hours to when I have this with my Aged Gouda after pie.
AND….Some of the late night movie-fest wine options:
Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvigonon Winemakers Blend 2006, Palo Alto Reserve 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Magnificat 2005 Vintage Red Napa Valley, The Prisoner 2007 Napa Valley Red Orin Swift Cellars St Helena, Saarloos and Sons 194 Five Reunion 2008 Syrah Santa Ynez.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING,
And may all of your family, friends and wines be filled with love!
Tags : Thanksgiving Day, wines