B and I had our TeSoAria pick up party last Saturday at Ford Food + Drink (http://goo.gl/maps/xDOHK). It was such an amazing evening... great people, a lot of fun, Christmas sweaters, delicious food and DELECTABLE wines!! We purchased several bottles (of course!) three of which were TeSoAria's 2010 Eponyme...one of our all time favorite wines!
The color is a sultry jeweled burgundy with a delicious reddish tint. My swirl test produces slow, very skinny, long legs with gorgeous droplet shaped starts. On the nose, the 2010 Eponyme smells like leather, cherry and a bit of tobacco. One of the things I love the most about this wine is that you can literally open it and enjoy. I don't have to let it sit, I don't have to aerate the Eponyme, its just straight up amazingly drinkable. I have even re-corked a bottle, and completely enjoyed it the next day. Now, on to how it tastes :) To start the initial taste on my pallet is buttery smooth blackberry. Mid pallet this wine opens boldly with leather and complex tannins. The 2010 Eponyme finishes with a layered spice flavor like I have never experienced. This wine is subtly complex and wonderful. We have shared it with friends who prefer delicate pinot noirs and they have even appreciated this wine.
Hands down, this is the number one wine B and I can agree on. Our main issue with the 2010 Eponyme is keeping it in our wine cellar. It seems like I am always begging to open a bottle, and B is always the voice of reason, "No Korin, this is really good. We need to save it at least for a special occasion."
TeSoAria's 2010 Eponyme is now libraried, so we are going to try really hard to keep some in our cellar. I know this review kinda sucks, cause its not like you can go out and buy this amazingly tantalizing wine, but I will consider bribes :)
Cheers!!
xoxo,
KEGW
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
2011 Hahn Winery GSM
Went to the Multnomah Village First Friday this evening and ended up at John's Market (http://goo.gl/maps/jVerf) for a wine tasting of some delish wines... tasted an amazing GSM from Hahn Winery. It was their 2011 vintage and at $8.99 a bottle, we purchased several :)
On the nose it smells like tobacco, leather and blackberries. The legs are fast, thin and mesmerizing :) Front pallet is an amazingly delicious melange of butter, spice and cherry. Mid pallet brings a burst of spice and the wine finishes with a delightful currant flavor.
We had this with Thai food and I can only imagine this would go pleasantly well with any meal... thanks Mr. Mike! We are really glad you let us taste this evening!!
On the nose it smells like tobacco, leather and blackberries. The legs are fast, thin and mesmerizing :) Front pallet is an amazingly delicious melange of butter, spice and cherry. Mid pallet brings a burst of spice and the wine finishes with a delightful currant flavor.
We had this with Thai food and I can only imagine this would go pleasantly well with any meal... thanks Mr. Mike! We are really glad you let us taste this evening!!
Friday, November 2, 2012
2010 Edgefield Primitivo
B and I decided to head to the McMenamins in our hood for some late night eats, brews and vines... Upon the urging of our fav waiter we tried the Primitivo. Wow! This primitivo hales from the Columbia Valley and is 13.5% abv.
Smells like tobacco and blackberry
Mid pallet is a burst of blackberries and a hint of cherry.
Finishes smooth with a bit of bark, but super wet... awesome drinkable red. Reminds me of a Zin... would be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!!
Everyone should try a glass and tell me what they think :)
xoxo,
kegw
Sunday, October 28, 2012
2009 WillaKenzie Kiana Pinot Noir
B and I were coming home from the Oregon coast this afternoon and stopped in at one of our favorite vineyards, WillaKenzie, for some wine tasting and to pick up a bottle for dinner. We tasted several yummy pinots and had a bit of a tough time deciding what to take home. While perusing the available wines for purchase, we saw the '09 Kiana. We asked if they had a bottle open to taste and unfortunately they did not. We have had the pleasure of tasting and purchasing a bottle of the Kiana before and knew how incredibly smooth and amazingly delicious it is. Of course, not being able to taste the '09 Kiana just made us want a bottle even more :) So B made an executive decision and asked to purchase the Kiana.
Sidenote: We were fortunate to taste WillaKenzie's Pinot Noir Thibaud's Couvee during our visit. It was SO TASTEY!!! If it were for sale we would have purchased some. We were told it is sold exclusively to a small group of restaurants in San Francisco. If anyone knows what these restaurants are I'd LOVE to know. I would love to grab a bite there next time I'm in San Fran.
Anyhow, we got home and started making smoked chicken for dinner...we figured it would go real well with the '09 Kiana (we were right). We let the bottle sit to open for about 20 minutes. The following are my wine notes :)
ruby in color
slow eye-droplet looking legs
nose - tobacoo, cherry and vanilla
first - soft vanilla
mid - berry/blackberry
finish - tannins, leather, dry
If you haven't been out to WillaKenzie, GO THERE. The grounds are gorgeous and the tasting room is spectacular. It's located in the Ribbon Ridge...a new personal favorite area for grape growing. Their tastings involve 6 tastes; two whites and four reds, and are $15. They waive tasting fees with any $25 purchase. Which isn't hard to do since most of their wines are between $30 and $50. The bottle of Kiana B purchased was $48 and worth every last penny. Thanks B ;)
Cheers!
xoxo,
kegw
Anyhow, we got home and started making smoked chicken for dinner...we figured it would go real well with the '09 Kiana (we were right). We let the bottle sit to open for about 20 minutes. The following are my wine notes :)
ruby in color
slow eye-droplet looking legs
nose - tobacoo, cherry and vanilla
first - soft vanilla
mid - berry/blackberry
finish - tannins, leather, dry
If you haven't been out to WillaKenzie, GO THERE. The grounds are gorgeous and the tasting room is spectacular. It's located in the Ribbon Ridge...a new personal favorite area for grape growing. Their tastings involve 6 tastes; two whites and four reds, and are $15. They waive tasting fees with any $25 purchase. Which isn't hard to do since most of their wines are between $30 and $50. The bottle of Kiana B purchased was $48 and worth every last penny. Thanks B ;)
Cheers!
xoxo,
kegw
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
"It's Been a Long Time"
Holy smokes, I have so much to write about!! For those of you who don't know, I've been in the process of moving for about the past month. It's been a whirlwind and I am very glad to say, It's over :) Now all settled in my new digs, I am ready to start publishing reviews I've taken while being off the radar (so to speak). Here's a quick update...
Firstly, we attended the TeSoAria quarterly pick up party, which was held at the Ford Building's - Ford Food & Drink (http://www.fordbuildingpdx.com/). Neat space, great people, drool worthy food, and damn delectable wines. After tasting the '08 Mistral as well as several other bottles, B and I decided we needed to up our quarterly bottle amount... I know, shocking right!? We went in expecting to take away 6 bottles and instead walked away with 9. Seems like that always happens to us :) We also attended Savor Southern Oregon, which was held on a delightfully sunny and hot Portland afternoon in Director's Park. What a great turn out. The food was tastey and it was lovely to try wine from more of Southern Oregon's vineyards. However, I would say that at some points the music was far too loud, and I am still confused as to why there was a coffee roaster there (coffee screws up your tasters!). We snagged bottles of Delfino's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cowhorn's 2010 Grenache58, Melrose's 2008 Baco Noir, Cliff Creek Cellar's 2006 Claret and 2006 Syrah, and Agate Ridge Vineyard's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't worry, I will be publishing reviews of all of the aforementioned wines, as B and I have drank all but two of the bottles we purchased that afternoon thus far. I also joined Cliff Creek Cellar's wine club at Savor Southern Oregon and have had my first shipment from them as well (reviews to follow)! October is here, which means Trader Joe's is stocking their shelves with some interesting inexpensive wines around this time of year. I have (of course) been stocking up on said wines, and I will report back.
Anyhow, I'm glad to be back typing my fingers off :) More soon!
xxoo,
kegw
Firstly, we attended the TeSoAria quarterly pick up party, which was held at the Ford Building's - Ford Food & Drink (http://www.fordbuildingpdx.com/). Neat space, great people, drool worthy food, and damn delectable wines. After tasting the '08 Mistral as well as several other bottles, B and I decided we needed to up our quarterly bottle amount... I know, shocking right!? We went in expecting to take away 6 bottles and instead walked away with 9. Seems like that always happens to us :) We also attended Savor Southern Oregon, which was held on a delightfully sunny and hot Portland afternoon in Director's Park. What a great turn out. The food was tastey and it was lovely to try wine from more of Southern Oregon's vineyards. However, I would say that at some points the music was far too loud, and I am still confused as to why there was a coffee roaster there (coffee screws up your tasters!). We snagged bottles of Delfino's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cowhorn's 2010 Grenache58, Melrose's 2008 Baco Noir, Cliff Creek Cellar's 2006 Claret and 2006 Syrah, and Agate Ridge Vineyard's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't worry, I will be publishing reviews of all of the aforementioned wines, as B and I have drank all but two of the bottles we purchased that afternoon thus far. I also joined Cliff Creek Cellar's wine club at Savor Southern Oregon and have had my first shipment from them as well (reviews to follow)! October is here, which means Trader Joe's is stocking their shelves with some interesting inexpensive wines around this time of year. I have (of course) been stocking up on said wines, and I will report back.
Anyhow, I'm glad to be back typing my fingers off :) More soon!
xxoo,
kegw
Sunday, September 9, 2012
TeSoAria 2010 Syrah
Its a slightly gloomy day here in Portland, OR and in honor of the coming Autumn B really wanted to open a delicious dark red. We went over to the old wine rack and spent some time debating what to open. After careful consideration we chose to open one of our bottles of 2010 TeSoAria Syrah. YAY!
This syrah is a deep purple-ish red. In fact, it is difficult to see through the glass because this '10 syrah is so dark. Which I know deep dark reds are always my favorite. In doing my favorite 'swirly test' (as I like to call it) this '10 syrah revealed thin fast running legs.
The TeSoAria 2010 Syrah has a very enticing aroma. I smell tobacco, blackberries and spice. B mentions that he smells pepper, which I think he does because that is what he is hoping to taste :) However, B was speaking with the wine maker and learned a fun fact about the syrah grapes. TeSoAria's wine maker went to another grape grower to potentially purchase the syrah grapes used in his syrahs. Evidently, when the wine maker got out to the fields to inspect the grapes, he could smell the pepper from the syrah grapes and knew he wanted to purchase the grapes. Anyhow, this syrah starts off pretty creamy with hints of raspberry and chocolate. Mid pallet this wine explodes with an earthy blend of pepper and plum but finishes delightfully dry. B says its good to the last drop and I whole heartily agree.
If you like syrah, you should definitely give this one a try.
xoxo,
kegw
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Patton Valley Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir
Just enjoying a lovely evening with Winona, her husband (AKA J), and B. Cracked a bottle of Patton Valley pinot and really enjoying the spice on this pinot. Smells like blackberry, chestnuts and tobacco. Front pallet bursts with fruit. Mid pallet is enticingly spicy. This pinot finishes with a delightful tannin which Winona and I both appreciate.
Cheers!!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Vercingetorix Vineyard
B and I found ourselves in Newberg, OR two weekends ago and decided to hit up some vineyards for tastings. We wanted to taste at vineyards we hadn't been to before and our first stop was Vercingetorix Vineyard AKA VX (http://www.vxvineyard.com/). VX is located on Corral Creek Road just off of Hwy 99. The grounds are gorgeous and you really feel like you are out in the country almost in your own oasis there. VX only offers pinots so, if you don't like Oregon pinots don't go there :)
On this particular day, VX was offering 5 different pinots to taste; pinot blanc, pinot gris, '09 pinot noir, '08 reserve pinot noir, and their '09 cuvee.
The pinot blanc was far too sweet for my pallet. Unfortunately I could not finish my glass. This pinot blanc smelled like grapefruit and seemed extremely oakey, but the wine steward said the wine was not aged in oak barrels. I was thinking perhaps it was cured with oak chips in the barrel...IDK. B seemed to like it, but mentioned that he would not purchase a bottle.
The pinot gris was also too sweet for my pallet. To me, the pinot gris tasted like strawberries and nothing else. Unfortunately, it was an overwhelming taste. In my wine notes, I mention that if I was already drunk, I would drink this wine on a hot day...as so long as it was served cold.
The 2009 pinot noir unfortunately smelled like alcohol. The '09 pinot was a light, light burgundy ...almost a bright ruby color. To me, it tasted really dry, and I think it should sit another 2 to 3 years before it's okay to drink.
The reserve 2008 pinot noir was a very pretty burgundy color and smelled like chestnuts and boysenberries. It was (for me) surprisingly medium bodied. It had this amazing mid-pallet burst of bold flavors, but it quickly fizzled into a flat taste... no bueno.
Finally, the 2009 Cuvee is made from three different pinot grapes and seemed black cherry in color. The cuvee smelled like spice... my fav :) It tasted kinda crazy; like nothing I have tasted before. It was tarte to start and oddly sweet mid pallet, and unfortunately finished very sweet. It was burst of concord grape, blueberry and bing cherry. I am sorry to say it was too much fruit for me, and a very hard taste for me to adjust to.
This all being said, if you like sweet whites and reds, definitely go visit Vercingetorix Vineyard. I will be back here in about two years to re-try all of their offerings.
xoxo,
kegw
On this particular day, VX was offering 5 different pinots to taste; pinot blanc, pinot gris, '09 pinot noir, '08 reserve pinot noir, and their '09 cuvee.
The pinot blanc was far too sweet for my pallet. Unfortunately I could not finish my glass. This pinot blanc smelled like grapefruit and seemed extremely oakey, but the wine steward said the wine was not aged in oak barrels. I was thinking perhaps it was cured with oak chips in the barrel...IDK. B seemed to like it, but mentioned that he would not purchase a bottle.
The pinot gris was also too sweet for my pallet. To me, the pinot gris tasted like strawberries and nothing else. Unfortunately, it was an overwhelming taste. In my wine notes, I mention that if I was already drunk, I would drink this wine on a hot day...as so long as it was served cold.
The 2009 pinot noir unfortunately smelled like alcohol. The '09 pinot was a light, light burgundy ...almost a bright ruby color. To me, it tasted really dry, and I think it should sit another 2 to 3 years before it's okay to drink.
The reserve 2008 pinot noir was a very pretty burgundy color and smelled like chestnuts and boysenberries. It was (for me) surprisingly medium bodied. It had this amazing mid-pallet burst of bold flavors, but it quickly fizzled into a flat taste... no bueno.
Finally, the 2009 Cuvee is made from three different pinot grapes and seemed black cherry in color. The cuvee smelled like spice... my fav :) It tasted kinda crazy; like nothing I have tasted before. It was tarte to start and oddly sweet mid pallet, and unfortunately finished very sweet. It was burst of concord grape, blueberry and bing cherry. I am sorry to say it was too much fruit for me, and a very hard taste for me to adjust to.
This all being said, if you like sweet whites and reds, definitely go visit Vercingetorix Vineyard. I will be back here in about two years to re-try all of their offerings.
xoxo,
kegw
Erath Winery 2011 Oregon Pinot Gris
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| Erath in my fridge :) |
Erath 2011 Oregon pinot gris smells like melon (which I ironically hate), pear and a bit of apple. To me, it is a very front pallet wine. As soon as it enters your mouth it bursts with fruit (pear, apple, even a hint of citrus). Then mid-pallet it becomes buttery and then quickly dry. I enjoyed this bottle with some BBQ chicken, roasted corn and a giant green salad, and it really went well. I could see this bottle making any seafood dish shine. Honestly, I could see this bottle going well with most meals (aside from steak dinner).
For those of you who do not know, I LOVE red wine, and do not love white wine because most are too sweet and buttery for my taste. This pinot gris is not sweet and my pallet truly enjoys it :) Like I said, there is a mid-pallet taste of butter, but it finishes seductively dry. For those of you who feel the same as I do about sweet white wines, please try this pinot gris, and tell me what you think.
Until next time...
xoxo,
kegw
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Mark Ryan Winery 2010 The Dissident
I was in Auburn, Washington this August visiting my sister for her bridal shower. Her MOH set up a wine tasting afternoon at Vino at the Landing in Renton, Washington (http://www.vinoatthelanding.com/home). The space was lovely, the hors d'oeuvers even lovelier, and the company out of this world. We sampled many different Columbia Valley wines and at the end I ended up taking home three different bottles I found in Vino's tasting area. One which I have been particularly itching to try is Mark Ryan's 2010 The Dissident (Mark Ryan Winery - http://www.markryanwinery.com/index.php). I believe the bottle was around $30. It was recommended (even though I had never tried it) and the blend alone was my sole purpose for purchasing this bottle. Okay here goes, this bottle has the following grapes in it:
Syrah (30%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (24%)
Merlot (22%)
Cabernet Franc (7%)
Malbec (6%)
Petit Verdot (5%)
I opened it this evening and holy buckets! The color is an extremely dark, rich plum color and its 14.6% alcohol. It smells like blackberry, tobacco and spice. The Dissident has fast forming, long and skinny legs which disappear almost as soon as they're formed. It starts very
tart, almost a combination of raspberries and black pepper. Then unfolds into this glorious full and rich combination of spice, fruit and even vanilla. Finishes with a mid level tannin - *LOVE*.
Oh its lovely for a full-bodied-wine drinker like myself to experience this extreme blend. Just reminds me that Autumn is around the corner and I am definitely going to want more bottles of this in my cellar. I am hoping to go up and visit the new tasting room in Woodinville, Washington soon and pick up some more treats.
xoxo,
kegw
Thursday, August 30, 2012
2008 Eola Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
Happy Cabernet Day everyone! I really wanted to find an Oregon cab sauv to drink this evening in honor of this great holiday that has been coined, Cabernet Day :) I headed to my local Safeway (which actually has a great selection of NW wines) to pick my evening treat. Low and behold there was one, count it, ONE Oregon cab sauv... 2008 Eola Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. Well, I actually have never tried said wine, and I was very excited to do so. I am a FAN of Eola Hills wine. They have great pinots, and all very considerably priced. Anywho, this cab sauv was delightfully tastey! Deep dark purple-ish red in color, this cab is delectably bold with hints of anise and black berry. There is a hint of dryness mid pallet, but it finishes a tad buttery. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the overall taste and would definitely pay $15 for another bottle.
Cheers & Happy CabDay everyone!!
xoxo,
kegw
Cheers & Happy CabDay everyone!!
xoxo,
kegw
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Wine by Joe 2010 Pinot Noir
The bottle is a twist off cap...I love those! The color is on the darker side for a Willamette Valley pinot. The legs are fast and thin and in the glass the wine smells like cherry, plum and hints of blackberry. This pinot is a bit on the heavy side of 'medium bodied' but well rounded and tasty! Very fruit forward with a hint of spice mid palette. The best part about the '10 Wine by Joe Pinot, is that it goes with any meal! I had it this evening with chicken stir fry, but we've enjoyed it with anything from pizza to crab louis salads.
Just do me a favor, go and try this pinot, and tell me what you think. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
Until next time folks. xoxo.
-kw
Monday, August 27, 2012
Trader Joe's Favorites
For those of you who don't know me personally, I LOVE wine. I like to enjoy a glass after work and on the weekends. Somehow, when ever we get together with friends I bring wine. So I'm not only buying tastey bottles from vineyards, I'm buying bottles at grocery stores, and on a weekly basis. Drinking wine can be expensive, but I'm all about the inexpensive jems. I find most of said jems at Trader Joe's, and I would like to speak a bit on my four go-to's (all of which can be purchased at Trader Joe's).
LaGranja 2010 Tempranillo (AKA The Pig) is a steal of a find at $3.99 a bottle. It has a twist top and should be aerated before consumption. I usually just twist the top and let it sit for 5 minutes, then come back and run it through my Vinturi (if you don't have one of these and you like cheap wine, get one - http://www.vinturi.com/products/vinturi.html). After that process its a completely different taste, smell, and experience. It's a dark wine that tastes like raspberry, licorice and a hint of fig. Its an easy wine, and at $3.99 a bottle, its worth trying for yourself. It also keeps over a few days, gets better even, and is ideal for your after work glass of vino.
LaGranja 2010 Tempranillo/Garnache (AKA The Zebra) is a dollar more expensive than The Pig at $4.99 a bottle. Its worth your extra 'buck' as this one does not need to aerate as long and does well just poured into a glass. It is dark in color and smells like raspberries, blackberries, and cocoa laced with coffee. It tastes similar and has a soft tannin. Amazing flavor for the price and a great go-to for entertaining or personal consumption.
Albero 2009 Tempranillo Barrica is a great switch up from The Pig or The Zebra. It's $6.99 a bottle and must be aerated. On the nose its blackberry and spice. Its dark in color and has fast running legs. At first taste it's all spice, but unfolds into bold fruit flavors, and has a mellow finish. I recommend letting this bad boy sit for at least an hour before serving. This is best used as the second bottle in an evening of entertaining.
Caves des Papes 2010 Cotes du Rhone to me, is a go to. I love this funky, squatty bottle AND the taste is great for every day consumption OR entertaining. This Cotes du Rhone goes for $5.99 a bottle and does a great job of competing with more expensive bottles. I aerate this bottle, but perhaps its just a habit with less expensive wine...as I'm not sure its necessary. This wine is spicy and has a pleasantly dry finish.
I usually get two to three of each of the aforementioned bottles in a mixed case along with other random bottles. Its great on my wallet and we always have extra bottles in case we host an impromptu dinner party.
Hopefully I've inspired the budget watching folks to try something new!
xoxo,
KW
LaGranja 2010 Tempranillo (AKA The Pig) is a steal of a find at $3.99 a bottle. It has a twist top and should be aerated before consumption. I usually just twist the top and let it sit for 5 minutes, then come back and run it through my Vinturi (if you don't have one of these and you like cheap wine, get one - http://www.vinturi.com/products/vinturi.html). After that process its a completely different taste, smell, and experience. It's a dark wine that tastes like raspberry, licorice and a hint of fig. Its an easy wine, and at $3.99 a bottle, its worth trying for yourself. It also keeps over a few days, gets better even, and is ideal for your after work glass of vino.
LaGranja 2010 Tempranillo/Garnache (AKA The Zebra) is a dollar more expensive than The Pig at $4.99 a bottle. Its worth your extra 'buck' as this one does not need to aerate as long and does well just poured into a glass. It is dark in color and smells like raspberries, blackberries, and cocoa laced with coffee. It tastes similar and has a soft tannin. Amazing flavor for the price and a great go-to for entertaining or personal consumption.
Albero 2009 Tempranillo Barrica is a great switch up from The Pig or The Zebra. It's $6.99 a bottle and must be aerated. On the nose its blackberry and spice. Its dark in color and has fast running legs. At first taste it's all spice, but unfolds into bold fruit flavors, and has a mellow finish. I recommend letting this bad boy sit for at least an hour before serving. This is best used as the second bottle in an evening of entertaining.
Caves des Papes 2010 Cotes du Rhone to me, is a go to. I love this funky, squatty bottle AND the taste is great for every day consumption OR entertaining. This Cotes du Rhone goes for $5.99 a bottle and does a great job of competing with more expensive bottles. I aerate this bottle, but perhaps its just a habit with less expensive wine...as I'm not sure its necessary. This wine is spicy and has a pleasantly dry finish.
I usually get two to three of each of the aforementioned bottles in a mixed case along with other random bottles. Its great on my wallet and we always have extra bottles in case we host an impromptu dinner party.
Hopefully I've inspired the budget watching folks to try something new!
xoxo,
KW
Friday, August 24, 2012
2009 Celeste Crianza Tempranillo
Just enjoying my late afternoon with a glass of this delish '09 tempranillo at Corkscrew wine bar in Sellwood.
Smells like rich tobacco, spice and blackberry.
Skinny long and fast legs.
Nice round bold flavors of tobacco and plum. Dry finish right up B's alley, but I definitely appreciate the dryness as well. It would go lovely with paella. Its $36 a bottle here, so I'd feel good about buying local if I do choose to purchase a bottle :)
More later. xoxo.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
2008 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Couvee
I recently found myself in Sonoma, CA for my best friend's bachelorette party. I was more than stoked as my bf (AKA Winona) chose Sonoma. Winona and I are true wine-o's at heart. We both prefer even mediocre wine to that of any alcoholic beverage. Anyhow, we had to kill time before finally arriving to the house we would call home for the long weekend. We were driving through the streets of downtown Sonoma, and my favorite Yelp! app was not cooperating. I couldn't figure out which spot to stop, so just as we got out of the 'busy' downtown area we spotted Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, and immediately pulled in. This wine bar is on the grounds of the Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma (http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com/Carneros-Bistro-WIne-Bar-31.html). We didn't really know where we were going, but we wanted wine as soon as possible. Carneros' wine list is long and amazing! No one in our party had an issue deciding on a glass to try. We each had two glasses of wine, and the girls let me try their wine as well...those wine notes to follow ;)
My favorite of the day was an 2008 Couvee by Gundlach Bundschu. It was Heaven for my pallet, and at $24 a bottle, I think it would be worth it to buy a case. It's an easy drinking wine for those who love bold flavors, and opens up very well in only a few minutes. Gunldlach Bundschu produces a Mountain Couvee each year, and in the '08, they have 6 different varietals: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. The wine is one of the darkest wines I've seen to date. After a good swirl in the glass, it produces fast running legs. The couvee is spicy and tastes of pepper, plum and cocoa. It's very full bodied with soft tannins, and finishes dry. Overall, I am sad we didn't have time to go to GunBun and try more of their wine. However, GunBun will be first on my list next time I am in Sonoma.
You can purchase GunBun's '08 Mountain Couvee online at MadWine.com - click here to check it out - http://goo.gl/qx0D9 I now just have to decide on whether to get a half case or full case :)
xoxo,
Korin
My favorite of the day was an 2008 Couvee by Gundlach Bundschu. It was Heaven for my pallet, and at $24 a bottle, I think it would be worth it to buy a case. It's an easy drinking wine for those who love bold flavors, and opens up very well in only a few minutes. Gunldlach Bundschu produces a Mountain Couvee each year, and in the '08, they have 6 different varietals: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. The wine is one of the darkest wines I've seen to date. After a good swirl in the glass, it produces fast running legs. The couvee is spicy and tastes of pepper, plum and cocoa. It's very full bodied with soft tannins, and finishes dry. Overall, I am sad we didn't have time to go to GunBun and try more of their wine. However, GunBun will be first on my list next time I am in Sonoma.
You can purchase GunBun's '08 Mountain Couvee online at MadWine.com - click here to check it out - http://goo.gl/qx0D9 I now just have to decide on whether to get a half case or full case :)
xoxo,
Korin
Monday, August 6, 2012
2009 TeSoAria Barbera
Okay, I love Barberas...
To me, they are bold and yummy and wonderful. Usually I only drink them with an Italian dinner. However, the 2010 TeSoAria Barbera can be enjoyed any time with any dish. B and I enjoyed this barbera with BBQ chicken the other evening and it was wonderous :)
On the nose it smells like blackberry and spices. Color wise, its DEEP, dark reddish-purple... I mean you can't even see through the wine as its in the glass. After swirling a glass, the legs run fast and skinny. At the first sip, there is a rush of blackberry swiftly followed by a spicy, tobacco flavor. It finishes with a delightful light and creamy tannin.
This is a bold, well rounded wine and I wouldn't suggest trying it if you are just getting into tasting red wine. However, if you are a red wine drinker, get after it...if you can find a bottle ;)
Here is the TeSoAria website: http://tesoaria.com/index.html
I am not sure if the 2009 Barbera is even still available, but if you are ever in Roseburg, OR, stop by TeSoAria and see if they have any they'll let you taste. B and I are lucky enough to still have a bottle in our cellar, and hopefully he'll let me drink it soon.
xoxo,
kw
To me, they are bold and yummy and wonderful. Usually I only drink them with an Italian dinner. However, the 2010 TeSoAria Barbera can be enjoyed any time with any dish. B and I enjoyed this barbera with BBQ chicken the other evening and it was wonderous :)
On the nose it smells like blackberry and spices. Color wise, its DEEP, dark reddish-purple... I mean you can't even see through the wine as its in the glass. After swirling a glass, the legs run fast and skinny. At the first sip, there is a rush of blackberry swiftly followed by a spicy, tobacco flavor. It finishes with a delightful light and creamy tannin.
This is a bold, well rounded wine and I wouldn't suggest trying it if you are just getting into tasting red wine. However, if you are a red wine drinker, get after it...if you can find a bottle ;)
Here is the TeSoAria website: http://tesoaria.com/index.html
I am not sure if the 2009 Barbera is even still available, but if you are ever in Roseburg, OR, stop by TeSoAria and see if they have any they'll let you taste. B and I are lucky enough to still have a bottle in our cellar, and hopefully he'll let me drink it soon.
xoxo,
kw
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Chateau Nonchalant
B and I like to head down to Roseburg, OR now and then and taste the Umpqua Valley wines. On one such trip, we were meandering through back roads from Garden Valley Road attempting to get back to Canyonville, OR because we were staying at the Seven Feathers Casino. B was driving as I was checking Yelp! to see if there were any opportunities to stop for one last tasting...I'm an opportunist :) Low and behold we stumbled across a five star rated vineyard by the name of Chateau Nonchalant around the town of Lookingglass, OR. Most of the reviews had the word 'quaint' in them and I made B stop (not that he minded one bit). We drove up a gravel road to a house with giant property and horses! At first it was confusing where we were to taste. It seemed as though we were to go in the front door, but then Vicky came out to meet us and show us into the tasting room. It was all dark wood accents and faux paint finishes. Turns out her brother hand made not only the room (which used to be a garage) but all of the amazing cabinetry and wine cellar! Let me tell you; he's talented. Vicky and her friends take turns manning the tasting room and it seems like they all have a lot of fun doing so. Made me want to become a friend of hers real quick like. She sells sundries that her family and friends produce and there's a real 'homey' feeling to the room. We bellied up to the bar and tasted everything she had open, along with some tastey home-made, stone ground mustard.
We particularly enjoyed her 2007 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, and at $21 it was a steal of a deal...we bought two. As Vicky poured our glasses with the Estate Reserve you could smell the earthy aroma coming off of it, and I knew I was going to love it. This Pinot is light in color, and has long slow running legs! After a few swirls around my glass I could smell the earth as well as licorice and blackberry. Tasting the first sip was heaven in my mouth! It was strong tannins right up front, followed berry, then a smooth finish. It was so unlike any pinot I have had before (as are most in the Umpqua Valley) that I knew two bottles to go would be a great idea...too bad we already drank both of them. I would suggest using a big ass glass for this wine as it opens up better with more air.
Oh, and on our way out, Vicky even gave us some of the delish mustard we liked so much FOR FREE :) If you are ever in Roseburg, OR tasting wine, definitely take the time to swing by Chateau Nonchalant. I know I can't wait to get back there.
- KW
We particularly enjoyed her 2007 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, and at $21 it was a steal of a deal...we bought two. As Vicky poured our glasses with the Estate Reserve you could smell the earthy aroma coming off of it, and I knew I was going to love it. This Pinot is light in color, and has long slow running legs! After a few swirls around my glass I could smell the earth as well as licorice and blackberry. Tasting the first sip was heaven in my mouth! It was strong tannins right up front, followed berry, then a smooth finish. It was so unlike any pinot I have had before (as are most in the Umpqua Valley) that I knew two bottles to go would be a great idea...too bad we already drank both of them. I would suggest using a big ass glass for this wine as it opens up better with more air.
Oh, and on our way out, Vicky even gave us some of the delish mustard we liked so much FOR FREE :) If you are ever in Roseburg, OR tasting wine, definitely take the time to swing by Chateau Nonchalant. I know I can't wait to get back there.
- KW
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A little bit about me...
I am a novice blogger and wine consumer attempting to share what I taste with others. I was born and raised in Oregon and am therefor starting my quest to try as much wine as possible here. I intend to also tackle Washington State beginning the Summer of 2013. As I progress along my journey, I will share what I taste, in hopes of creating a few more wine lovers.
xoxox,
KEGW aka wine-o
The posts on this site, including but not limited to images, links, and comments left by readers, are my own and do not represent my employer's positions, strategies or opinions.
xoxox,
KEGW aka wine-o
The posts on this site, including but not limited to images, links, and comments left by readers, are my own and do not represent my employer's positions, strategies or opinions.
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