Wine Wednesday, Merlot

The last couple of Wine Wednesday selections have been about items new to me and  also the area in which I live. And while I usually just pick just one wine, today I've decided to pick one grape; two bottles.

I like to experiment so when I looked on my counter this week and saw two bottles of merlot (when I typically have none), I decided to try them side by side. I thought it would be especially fun since they appeared to be so different, at least geographically; one from Chile, the other from California.

First up was Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. This was exactly what I expected from an entry level California merlot. It was juicy with lots of plums and some vanilla. The wine was smooth and went down the hatch easily. A good wine for your Memorial Day cookout, especially considering the price; in the $10 and under range.



I've tried a few of the Casillero del Diablo wines but never the Merlot. This one comes from Chile and I could immediately taste a difference. While still full of lush dark fruit, this one was more herbal, a common characteristic of Chilean wines. I also tasted some cocoa. There was a bit more structure and it costs a few more dollars; but only a few. Another good choice for holiday grilling!

Both wines are good values and easy to find. Perhaps you have done similar experiments? Let me know! Cheers!

Wine Wednesday, Castoro Cellars

It's Wine Wednesday!!! Since it's a little chilly in Southwest Florida today I picked a juicy, spicy, comforting Zinfandel from Castoro Cellars. I'm thinking about a pot of red sauce, or a pizza delivery tonight with this one. It's a great find for under $15 retail. You can also find it on the menu at Yano's in downtown Fort Myers. Thanks Heather from Opici and Chris Riley, from Castoro! Chris talks about the winery, it's organic practices and the yummy wine here:

Pinot In The Park

While the weather this time of year can be uncertain and even uncomfortable in many areas of the county, it is the season those of us in South Florida have longed for; lower humidity and cool breezes capped with warm sunshine.

Seizing an opportunity to sit outside without breaking a sweat, I took some time to enjoy the fresh air with a silky bottle of Pinot Noir; 2010 Robert Mondavi Reserve, Carneros ($60). 

The grapes were handpicked from 40-year-old vines; low yields, high quality. They were then nurtured during the fermentation process to get delicate, yet full flavors; a nice balance. I loved the layers of dark fruit, spice and tannins. This wine reminds me of why I like Pinot Noir so much.

Each sip got better and better, especially with picnic goodies like brie and pate. It was the perfect wine to linger over, stretched out on the cool grass; peacefully watching people who were also enjoying their day along the bay.

Biltmore and Bubbly

There are certain things about me that are all girl; my love of shoes, purses, fashion and things that match.

During some spring cleaning in my kitchen and pantry, I came across boxes of dishes, tea cups and saucers; decorated with these feminine accessories. I've always wanted to use them for a tea-party, so that's exactly what I did. More on that to come.

I'm not sure that it is "proper" to serve bubbly at afternoon tea in England, however, it's improper NOT to serve it at my house; regardless of the occasion.

I decided to welcome my guests with a glass of  Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs. The wine is bottled in Napa Valley for the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Chateau-style mansion screams sophistication and tradition. I could just see women in hats and beautiful dresses, enjoying afternoon tea on the lawn, back in the day (1800's). So it seemed natural to start my affair with this wine. 

My guests dressed to impress, wearing flirty high heels and fashionable hats. Some even wore gloves while sipping the Blanc de Blanc, made of Chardonnay grapes from the Russian River Valley. They were all surprised at the Biltmore label, apparently not expecting to find it outside of the estate. The wine was smooth, several girls said "like honey". Not only did I smell the honey but I tasted it. Nicely balanced with a little lemon, acidity and just a hint of yeast; the wine was perfect for Sunday sipping. I thought it went exceptionally well with my spicy crab and cucumber appetizer. The finish was pleasant, the wine passed!

Nice to know that for my next swanky soiree I can find Biltmore for a mere $25 at several major, local retailers. Give it a pour and tell me what you think. Better yet, send directions. I'll put on my Sunday Best and  taste with you!

Rockin' Wine

Lot's of "famous" people own vineyards, or more often than not, wine labels. I don't buy a wine because I like the owner's music, movies or sports teams, however, many fans do. But I admit to having a certain curiosity about the quality of wine in the celebrity bottle.

Former Bad Company bassist, Paul Cullen makes wine from grapes grown in California's Sierra Foothills called Sonata. He developed an appreciation of wine while touring and drinking it with guitarist Mick Ralphs. At one point in his post-band career, he even sold wine for an Italian distributor. Wine and music are a natural fit to me; Cullen as well. He married the two by forming Unplugged and Uncorked, making "wine friendly" music and selling it at wine events, rather than through big record labels.

I love the concept, but what about the wine? The Sonata Bianco is a refreshing, clean blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Its an acidic wine with citrus and apricot flavors. I'm not sure I would've guessed there was any Chardonnay in there had I not known. It was just enough for some extra body but thankfuly no oak Very enjoyable!

The Sonata Rosso is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Cab Franc. I tasted allspice, clove and some creamy vanilla and caramel. I shared some with another wine lover who picked up the bottle, peered in with one eye, then put it back down with a pout declaring, "I'm so sad it's all gone." I felt the same.

I interviewed Cullen for an upcoming story in Times Of The Islands Magazine (more to come on that). He told me he was most excited about his Rose', the only one of the three I haven't tried yet. It's an interesting blend of Petit Syrah and Fiano, a rare Italian grape. Cullen says it is refreshing but still dry with watermelon undertones. Sounds perfect for summer. Sonata wines aren't widely distributed but you can get them. Retailing around $15 each, they are more than worth the hunt. Sip a glass while listening to his new music for double the pleasure. It's a fabulous combination!

Cullen will be pouring wine and performing live in Fort Myers in May, Labor Day week. Look for him at Yabo and Twisted Vine. I'll keep you posted on other appearances and remind you Southwest Floridians when the time nears. Cheers.

Reinvention

Every now and then we need to reinvent ourselves, personally and professionally. The Sandy Butler Gourmet Market and Restaurant (on the way to Fort Myers Beach, FL) has just gone through their own reinvention.The restaurant now has a name, Shoals Restaurant and Wine Bar, and a private label wine to match.

I got to try all five varietals this week. The Sauvignon Blanc was acidic, with citrus and pineapple flavors. Maybe some caramel apple on the finish. Thumbs up!

The Chardonnay from Mendocino had a little oak and smoke on the finish but was much brighter than I was expecting. The Pinot Noir was light and easy to drink with red cherry notes.

The Merlot was not as jammy as I was anticipating. I got some smoke and bacon flavors along with currant and black fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon also comes from the North Coast and it was easy drinking with mild tannins, cherry and toast.

All are great values at $7 a glass in the restaurant and under $20  a bottle in both the restaurant AND the market. In fact, Shoals has an entire list of wines in the restaurant, at retail pricing. Anyone who has had a dinner bill where the wine costs outweigh the food will greatly appreciate this. Shoals's still has a reserve list with specialty wines such as Trilogy and Silver Oak Alexander Valley, with a more typical restaurant mark-up. But that mark-up is still less than most establishments in Southwest Florida. The wine pricing along with the great new dishes at Shoals put this restaurant on top of the list of great values in the area!

There will be a three-course wine dinner ($40) to introduce the new wines and menu items on February 29th. Make reservations at 482-6765. I'll have more on the new menu soon.

Wine: Its In His Blood

California winemaker Kirk Venge's family has been in the wine business in some form or fashion since the early 1900's. His father was the first American winemaker to receive a 100 point rating from esteemed wine critic Robert Parker. So it makes perfect sense that Venge (Kirk) is now at the helm of  the vineyard  producing highly acclaimed, hard to find wines.

Venge made a rare appearance in Southwest Florida last week at a winemaker's dinner at Bistro 41 in The Bell Tower Shops. I've had Venge wines before so I was really looking forward to the meal and to meeting the man behind the vines. Venge was gracious, hospitable and handsome; and Bistro 41 served up a spectacular meal, as usual.

We began with a white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. It was paired with conch and crab ceviche, a warm and creamy combo on the palate.

Next up was the 2010 Scout's Honor which, to me, still needs some time in the bottle compared to last vintage. But it is still a delicious blend of mostly Zinfandel with some Petite Syrah, Charbono and Syrah. This wine and food pairing was my favorite of the night. Chef Heath Higginbotham made a Pan-roasted Mallard Duck Breast on top of green pea puree, with baklava and Scout's Honor plum sauce. When I put all three flavors on the fork for the perfect bite (the fatty salty duck, sweet baklava, nuts and vegetable) it was a musical match to the wine.

Third course was a 2009 Silencieux Cabernet, full dark chocolate, cherry and smoke. Only 100 cases were made. The wine was a bit overpowered by the smoke of the Osso Bucco it was served with, however, it was superb with the marrow inside of the bone.

We finished the night with a chocolate parfait, each layer contained a new, delicious surprise. It was a rich treat with the Late Harvest Zinfandel.. Only three barrels of the Zin were made and it typically only leaves CA if you pack it in your luggage. So next trip to wine country, make an appointment to visit Venge's winery.  It will be well worth the effort.

Good Bottle Gone Bad

A dear friend of mine recently had a birthday and not only did he get gifts, he gave gifts. Delicious gifts from his wine cellar; Opus One and Stag's Leap S.L.V. He arrived at Fleming's Steakhouse with a bottle under each arm and asked our server for permission to uncork. Most good restaurants are open to BYOB of wines they do not have on their list. Opus One and Stag's Leap are often found on reserve wine lists but not vintages like these; 2002 and 1998 respectively. My mouth was watering as the wines were decanted. Thankfully they lived up to my expectations.

It's always good etiquette to buy a bottle when you bring one and Fleming's list has a multitude of great choices. We all agreed to a bottle of one of my favorite Cabernets; Chateau Montelena (2007).

Our server poured a small taste and handed it to the wine connoisseur sitting next to me for approval. When he put his nose into the glass, it was obvious he was contemplating; but we didn't know exactly what. When he swirled the wine again, even I could smell the mildew. Being a fan of the wine, we knew the bottle was "corked" or bad. It happens; even in the best restaurants. Our server poured another small taste, disappeared with it and returned shortly with a new bottle that was outstanding.

I'm writing about this so if it happens to you, you wont settle for drinking an off-bottle because you are embarrassed to speak up or afraid you might be wrong. Yes, some wines smell like a barnyard. If you're not sure: swirl it in your glass, let it open some more, sniff again, then taste.  If you are still not sure, ask your server to inspect. Restaurant managers can get credits or replacement for bad bottles from their distributors so it's not like you are sticking them. Even more important, they want you to leave their establishment with a good taste in your mouth, literally.

Gaga Vino

I know what you're thinking: "Lady Gaga is now producing wine?" The pop icon is many things and entrepreneur is certainly one, however, wine maker is not on her resume; at least not yet.

The California Rose' may look like Lady Gaga's blush but it's flavors are not near as flashy; quite simple actually. The first thing I got was a mouthful of raspberry followed by a little strawberry. Although full of fruit, the wine is dry. It went well with the salty cheeses on the tasting table at The Morgan House.

You should be able to find Gaga Rose' for under $15. It's a good value for sure. I know Lady Gaga likes red wine, I wonder what she has to say about Rose'.

(The Morgan House Restaurant, downtown Fort Myers FL, has wine and tapas tastings the third Tuesday of every month.)

Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner

How does a fine dining establishment pull off a high-end wine dinner for 100 people after a natural gas explosion miles away shuts down their kitchen? I don't how Bistro 41 made it happen but they did and without a hitch, at least from the patrons point of view!

George Blanckensee, Marketing Director from Chateau Montelena in California, has lots of ties to Southwest Florida and was the man of the hour when he arrived with the a wine that rarely leaves California, the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Only 500 cases were made and we drank one prior to sitting down to the five course dinner.

First course: Braised pork belly over caramelized apple sauerkraut served with a 2009 Potter's Valley Riesling. The wine had lots of acid but was still flowery with peach and melon on the finish. Only 1500 cases were made. Combined with the fatty pork and bold apple sauerkraut it was rich and delicious.

Second course: Arugula with Dijon vinaigrette, topped with St Andre cheese, candied tomatoes and hearts of palm served with an '08 Chardonnay. It was not a typical California Chardonnay full of oak. It was brighter but still rich and for me was better with the delicious salad than on it's own. I was told the chef cooked those candied tomatoes for 5 hours at low heat, wow!

Third course: Au Poivre Diver Scallops over wild mushroom thyme grits and a beurre rouge served with the 2007 Zinfandel. The scallops were cooked perfectly! The Zin was soft and elegant, not an alcohol bomb like many can be. It was smokey and jammy and had yummy cocoa. I was surprised at how well it went with the dish and was curious to see how it would pair with the next course. So I saved a little, hard as it was.

Fourth course: Oak grilled Colorado Lamp Chop with a melange of roasted butternut squash and rutabagas topped with foie gras butter and served with the 2006 Estate Cabernet. This is Chateau Montelena's flagship Cabernet and it never disappoints. It's Bordeaux-style with more fruit than oak, earthy and goes down with ease! Great with the lamb! By the way, the Zin was good with it too!

Fifth course: Tart trio of strawberry, Maytag bleu cheese and dark chocolate served with a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. This was like "playtime"! I took a sip of wine after a bite of each tart, then I combined all three tarts in one perfect bite, then just the cheese and chocolate, then the chocolate and fruit and by now you get the picture. Each combination was fantastic with the wine. What a great way to experiment with flavors. Quote of the night: "This is the Cab that I wish for and think of" (when wanting a good Cabernet)!

The pairings brought out so many wonderful flavors, the enthusiasm was bursting, the company was incredible, the service was impeccable, the chef's outstanding and to pull off a meal like this in the midst of a crisis that later shut down the restaurant (and hundreds of others) was more than impressive! Bravo!!!

Goin' Back To Cali

I love a little old school LL Cool J, "Goin' back to Cali, stylin', profilin'...". We worked as hard as we could to be "stylin" in our rented 12-passenger van as we checked into the Avia Hotel in downtown Napa. The Avia is a new boutique hotel on First Street that is within walking distance to great restaurants, bars and tasting rooms.

I don't know if it is inherent because I am a woman but I care about the small things. Like the cozy bed with fluffy down blankets and the fireplace at my feet that lit with the flip of a switch. I loved the big bathroom with lots of counter space and the random tub in the middle of the room with a tray of bath products.....aaaaaahhhhh.

Enough daydreaming, lets get back to the business at hand; WINE! I mentioned there was a tasting room within walking distance to the hotel, Ceja. The Ceja family came to the US from Mexico in the 60's to pursue their winemaking dreams. They now own 113 acres and produce wine that has earned them various titles including "Hottest Small Brand of 2007".

A typical tasting is $10 for four pours. We enjoyed: a 2007 Sauvignon Blanc that was full of guava, papaya and lychee; a 2007 vino de Casa which was a delicious blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, full and balanced with ripe plums; a 2007 Pinot Noir that had layers of menthol and dried fruit; a 2006 Sonoma Syrah that exploded with pepper and blackberries, a comfort food wine. Only 575 cases were produced and we bought one of them.

The wines we tasted ranged in price from $20-$40 and all were well worth it! However, it's really hard to find Ceja in Florida. Sorry for the tease. Join the wine club.

The tasting room also offers gourmet foods, cozy seating and engaging art work. In addition Ceja hosts a Salsa night at the neighboring Bistro Sabor on Saturdays. Very cool place to visit.

Big Dawgs

I’ve tried so many delicious wines this week! Two more big dawgs to tell you about then I’ll let you in on some more affordable and easy to find gems.

Napa is synonymous for great Cabernet’s but have you ever had a blockbuster from Hollister, CA? I just found one, the ’06 Godsend from Leal Vineyards. This limited production Cabernet is from Leal’s Library Collection. The grapes were hand selected and the wine given a little more time in the barrel. The result is a rich, elegant wine with a nice round finish! It will run you about $75 a bottle. Might be a good Christmas gift for someone special. But make sure that special someone shares with you!!

Boyanci is from Napa. Only 360 six bottle cases were produced and the winery is officially sold out. Good luck hunting it down. It’ll cost around $140 but it is worth it! Big ripe fruit, blackberry and light chocolate with great structure! That sounds so official so let me try it this way, it freakin' rocks! The wine is actually a blend of mostly Cabernet with some Syrah Petite Verdot Merlot and Cab Franc. Get on the winery mail list so you can score some of the '07 when it released.

More Than A Mouthful

Thanks to the nice gentleman at the bar in Cru who shared this delicious wine with my friends and me! The 2007 Buccella Cabernet has consistently received ratings in the mid to upper 90’s since its release and now I know why!

The nose was toasty. The wine was full-bodied with some smoke, licorice and black fruit! The finish lingered in luscious layers! I wish I could’ve sipped and swirled a little longer! Like many big Cabernets the flavors were just starting to explode when I got to the bottom of my glass. The wine definitely needs to open so be patient if you buy a bottle. If you can really be patient, cellar it! With more time in the bottle this wine will REALLY knock your socks off!

There were only 1,110 cases produced and a bottle will cost you about $150 retail. Buccella is Latin for “mouthful” and it certainly is!

Charles Creek

The Charles Creek Vineyard tasting room is on the plaza in downtown Sonoma and it's open late! I've had Charles Creek in the past but wasn't really that familiar with all the winery had to offer. Gracing the middle of the tasting room was Ms Moo-lot; a giant cow made of corks. Talk about a conversation piece!

We started with an '08 Rose that was a crazy blend Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with some Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, White Riesling and Grenache. It was raspberry and cherry and delicious! Don't be scared to drink pink!!

Everyone in our group was keen on the '08 Riesling, a dry wine from El Dorado County chalked full of exotic fruits! We had Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, an award winning Merlot and several others. The other big hit was the La Sonrisa del Tecolote Cabernet. It smelled like figs and tasted like plum and spice. I could also taste some dark chocolate and toasty oak. The name means "The Smile of the Owl" after the winemaker's Grandma! I love anything that pays homage to Grandma's!!!

The bomb was La Bomba Chocolate, a rich port wine of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, fortified with brandy and infused with flavors of dark chocolate. The infusion process is a highly guarded secret. It was chocolate cake in a glass. Someone else referred to it as drinking a Tootsie Roll. Forget the dessert just drink this!

B.R. Cohn

Just around the corner from Valley of the Moon in Glen Ellen is the tasting room for B.R. Cohn. Owner Bruce R. Cohn is the long time manager of the Doobie Brothers so this winery is famous for events that involve live music and other fun! We just missed the Fall Music Festival! Of course the winery has a signature Dobbie Brothers wine. It's called Doobie Red and is a blend made with Bordeaux style varietals. A portion of the proceeds from this $20 bottle go to veteran and other charitable organizations.

2007 produced some great wines in California and all of them we tried at B.R. Cohn are worth purchasing. The Petite Sirah was dark, toasty, spicy and rich with tannins. My favorite of the tasting was the 2007 Petit Verdot. The grapes are grown at the Olive Hill Estate Vineyard and are said to receive "the same care and attention" as B.R. Cohn's well known Olive Hill Cabernet Sauvignon which totally rocked! The Petit Verdot was full of black-cherry and vanilla and got a gold star on my tasting notes!

They were making room for the new vintage and had great sales on these wines by the case. Another fabulous perk for visiting the tasting room in person!

By the way, if you are thinking about a wine country wedding B.R. Cohn hosts them and will soon be home to a culinary center.

Valley of the Moon

I just returned from five days of soaking myself in giant barrels of wine during the first days of harvest in California. Harvesting is late this year because of the cool summer they've had. The grapes have just begun to ripen enough to pick. I was asked why I didn't blog while on the trip. I was so immersed in what I was doing, so caught up in the moment that I just couldn't stop to write. I tasted literally hundreds of wines. So I thought I would blog a little at at time so I don't overwhelm you or myself!

Our first stop after landing at SFO was Valley of the Moon in Sonoma, Glenn Ellen to be specific. When I think of Valley of the Moon I usually think of an affordable, light Pinot Blanc. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg of what the winery has to offer. We started with a Rosato Di Sangiovese that smelled like raspberries. It was hot pink and full of pomegranate, cranberry and citrus. I was surprised at how long the finish was. A great wine for Florida! We tried some delicious sparkling wines, a tobacco filled Barbera, a spicy old vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernets, some blends; about a dozen wines total.

Some of the wines we tried were only available at the winery or through the wine club so I stocked up on those and had them shipped home. Valley of the Moon also bottles Lake Sonoma wines. If you can find the 2007 Alexander Valley Cab you have to get it! It was full of blueberry and cassis, a little cinnamon for some spice and nicely balanced overall! The staff was great and the tasting room had one of the best gift stores! I had no idea Valley of the Moon had so much to offer!

Mi Sueno

I got to drink a bottle of Pinot Noir last night from a little winery in Napa that has a story as big as the flavors in the bottle: a 2007 Mi Sueno Pinot Noir from Russian River. The wine is earthy and full of red fruits. As it opens there is a nice balance of fruit, tannins and oak.

Mi Sueno means my dream in Spanish. Rolando Herrera came to California from Mexico as a boy. His family was searching for a better life. As a teenager Herrera washed dishes at the famed Auberge du Soleil, worked as a “cellar rat” at Stag’s Leap and from there spent the next 20 years learning the ins and outs of the wine business before becoming his own boss. Herrera now owns Mi Sueno and even purchased the winery’s bottling equipment with cash! Talk about a dream! His wines have also been served multiple times at the White House!

Herrera’s wines aren’t always easy to find but they are worth the hunt!!

Austria meets California

Last night I went to a wine tasting at a coffee shop! If you didn't know, Bennett's Fresh Roast in downtown Fort Myers also has a nice selection of beer and wine and occasionally hosts wine events that attract the "see and be seen" crowd. The summer wine soiree featured vintners from Spain, Chile and of course California. One in particular that stood out was a Darcie Kent Gruner Veltiner, Rava Black Jack.

The Gruner Veltiner grape comes from Austria and Darcie Kent claims to be one of the few if not the only winery to grow it in California. The nose was full of lime, the palate was full of minerals and fruit. The two things I pictured drinking this wine with were ceviche and a dessert with white chocolate and keylime! It is definitely food friendly and retails for about $18!

Bennett has never been one to let his guest go hungry so he delighted us throughout the night with cured meats, hummus, impeccable cheese trays and of course his signature donuts!











He rolled out miniature versions of his homemade, hand-cut treats then made sure they were perfectly frosted with chocolate. The wine was great but this is what the crowd had been waiting for! Right out of the fryer and into our mouths! You MUST try these donuts! And while you're there see if Bennett has a bottle of the Domaine Napa Cabernet or the Montgras Carmenere. The chocolate donuts were great with both wines. Yes I had two, they were small!!!

Charitable Chow

Two wine dinners in 3 days! How lucky can a girl get! Last night’s soiree at The Grill Room in Coconut Point was also a benefit for Eden Florida and Autism Speaks. The chef put out a great spread heavy in protein with healthy pours of Clos du Bois Reserve wines.

Of course we began the evening with some festive bubbles and light hors d’oeuvres while perusing the silent auction items. First course was baked Grouper with toasted almonds and Limoncello cream with micro greens. The wine was a 2007 Reserve Chardonnay from Russian River Valley. I didn’t like the nose at first, woody and a bit chemical but it was nice on the pallet, even better with food and perfect with the dish! The fish had great texture and the flavors were fabulous. I would order it again in a heartbeat!

The next dish was something I would love to have again for the holidays; Cornish Hen stuffed with pork and prunes, butternut squash and cranberry sauce. Another great pairing with an ‘06 Sonoma Ranch Reserve Alexander Valley Merlot. The Merlot was blended with a touch of Malbec to add color and complexity. It drank more like a Cabernet with a peppery finish. I would like to have it again with a little more age (the wine, not me).

The final dish was a Tenderloin Au Poivre with Dijon brandy cream and a 2006 Sonoma Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine filled my nose and mouth with spice and cocoa. It was full bodied and velvety! I asked for a little more, “just to be sure” I liked it, hahaha!

I have to say I was a bit relieved that there was not a dessert course. Cheers to the chef and wine reps who made the magic of food and wine pairing come to life!