Forget the wine today.... I want to talk about Bear Republic Racer 5 and Stone Arrogant Bastard.
These beers eclipse the mainstream stuff. Heck, just two years ago, a cold Sam Adams was amazing to me... so was the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale... they seemed so flavorful with nice sweet and spicy aromas....
WRONG. It's about the evolving tastes... once you have something really good, it's hard to go back.
Yesterday, we opened a bottle of Racer 5... this beer was like having a snack... it was full, robust, sweet but not fruity... nicely balanced with pine-scented hops... talk about a delicious beer!
After some music rehearsal, we opened a bottle of Arrogant Bastard... DAMN! I've had it before but in the 90 degree heat poured into cold mugs, it was not only refreshing, but the flavors were so rich and full - the finish like candy - it only left me craving more.
Alas, that's all we had - so we opened a bottle of Rosenblum Rockpile Zinfandel and dove into a pizza....
Cheers!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
California Road Trip
I've been saying that being an unemployed musician who loves wine has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time! While taking my job for granted - assuming it would always be there - I began to develop some fear about not working... or at least not working at the job I'd become so used to. Interestingly enough, so many great things have happened since then, I wouldn't go back. Time is more valuable than money.
With that, on Sunday Morning (June 21), I left with my daughter to drive her back to Berkeley... she actually has a job... and help her into her new apartment. Our time together is precious and, not possible on the level it has been had I been in the precarious position of asking someone (i.e. a 'boss') for 'permission' to leave for such an important endeavor. Again - time over money.
After moving into the apartment (thanks for your help, Jacob) - we digressed toward Moss Beach to hang out at the Seal Cove Inn with family. This is a beautiful bed and breakfast that I highly recommend to anyone who has an affinity for the coast of California.
That evening, we promptly opened a bottle of 2006 Denner Ditch Digger while my brother-in-law, Ray, grilled some redskin potatos and tri-tip marinated in some Basque Norte sauce. The Ditch Digger - a GSM from Paso Robles, was so delicious and refreshing. It's a very flavorful wine that is like a vocalist with a 3octave range.... nice acidity, great structure, and a fantastic finish. But, that was just the warm-up!
Of course, we ran out of wine just as dinner was finished. There's only one solution when that happens - get more wine! So, we drove across the street (PCH to be exact) and picked up a bottle of 2006 Rosenblum Heritage Clones Petite Sirah. Because our wine consumption progressed from gentle to bold, we thought we'd just crash and burn like Led Zeppelin and down the Rosenblum - think Kashmir on 10!!!! This wine rocks.... a lot of bang for the buck.
After watching Bottle Shock (see it!) while enjoying our Rosenblum, the evening ended with a very nice crash on the sofa.
Monday began early with driving my daughter back to Berkeley so that she could go to work, and running some errands for her before her noon lunch break. We spent lunch at Crepes a GoGo on University Avenue in Berkeley. This place does a great job on their Crepes... and the variety pretty much can cover all three meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and - if you like - Dinner!
After lunch, I took her back to work and got on the freeway... North to the 101 toward Healdsburg. I had no plan in mind except to check out this little town. No exit strategy... just running on gasoline, ambition, and curiosity.
I arrived in Healdsburg around 3:00 p.m., parking on the street in the downtown area near the very charming and quaint tree-lined park in the center of the city. My goal was to first visit Murphy Goode.... very easy to find. In fact, finding places to eat or taste wine in downtown Healdsburg is so easy, for someone like me, it's tempting to never leave. I was 5 minutes into my visit and ready to call my wife and tell her to rent a u-haul, empty out the house, and come up. The people in this town are not only friendly, they are warm and hospitable to the point where I felt immediately like I was among old friends.
With that, on Sunday Morning (June 21), I left with my daughter to drive her back to Berkeley... she actually has a job... and help her into her new apartment. Our time together is precious and, not possible on the level it has been had I been in the precarious position of asking someone (i.e. a 'boss') for 'permission' to leave for such an important endeavor. Again - time over money.
After moving into the apartment (thanks for your help, Jacob) - we digressed toward Moss Beach to hang out at the Seal Cove Inn with family. This is a beautiful bed and breakfast that I highly recommend to anyone who has an affinity for the coast of California.
That evening, we promptly opened a bottle of 2006 Denner Ditch Digger while my brother-in-law, Ray, grilled some redskin potatos and tri-tip marinated in some Basque Norte sauce. The Ditch Digger - a GSM from Paso Robles, was so delicious and refreshing. It's a very flavorful wine that is like a vocalist with a 3octave range.... nice acidity, great structure, and a fantastic finish. But, that was just the warm-up!
During our meal, we opened the 2006 Fetish Watcher Barossa Shiraz. I love this wine. It's just delicious - and, being a big fan of black licorice, well - talk about a terrific pairing with the tri-tip!
Of course, we ran out of wine just as dinner was finished. There's only one solution when that happens - get more wine! So, we drove across the street (PCH to be exact) and picked up a bottle of 2006 Rosenblum Heritage Clones Petite Sirah. Because our wine consumption progressed from gentle to bold, we thought we'd just crash and burn like Led Zeppelin and down the Rosenblum - think Kashmir on 10!!!! This wine rocks.... a lot of bang for the buck.
After watching Bottle Shock (see it!) while enjoying our Rosenblum, the evening ended with a very nice crash on the sofa.
Monday began early with driving my daughter back to Berkeley so that she could go to work, and running some errands for her before her noon lunch break. We spent lunch at Crepes a GoGo on University Avenue in Berkeley. This place does a great job on their Crepes... and the variety pretty much can cover all three meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and - if you like - Dinner!
After lunch, I took her back to work and got on the freeway... North to the 101 toward Healdsburg. I had no plan in mind except to check out this little town. No exit strategy... just running on gasoline, ambition, and curiosity.
I arrived in Healdsburg around 3:00 p.m., parking on the street in the downtown area near the very charming and quaint tree-lined park in the center of the city. My goal was to first visit Murphy Goode.... very easy to find. In fact, finding places to eat or taste wine in downtown Healdsburg is so easy, for someone like me, it's tempting to never leave. I was 5 minutes into my visit and ready to call my wife and tell her to rent a u-haul, empty out the house, and come up. The people in this town are not only friendly, they are warm and hospitable to the point where I felt immediately like I was among old friends.
At Murphy Goode, Kim welcomed me with that Healdsburg warmth and, of course I immediately agreed to the $5 tasting fee. Never tasting their wines before, I was pleasantly surprised and the variety of tastes I encountered. Buying a couple of cases would have been easy but it was warm outside and I would be doing much driving for a couple of days. Not wanting to cook an investment in wine, I opted for a single bottle of the 2004 Adams Knoll Cabernet. This is such a soft and balanced cab, I'm looking forward to some fillet Mignon or grilled salmon to pair with it.
During our conversation, Kim and I arrived at a mutual taste for Syrah. At this point, she immediately recommended that I walk to the opposite corner of the 'square' and visit Topel.
I was greeted by Ryan - not only a genuinely friendly chap but, I found out, a fellow musician. Check out his stuff here: http://www.myspace.com/livingamongtrialsmusic. Anyway, Ryan explained that Topel was known for its' Cabernet, but we opened the tasting experience with their 2007 Serendipity Monterey Pinot Noir. This wine tastes in two waves... the first filled with soft fruit, then 2nd wave with the spicy characteristics that give it enough structure to be diversely food friendly.
I enjoyed all of the wines that I tasted at Topel... and, yes, the Syrah was very good! Kim and I do share the same tastes in Syrah. Alas, however, I bought the Pinot. I was unique enough to stay with me throughout the other wines.... but I'll definitely be back to buy some of the others when the weather is cooler.
I left Topel and walked across the street to.... Rosenblum! I immediately called Ray at the Seal Cove Inn and told him where I was - at which we both had a good laugh because of our encounter with the Petite Sirah the previous evening. Anyway, I was once again warmly and heartily greeted, this time by Sean who invited me to taste the Rosenblum reserve wines.
I'm a fan. I love Zinfandel and Syrah and Rosenblum is not short on either, although Zin is their specialty. They even had 4 displays of spices and aromas matched with 4 of the wines that I tasted - this was a great idea! It enabled me to more definitively identify some of the characteristics of their wine and appreciate their subtlety even more. What I was most impressed with was Rosenblum's ability to create wines that are typically fruit bombs, but do so in a subtle and complex way. These are wonderful wines and for one winery to produce such a large number of great tasting varietals - not to mention the numerous Zinfandels - all of which stand on their own unique character is profoundly impressive!
I left Rosenblum with more wine and decided it would be good to eat before driving to a cousins' house in Santa Rosa. Ryan recommended the Bear Republic Brewing Company for it's great selection of micro brews and their fantastic burgers.
I agree. They have great micro brews and fantastic burgers. I had Racer X and a bacon cheeseburger with garlic fries. How's that for ending an excursion?
The next day began with a road trip south... across the golden gate bridge, through San Francisco (what a beautiful city), and back to Berkeley to once again enjoy lunch with my daughter before heading back home.
I left Berkeley around 1:30 and, after gassing up in Gilroy, I headed down the 101 merrily... excited about my road trip. Just south of Gonzalez, I saw the Blackstone Winery and decided to stop in. I tasted 4 wines - 2 Pinot Noir's, 1 Zinfandel, and 1 Syrah. C'mon Blackstone - you can do better than this. Don't blend your Pinot with Syrah or anything else.... your Zin is okay and the Syrah is typical middle of the road Syrah with some nice peppery spice to round it out but, you're the only game within miles of Gonzalez.... take your time. You could be a great place to stop - but folks are not going to come back to taste if the competition north and south of you continue to make far better wines.
I left Blackstone and drove south... south... south, stopping in Buellton to consider perhaps staying for the night... it was now almost 7:00 and I was a bit tired. I also had my Sea Smoke order to pick up in Lompoc.... but I was ready to go home and didn't feel like staying alone in a hotel room... even for $59 via hotwire.
I got home at around 10:30 p.m. and my wife asked "More Wine????" I said yup... and loaded up the vinotemps with my new familial additions. I grabbed a beer, sat down and watched some mindless TV, and went to sleep.
Cheers!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
My unedited Murphy Goode Video...
Personally, I'm not sure that I even have a shot... that said, even long shots must be taken to keep hope alive.... you never know... anyway, I had to edit the original video (shot by my 14-year old daughter Jamie on her little Canon camera - the best we have in our household) down to 1 minute for the application... however, I figured I'd put the whole 2+ minute video here... it's nothing fancy, but it's honest.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Denner Syrah.... Ruth's Chris Anaheim...
What a combination... last night, one of our daughters flew in from Berkeley to be with her sisters for the youngest 8th grade graduation.... upon leaving the airport, we stopped at Ruth's Chris in Anaheim....
And I just 'happened' to have a bottle of 2006 Denner Syrah with me.... go figure!!!
First off, high compliments to the folks at Ruth's Chris.... we arrived at 8:30 p.m. and didn't leave until almost 10:30.... and, amidst what was obviously a very busy evening at the restaurant, the level of service and hospitality bestowed on us was top notch all the way. Not to mention the wonderful food.... shoestring potatoes, grilled ahi tuna, new york steak, stuffed mushrooms... and on and on... the flavors were incredible....
... and the 2006 Denner Syrah went perfectly with the meal. It's such a big jammy wine that, at first, one might wonder if there's anything but an over the top fruit bomb... but the finesse is exemplary... the finish just keeps on giving... delicious!
Kudos to both Ruth's Chris and Denner Vineyards for contributing to a wonderful evening out for our family.
Cheers!
And I just 'happened' to have a bottle of 2006 Denner Syrah with me.... go figure!!!
First off, high compliments to the folks at Ruth's Chris.... we arrived at 8:30 p.m. and didn't leave until almost 10:30.... and, amidst what was obviously a very busy evening at the restaurant, the level of service and hospitality bestowed on us was top notch all the way. Not to mention the wonderful food.... shoestring potatoes, grilled ahi tuna, new york steak, stuffed mushrooms... and on and on... the flavors were incredible....
... and the 2006 Denner Syrah went perfectly with the meal. It's such a big jammy wine that, at first, one might wonder if there's anything but an over the top fruit bomb... but the finesse is exemplary... the finish just keeps on giving... delicious!
Kudos to both Ruth's Chris and Denner Vineyards for contributing to a wonderful evening out for our family.
Cheers!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A darn good dinner at home....
Last night we had an amazing home-cooked meal... with some fantastic wine. I'll make it short.
I grilled some salmon that was glazed in lemon olive oil and Cajun spices... right on the grill... grill marks and everything :)
With that we had a baby greens salad and some baked potato.
The wine? 2005 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir.
Enough said.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
More on Murphy Goode...
I've been looking at the videos from folks trying to get their feet in the door at Murphy Goode... (www.areallygoodejob.com) and I have to say.... some of the videos are flat out overwhelmingly good. I'm not sure I can compete with these.
I heard about the position and thought I'd put something together - I guess I still have until this Friday to do so.... in preparation, I visited the website and reviewed about 50-60 videos... and saw the same recurring themes: I Love Wine, I have media experience, I love nature, I'm the one you want, etc etc....
The thing is, only one of the many folks applying is really 'the one'. I'm not sure what they are looking for but, if it's someone with extensive media experience who has already worked in a winery or for a major magazine or whatever, then I don't stand a chance - neither do 95% of the other applicants. Hell, some of these folks are so darn good looking that I forgot what they were talking about!!!!
That said, this is not a glamour job - it's a tough (interesting and fun - at times, I'm sure) and intense job - companies don't just pay $10,000 per month plus housing for someone to kick back and drink wine all day. This is a serious position for the right person with the time and effort to drop everything else in their life and focus on Murphy Goode for 6 months.
And then walk away.
Cheers!
I heard about the position and thought I'd put something together - I guess I still have until this Friday to do so.... in preparation, I visited the website and reviewed about 50-60 videos... and saw the same recurring themes: I Love Wine, I have media experience, I love nature, I'm the one you want, etc etc....
The thing is, only one of the many folks applying is really 'the one'. I'm not sure what they are looking for but, if it's someone with extensive media experience who has already worked in a winery or for a major magazine or whatever, then I don't stand a chance - neither do 95% of the other applicants. Hell, some of these folks are so darn good looking that I forgot what they were talking about!!!!
That said, this is not a glamour job - it's a tough (interesting and fun - at times, I'm sure) and intense job - companies don't just pay $10,000 per month plus housing for someone to kick back and drink wine all day. This is a serious position for the right person with the time and effort to drop everything else in their life and focus on Murphy Goode for 6 months.
And then walk away.
Cheers!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Mark West Pinot....
I love cheap Pinot... not cheap tasting... cheap price tag. So many Pinot's are simply overpriced. Although Pinot can sometimes become my favorite wine... i.e. the 2003 Fort Ross Symposium - mentioned in an earlier blog or 2.... but many are simply disappointing... not because they are bad wines... no! Many are really good.... but not worth even $50.
For example.... on New Years Eve, we opened a bottle of 2005 Archery Summit Red Hill - $80. It was good... very nice wine. Worth $80? Hell no. If I had paid about $25, I'd have been happy - good bang for the buck at that price level. By contrast, about 10 days ago, we opened a bottle of 2005 Torii Mor.... about $44.... much more depth and balance than the Red Hill... at about half the price.
This is where the cheap Pinot comes in.... I love Pinot from Carmel Road, Mark West, some of the Castle Rock, etc. Do they blow my mind? No. But I love the way they taste - simple, slightly elegant, and food friendly with many dishes... most have just enough acidity to provide balance at dinnertime - and enough fruit on the nose to round things out.
Yeah, I know some of these have just a bit of Syrah and I mention this in one of my earlier blogs - that Syrah should be listed on the label much the same way that Shiraz/Viognier is labeled. That said, I just assume that the cheap pinot may have a bit of syrah, give up my need for self-congratulating wine snobbery, and just pour the darn thing into a glass and enjoy it.
Cheers!
For example.... on New Years Eve, we opened a bottle of 2005 Archery Summit Red Hill - $80. It was good... very nice wine. Worth $80? Hell no. If I had paid about $25, I'd have been happy - good bang for the buck at that price level. By contrast, about 10 days ago, we opened a bottle of 2005 Torii Mor.... about $44.... much more depth and balance than the Red Hill... at about half the price.
This is where the cheap Pinot comes in.... I love Pinot from Carmel Road, Mark West, some of the Castle Rock, etc. Do they blow my mind? No. But I love the way they taste - simple, slightly elegant, and food friendly with many dishes... most have just enough acidity to provide balance at dinnertime - and enough fruit on the nose to round things out.
Yeah, I know some of these have just a bit of Syrah and I mention this in one of my earlier blogs - that Syrah should be listed on the label much the same way that Shiraz/Viognier is labeled. That said, I just assume that the cheap pinot may have a bit of syrah, give up my need for self-congratulating wine snobbery, and just pour the darn thing into a glass and enjoy it.
Cheers!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Some more good wines....
Here are 4 delicous Pinots.... From left to right... Patz and Hall 2006 Sonoma Coast, 2005 Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee, 2006 Sea Smoke Southing, and 2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast...
Below, in the 2nd photo, are 3 really good wines from Mollydooker... The 2007 Two Left Feet.... the 2007 Boxer Shiraz.... and the 2007 The Maitre 'D" Cabernet
.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Justin and Denner...
Hi. Just for fun, I thought I'd take a couple of pictures for this post.... a 6 year vertical of Justin Isosceles - 2001-2006.... and 4 of my favorite wines from Denner... The Dirt Worshipper, Ditch Digger, Syrah, and Zinfandel...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Murphy Goode... A Really Goode Job
Today a friend calls me and says that the Murphy Goode Winery is looking for some to help with their outreach on the web... i.e. Twitter, Blogs, etc. and that it pays $10K per month for 6 months.
Sounds like my kind of job! I called the winery to make sure this was for real and they confirmed it. The job is based in Healdsburg, CA and the application process requires a video posting on a website designed for this purpose: http://www.areallygoodejob.com/.
I think this is a really cool idea. Video has opened up an entirely new arena in the job application process - employers can screen credentials, personality, and communication skills before even inviting people into the door. The only bummer is if you're a good presenter but camera shy; or not fully adept at speaking into a lens as if it were another human being sitting across from you.
That said, I've never tasted Murphy Goode wines... but I'm about to.
Cheers!
Sounds like my kind of job! I called the winery to make sure this was for real and they confirmed it. The job is based in Healdsburg, CA and the application process requires a video posting on a website designed for this purpose: http://www.areallygoodejob.com/.
I think this is a really cool idea. Video has opened up an entirely new arena in the job application process - employers can screen credentials, personality, and communication skills before even inviting people into the door. The only bummer is if you're a good presenter but camera shy; or not fully adept at speaking into a lens as if it were another human being sitting across from you.
That said, I've never tasted Murphy Goode wines... but I'm about to.
Cheers!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Barrel tasting...
I love opening a bottle of wine... tearing away the material over the top of the bottle... unveiling the cork... easing the corkscrew in... pulling the cork out.... seeing the first coloration of the cork by the wine... is it light? dark? To me it doesn't matter; I just like to see it.
Then... seeing the liquid hit the bottom of the glass and swish and swirl as the desired amount is poured out... setting the bottle down .... and lifting the glass to my nose.... smelling the wine... sometimes just enjoying it - other times trying to pick out various scents.... then drinking...
Okay, okay... sounds a bit like wine foreplay, doesn't it?
Sometimes, it's fun just to drink the wine - enough of the romantic nuances that easily surround the experience. Enter - barrel tasting!
There's something pure about pulling a stopper out of the barrel and dropping a turkey baster into the barrel, squeezing the plastic top and sucking the wine from the barrel.... dropping it into a glass..... and drinking it.
It's a pure experience - the wine hasn't been in a truck, grocery shelf or stocking cart... it's like listening to a master recording before it becomes a CD. You get to experience it before anyone else.
Cool, huh?
Cheers!
Then... seeing the liquid hit the bottom of the glass and swish and swirl as the desired amount is poured out... setting the bottle down .... and lifting the glass to my nose.... smelling the wine... sometimes just enjoying it - other times trying to pick out various scents.... then drinking...
Okay, okay... sounds a bit like wine foreplay, doesn't it?
Sometimes, it's fun just to drink the wine - enough of the romantic nuances that easily surround the experience. Enter - barrel tasting!
There's something pure about pulling a stopper out of the barrel and dropping a turkey baster into the barrel, squeezing the plastic top and sucking the wine from the barrel.... dropping it into a glass..... and drinking it.
It's a pure experience - the wine hasn't been in a truck, grocery shelf or stocking cart... it's like listening to a master recording before it becomes a CD. You get to experience it before anyone else.
Cool, huh?
Cheers!
Monday, June 8, 2009
FIFE....
This will be short blog. Two weeks ago, our local Trader Joe's was selling FIFE wines for $6.99 each. Most were 4-6 years old.
Cautiously, I bought a bottle of the 2003 Napa Valley Zinfandel.
We opened it last night and it was really good. The wine was a bit lighter in color than I expected but the flavor was all raspberries and cinnamon with a slight floral character on the nose.... damn thing smelled like spicy flowers!
We washed down some smoked salmon and BBQ chicken and the bottle was gone before we knew it.
I'm going back for more.
Cheers!
Cautiously, I bought a bottle of the 2003 Napa Valley Zinfandel.
We opened it last night and it was really good. The wine was a bit lighter in color than I expected but the flavor was all raspberries and cinnamon with a slight floral character on the nose.... damn thing smelled like spicy flowers!
We washed down some smoked salmon and BBQ chicken and the bottle was gone before we knew it.
I'm going back for more.
Cheers!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Oregon Pinot... overrated?
The first time I visited Willamette Valley, I was stunned and blown away. I visited Ponzi, Archery Summit, Domaine Serene, Domaine Drouhin, White Rose.... I think there were a few others as well.
I couldn't believe the diversity in Pinot that I tasted that day... and, as usual when tasting a lot of wine in one day, the wines just keep getting better and better. It also helped that it was a beautiful May day and everything was so green... much greener than in most of Southern California, where I live.
I singed up for all kinds of wine clubs... I couldn't wait to tell everyone I knew that was into wine how this new discovery had opened my eyes. Within the next 4-6 weeks, a UPS truck was at our house at least 2 times a week delivering more of this wonderful wine. At that point, I looked at my AMEX bill and decided it was time to quit the wine clubs.
But now I had a lot of Pinot! Pinot! Pinot!
It's all gone now... along with a bunch of other Pinot that I've had over the last 2 years while comparing wineries, vintages, and regions... you can add Sea Smoke, Williams Selyem, Sanford, Castle Rock, Carmel Road, Domaine Alfred, Flowers.... a whole bunch of Pinot People to the list...
And, my favorite so far?
The 2003 Fort Ross Sonoma Coast Symposium... about $30. I like it better than all of the above. Too bad I only bought one bottle.
Cheers!
I couldn't believe the diversity in Pinot that I tasted that day... and, as usual when tasting a lot of wine in one day, the wines just keep getting better and better. It also helped that it was a beautiful May day and everything was so green... much greener than in most of Southern California, where I live.
I singed up for all kinds of wine clubs... I couldn't wait to tell everyone I knew that was into wine how this new discovery had opened my eyes. Within the next 4-6 weeks, a UPS truck was at our house at least 2 times a week delivering more of this wonderful wine. At that point, I looked at my AMEX bill and decided it was time to quit the wine clubs.
But now I had a lot of Pinot! Pinot! Pinot!
It's all gone now... along with a bunch of other Pinot that I've had over the last 2 years while comparing wineries, vintages, and regions... you can add Sea Smoke, Williams Selyem, Sanford, Castle Rock, Carmel Road, Domaine Alfred, Flowers.... a whole bunch of Pinot People to the list...
And, my favorite so far?
The 2003 Fort Ross Sonoma Coast Symposium... about $30. I like it better than all of the above. Too bad I only bought one bottle.
Cheers!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
My self education in wine...
I was just thinking... I don't have any wine-education degrees... nothing in agriculture, nothing in the culinary arts, no experience working in a wine store, wine warehouse, picking grapes (except at my Grandma's house)... I have helped a friend make beer....
No. Instead I've spent a small fortune (fortune meaning a lot of money for a middle-class guy who's now unemployed for the moment...) on exploring wines.... making lots of mistakes along the way, finding some amazing fermented grape juice, acting like I knew what I was doing, trying to impress friends, etc etc...
Now, I've just come to the conclusion that there are two credentials that qualifies me to speak intelligently about wine - I like the stuff and I've enjoyed enough wine over the last 20 years to have a good conversation about wine with just about anyone with any degree of wine 'knowledge' and continually learn in the process.
I've also decided that as much as me or anyone else 'knows' about wine, like I've mentioned in many earlier blogs, wine knowledge is very subjective... wine appreciation is personal, and wine consumption is fun and over consumption can get you buzzed and dry your tongue out to the point where you can't tell what you're tasting anyway.
Cheers!
No. Instead I've spent a small fortune (fortune meaning a lot of money for a middle-class guy who's now unemployed for the moment...) on exploring wines.... making lots of mistakes along the way, finding some amazing fermented grape juice, acting like I knew what I was doing, trying to impress friends, etc etc...
Now, I've just come to the conclusion that there are two credentials that qualifies me to speak intelligently about wine - I like the stuff and I've enjoyed enough wine over the last 20 years to have a good conversation about wine with just about anyone with any degree of wine 'knowledge' and continually learn in the process.
I've also decided that as much as me or anyone else 'knows' about wine, like I've mentioned in many earlier blogs, wine knowledge is very subjective... wine appreciation is personal, and wine consumption is fun and over consumption can get you buzzed and dry your tongue out to the point where you can't tell what you're tasting anyway.
Cheers!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Cost Plus World Market
I love this store. There's one within walking distance of my home and, whenever I'm nearby, I stop in - even just to browse the wines. Usually, there's a great deal on something going on and I unexpectedly surprise myself with a buy on something unanticipated.
For instance, two days ago, I stopped in and found the 2007 R Wines Luchador Shiraz. I love this wine - being a fan of big bold Australian reds... darn thing only cost $15. I like that.
Next to the Luchador was the 2006 3 Rings Shiraz for $18. If I didn't already have 2 bottles at home, I'd have bought a couple of these as well.
Then, I found a Santa Ema Cabernet - WS 90 - for only $11. Yup. Bought it.
What I like most about Cost Plus World Market is that their wine selection contains many that cannot be found in the local supermarkets - all of which seem to have the same wine buyer... Yes, I like BV, Sterling, Kendall Jackson, Mondavi, and Yellow Tail... but COME ON! It's nice to find wines from Waterbrook, Heitz, Yalumba, Four Vines, and Marquis Philips in my neighborhood.
Cheers!
For instance, two days ago, I stopped in and found the 2007 R Wines Luchador Shiraz. I love this wine - being a fan of big bold Australian reds... darn thing only cost $15. I like that.
Next to the Luchador was the 2006 3 Rings Shiraz for $18. If I didn't already have 2 bottles at home, I'd have bought a couple of these as well.
Then, I found a Santa Ema Cabernet - WS 90 - for only $11. Yup. Bought it.
What I like most about Cost Plus World Market is that their wine selection contains many that cannot be found in the local supermarkets - all of which seem to have the same wine buyer... Yes, I like BV, Sterling, Kendall Jackson, Mondavi, and Yellow Tail... but COME ON! It's nice to find wines from Waterbrook, Heitz, Yalumba, Four Vines, and Marquis Philips in my neighborhood.
Cheers!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Because it's my Birthday...
I'm 48 today... Yup. I love it.
Got up this morning to a great breakfast made by my wife, Eva and, as our youngest daughter, Jamie, joined us, we enjoyed omelets, bacon, coffee, orange juice, blueberry muffins, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and bananas.... anyway...
Meandered through the morning and decided to treat myself to a great lunch... at Arnie Morton's on Figueroa in Los Angeles... not only a great steakhouse but, you REALLY NEED TO TRY THEIR MORTON'S CHEESEBURGER!!!!!
Of course, add a bottle of 2006 Isosceles, some Beefsteak tomatoes, and carrot cake dessert... not to mention the after lunch drinks... and... well, my near abstaining wife drove us home safely.
Oh, and the Justin Isosceles.. paired with the Tomatoes, and the Cheeseburger - topped with mushrooms and grilled onions, didn't miss a step. This is a serious freaking wine... serious... worth every penny and as versatile as anything I've ever had.
Happy birthday to ME... and cheers!
Got up this morning to a great breakfast made by my wife, Eva and, as our youngest daughter, Jamie, joined us, we enjoyed omelets, bacon, coffee, orange juice, blueberry muffins, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and bananas.... anyway...
Meandered through the morning and decided to treat myself to a great lunch... at Arnie Morton's on Figueroa in Los Angeles... not only a great steakhouse but, you REALLY NEED TO TRY THEIR MORTON'S CHEESEBURGER!!!!!
Of course, add a bottle of 2006 Isosceles, some Beefsteak tomatoes, and carrot cake dessert... not to mention the after lunch drinks... and... well, my near abstaining wife drove us home safely.
Oh, and the Justin Isosceles.. paired with the Tomatoes, and the Cheeseburger - topped with mushrooms and grilled onions, didn't miss a step. This is a serious freaking wine... serious... worth every penny and as versatile as anything I've ever had.
Happy birthday to ME... and cheers!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Free dinner and a bag of pasta????
About a week ago, I got this white paper bag from Carino's restaurant (www.carinos.com) that provided for one free create-your-own pasta dinner (value $9.99) and the restaurant would fill the bag with one pound of uncooked pasta. Not a bad deal.
So, I went to the local Carino's here in Whittier and - yeah - brought my own bottle - a 2007 Justin Cabernet. I've been wanting to sample the wine anyway and figured a pasta dinner would be a good pairing.
I was right. I ordered bow tie pasta with a spicy marinara sauce and meatballs. Simple.
First off, the food was actually quite good. There was just enough spice to give the dish a kick; the pasta was cooked just the way I like it - slightly firm... and the meatballs were yummy.
The Cab was very nice; the 2007 Justin Cab is a bit more... dare I say it... 'refined' than some of the prior vintages... I like this one... it's not a fruity beast as many Paso Robles cabs tend to be. Instead, it's got lots of medium berry fruit with almost a dusty cocoa powder finish, all wrapped neatly in soft tannins...
No, didn't finish the whole bottle... or the whole meal, for that matter. Got leftovers! Besides, I want to see how the cab tastes tonight after being open for 24 hours...
That's my story.
Cheers!
So, I went to the local Carino's here in Whittier and - yeah - brought my own bottle - a 2007 Justin Cabernet. I've been wanting to sample the wine anyway and figured a pasta dinner would be a good pairing.
I was right. I ordered bow tie pasta with a spicy marinara sauce and meatballs. Simple.
First off, the food was actually quite good. There was just enough spice to give the dish a kick; the pasta was cooked just the way I like it - slightly firm... and the meatballs were yummy.
The Cab was very nice; the 2007 Justin Cab is a bit more... dare I say it... 'refined' than some of the prior vintages... I like this one... it's not a fruity beast as many Paso Robles cabs tend to be. Instead, it's got lots of medium berry fruit with almost a dusty cocoa powder finish, all wrapped neatly in soft tannins...
No, didn't finish the whole bottle... or the whole meal, for that matter. Got leftovers! Besides, I want to see how the cab tastes tonight after being open for 24 hours...
That's my story.
Cheers!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Great tunes with 'wine' in 'em
I was thinking, what songs go good with wine? Then, I thought, what songs actually mention wine in their lyrics or title? Here you go:
Spill the Wine - Eric Burdon and War
Sweet Virgina - The Rolling Stones (... thank you for your wine, California)
Red Red Wine - UB40
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
God Of Wine - Third Eye Blind
Elderberry Wine - Elton John
Bottle of Red Wine - Eric Clapton
Bitter Wine - L7
Champagne and Reefer - The Rolling Stones and Buddy Guy
Little Ole Wine Drinker Me - Merle Haggard
Old Red Wine - The Who
You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones (... a glass of wine in her hand)
Hotel California - The Eagles (... pink champagne on ice)
I know there are many more.... but, I thought this was a good start. Now, for your convenienced, I've added a link to an iMIX that I created on iTUNES with all of the above tunes. It's an easy way to download these songs, open your favorite bottle, and rock out!
Click Here For the iTUNES Wine Mix
Cheers!
Spill the Wine - Eric Burdon and War
Sweet Virgina - The Rolling Stones (... thank you for your wine, California)
Red Red Wine - UB40
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
God Of Wine - Third Eye Blind
Elderberry Wine - Elton John
Bottle of Red Wine - Eric Clapton
Bitter Wine - L7
Champagne and Reefer - The Rolling Stones and Buddy Guy
Little Ole Wine Drinker Me - Merle Haggard
Old Red Wine - The Who
You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones (... a glass of wine in her hand)
Hotel California - The Eagles (... pink champagne on ice)
I know there are many more.... but, I thought this was a good start. Now, for your convenienced, I've added a link to an iMIX that I created on iTUNES with all of the above tunes. It's an easy way to download these songs, open your favorite bottle, and rock out!
Click Here For the iTUNES Wine Mix
Cheers!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Too much wine...
I'm not a doctor - let's be clear. I'm not a medical professional and I've still developed my own opinions about personal health. So, if anything I suggest here doesn't work for you, don't go off and say "well, I read it at 976wine and Beckerjim said...". Following anyone's advice is still your responsibility. Do your own research. Come to your own conclusions. Own your decisions!
Is it possible? Can someone who really loves wine - the flavors, the romanticism, the food pairings, etc, overdo it? Is it possible to enjoy it so much that... well it stops being enjoyable?
I wonder about this from time to time. Alcoholism is serious business. When one's body is unable to metabolize alcohol, the effects are simply deadly.
So, I look to what I've heard and learned from alcoholic friends what to look for; and I turn those insights inward.
For example, I'm told that alcoholics, once they start drinking, cannot stop until they're too drunk to drink. I always make it a point to stop - intentionally to make sure that I CAN stop!
I'm also told that alcoholics, because of their inability to properly metabolize alcohol, get wasted very rapidly... okay - so, I check to see if I'm getting really buzzed on one or two glasses.... and NO, I don't keep drinking until I find my buzzed threshold... (disclaimer - yeah, I've been drunk before - it's no fun... even worse the next day.)
Finally, what's the quality of life outside alcohol? Does alcohol have to be part of every activity? To me, there's a thin line here - for example, I enjoy wine every evening with dinner. It's part of the meal. Conversely, it's very rare (one-two times annually) that I'll have wine with lunch, although it can sometimes work nicely.
Can you just give up drinking for a few days and give your body a break? It can't hurt. Let's say you drink 2 glasses of wine each day. If you go 2 days without wine (i.e. Monday and Tuesday), you've cut your consumption by 28%! If you go 4 days, you've cut consumption by 56% - imagine only having wine on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday....
Or, here's another perspective. Let's say you have 3 glasses every day and cut to 2.... that's a 33% cut.
Then again, it tastes so damn good! Moderation is the key. When moderation becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, try some of the methods I use to start: cut back - replace the wine with a nice glass of ice water or even tea or coffee. If you are able to do this without going through some kind of anxious withdrawal, you're probably okay. If not, well, you may need help.
Finally, get your blood checked now and then - if the liver is functioning normally, that's a positive sign. If it's not...
Like Mr. Eastwood said "A man's gotta know his limits".
Cheers!
Is it possible? Can someone who really loves wine - the flavors, the romanticism, the food pairings, etc, overdo it? Is it possible to enjoy it so much that... well it stops being enjoyable?
I wonder about this from time to time. Alcoholism is serious business. When one's body is unable to metabolize alcohol, the effects are simply deadly.
So, I look to what I've heard and learned from alcoholic friends what to look for; and I turn those insights inward.
For example, I'm told that alcoholics, once they start drinking, cannot stop until they're too drunk to drink. I always make it a point to stop - intentionally to make sure that I CAN stop!
I'm also told that alcoholics, because of their inability to properly metabolize alcohol, get wasted very rapidly... okay - so, I check to see if I'm getting really buzzed on one or two glasses.... and NO, I don't keep drinking until I find my buzzed threshold... (disclaimer - yeah, I've been drunk before - it's no fun... even worse the next day.)
Finally, what's the quality of life outside alcohol? Does alcohol have to be part of every activity? To me, there's a thin line here - for example, I enjoy wine every evening with dinner. It's part of the meal. Conversely, it's very rare (one-two times annually) that I'll have wine with lunch, although it can sometimes work nicely.
Can you just give up drinking for a few days and give your body a break? It can't hurt. Let's say you drink 2 glasses of wine each day. If you go 2 days without wine (i.e. Monday and Tuesday), you've cut your consumption by 28%! If you go 4 days, you've cut consumption by 56% - imagine only having wine on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday....
Or, here's another perspective. Let's say you have 3 glasses every day and cut to 2.... that's a 33% cut.
Then again, it tastes so damn good! Moderation is the key. When moderation becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, try some of the methods I use to start: cut back - replace the wine with a nice glass of ice water or even tea or coffee. If you are able to do this without going through some kind of anxious withdrawal, you're probably okay. If not, well, you may need help.
Finally, get your blood checked now and then - if the liver is functioning normally, that's a positive sign. If it's not...
Like Mr. Eastwood said "A man's gotta know his limits".
Cheers!
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