The Velvet Devil - 2010 Merlot

Well, I’m FINALLY writing a blog on a Washington Wine, considering that I live in Washington State, you’d think I’d write more about Washington wines.  Maybe I was inspired because the maker of this wine (Charles Smith) looks identical to Sammy Hagar! Yeah…that’s it.

Charles Smith was voted the Food & Wine Winemaker of the year in 2009, so that definitely says something about his wine-making skills.  The vineyard is located in Walla Walla, WA also known as the Columbia Valley,  and they make several varietals of wine such as Cabernets, Chardonnays, Pinot Nois, Reisling, Syrah, etc…of which, I’m going to have to try more of. J

The 2010 Velvet Devil Merlot is a spectacular wine…I’m not much of a merlot fan, as I like big flavors in my wine. However! This merlot does not compare to some of the smaller Merlot’s I’ve tasted. It has big flavor at the beginning and at the end of the tasting, with flavors such as Blackberry, Plum and some light spice. The tannins are a bit heavy on the palate to start with but settle immediately after, leaving some light spice on the back of the palate.  This wine has little rim variation which indicates a younger wine, but full of great flavors.

I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted this wine and even more surprised when I saw the price – it retails for $12.00 a bottle – I guess it’s true what they say…good things come in small packages.

Give this wine a try and maybe then move on to some other Charles Smith wines…I know I’m going to – while cranking up Sammy Hagar on the iPod. 

Enjoy!

http://charlessmithwines.com/

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Bordino's Restaurant and Wine Bar - Fayetteville, AR

So, since I’ll be working in Fayetteville Arkansas for the next few months, I thought it was important to take care of my priorities…find the best wine bar that I enjoy going to, or find out if f Fayetteville even HAS a wine bar. Turns out they do – and a good one.

The 1^st night I came in was the night the Razorbacks coach was fired from the college football team. This coach has brought them to 3^rd place in the championships,  a better place they’ve been in, in a long time.   I can say one thing….when people talk about the South taking their football seriously…they were right. Especially for a team that has been brought to the place they are today – Fayetteville is very proud of their football  team, as well they should be.  Bordino’s was real busy, tables full, bar was full, as people were here to pre-funk before the Foreigner concert a couple blocks away. When the press conference came on and the owner announced that he had to dismiss Bob Petrino, the whole place was silent and you could just feel the hearts fall as it was announced.  This is a college town and this decision was very near and dear to their hearts.

At first, I was thinking to myself “I’ve never seen anything like this!”  Then I realized the passion these people have for their sports team, just like we do at home. It reminded me of when Seattle lost our Super Sonics – our only Championship team…which we still haven’t gotten over.  It gave me a sense of what this town was about and it was good.

 As the evening went on, the concert goers finally left (45 minutes late) and I proceeded to enjoy my evening with the staff at Bordino’s.  Erin, the Beverage Manager was more than generous in her wine education and was a lot of fun to be around. Her staff Brandon and Rachel, were just as much fun. Everyone seemed to enjoy working together which made it nice to be a customer. Nobody likes an angry bartender or waiter. 

Bordinos offers a great selection of wines, in fact, more than I imagined – I was pleasantly surprised. They obviously take pride in their wine selections, as they serve wines from Washington,  Oregon, California, France, Argentina, Spain, etc…  We tried a few different whites, one was the Elk Cove Pinot Blanc and I have to say…’Oh Hell Yeah!”  I’ve never had a Pinot Blanc before but Erin turned me on to it and I am so thankful for her!  J  It’s a very crisp and clean white wine with active tannins and flavors of pear that settle immediately after hitting the front of the palate. Deeee-Lish! This one wasn’t on the menu but she let me have some any way. My 2^nd visit…my new buddy, Brandon, also served it to me. I think they like me!  Mmmwwaaahhhh.

The food menu is also quite significant. I had a 2 cheese selection and some Lemon/Orange cured salmon which went perfectly with my Pinot Blanc. 

A few things I look for while traveling that make a big difference to me are good wine, good people and amazing customer service.  I found all 3 here at Bordino’s.  I hope they don’t get sick of me. J

Cheers!

2010 Lunatic White Blend

I sat down tonight to catch up on a few wine reviews, as I’m a little behind.  I’ve been tasting plenty of wine lately, but just haven’t been writing them up….that darn day job of mine is cutting into my wine blogging.

As I sat down I realized that I didn’t have a glass of wine – I can’t write a wine blog without a glass of wine. Good lord, what was I thinking?!

So, since I’m in a hotel room (traveling for that darn day job) the only selection I had, was a bottle I picked up yesterday at the local ‘spirits” store, a 2010 Lunatic White Blend.   The Lunatic wine is made by Luna Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA.  As you know by now (if reading my blogs I’m somewhat partial to California wines).

The varietal of the Lunatic is 38% Albarino, 34% Malvasia Bianca and 28% Chardonnay – each grape has a distinct flavor of its own and balances real nicely with the others.  I think this varietal is pretty interesting as most blends contain a Riesling, Chardonnay and possibly a Pinot Gris – so this one grabbed my attention.

The aromas are floral and real delicate, but on tasting there are citrus flavors on the front of the palate and apricot on the back. The tannin’s are very mild and delicately active – a nice crisp wine, perfect for summer….or for a hot hotel room.  Whichever works…the hotel room, in this scenario.  Hurry up summer!

The Lunatic was so delicious I ended up ordering a case through one of my friends who owns a wine bar in Seattle…thanks goodness for friends in high places. J

CHEERS!

2008 Trinitas Old Vine Zinfandel

Trinitas 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel - 1 word ..…Heaven. 

This wine has been one of my favorites ever since I realized that Zinfandel shouldn’t be pink, or come out of a box.  Back in my younger days, I’d sit on my front porch with my girlfriend Vicki and we’d polish off a box of Zinfandel and chat it up like there was no tomorrow.  Oh, those were the days.

But now that I’ve matured in my wine drinking, I’ve moved on to better labels and will only drink wine that is bottled. J 

One of my recent choices, was the 2008 Trinitas Old Vine Zinfandel. It is a dark red/brown in color and the rim variation, I thought, was insignificant. The aromas on the nose we medium fruit with a hint of oak and dill.  The alcohol content is 14.8% - Yikes!  Or should I say…WooHoo!

On the palate, the tannin’s were lightly active at the front of the palate and also at the back, very consistent through-out the taste.  The body is moderate – not too light and not too full, just medium bodied.  The flavors of plum, blackberry and vanilla appear immediately, and then I also tasted honey and a little white pepper.  This wine was very active with flavors, but none that I found offensive, all complimented the others.

Because of all the flavors that are in this wine, they make it versatile with just about any food pairing. You could have it with poultry or red meat, I would assume red meat would be best due to the white pepper, but that’s just me.  Chocolate would be another great treat to have with this Zin.

Trinitas Cellars is located in Napa Valley and was found by Tim and Steph Bush in 2002, and is still run by them and their children. One of the great things about Napa Valley is that most wineries are family-owned and it’s because of a passion that one has for wine.

2008 Cambria Pinot Noir

Well, I have to admit...you know you work for a good company when the President of the company comes by and hands you a glass of wine, while working head down, in the office.

As you may know from my previous post, I traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas this week to visit my corporate office.  I had a wonderful time getting to know some of the people that I talk to on the phone on a weekly basis and also getting to know the details of my new project.

However!! One of my highlights (and certainly not to discount anything else) was when my friend and boss brought me a glass of 2008 Cambria Pinot Noir and gave me a little 'Cheers'.

The tanins were real busy right at the front of the palate and calmed down but them picked up again at the back of the palate. It was very interesting, but also delicious.  There were alot of berry and plum flavors through-out. The body was medium and was really nice for either drinking alone or possibly with some poultry with light seasoning.  Of course, since I was in the office I didn't have any poultry to try it with...but you should give it a try!  :)

Cambria vineyards is located in Santa Maria, CA - I've never been there, but will most likely make a point to. 

Wine Pairing With Tornado Warning

So...this week, I have been fortunate to travel to the Great State of Arkansas and visit the wonderful little town Little Rock.  Great People!! Love, love, love the people, the town is greener than I imagined and the traffic...not so bad.  The Tornado warnings however, threw me off a little bit.

So - what does a Seattle Wine Girl do?? She drinks wine...and lots of it! 

I was delayed in Dallas yesterday on my connection to Little Rock, due to weather, but I had no idea that it was due to tornadoes coming our way. As we sat on the tarmack for almost 2 hours waiting for the runway to open back up, my thoughts were "good lord lets get this thing up in the air and get to Little Rock...it's not Rocket Science!" 
Turns out...it actually IS Rocket Science.  They wouldn't depart due to the weather, the compass device and our safety .Thank You Dallas Fort Worth Airport!

The next day, after safely landing in Little Rock (less than 24 hours) I'm reading the news and see that there were 13 tornadoes in Dallas and 2 of them touched down...a few injuries, cars thrown in a few houses (no one was hurt), and couple semi's blew off the highway into the trees (again, no one was hurt). So as grateful as I was to hear the news that people were safe...I got wind (pun intended)that the torandoes were heading to Little Rock Arkansas....awesome.  NOT!

MY reaction...?? Order wine from the lounge before it closes down or blows away.  I dont care what label they have, how much it is costs, or if it's white or red.  Please just serve me some wine, as I am a Seattle girl and have no idea how to survive in a tornado , nor do I want to. 
Throw me a volcano, small earthquake or just a disgruntled panhandler...I'm fine. But a tornado..?? No thanks!!

Anyway...In my findings of this type of situation - ANY WINE WORKS FINE! ( I chose a chardonnay...dont know the label, nor did I care)  Just make sure that they have enough for you. 

God Speed!

Eisch Wine Glasses That Aerate

These glasses are Great!!  We have a few sets and they definately make a difference in helping the wine open up much faster  - 4 minutes is the suggested time. ...and we all want our wine faster! Right? :) 
Maybe some of you wine-o's can take advantage of this deal. It came across on my email so I thought I'd pass it on.


ONE LAST DEAL!!!

LOWEST PRICE EVER!!!
$11.99 FOR EISCH BREATHABLE 
RED WINE GLASS!

I am closing out my inventory and sold through a record number of glasses in 5 weeks.

There is one last deal to offer as I have a couple hundred of the VINO NOBILE 14OZ red/white
glass remaining.
The regular retail on this Eisch breathable crystal glass is $25.00. I have slashed the price even further to $11.99 each after you enter the SIPSAVINGS discount code and I will still ship free!!!
Don't miss out on this amazing deal, it is a one time offer not to be seen again. Thanks to all who purchased Eisch from me in the last few weeks. ENJOY!
CHEERS!
Cathy Mercer
425.421.7673
www.tdmstemware.com