Sir Vino

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay

Sir Vino — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:30:13 +0000

The “Chosen White” for our 4th of July celebration will be Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay vintage year 2006. Crafted from grapes grown in California’s cooler climate of the central coast, this wine reveals delightful fragrances of citrus, apple and melon. Properly chilled between 60 – 68 degrees, I found this white to be very light, somewhat dry, crisp and refreshing on the palate right to the finish. Earlier vintage years of this same wine exuded more buttery and full bodied elements. While they too were quite excellent, I was looking more for a white that would quench ones thirst like a ice cold beer on a hot day. For my taste, Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay fit the bill. Reasonably priced at $8 per bottle, this fine wine is widely available at most well stocked retail establishments.

Drink responsibly and Happy Birthday America!!!!

Sir Vino

“Petite Sirah” from Bogle

Sir Vino — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:18:35 +0000

For the 4th of July, my wife and I are inviting over about 40 of our closest neighbors, friends and family for backyard gathering to celebrate the birth of our nation. My wife has chosen to have catered a hearty Bar-b-que buffet of beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken and babyback ribs along with the traditional side dishes of coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad. My assignment was to select a red and a white that would pair gracefully with this broad variety of meats and hearty side dishes.

I am happy to announce that this weekend I have found and enjoyed“The Chosen Red” for this celebration. My selection is Bogle Vineyards “Petite Sirah”. Vintage year 2005, this Petite Sirah is considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. On the nose, ripe boysenberry with hints of pepper and herbs fill your senses. Inky and jammy tones fill the mouth with fruit and berries. You will enjoy a smooth finish that lingers from a semi dry and oak induced taste. This is a wine that can develop for years to come, so stock up now. Very modestly priced between $9 and $12 and readily available at most well stocked retail establishments.

The next challenge is to find a white that marries to Bar-B-Que as well as I think Bogle’s “Petite Sirah” does. Check back next weekend see what I find!

Enjoy!!!

Sir Vino

Hecula Monastrell 2005

Sir Vino — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:34:42 +0000

From the Yecla region of Spain, winemaker Bodegas Castano repeat their 2004 success with another quality value offering of Hecula Monastrell vintage year 2005. A really nice wine priced around $10 that many will judge to be $30. Deep plum in color with somewhat of a heavy body but not overly dry. Abundant frangrance of dark fruits with hints of floral and spice. This wine is a definite candidate for decanting as some of the initial roughness seems to disipate with air. Day two and three will reward you with a smoother finish and a greater appreciation for this wines complexities. Be aware of the high alcohol content (14.5%). Currently stocked at Costco.

Enjoy!

Sir Vino

Mark West 2006 Pinot Noir – Excellent New Find!!!

Sir Vino — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:25:13 +0000

Sonoma County vintner Mark West Winery specializes in Pinot Noir. Sourced primarily from California’s coastal appellations, these vineyards provide grapes of intense fruit aromatics and flavors. Let your senses be aroused by the aromas of cherries, blackberries and plum. You can expect low to moderate grape tannins, good acidity with broad expansive aroma and bouquet from this 2006 vinted Pinot. This “black” pinot is rapidly rising in it’s public awareness and availablity while not currently broadly distributed, is gaining foothold on the shelves of many wine specialty stores around the country. This is a recommended case purchase as supply appears limited and demand increasingly growing. My case purchase with some in-store incentive pricing rounded out to just under $8.00 per bottle. Quite a value! Sir Vino recommneds Mark West Pinot Noir at a retail price of $13.00 and under.

Enjoy!

Sir Vino

Menage a Trois 2006 White Wine Review

Sir Vino — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:22:46 +0000

Sir Vino is constantly in pursuit of wines that rate high in QVR (quality to value ratio). Today, I am enjoying a suprisingly elegant White Table Wine under the label of “Menage a Trois”. This California vinted wine is a delightful blend of Chardonnay, Moscato and Chenin blanc. Vintage 2006, this respectable white can be found at many retail establishments for under $15.00. Enoy!!!!

Sir Vino