Smokin’

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cote

I got to try a new Cotes Du Rhone, per a recommendation from a friend.  And I am so happy I did.   It’s a full bodied red at it’s finest.  I thought it was a bottle that I had before.  But I doubt it.  This flavor would have resonated with me.  Is it the peppery taste that makes me love Cabernet Franc so much or are there some exciting things going on here?

Now I have always like a good Rhone, Grenache has always been a favorite for me.

The La Grande Ribe Cuvee Centenairee Cotes Du Rhone 2009 is one for the books.   As soon as I took a whiff upon opening, I knew I was in for something different and something special.   Boy was that an understatement.

There was a smokiness, along with something else very distinct about the aroma.  So I took a pour and this blew my taste buds away.  I thought I was tasting a piney, earthy, or maybe out of this world selection.   Well I looked up what I could and discovered that barbecue smoke and roasted herbs are added to make this a dynamite bottle.  Literally.

Mystery is abound, however, as I cannot find anything about the winery itself.  But to my pleasure and lack of surprise, you can look this wine up and get a dozen or so different synopsis and evaluation of what is included.   It’s all about interpretation and the power of persuasion.  But I definitely can taste the smoke and the herbs.   Or is it something else too good for words?

Now this recap tells me there’s the black pepper I alluded to, coffee, cinamon, figs, and licorice flavors.  Now which one is it?   There’s also red fruit and black fruit?   So much to keep up with.   This could take years or maybe sooner, but one day, I will figure this puzzle out.   Maybe they’re all right?  Or maybe it’s not meant to be solved?   Just maybe, the flavor can be whatever you interpret it as.    Ah this adds to the mystery…

Bottom line, this is an awesome get.  And this is how I enjoyed it.

amazing

Pretty inspiring I know.

All the best,

Ideen

The Universe Loves You

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–karma

Signs are everywhere and if you pay attention, it feels like the world is on your side and can be a powerful source of comfort.

I had a set of wines all set to talk about this week.  But that will have to wait.  As I walked into one of my favorite shoppes, Wine World, one of those aforementioned signs was shown to me.

Upon entry, the first thing I see, is this incredibly charming display for California Karma.  Of all the bottles in plain sight, this is what I see first. This is no accident.  Or it could be the strategically placed set-up near the front, but still.   And yes I realize it’s just the name of the wine.   But is there more to this quantum story?

So after this prolonged introduction, how is the wine itself?   I had their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and it’s tremendous.    It’s lighter tasting than many Cab’s that I’ve had, but that doesn’t diminish how tasty it is.   I may have detected some plums or even a brown sugary finish.  But I can’t be certain.  Further research has yet to reveal what fruits and flavors may have been added to make this so wonderful.

After reading their story, I can appreciate the simplicity and no nonsense approach to their production.   Maybe I will try the Chardonnay in the future.  But maybe just one karmic experience at a time.

Less than 10 years old, the Paso Robles, based winery shows us a different take on Cabernet, that is friendly and approachable, just like their synopsis reads.

And ladies and gentleman, that is what wine is meant to be, friendly and approachable.  And I will add relatable and endearing.    And with a price tag of $12.99, it’s all those superlatives and more.

They suggest having it with meat or pasta, but I enjoyed my glass tonight with a nice homemade whole wheat chicken quesadilla.   And they complemented each other well.

And that’s the fun of wine pairing, you can create your own duos and your own destiny.   Just like karma. And karma can be a beautiful thing, if we create it as such.

Thanks so much.

Best,

Ideen

Beaulieu – A Great Taste of Napa

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BeauRouge

I’ve never been to Napa, but I have indulged in a few of their selections.   And it’s usually been a good experience.

I don’t believe in accidents or coincidence, so coming back from a recent ski trip a couple of Saturdays ago (1/24/15), I find myself at one of my favorite wine stores, College Square Liquors, in Westminster, MD.

I’ve been fortunate to attend a few of their Saturday tastings and the diversity of their choices is fantastic.    Napa Valley, and California in general, have usually been the most represented, among other wines from around the world.   But on this day, I discovered a beautiful bottle…

The 2010 BeauRouge from Beaulieu Vineyard is a delicious mix of eight grapes.  Cabernet Sauvignon is most prominent, maybe because it’s the fullest of the reds included.  The other seven are : Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petit Sirah, and two new ones for me – Touriga and Charbono.  The latter two I will need to do more research on.

This is a full bodied wine that hits you hard and pulls no punches.  The tannins are omnipresent and feel so good on my tongue, and on the inside of my mouth.   I know I’m drinking something special.  There is the peppery flavor that is so agreeable to my palate.  The description states there’s blackberry, chocolate, and cassis, which I could detect, if I try hard enough. Or maybe not at all

In the indoctrination process of Napa Wines, or more complicated blends, maybe this isn’t one of the early ones I should be drinking.  But as the old cliche goes, you gotta start somewhere.  So I welcome the simple ones and the even more intense blends to come.

When it comes to California wines, it’s a lifelong learning process that I look forward to.    I may never learn everything, but I am looking forward to gaining all the knowledge I can.  This is going to be a fun ride.

One of the most important things to note is, I got this bottle for only $16.99.  This is a good deal. The vineyard’s own website lists it at $32.00.   Most retailers, I have looked at online, have it around the $20.00 mark give or take.

I cannot tell you how many great wines I have bought at below cost, that are worth what they are regularly priced.  My preference is to buy all my bottles at under $20.00 if I can, with exceptions to the rule.   This would be one of those exceptions.  I look forward to trying more from Beaulieu.    And one day, it will hopefully be a memorable stop when I tour Napa.

Maybe someday…

Best,

Ideen

Anything But

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inspired

In nearly all instances, it’s better to focus on the positives.   I’ll try to do so here. However, it saddens me that a wine such a powerful name, could be so disappointing.

I love throwing around powerful words, such as inspiration and emotion.  It feels good just writing about it. So when I stumble upon a wine entitled, Inspired, I take notice.  And I was making, what I thought at time time, was an impassioned and life altering purchase.  This should have been my destiny.  I could not be more wrong.

I was all set to write a, dare I say, inspired post.   I was all jazzed up to bring forth some positive energy, that would make you look in the mirror and say, I am awesome and I am here to inspire!   No.  Not this post.  This wine did not live up to these unrealistic expectations.   See how I built this up all for nothing?

I was sending friends pictures of this bottle and they all knew, this was a wine hand crafted for me, and it was going to be delicious.  A wine for the ages.  Absolutely not.

Now it’s not terrible.  It’s just not very good.  I had a hard time finishing my glass.   I’ve had much worse wines but this was a touch below mediocre.  I am a fan of Meritage wines and red blends, but this was a bogey.    Perhaps their combination of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petit Verdot doesn’t mesh well.   And because I hyped it up so much in my head, it’s plausible that it tastes worse than it really is.   This is all a matter of taste and in my mind, but it makes me sad it didn’t live up to my (unrealistic?) expectations.

I had tunnel vision. I saw the label.  I saw the word ‘Inspired’, and was sold.   If a wine has a cool label, like this one does, I will be extra curious.  But just like a book, don’t judge a wine by it’s label.   Some of my favorite bottles have the most basic labels.  But a pretty one is hard to resist.  And the nerd in me really wanted to like this wine.

Looking through the incomplete website, you see spine chilling images, of folks doing  and quotes that get cut off across the homepage.   Just another line in a comedy of errors.

Believe me, I really wanted to like this wine.  I wanted to crown it as an achievement in my tasting experience, but that won’t be happening.

As always, just because I wasn’t happy with it, doesn’t mean that you’ll yield the same results.   We all have different palates.  Our preferences evolve as we evolve. Maybe a few years ago, Inspired, would have done just that.  The raw emotion will have to wait another day, or the next uplifting moment could be just a post away.

Stay inspired.

Best,

Ideen

Boordy Brings It

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Boordy is the first winery I ever visited.  So I’m partial and nostalgic to them.    They know how to throw events, concerts, and festivals.   They were  my first tasting and  tour.   So the soft spots just keep on coming.  They are a big part of why I love wine so much.

In November, there was another first.  It’s the first time I joined an exclusive wine club.   And of course it was Boordy’s.  I don’t think any of these things are accidents.  It could be fate or destiny.  Or both.

Now the perks are mentioned in the link above.  Or I’ll link it to you again here.  And I am grateful to be a part of this thing. Even if I don’t continue on, I can say I was a part of a club.   I may look at other wineries to do the same.  But one step at a time.

* 2013 Dry Rose – It’s a charming, light bodied wine that isn’t something I usually like to have.  But at the tasting I enjoyed it. It was easy to drink and didn’t come off too sweet. The synopsis is very simple to understand.  It states it’s similar to the roses of Provence and combines saignee juices of their varietals grown on their property.  One thing that stands out is that their grapes are 100% grown in Maryland.  Not every Maryland winery can make that claim.  There is something to be said for keeping it local.  A lot of wine aficionados appreciate that fact alone.

* 2008 Ruby Port – Now I don’t seek out Ports.   It’s just not my glass of wine.   Now I appreciate that it’s a dessert wine, after a hearty meal.  We actually opened this bottle, this past Sunday, for a birthday celebration.  So my experience goes beyond the original tasting.   The description reads a mix of plums and chocolate.  Both, especially the latter are detectable. Or maybe, once again, I tell my mind there are plums in there.  But I think I got a taste.   We enjoyed this with some Dove Chocolates, Coconut Cake, and Chocolate Cupcakes.

* 2012 Landmark Reserve – What this package is named if honor of.  Or maybe I just think so.  Oh well.. My favorite combinations of some of my favorite grapes – Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.   Label mentions briar fruit and chocolate are detected.  I’l have to see if I can taste those flavors.  For now, this bottle is killer.  I think it’s incredible.  And though I only had it at the tasting, it was worth getting the package for this alone.  This will be opened for a special occasion.

More on this phenomenal series can be found here.

The next package comes in February, and it will be a pleasure to do a recap.   I have seen what will be included, and a couple of my favorites are involved.  I am elated.  I will also, in a future post, talk about these.

I will also do recaps of other future events I may attend here.

Boordy will always have a special place in my heart.   And I thank them, for being one of the catalysts, for my worship of wine.

Thanks so much.

Best,

Ideen

Sip Baltimore Style

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I was grateful to be invited to a friend’s birthday party last night, at Sip Kitchen & WIne Bar.  If you drive on Key Highway, you might miss it, but you wouldn’t want to. Barely open over a month, this place makes an already stellar wine drinking experience, all that much better. It may have been overwhelming at first, but that fear wore off instantaneously.

There is so much to like about Sip, that this will not be dedicated to one post.

How it works is simple.  I ordered a prepaid micro chipped card (up to any amount I want) from the bar, just as if I were ordering a drink.  I leave the bartender a great tip, as if I ordered a drink, and the the card is handed to me.   This is where the inspiration begins…

There are over 100 bottles from which to indulge from.    I wish I had taken more photos.    The card is inserted into the side and then the choices are abundant and you’re not trapped, because you can order a 1 oz. pour, a 3 oz. half glass, or the full 6 oz. pour.  So you’re not stuck with a wine you don’t like any time for too long. Very exciting stuff!   It’s like being a kid on a shopping spree or at the candy shoppe!

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The money is automatically deducted, which towards the end of the balances, lead to some funny situations.   It was surreal trying to track down wines that matched a 1 oz. pour of under $2, or whatever was close to the balance of the card.   Needless to say, there were final balances of $.40-$.90 or similar.

The selections are all over the spectrum.  Plenty of whites.  Plenty of reds.  Lots of light, medium, and full bodied selections.   What was drank was too much to name.  And these pictures will not do this complete justice.

The food and service were tremendous as well.   The staff seemed genuine and happy to help. The charcuterie and cheese plate was magnificent, as were the fries with various sauces.

The real charm comes from talking about all the wines from the pours.    The ritual of discussing each glass, made this experience so authentic.   It brings about a unique and positive social experience.  It felt like a race at times, but there is where the fun comes from.   At the same time, it’s a marathon to try every selection available.

The vibe was fantastic.  A lot of people enjoying themselves, their company, and the libations.  I felt like I was on vacation.  I can’t wait to be back.

More to come.

Best,

Ideen.

Williamsburg – Post Holidays

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I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and are enjoying the New Year.    It feels bittersweet for them to be over.  But onto another positive write up about wine!   In a previous post, I mentioned how the vibe and wines of the town of Williamsburg and their respective winery felt like Christmas.

So we enjoyed the Susan Constant Red, but this time we did have the 2011 Lord Botetourt Red.  It tasted even better than last spring.

I am glad we save special bottles like this for special occasions.  We have gone past Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have amazing wines with just as inspiring meals.

I had mentioned previously that there was a grass/straw component to the wine.   There is something different about this taste.  It tastes like this earth.  It tastes natural. It tastes heavenly.  Unless I am tricking myself, this could be it!    The toastiness is easily detectable and the medium tannins were a great complement.

We enjoyed this wine with a great London Broil, potatoes, broccoli, and fresh baked bread.  A hearty meal which gives justice to the meal and bottle itself.  Tremendous stuff.

To me, this isn’t the typical full bodied, peppery, oaky red wines I enjoy the most.  But, this is on par with some of the best wines I have drank.  The winery states that it’s a fuller bodies red but for me it tastes more medium bodies, and that’s cool. These will all taste different to us.

I look forward to finding more wines containing Petit Verdot and more with these ingredients of the earth.   Another intriguing bit is the description says there is a hint of veginess.   Where that is I don’t know. Maybe I’ll detect it in the future.

All I know is I cannot say enough good things about the 2011 Lord Botetourt Red.  This is an absolute gem.

I can’t wait to head back to Williamsburg.

Happy New Year.

Best,

Ideen

The Peace and Spirit of the Holidays

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Merry Christmas Eve.   Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, in whatever you celebrate.   Here is such a charming wine I found around this time last year, poking around various wine shops around town.   The Chaddsford Winery Holiday Spirit bottle sold me on the label alone.   We have a happy Snow Couple enjoying the holidays and having fun.   This is what life is all about, not just during Christmastime, but all twelve months of the year.

This lovely spiced wine is listed on the winery site for $13.99.  I have seen it as low as $9.99.   And it’s worth the purchase. Just for the pure joy of adding to any holiday wine collection, it’s worth it.    And the added bonus, it tastes great, chilled or warmed up.  Now it may sound like a bias because I love this time of year, and you might be right.   If this tasted terribly, it then I may trick myself into thinking it tastes good.   But it’s terrific.   For lack of a better word, it tastes like Christmas.  And that makes me happy.

The cinnamon and cloves are easily detected.   Just as you would find in some of your favorite tea selections.  It makes this a very friendly and relatable choice for so many.

I’ve enjoyed it with various cookies, pastries, and chocolates.   I don’t know if this would click with dinner style meals, but whatever tickles your fancy.   Enjoy yourselves.

I would love to make the hour drive, just to thank the winemakers, for making something so approachable and endearing.   And I will.

I intend to make this blog a celebration of the joy of wine all year round.

Thanks so much and enjoy your holiday.

Best,

Ideen

Williamsburg – Feeling Like Christmas

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I had the great fortune of visiting The Williamsburg Winery in April of this year.   The winery, in addition to the town feels very homey and Christmasy.  The town has a great energy that feels authentic.  It’s a town I would say I wish I was from or grew up nearby.   There is a strong sense of community and togetherness that happens, not just during the holidays, but all year round.  A template of Williamsburg; with its shops, restaurants, and year round festivals is the perfect blueprint for what all wonderful places are like.

Now their wine is wondrous too…

I wish I had taken photos of my visit here.  But the charm level is in full effect.

The two wines I purchased were the 2012 Susan Constant Red, which is a Sangiovese and the 2011 Lord Botetourt Red, which is a 7% Malbec and 93% Petit Verdot. The latter is a new one for me.

I gladly tasted both before purchase.

The Sangiovese is a simple everyday wine.  I drank it rather quickly compared to other Sangiovese’s I’ve had, or other lighter reds in general.   The synopsis reads that cherries and raspberries can be detected.  I tasted some berry or fruit flavors but wouldn’t be able to say that they were those berries for sure.   I did not discover the hints of cloves or tobacco. The suggested pairings were with grilled meats; such as lamb, ham or tuna.       I enjoyed it with a cheese and three cheese white pizza slice respectively.  I thought the duo tasted stupendously.

The Lord Botetourt tastes like all of my favorite wines.   The label reads that there is a nice straw/grass character to the bottle.   This is new to me and I am excited for that.  There mentions some red fruits and a hint of green apple.  I’ll see if I can detect that next time.  This is an incredible wine that deserves to be paired for celebratory occasions.  I drank this back in the late spring so a cold weather experience may give it a different taste.  So I will enjoy soon.   Christmas Eve dinner may sound about right.

I intend to make a return to Williamsburg in the near future.   A place with this much character, deserves a larger recap and plenty of photos.

What is most important, in the end, is to drink what makes you feel good.  If there is a wine and food pairing you want to try, then go for it.   Of course, certain bottles shall be reserved for special occasions.  But that special occasion is whatever you want it to be.  In the spirit of Christmas and the holidays, it’s even more of an incentive to have something that brings you joy.  This is what this time of year is all about.  That’s what this life is all about.   Have something that makes you feel inspired.

Have a great holiday.

Best,

Ideen

DeJon Vineyards – A Gem

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A little over a month ago, I took a long (25 minute) drive to Hydes, MD to DeJon.

I have been here several times and always get a good vibe.    At only 4 1/2 years old they are really bringing some great wines to a flourishing Maryland Wine industry.    This was a farm at one point in which the barn has been converted to a tasting room.  The feel is very authentic.

I have the privilege of trying 7 wines and a couple really stood out.

The Chardonnay was said to have flavors of apple, vanilla, pear, and a hint of honey.   I could detect the apple and honey but not much else.    This would be better appreciated when the weather gets warmer.

The Vidal Blanc description mentioned hints of grapefruit, I really I could have found that.   I couldn’t even trick my mind into doing so.   I like the idea of many different fruits, spices, and sweet foods (such as honey) being an integral part of wines.

The Sweet Denise with orange and grapefruit was my least favorite.   For some pallet’s this would be perfect.  Maybe again better suited for warmer climates.

The Malbec was tremendous.   I have stated my love for pepper in wine and this could easily be discovered in this bottle.    This was one of the bottles I considered purchasing.

I also liked the Merlot.  It tasted lighter than your usual.  My interest for Merlot’s has gone up recently and I will be giving more positive opinions on the grape in future posts.

Perfect for the holidays, the Festivus, already has the most charming wine name award locked.   I am a huge fan of Chambourcin, but this one is a tad sweeter for my taste buds.   The snyopsis mentions hints of blueberries and cinnamon.   I might have detected some of the latter.

And finally, the Dragonfly, was by far the stand out wine.    I sometimes over react to how good a wine may be.  But if you ever go to a wine tasting or a festival, you may see folks show a genuine reaction on their face or body movement to how incredible something tastes.   Words don’t do this one justice.    I love that, once again, the Cabernet Franc is involved.  It’s a hyrid of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Chambourcin.  Absolutely charming.   The fact that you can put these three grapes together and concoct this word of genius, is endearing.     I am seeing that the blackberries are a great complement to these full bodied blends. This is an absolute winner.   And at $25 a bottle, a bargain.

This is the kind of wine that makes me feel good and happy to write about it.  And to talk about it.   It feels good blogging about it.     More to come.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Best,

 

Ideen