The Wine Hacker.com

Christmas Eve Dinner and the Charles Krug 2016 Generations Red Wine

This Christmas was the best ever!  We counted our blessings in many ways.  Both my husband and I were diagnosed with Covid-19 on December 15 - and the outlook for having a good holiday was quite bleak.  Thankfully the trees and decorations were all up before we were hit with the characteristic fatigue and symptoms of this dread disease.  I believe that the simple emotion of hope helped us recover to the point that our taste buds were back by Christmas Eve - and we were able to enjoy this awesome wine gifted to us by a dear friend.   

This Bordeaux blend is fully bodied, layered, and intense - which made it the perfect pairing to Wagyu beef burgers we were gifted by other wonderful friends this holiday season.   The nose is fruity and rich, with cocoa, ripe berries and just a hint of cinnamon rounding off the aroma.  The front palate is a delightful mixture of pomegranates, elderberries, and rich dark cherries.  The mid palate is a burst of complex flavors, with earthy tones, leather, and berry jam.  Structured tannins create a desirable long finish - and makes this a perfect red meat wine for an elegant occasion like Christmas Eve.  I taste bay leaves, blueberries, and a hint of cream in the finish. 

Charles Krug Winery is the oldest winery in California, and was established in 1861.  The label tells us that this winery has been stewarded by C. Mondavi and Family since 1943.  

Charles Krug is my Dad's favorite winery.  This wine did him proud.  It is available on Wineexpress.com if you don't happen to have a friend as generous as ours!  (Thank you Wind and Jenny, and Bill and Yuka for the beef)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Heavenly "Naked" Blend - the Jac Cole 2014 Mosaico, Napa Valley

LOVE LOVE LOVE this wine!  

Recently, I joined the 75K member strong band of Naked Angels - a club that sponsors new and upcoming winemakers called NakedWines.com. It's been an incredible journey of discovering new and unknown wines and wine makers through Naked - and you gotta love the name!  Naked Angels received discounted wines through the club, and get targeted selections by rating the wines they receive.  A Facebook-like interface lets you interact with other wine lovers as well as the wine makers in discussing the wines you are enjoying in real time. 

A random selection turned out to be a gem - the 2014 Jac Cole Mosaico.  Oddly enough, the Naked rating engine told me that I wouldn't like this one.   When I first opened it and smelled the fruity, intense nose, I knew the selection engine was off on this one.  

Rich chocolately flavors blend with forward mulberry and plum fruit in this light yet rich Bordeaux blend.  A hint of Malbec gives it a bit of a kick, and adds complexity to the middle note of the wine.  An earthy tone that is so characteristic of French wine is present in this Mosaico, which made it a great choice for a spicy dinner like Orange Spiced Chicken wings.

Others on the Naked site said that aeration improved the flavor even more, which makes sense as this is a young wine.  I plan to buy more and try this, along with another suggestion that this fabulous Mosaico was amazing alongside a yummy pork tenderloin. 

 

Music Pairing Suggestions:  This wine is fun yet regal and sophisticated, rich yet not too overpowering.  I suggest enjoying it alongside some Philip Glass, or vintage Moody Blues.   

Food Pairing Suggestions:  I enjoyed this wine with my Blue Apron shipment dinner of Spicy Orange Chicken Wings and Shitake -Sesame Rice.  The earthiness of the wine paired nicely with the rich Shitake mushroom taste, and the chocolately - licorice flavors helped to take some of the bite away from the chili sauce that graced my wings (Blue Apron tells you that you can add as much as you want - I dumped in the whole container).   Others from the Naked site recommended enjoying this wine with Mac and Cheese, or a grilled Pork Tenderloin.   

If you haven't tried Blue Apron - it is a service that ships you three recipes a week along with all the ingredients you need to make the recipe.  It is heaven for foodies - we haven't had a non enjoyable meal yet!

Activity Pairings:  This was a great wine to watch Star trek by!

 

Special Offer!!   The first person to comment on this blog (who isn't already a Naked Angel) gets a code worth $100 off on a case of Naked wines, which can include this special blend.    Be sure to send me your email address when commenting.   

 

Red Blends are HOT! Remembering the 2009 Paraduxx Z-Blend, Napa Valley

I just got my new issue of Food and Wine magazine; and learned that red blends are very trendy and popular right now.  This is great news, as I have always loved the unique nature of blends.  Today's market features a wide variety of blends, from your garden variety "casserole" wine to highly complex "filet mignon" wines.  One wine that I really loved from last year's tastings came to mind immediately as I was reading; the 2009 Parduxx from the makers of Duckhorn.

Paraduxx is THE only winery in Napa that is entirely devoted to blends, and what lovely blends they make!  This Z blend was released in February of 2012, and is 62% Zindfandel (which is where the Z comes from), 31% Cabernet, and 7% Merlot.  This unique combination has all the intensity of a fine Zinfandel, with the structured tannins of a Cabernet and a hint of softness from the Merlot.  A very bold and "in-your-face" wine, it has hints of fine spice such as clove, juniper and allspice in the middle notes, which is a nice follow up to the raspberry forenote.  It has a creamy feel to it, and is very strong without being harsh like some zinfandels can be.

This Z blend was aged 16 months in oak and has a distinct toasty oak flavor which adds to its grandeur.  Although the Paraduxx website is showing it as sold out, a careful shopper may be able to find some in wine shops or on the web.  I haven't yet tasted the 2011 which is available from Paraduxx, but given the high standards shown by this winery, I am sure it is equally divine. 

 

Food Pairings - The Z-blend would stand up very well to spicy foods, such as a nice Indian Vindaloo or a Panang Thai Curry.  I would also pair it with chocolate laced with hot peppers, or a beautiful steak salad

Music Pairings - This is a wine far too regal for rock and roll - I would pair it with the bold brass and percussion found in Schuman's 8th symphony while enjoying an exotic, spicy dinner. 

Activity Pairings:  Sophisticated yet rugged activities pair well with the Z-blend - I would drink it while watching tennis, soccer, or even polo!

 

 

Bloomspot Offers Discount Cakebread Tasting

Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!  Opened my email from Bloomspot this morning, and found a wonderful surprise.  Cakebread tastings that are usually pricey are offered at a tremendous discount - $15 for two tastings of regular wines (usually $30) $28 for two tastings and a tour, and $48 for two for the premium wine tasting (usually $80).  Hubby and I have a trip back to our timeshare in Windsor scheduled for late January, so I just purchased the premium tasting for two.  

Cakebread makes yummy, time-honored and much acclaimed reds in Napa Valley, and is a family owned winery.  They were the 39th winery established in Napa Valley, so there is a great sense of history and pride of ownership.  I have served Cakebread at many fine occasions, so am very excited to taste and review their new wines.  I particularly love their Cabernets, which are usually deep, dark and mysterious yet fruity with a big nose and strong finish. 

If you want to join me in this amazing offer - just click here and subscribe to Bloomspot San Francisco.   I have been a member now for just a few months, but so far, I am impressed.    

Stay tuned for my reviews of the premium Cakebread wines!

 

The Smoking Loon 2010 Merlot - A Bargain Wine with an Attitude

Last week, hubby and I were looking for a good but cheap (post holiday wallet crunch time) "movie-night" wine and wanted something different.  The classy looking label of the Smoking Loon Merlot plus the below $7 price made it the choice du jour.  It served its purpose so well that it is the subject of today's post.  

You might be saying, "How can it have attitude if it has a classy looking label?'   Good question.   When we turned the wine around, the label read: 

" Besides his bein' kinda crazy, they called him the Smoking Loon 'cause he was so dam efficient," Jake began, stubbing out his cigar.  "He'd take care of business an' get in an' out before anybody'd see him comin'... leaving' no trace 'cept the lingerin' sound of his eerie, loon-like cackle.  Non one was really sure who he was or who he worked for, but when word got out someone needed his services, the Smoking Loon just appeared on their doorstep, like outta thin air or somethin'"

Wow, I was intrigued - kinda sounded like an old time detective novel.  The Smoking Loon had me hooked from day one.   Bogie style attitude at its finest.   

When we opened it, it was the perfect companion to an old Tom Sellect movie and a simple dinner of homemade soup and sandwiches.   It was soft and smooth - no real complexity but whaddaya want for $7?  It had a nice perfumey nose, and light huckleberry and  jasmine flavors, as well as a rich ruby color and better clarity than one would expect for its price range.   Medium bodied, I thought it was wonderful with a homemade soup.  From the vintners tasting notes, hints of milk chocolate and sage were also mentioned.  

The Smoking Loon label is one of the many labels marketed by Don Sebastiani and Sons - a well known name in the California wine making business.   No wonder it was so pleasant, and fully drinkable.  

Where to Buy: I have seen this wine at Safeway and Lucky's, or you can buy directly from the vintner here.

Music Pairings:  This is a great everyday wine, I see it drinkable with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan or Neil Young.....it has that kinda flair

Food Pairings:  RIch, savory homemade soup and grilled cheese sandwiches made with crusty artisan bread fill the bill on a winter's night, and go very well with the medium body yet sage overtones of Smoking Loon. 

 

 

The 2010 Sterling Sauvignon Blanc - A Nostalgic Look at Summer Through my Tasting Notes

My dear readers, I have TONS of tasting notes from the summer that I simply haven't had time to write up yet.  Now that we are nearing year end and the temperatures are dropping, I am revisiting the sunny summer days spent tasting and catching up on sharing all my notes.  This way we can all close our eyes and pretend we are again in sunny climes! 

A highlight of our summer was a visit to Napa, where we visited beautiful Sterling Vineyards.  I consider Sterling VIneyards a must for anyone coming to Northern California!  The pic above is the view from the gondola ride that takes visitors from the parking lot to the actual winery tour, which provides many photos ops as well as a view over the entire Napa Valley.  Once you arrive at the winery, you can take even more pics to wow friends and relatives from an expansive balcony extending out from the actual self-guided tour grounds.  

The self-guided tour allows you to move as quickly or slowly as you want, and your tasting is spread out into "stations" located at various points throughout the tour.  The very first tasting station was set amongst humongous oak barrels, and was the 2010 Sterling Sauvignon.   I must admit that I almost just tossed it in the barrel, as I usually am not very excited about Sauvignon Blancs.   They usually taste like water to me - I am known as a red drinker amongst my friends.   But this one was special! 

The nose was the first giveway that this one was worthy of sipping.  It smelled like fresh grass, ripe lemons, and light jasmine perfume.   After taking a sip, I was glad I didn't pour it out.  The lemon flavor persisted with a burst of fruit and white grape tastes,but it was also refreshingly flavorful and dryer than most Sauvignon Blancs.  I savored every bit of this light yet full wine until reaching my next station.  As I continued to sip, I tasted subtle hints of grapefruit, kiwi, and coriander along with the lemon and white grape.   

Food Pairings: I want to drink this with lemon sauteed tilipia with almonds, green beans, and watermelon while watching videos of beach vacations to chase the chill away!  I think it would go well with shrimp cocktail, fresh crab legs, and peach salsa with chips.  

Music Pairings:  Light and sophisticated, this is the ultimate "Chamber Music and Canape" wine.  I can also see drinking it poolside, with classic 80s rock blaring.  Or with fresh Peter Tosh music.   

Other Pairings: Rainy or frosty days when you wish summer were still here are great times to sip this wine and reminisce.  I would also sip this wine while planning next year's vacation,  sitting over an autumn backyard fire, or planting bulbs for next year's spring garden.   

Where to Buy: Snooth.com lists five stores that carry this crisp, fruity wine. 

More from My Tasting at Duckhorn - The 2009 Three Palms Merlot

Each wine I tasted this summer at Duckhorn was so exquisite that it deserves its very own blog post!  Perhaps the most famous wine made by Duckhorn, the Three Palms Merlot most certainly deserves individual attention as it was simply awe-inspiring.  

Since 1978, Duckhorn has produced this legendary wine from the Three Palms Vineyard in the northeast corner of Napa Valley. The soil there is rich with minerals, and full of rocks that hold in the sun's heat during the night, keeping the grapes warm and protected from the cold of the night.  The rocky, well-drained soil allows the roots to grow deep into the earth to draw the minerals and water into the fruit.  

Duckhorn's Three Palms Merlot was one of the first top rated wines I have ever enjoyed, and is one of the reasons I became a fan of a good Merlot no matter what the current movie-induced trends were.   

The Three Palms Merlot was second only to the Duckhorn Discussion (the subject of an earlier post) in my opinion - and my tastebuds were dancing for joy for hours after leaving the vineyard. The nose was delicate and fruity, as well as distinctive - no other Merlot has anything even close to the fine fragrance of a Three Palms Merlot. The fore palate is full of refined black current, cola,  rhubarb, and fig flavors.   Very complex,rich and full-bodied, this Merlot has structured tannins and is nicely chewy without any "pucker factor".  I tasted a hint of spice, cedar, and fine oak as well.  I really loved the texture of this wine; rich and velvety, with a deep, rich garnet color that looks like a jewel in your glass.   

The composition is 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.  Aged in 100% French oak for 18 months, I would bet that this wine will improve with more cellaring.   The vintner's notes tell us that if you don't plan to cellar (recommended by other experts until at least 2015), then the wine would benefit from decanting.  

Simply a classic, the Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot was worth the entire drive up to Napa for tasting.   One of the more famous Merlots on the planet, this 2009 vintage just got a nice writeup by Bloomberg's Business Week - after all, what is business without a nice wine to cap it off?

One more tidbit of information - the Wine Spectator gives the 2009 Three Palms Merlot a 92 on it's rating scale.  Anything above a 90 is really hard to get, and there are very few wines at 92 and above.  

Food Pairings: Complex but yet soft and velvety, the Three Palms Merlot would pair nicely with venison steaks or any rich game, a chateaubriand with a delicate wine sauce, or a rack of lamb.   

Music Pairings:  A classic in every way, I would pair this wine with anything by George Gershwin that doesn't remind me of a United Airlines commercial,  the Art Blakey " A Night at Birdland" album, or John Coltrane, "Round Midnight".  

Other Pairings:  This is the ultimate romantic evening wine, perfect for warm beachfront picnics or summer garden trysts.   Drink it while wearing a sultry black dress.  

Where to Buy: Duckhorn's web page is one place to purchase, but you can also find this at K and L Wines.