We sponsored a wine tasting dinner last weekend for a few friends and thought that we would share with you an unusual course (courtesy of our friend Janos (www.janos.com) and a lovely wine to match.  Another couple of wines from our recent California trip made it to the list.  And finally, we are excited to add an occasional tasting from Elgin, Arizona’s own Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards ( www.callaghanvineyards.com).  Now on with the show…..

Joseph Drouhin St. Veran 2007:

Color: pale lemon
Aromas: medley of peach and pear and a hint of orange peel
Flavors: very pleasant mix of smooth peach and pear and a distant acidity.

Opinion:  For the price, the wine worked well with Janos homemade tomato and cream soup and melted cheese sandwich.  This time, however, the cheeses were a bit more lively than I recall when I was a kid: Manchego and Maytag Blue cheese on freshly baked Brioche.  The flavors melted together in harmony.  Janos introduced this wonderful course to us last year and we have served it with overwhelming success since.

The St. Veran is a White Burgundy from Beaune and runs a very affordable $18.00.  These wines tend to run a little leaner and more minerally than a traditional Chardonnay.  A floral element often weaves itself into the aroma medley and is usually integrated with cleansing acidity.  Pricing of White Burgundies run the gamut from the St Veran entry level to many hundreds of dollars for the more complex and intense styles (Puligny-Montrachet).  Try it as an alternative white with shellfish, richer fish such as salmon and roasted chicken. 

Markham Petite Sirah 2003:

Color: dark, dark and brooding…this speak volumes about the weight
Aromas: Classic California fruit forward aromas of dark plum, raspberry and blueberry and then a hit of expresso coffee, mocha, and black pepper.
Flavors:  Lots of dark fruit and a spicy pepperiness along with coffee and chocolate.  Powerful tannins and a long finish.

Opinion: This Napa Valley wine is a blockbuster in flavor and weight (see Wine and Food Pairing Part II).  It’s made to pair with grilled beef or game.  I could imagine this with a stew as well.  The pricing may seem a little stiff but it is par for the course with Petite Sirah(Syrah): $35.00.  It’s worth locating a bottle and trying it out.

If you love Spanish wines (as I do) for their quality and pricing, this one is for you, courtesy of Kent Callaghan.

Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Petalos 2005:

Aromas and Flavors:
“Toasted oak, earth, fig, baking spices and a hint of fresh herbs on the nose.  Round and mouth filling, with deep earth/spice character.  Minor acid/saline intrusion lifts low toned flavors and reveals a floral citrus note.  Acidity finishes with pungent, chewy, citrus resonance.”

This delicious red is from the northwest region of Spain and is crafted by one of the great producers.  On the whole, his wines tend to be very good to excellent in quality.  Best yet, the pricing on this one is a mere $18.00.

Failla Syrah Phoenix Ranch 2007:

Color: Deep, rich purple hinting at a full bodied wine
Aromas: roasted meat, bacon, blackberry and currant and an herbal hint.
Flavors: Grilled meat, deep and sweet fruits; wonderful acidity and minerality courses through the wine energizing the flavor profile while perfectly balanced tannins support the structure.

Opinion:  This wine is produced by Ehren Jordan (www.faillawines.com)  and is reminiscent of a powerful Northern Rhone Syrah; not surprising in that Ehren worked in France with some of the most prolific vintners.  After visiting with him during our Napa voyage, we both feel that he a vintner to place on your radar screen.  The video of our interview with him in his cave will post over the next several weeks so stay tuned. 

While the pricing may seem a little steep, this wine is worth every penny.  Best yet, the wine is approachable now but can easily rest for another 5.  $48.00
 

Tags: Burgundy, Callaghan, Ehren Jordan, Failla, Janos, Markham