Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau,” 2004:
The back label displays words spoken by Thomas Jefferson: “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” This is one wine that certainly fits that description with an outstanding balance of raspberry fruit, fresh acidity and minerality, classic Southern Rhone garrigue, and notes of cocoa and truffle. The finish is gorgeously long and smooth and should set the stage for a long aging wine for at least another 10-15 years. Pair this with game such as duck, rabbit and lamb. Runs around $70.
F Il Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Bochis Vigna San Giuseppe, 2001:
From a truly hidden gem in the Castiglione Falletto region in Barolo, this outstanding wine derives from 100% Nebbiolo grown in the San Giuseppe vineyard in the Bricco Boschis estate. The wine marries muscle with richness to yield a wine displaying sweet dark cherry, smoke, tar, spices and a hint of the traditional menthol. You can start to drink this now but it clearly has a long life still ahead, perhaps another good ten years. Runs ~$80 and is worth the money as a cellared collection. The 2004 is equally as powerful and age worthy. Pair with meats, poultry, game, hard cheeses, white truffles, and pasta with a rich meat sauce.
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, 2001:
Here’s a deep and brooding Northern Rhone from a top producer. Full bodied, dense and muscular, this displays an inky/purple color and a rich bouquet of creme de cassis, crushed flowers, truffles, and licorice. Here’s another age worthy wine, capable of cellaring for the next 10-15 years! Pairs with meats and game and will run you ~$140.
Pillsbury Cochise County Red Roan, 2009:
Sam’s Roan Red tends to take on a Cotes du Rhone personality, a blend of 63% Grenache, 25% Mouvedre, and 12% Syrah. I tasted this wine recently to see how it was evolving and it’s simply beautiful, offering up rich red fruits and candied aromas, hints of nutmeg and cinnamon and fresh flowers. The wine finishes clean with soft tannins and a hint of oak reflecting its aging for 12 months in neutral American oak. Runs ~$26 and would pair well with a rich fish such as salmon or seabass, pasta, or roasted chicken and barbecued meats such as burgers or ribs. This is sweet and yummy……….I would enjoy this now.
Posts Tagged ‘Pillsbury’
Food Friendly Wine Gifts For the Holidays: Reds
Monday, December 20th, 20101) Zinfandel: Whether it be from the Amador, Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, or Santa Cruz Mountains, you can’t go wrong with a reputable vintner from any of these regions. This variety yields wines with depth, dense flavors and deep color and pairs outstandingly with everything from your basic burger to grilled meat such as beef, chicken, turkey, pork and lamb. But it doesn’t stop there. Pizza, sausage, cheeses (hard or strong) and pasta in a zesty tomato based sauce are great matches, as well. You can find some choices in our Wine Finder. Best yet, most of the wines tend to be affordable and accessible.
2) Pinot Noir: From the Sonoma’s Russian River Valley to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this varietal can range from very soft to more full bodied, spicy styles. As a general rule, pair the full bodied and spiced Pinots with richer dishes such as grilled meat, poultry and of course the classic salmon and even tuna. Most quality Pinots will run you ~$40-70 but every so often, you’ll stumble upon a real steal such as the Cardwell Hill at ~$25. Mild cheeses can make a nice pairing, as well. You’ll find some choices in the Wine Finder. 3) Cabernet Sauvignon: For the devoted Cab lover, there’s just no greater gift. If the recipient is into Cabs, chances are they’re dreaming of a classic steak and Cab match. While your thoughts may well first turn to Napa Valley names such as Caymus, Altamura, Beaulieu Vineyard, Beringer, Colgin, Harlan Estates, Paul Hobbs, Neyers, Joseph Phelps, Schrader Cellars, and Opus don’t overlook those from alternative regions. Washington’s Columbia Valley and Walla Walla regions yields outstanding producers such as Columbia Crest, Betz, Cayuse, Efeste, Leonetti, L’Ecole and Quilceda Creek. Unfortunately, many of these names will set you back on average at least ~$70 and possibly as much as a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, if you’re game, try a Cab from Chile (Casa Lapostolle, Concha y Toro), Australia (Mollydooker and Wolf Blass), and South Africa (Ernie Els). Many of their entry level can be had a more affordable prices.
A Local Vintner Makes it on to the List
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010It’s always heartening to me when one of our locals makes its way on to the Best of the Best. This issue, it’s Sam Pillsbury and he’s produced a remarkably delicious and fresh Cochise County, Arizona Viognier.
Pillsbury Cochise County Viognier, 2009:
A Local Wine Add Freshness to this Edition
Friday, March 5th, 2010We have four wines for you on this segment: two from California, one from the Mendoza region of Argentina and one from our own backyard.
Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley , 2005: Comprised of the classic Bordeaux blend of grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec this wine is very well structured with fruits of dark cherry and currant and some spicy and cedary notes. Tannins are soft leading the way for a smooth and elegant finish. Enjoy now or cellar for the next few years….runs ~$55-60.
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