Highlighting just how much we actually drink..
A few months ago Jeff dared me to post every glass of wine that I drink, so I started posting #everyglass on Instagram and Vivino, and now, here. So here’s your WineDown for the past few weeks!
Seriously, I’m crushing it lately with this blog. I promised myself I would update every Sunday on my previous weeks wines, but the sunshine is just too darn nice to be at the computer!
So, in addition to drinking lots of rosé’s this summer, I’ve been searching for the perfect cider – something crisp and light for all those day-drinking events that creep up in the summertime (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Fathers Day, Sunday…) I’ve thankfully had some success, although it’s not a cider: Spiked Seltzer! I’ve also loved carbonated anything, especially ginger ale, but drinking two cans of ginger ale a day sort of counteracts the workout I (hopefully) did that morning. So about the same time that I switched to drinking Poland Spring/Polar seltzers, our store started stocking Spiked Seltzers. It took three or four customers to say that they loved them before I finally bought a six pack myself, specifically the lime. First impression: it taste’s just like lime seltzer, this is sort of boring. Second impression: wait, I love lime seltzer, this is wonderful! If you like seltzer, and you like alcohol, this is the perfect drink. At 6%abv, it’s similar to having a beer, but without the belly-ache the next morning (the headache, unfortunately, still shows it’s face, but in a much more mild fashion). My only caution would be to remember that these already have booze in them! Their website offers some delicious sounding cocktail recipes, but for every shot of booze you add, make sure you add something non-alcoholic too!
But on to the wines… It’s been a few weeks (sorry!), so here’s a lengthy update:
2014 Les Chemins de Bassac Isa, Languedoc, France – Les Chemins de Bassac’s Isa rosè is a #Grenache#syrah and #Mourvèdre blend from Languedoc, France. It offers full and bright aromas of strawberries, white flowers and herbs. Notes of raspberry, cherry and strawberry are crisp and clean on the dry, refreshing finish.
2013 Orin Swift, China Doll Rosé, Napa, California – If you didn’t already know, I love rosé! And @orinswift! So when two become one, I’m a happy girl. Orin Swift’s #chinadoll #rosé is pale pink in color, almost tangerine. The nose is soft and delicate with notes of citrus flowers and clementine. The palate packs a much bigger punch: hints of sweet apricot and soft citrus with a smooth vanilla finish. Although this is the 2013 vintage (we got it on our #lemairriedhoneymoon), it still is amazing!
2014 Jean-Luc-Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé – This was one of my favorite rosés last year, and this year it didn’t disappoint! It is delicate and soft with aromas of white pepper, rose and strawberry that lead to a fresh palate of juicy strawberry and raspberry notes. Sweet fruit flavors linger on the crisp and dry finish with hints of fresh herbs and a balanced acidity.
Et Fille Deux Vert Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon – This viognier has aromas of honey dew, tangerine, white peach and citrus flower. The palate is medium bodied with sweet notes of Asian pear, tropical fruits and tangerine. It is lacking something: tastes a bit restrained, but all in all a nice semi-dry Viognier.
Bauer Rosé, Zweigelt blend, Austria – The Bauer Austrian rose is delicate but flavorful, and comes in a 1L bottle; it can do no wrong! Fresh and crisp aromas of strawberry and raspberry lead to a smooth palate with delicate notes of green grass, citrus and red berries. Definitely a new favorite!
Copain Rosé of Pinot Noir, Tous Ensemble, Anderson Valley, California – Copain’s #rosé of #pinotnoir is crisp and fruity, with soft aromas of strawberry and herbs. The palate is medium bodied with fresh hints of white pepper spice, berries and citrus fruits. The finish is short, but pleasantly dry with a quick burst of sour cherry.
Domaine Baumard Savennieres Chenin Blanc, Loire, France – This dry Chenin Blanc has full aromas of stone fruits, honey, cream and herbs. The palate is smooth and elegant with notes of apple and pear balanced by vanilla, minerals and chamomile. The creamy core is balanced by a crisp, lean acidity. Perfect for seafood! We opened it to make pasta with clams in a white wine sauce, and it was delicious!
Santome Prosecco, Italy – This Organic process is dry with crisp notes of apple and nuts. The palate is bright and refreshing with hints of minerals and fresh fruits.
Joseph Mellot Sincerite Rosé, France – Light and fresh with strawberry and herbal notes. Notes of berry flowers are balanced by a soft acidity on the long finish.
Taft Street Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California – This chard has a full nose of lemon curd, citrus and honeysuckle. The palate is rich with oaky, buttery notes balanced by a soft green apple acidity. The finish is dry and smooth with hints of toasted almond and cream.
Domaine Moillard Les Violettes, Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France – This biodynamic red has dark berry aromas with notes of spice and earth. The palate is light and smooth with vanillin oak, rhubarb and blueberry notes. With the balanced notes of fruit and spice, this red is perfect for grilled burgers and steaks!
Crosby Cabernet Sauvignon, California – This lighter style Cab has bold aromas of dark fruits like blackberry, plum and cassis. Juicy plum flavors are balanced by the soft tannins on the long, smooth finish. A great “summer” cab.
2008 Besllum, Montsant, Spain – A blend of Carinena, Garnacha and Syrah, this red blend offers aromas of fruit leather and spanish earth. The palate is soft with notes of spice, black pepper, lavender and minerals. A hint of smoke lingers on the long finish, making it a perfect barbecue wine! Especially charcoal grilled dishes.
White Oak
A few weeks ago we hosted the owner of White Oak, Bill Myers, for a seminar at my store. It was definitely an interesting prospective to hear a winery owner talk about their own products. He certainly was a fascinating guy – a salmon fisherman in Alaska and winery owner in California. To be honest though, I wasn’t very impressed with the wines, especially for the price point ($30+). But they certainly weren’t bad wines; perhaps just not my favorites. Although, I did enjoy the Chardonnay.
White Oak Chardonnay, California – 100% barrel fermented, this chard has bright aromas of vanilla, lemon curd, apple and white pepper. The palate is creamy with notes of baked apples, lemon peel and vanilla. The finish is long and soft with a hint of bitter oak.
2012 White Oak, Mighty Oak, California – A blend of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc and Syrah, this blend has big Bordeaux style aromas: dark berries, pepper, tobacco and dark chocolate. The palate is dry with pepper, dark chocolate and berries balanced by dusty but soft tannins.
2012 White Oak Merlot, California – Big juicy aromas of blackberry, plum and jam lead to a palate of bitter cherry, pepper and spice. A hint of Bordeaux-style earth lingers on the finish, with firm, juicy tannins.
2012 White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, California – There are soft aromas of pepper, blackberry and vanilla that lead to a bold, creamy palate of vanilla, baked berries, pepper, spice and cream. The finish has a touch of sweet vanilla.
Alright, you’re all up to date now! What have you been drinking, something yummy I hope! What should I try next week?
Cheers!
Born Thirsty 