define.fine.wine

Devastation. Gawd. I can barely drink this St. Emilion.

2010-01-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

I never met a St. Emilion that I didn't love. Until now.

I mean I feel like there is a cold, wet, butted-out cigarette in my mouth.

It's like "Jacques Blanc" is trying to go all California on me. I mean, really. Is your name really Jacques? Now it just seems like a joke. Oh. And "mis en bouteille au chateau"? I doubt it.

Where's the terroir? Where's my love? Why the hell does it taste like a cigarette butt?

Maybe it's just my foul mood. But I don't think so.

Gosh, I'm dramatic.

Chateau Jacques Blanc
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
2006
Merlot
Cabernet Franc

Trader Joe's in Bayshore

people are always asking me... how to best keep an opened bottle of wine.

2009-10-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

"People" are "always" asking me (read: a few people have asked me a few times)... how to best keep an opened bottle of wine.

I have to laugh at that question, "every" time.

Drink it or toss it.

I mean, why keep an opened bottle of wine? I find it hard to fathom there might be an opened bottle of wine that you would want to "keep" past today anyway.

The great bottles go down too quickly - no chance for contemplating about how to "save" the leftover wine. [Side note: I really don't believe in any leftovers of any kind... to-go boxes, doggy bags, etc.]

And the crappy wine you didn't finish? You want to save it for tomorrow because you didn't like it today? That doesn't make any sense to me. Wine only gets better with age left unopened.

So, now that we've covered the "great" bottles of wine and the "crappy" bottles of wine... there might actually be a couple real dilemmas out there.

Hypothetical Dilemma #1: Really good bottle of wine was opened, but it is too much for one person to drink. What do I do?

Answer: Find a friend already. Go next door and offer a glass. Share the love. In fact, that "really good" bottle of wine will go to "great" after sharing it with someone.

Hypothetical Dilemma #2: Pretty good bottle of wine was opened, but instead of making a fool of myself and drinking the whole bottle, I would like to split my stupidity over 2 nights instead of 1.

Answer: It doesn't really matter how you keep it as long as you drink it TOMORROW. There is not really any good way to keep a bottle past 12-24 hours, although there are a few methods that will make it just fine the next day. Easiest is to put a cork in it and throw it in the refrigerator. Pull it out 20 min before dinner or 20 minutes before noon if you're "that" kind of drinker (read: April Rhodes alla Glee from last night's episode).

There are a few other clunky wine keepers that others swear by - but I mostly just feel silly using them. The classic is the wine pump that attempts to suck the air out of the bottle. In theory this is logical.

#1: Vacu Vin Wine Saver (avail at Cost Plus / World Market... THIS IS THEIR IMAGE):

This one is hands down the commoners solution to the opened wine problem. Everyone has one. As do I. If your dilemma is #2, and want something more elegant that jamming the cork back in the bottle, then go ahead and get this. $9.99 @ World Market.

#2: Metrokane Velvet Wine and Champagne Sealer (avail at Cost Plus / World Market... THIS IS THEIR IMAGE... (pictured on the right) ):

I recently got this one for dilemma #2. I just like the form factor - I'm not sure it does anything more than the cork could do. But it does make it look like I'm at least trying to preserve my wine without looking like a dork pumping air out of the bottle with a plastic wine pumper. Also @ World Market.

Note: I also see that Metrokane has a fancier wine pump - The V-Gauge Wine Preserver (pictured in the middle). This might be the best solution - pump air out, but it looks a little more fancy. I don't have one ... but by day's end I might.

But see this is where I get back to square one. Why again am I trying to save a bottle of wine?

My Life as a Marketing Major

2009-09-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

I have issues. Clearly; But I mean issues beyond not being able to turn a blind eye to products strategically placed at the checkout (e.g. $5 DVD's such as "Jersey Girl", SpongeBob "backpack buddies" whose sales support the local humane shelter, ...) to lure impulse shoppers such as myself.

So, I set out to treat this "Badia a Coltibuono" as a step-up option to the make-you-cry Coltibuono. This "Badia a Coltibuono" was $22.99 vs. the make-you-cry Coltibuono at $17.99. Question is... in paying $5 bucks more, do you get more?

OK. So now I'm totally seeing this is a fruitless experiment. In general, I'd say the answer is always yes as long as you don't fall for brand names (or try to do this in the grocery store - heaven forbid).

But, ignoring the grocery-store-wine-shopping issues, I think this is clear cut. Yes, you typically get more. Especially if you stay in the same family - in this case, I'm considering "coltibuono" all the same family of wine. I'll investigate at another time to figure out what it is. And probably regret the fact I'm too lazy/busy/ADD to check it out now.

In the step-up world, you need to make a blind decision. You need to decide, sight unseen (or taste untasted, I guess) if the extra $5 buckaroos is worth it. Will you care? Would you notice? So it was these thoughts in mind when I decided to try the "better" bottle first.

It's better. End of story.

Badia a Coltibuono
2006
Chianti Classico
90% Sangioveto, 10% Canaiolo
Estate grown, Estate bottled

Let's Play "2 Ups"

2009-08-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

Let's Play "2 Ups"

It's a game I learned in LA from a dear friend that shall go unnamed (upon editing this post).

Whenever a night of drunken debauchery leads to ill-favored gossip about some poor victim (obviously not present) we must give them "2 Up's". Meaning, since we just totally defaced them, we must now say 2 positive things about this person so as to make us feel good about ourselves, because heck: We really were saying nice things about them too.

So, here we go:

2 up
Shiraz
2007
South Australia

The official "Two-up" game is an Australian one, consisting of two pennies flying and a paddle (I'm not sure what happens to the paddle). Apparently everyone "goes wild" until the game ends. I can't explain how to play the Australian two-up game... the bottle doesn't really explain it other than "everyone goes wild until the pennies land". I just can't imagine how long the pennies can be flying?

I have a problem with wines that focus too much on the backstory. It's cute, it's endearing, but it's a little purple cowboy. I also have a problem with wines that note on the label how critics love the wine... it's sort of the hang-tag problem for me. I can't buy a wine with a hang-tag that notes the "wine spectator" rating. Or says it's a "best buy".

Sounds like I need another glass of wine to take the edge off? You're probably right.

OK. Here we go with "our LA" version of "2-Ups"...

1. I listened to my favorite album of all time - Texas, White on Blonde, while drinking this wine. I really love that album.

2. I got an aerator that I was able to try out on this wine. It's called "Vinturi" and it makes a cool bubbling noise as you pour your wine into your glass AND makes me pour more than I should drink because I get distracted with the cool noise. I love my Vinturi.

So ... understand the 2-ups game? It's devilishly fun.

"I like this one better"...

2009-08-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

"I like this one better"... so Andrew says. "But it might be a
temperature thing."

Ok.

Love a man who tells me what to do.

2009-08-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

Love a man who tells me what to do.

Specifically, I love a waiter who tells me what to order.

I continually insist on chatting with the waiter regarding what to
order... And tonight I found the master at Ado in Venice. Never have
I found such an opinionated waiter, never have I wanted to order
anything the waiter chose for me... In fact, never have I had the
owner shave truffles on my pasta. Paulo shaved truffles on Antonios
pasta. ha. ha ha.

And then wine. He decided if we should order glasses or a bottle
after our "corkage" bottle... And while the bottle that we brought was
way better than the bottle we bought, I'm in love (with the place...
Not the waiter for the record. Plus, it doesn't hurt when the owner
kisses us and asks how we are upon arrival. I eat that shit up...
such a sucker I am.)

Sent from my iPhone

Semi Success!

2009-07-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Chateau Saint-Sulpice
Red Bourdeaux Wine
2006

Success: It was the only bottle of bourdeaux at Zinki's Grocery & Liquor & we-are-here-from-Russia-for-the-summer-on-a-government-
program Market.

Not-so-much: Not-so-good.

Success: I managed to get the cork out with the "hotel"'s cheap fork and knife (I'll show you sometime).

Not-so-much: I only got out half the cork with this new method. The other half had to be sacrificed and pushed in.

Gotta love the Wisconsin Dells, Water Park Capital of the USA.

Never... Never have I done this ...

2009-05-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ordered the same bottle two nights in a row... But it was so good last
night (XYZ @ The W hotel) that I had to get it tonight at First Crush
(which is just fine). But thank you Fred for first introducing me to
the world of Ridge... Are you still part of their wine club or are you
too cool now?

Ridge
Sonoma County
Three Valleys
2007

76% Zinfandel
8% petite syrah
7% syrah
6% grenache
3% carignane

And yes, I'm too drunk to see if that adds up to 100% ... but I'm so
OCD i'll be thinking about it all night. Crap.

What!!! On the menu at First Crush...

2009-05-22T20:58:00.001-07:00

Holy smokes... Not really sure what to think. Pacific Rim ... FKA
Bonny Doon... Need to look into this...

Wolfmother... I mean Wolftrap

2009-04-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

I like this wine about as much as I do the band, wolfmother...

Sorry Amy! I mean for not liking wolfmother... I'm sure you'd back me up on this wine. It actually makes it to the not drinkable list ... It's just so overdone.

I might stray away from my risky- "world market" buys for awhile... I.e. Sub-$10 buckaroos

One glass at a bad bar...

2009-03-26T21:53:00.001-07:00

My recommendation is one glass at a bad bar. Meaning, when you are in one of those situations where you are turning yourself into a savvy beer drinker because you're too embarrased of how you'd act if you found out which wines are sitting at the end of the bar.

Recommendation is, in this situation, if you are ever in it, and happen to see this one, it's TOTALLY fine for a glass or two.

In fact, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised and start recommending the wine to friends, or consider buying a case for everyday drinking at home. But don't fall victim! Don't do it!

I have to think this is what happened to the nice man at the new Sendiks on Drexel that recommended it. That, and, he really has a crush on Robert Parker. And good values. Or, as Robert says, "best value". I'm sorry, but I really can't get excited for a wine whose best quality is that it is a "best value". Tell me something... Does it freaking taste good?

I just don't get the whole value proposition. If a wine tastes good and you don't feel like you got ripped off, then you are lucky! Lucky, lucky! And happy!

I guess I just have this whole marketing question about the paper bottle neck tag that declares a wine fit for buying because it's won some award, or RP says it's a "best value". Seems silly to me. Seems so 80's.

In any case, I was beginning to think this Robert Parker guy might be on to something, but he's not. It's only a best value because it's not offensive.

Ok, truth? It's not bad, just boring. Plus, I don't think I can like anything that had a paper bottle neck tag.

Trapiche
Malbec
2006
Around $10 buckaroos

Sent from my iPhone

Steele Pinot Noir

2009-03-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Some things are starting to make sense... And then again confusing me also.

Question: Do certain wines really make you more drunk than others? I mean, how is this possible if all have the same stated alcohol content?

Take this Steele for example, 13.5% alcohol content. Why the hell do I feel twice as drunk when drinking this one versus most others?

I could never understand why I always walked out of going to dinner at Vito's on Pico (or is it Ocean Park?) just feeling way more drunk than normal. But now I know why (we always ordered Steele) .. but then I don't know why!

In any case I always really enjoy Steele (all drunkness aside), and will typically order it if I find it on a menu.

Now I just know I need to be more careful!

Steele
2005
Santa Barbara County
Pinot Noir

www.steelewines.com

Alma Rosa: So excited ...

2009-02-25T22:04:00.001-08:00

So while I'd be even more excited to actually find the Pinot Noir at my sendiks... I'm super excited about this Pinot Gris.

Although I'm also super digging the cross-branding-gone-good Breyers /slash/ Mrs. Fields ice cream sandwiches... With this Pinot Gris while watching all the bachelor episodes in our TiVo. Talk
about productivity... Yeah!

I can't remember if I've talked about the Pinot Noir before, and too lazy to see if I have... So here we go (maybe again)... I love that wine! We had it at Coquette (the Sanford extension in downtown Milwaukee) ... And it's had such a lasting impression although I've yet to have it again. I saw it once... Where my hubcaps were stolen...Audrey, I still need to talk to your mom about that...

Point is that I am pretty much with the opinion that anything that Alma Rosa rocks!

On sale at Sendiks for maybe $14.99 or so!

Sent from my iPhone

Purple Cowboy... isn't half bad

2009-02-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Purple Cowboy

In the "12 under $12" bins at Target... although I really don't think there were 12 different wines. Not half bad considering my last Target tasting. Even more surprising given the tagline, "The legend of the purple cowboy". I've never heard of him. Ha.

"The cowboy met the old man who brought him some cuttings in a damp burlap sack. The old man said plant these in the valley where the fog comes at dusk and the soil is stony and no good for anything else. And someday you'll have some fine dark wine. So dark it turns your teeth to purple. So the legend goes."

I especially like the part about the wine being so fine it'll turn your teeth purple. I love it when my teeth turn purple from all the wine I drank. Gives me purpose when brushing.

Purple Cowboy
2006
Paso Robles Red Wine
Tenancious Red

$11.99 at Target

c'est pas la mer a boire

2009-01-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

C'est pas la mer a boire
Domaine du Possible (cute, right?)

Literal translation: “it’s not the sea to be drunk"
Signification: Ce n'est pas difficile.

Origine

Née dans la seconde moitié du XVIIe siècle, cette expression a tout d'abord été utilisée sous la forme positive : "c'est la mer à boire", qui signifiait qu'une chose était compliquée et difficile. Aujourd'hui, elle ne s'utilise quasiment que sous la forme négative et signifie littéralement "ce n'est pas comme si tu devais boire toute l'eau de la mer". Autrement dit, "ce n'est pas impossible", "pas compliqué".

www.linternaute.com

I didn't at all understand the significance of the name of this wine while we drank it --- but I love it --- both the name and the wine.

The wine bar monsieur at Quedubon ("une maison sincere et serieuse") described the wine as very rich with lots of fruit --- he was dead on. It was absolutely lovely, and now our entire dinner party I'm sure will be on the quest to figure out how to get some here (or in Denmark). For some reason I have a feeling it is going to be extremely difficult, as I don't think it is exported. Although I will look into it. Definitely the best wine on the Paris trip, and best restaurant in my opinion... although Brady liked the place with the naked male oil paintings on the walls (Aux Trois Petite Couchons).

Bistro-Cave Quedubon
22 rue du plateau
19th arrondissement

Apparently the potatoes were to die for here ... I had the fish that was amazing. Really loved this little place - and the people were super sweet, generous and awesome. tel. 01.42.38.18.65. Metro: Buttes-Chaumont

PS I think you can get the wine in Canada... see chowhound note:

Domaine du Possible, “C’est pas la mer à boire” 2006, VDT Roussilon (C$30)
The wine’s name translates as “no big deal” (literally “it’s not the sea to be drunk”). 55% Grenache, 35% Carignan, 10% Syrah. Nose rich in fruit with gamy notes, leather and a bit of *merde*. Mouth-filling and densely fruity yet light on its feet. Supple tannins. Long savoury, spicy finish. Astoundingly pure. Just great.

Oh how I love shitty airplane wine...

2008-12-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love shitty airplane wine when it's served on Air France.
Somehow that makes it all okay--

deceptively appealing

2008-12-11T01:41:00.000-08:00

don't buy into it... the label could go either way --- really good or really bad. it's the latter. all of them. just my opinion ...

ooops ... medoc

2008-12-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

I totally accidently bought this bottle of wine.

I went back-and-forth, back-and-forth, trying to decide if I should try a bottle of red that was titled, simply, "st-emilion". I mean, I by default love St-Emilion. But with a different label. Entirely. I like the french-style label. In the French section. Not on the seasonal end-cap. Such turmoil I experienced. I picked it up, I put it down, I picked it up, I put it down. You think I'm kidding. I'm not.

I finally decided, what-the-hell, and I grabbed it and headed for the register.

Except I picked up the Medoc bottle that looked exactly like the St-Emilion bottle.

Crap.

Wasn't that good. And now I'm torn. Do I go and try the St. Emilion bottle, or just let it go, knowing that it probably sucks because the label doesn't look French?

Ugh.

What-to-do, What-to-do.

Medoc
Christian Moueix
2005
50% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

this susana has got it goin' on

2008-12-11T01:28:00.000-08:00

Seriously, this Susana Balbo has got it goin' on... Al Green style.

Just read the back of the bottle, and again, this is the "offspring" or "lesser" wine AKA "crios" - but it rocks. This one is pure Malbec. Again, the leftovers --- but unlike the whole Cameron Hughes MBA wines, she is in it because she loves wine, and loves what she does. Or at least this is what I fantasize about Susana... I wonder ... is she real? Or is this an even "SMARTER" MBA who has created this marketing ...

I need to try her "signature" wines. If she even exists.

Crios
Susana Balbo
2007
Malbec
Mendoza

$12.99 at K&L Wine Merchants, although I'm pretty sure I got it at a Sendik's locally.

'tis the wine of the season

2008-12-11T01:17:00.000-08:00

Almost made a mistake and posted this to the Detour blog... good thing I caught that. I guess that's an occupational hazard trying to blog at 3am when I can't sleep.

In any case, this is the WINE OF THE SEASON. Not sure why, other than it goes down smooth, it's on sale, and it represents redemption. From Holy Cow. And Kung Fu Girl.

OK. So awhile ago, quite awhile ago, I ripped on Charles Smith and his Holy Cow Chardonnay. If anyone is keeping up with my ramblings they'd know to ignore all comments about white wines. I just can't help myself from putting out my two cents sometimes...

And then my long-lost best friend Amy stuck up for Mr. Charles Smith - and I gave him a shot. I saw the "Chateau Smith" at Sendiks - bought a couple bottles and brought them to girls night at Shelby's big house. Or Chateau. I'm not sure.

The 2 bottles went lickity split (how do you spell that?...).

Everyone liked it... including NON-red wine drinkers. Which, usually by-the-way should scare you off. But oddly I think this one has wide appeal. It's a Cabernet but not too CA, and not too anything else. Not sure what it is ... but it's a bit addictive ...

Chateau Smith
Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
2006
Washington State

I just had a thought... maybe Washington and/or Oregon wines might form a "new" classification ... new old world wine?

PS Not much information on the back label... other than I shouldn't drink the bottle then operate heavy machinery.

PPS Purchased on sale for $14.99 (regularly $19.99) at the new Sendiks on Layton in Greenfield.

Proof!

2008-11-29T19:56:00.001-08:00

This is proof that I should stop giving my oh-so professional opinion on whites... At least in theory, at least tonight.

See, I broke two of my own rules:

1. Do not buy wine from Target... At least until they get their act
together.

2. Do not buy multiple varieties of the same maker without having liked at least 1 of their wines... I totally did this with the Primaterra "brand" ... See another post (whenever I get to it).

So on my visit to Target when I filled my basket with diapers, two toddlers and all the Root:1 on clearance, I also bought the "middle sister" wines. It should have been a dead giveaway that these were going to taste like I got them at target.

However, I tried the "wicked white" first .... And liked it!! In fact, even as I write this I'm planning to get more for my alone time (I mean dinner preparation time).

Then I tried the "rebel red" last night. Blech! Didn't even finish a glass...

So, does this prove I don't know what I'm talking about with whites? If the rule goes that you like what you like, then what does this say?

I think I'm going to give the wicked white another chance and see if I'm really all that wacked out when it comes to whites.. And yes, I do know I'm wacked out in general so no need to remind me in the comments section;)

2006 chianti if-you-want-to-cry wine

2008-11-28T20:05:00.001-08:00

Seriously ... Not sure what my issue is ... But really, I can't help myself
(to order it... or to subsequently cry)...

Coltibuono
Roberto stucchi
Sangiovese

Not sure where it is widely available, I order it from the "Mia Famiglia" in Hales Corners/Greendale .... so yummy (everything), in fact it's my new favorite Milwaukee restaurant!! (note: 1 mother's day brunch + 2 dinners later... so it's not a random new fave restaurant!)

I truly think this is my favorite Chianti --- although I probably haven't given Chianti in general a real shot considering I usually only drank Chianti from the communal pitchers at C&O.

P.S. I saw the wine this afternoon at Sendik's for $17.99!

I'm Thankful for French Wine this Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thank God for French wine...

I've been in a state of blah. Every wine I had was just not noteworthy. I felt like maybe it was over for me.

Until I decided to shop for what I really like: French wine. Especially anything from St. Emilion, or anywhere near Bordeaux. The selection is so minimal in the midwest (or maybe just Milwaukee) so I started to venture out into the Argentinian, Australia, Chile, new world wines. I thought I liked them. And I might. But not as much as the terroir du Bordeaux.

The bottle that saved me from my unfulfilling last couple months of wine drinking:

Chateau Paradis Casseuil
Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite)
2006
Bordeaux

$14.99 at Cost Plus / World Market - and worth every last Franc. Or Euro. Whatever their currency is.

Good or bad idea to buy wine at Target on clearance?

2008-11-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

I am going to have to go with "bad idea"... but not as bad of an idea as it might seem.

See, we got a new Target and it happens to have an alcohol aisle. At first glance it seems like there is no need to look for anything special. For now, it's the typical grocery-store wine-shopping experience that I avoid.

Until I saw the clearance baskets. The clearance baskets with the devil wine marked down 50% off. Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon for only $7.98 (or some other WalMart-esque pricing scheme to make you feel like it's not really $8). So of course my diaper-shopping trip turned into clearing out the whole basket of Root:1 (See! I told you it really is the devil wine!). Then I reasoned that the other wines in the clearance baskets must also be good ... and added more wine to my jumbo Target cart with both toddler seats occupied.

After having drank it all (no comment) I think it was on sale because the wine wasn't taken care of very well while stored or in transit. It didn't taste as good - and yes, it could be the Juan Gil (AKA The "My Love Affair" wine) problem, but I don't think so. I think there might just be something to making sure that wine is cared for properly.

I think it's time to get Brady going on making my wine cellar... you know, for all my wine I don't buy from the Target clearance baskets.

just us mamas

2008-09-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hosted Just Us Mamas last week (i.e. girls night for the mamas of my 3-year-old daughter elle's friends)... and decided to play "can you find the devil wine?". so, sort of (or completely a last minute game) but I had fun.

I included the devil wine in the selections (Root 1: Cabernet Sauvignon) ... and assorted with The Stump Jump, Pillar Box Red, and Layer Cake (the Primitivo - not the Shiraz). I also added a new one: Dynamic? French, "organically" grown. I'll find the label and tell you more.

So the game was as follows: I poured each of the wines in succession, and asked my mamas to answer some questions (but really it could boil down to just a "match the wine to the bottle" game.

1. cork / screw cap
2. grape: 1) shiraz/cabernet/merlot, 2) grenache/shiraz/mourvedre, 3) cabernet/syrah/malbec, 4) cabernet sauvignon, 5) primitivo (zinfandel)
3. vintage year (this one was easy - they were all 2006 except for Pillar Box. I don't know the year on this one! just for the record, game was made up as my mamas were arriving)
4. old world / new world: australia, california, chile, italy
5. rating 1-10 (10=best)
6. match wine to "look" of label. since all the wines were sitting out for review, this sort of informed the answers to questions 1-4.
7. Is this the "devil wine"?

So, everyone called my bluff and knew that I would put Root 1: last... as the 'finale'. But the surprise of the game was 2 fold:

1. Denise scored 100% ... got them all right! Amazing considering my game was pointless.
2. The mamas favorite was Stump Jump. Truly one of my faves, but just assumed Root 1: would win. But I think everyone picked Stump Jump as their fave. FYI, it was served 2nd. Interesting, right?

old world wine?

2008-08-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... the first thing I thought was that this is NOT old world wine. but am I just mistaken? this tastes terribly (meaning VERY, not badly) like a classic California red. Rodney Strong-ish?

So what really defines an old world wine? I pretty much equate old world = french terrior... but am I wrong?

Sacred Stone
Masters Red Blend
Old World Style
Red Wine

www.sacredstonewinery.com

Cost Plus / World Market

pacific rim sweet riesling

2008-08-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

2007
sweet riesling
columbia valley
pacific rim

unless you like sweet riesling...

i'm kind of at a loss as to what to say... so:

1. the "other" kevin at sendik's said this is his FAVORITE wine. again, not much weight should be given to the self-proclaimed beer drinker.

2. sweet riesling. not sure how i'm supposed to take it.

3. there is the see-thru bottle label effect (like on "agree" shampoo from the late '80s, early 90's.)

4. Their website is www.rieslingrules.com

$9.99
Franklin Sendik's

Note to self: Try the dry riesling, or try drinking the sweet riesling with food. oops. Thanks Ross

pascual toso cabernet sauvignon

2008-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Pascual Toso
2006
Cabernet Sauvignon
Maipu Vineyards
Mendoza
Argentina

It took me 3 tries to decide if I like this one, and the answer is definitely yes. But don't get me wrong ... it's not the wine's fault. It's mine.

I drank it out of a roadie cup the first time in a church playground on a friday night in slinger wi (see picture - the roadie cup says "shelly" - my new best friend in wi). The second time I drank it while I was working, and forgot to think about if I like it or not (simply amazing that I focus on the work, and not the wine... ). The 3rd time, last night, I finished it up (over 3 nights). And, yes, it's definitely worth it.

Cost Plus / World Market (I know, do I shop anywhere else?)
$12.99

root: 1 sauvignon blanc

2008-07-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc
Casablanca Valley, Chile 2007

Me. Not a white wine person. Not versed in Sauvignon Blanc.
But this my friend is a perfect companion to my cooking "alone time" ...

lot 79 is better (cameron hughes)

2008-07-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Cameron Hughes, Lot 79 2005 Merlot
Napa Valley

So the value proposition is this: There is an over supply each year of what CH calls "super premium" wine and "value" wine (over and under $14/bottle). You can read all the reasons why on chwine.com.

Honestly it all seems a bit like a bored MBA put this together - isn't wine making supposed to be an art? It just seems a little too much like a business-school case answer to the "wine glut" problem.

Anyway, so what they do is take the oversupply and keep the integrity of each lot by keeping it as is - not blending it to make it better as other winemakers do with this over supply. (Um, the whole fun of it, but whatever...)

IN ANY CASE,

Supposedly you're getting a super premium wine at a good value.

I had a different lot a few months ago (which I didn't like at ALL - can't remember which one), but lot 79 was definitely good. Lot 54 is from St. Emilion, so I'd definitely like to give that one a shot and see if I buy this whole concept.

The devil, I tell you! ROOT: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-07-07T22:12:00.002-07:00

It truly is the devil I tell you! I absolutely can't open the bottle without finishing it.

"A rich red wine with black currant, mocha and cherry flavors"

At least tonight I'm doing something productive while drinking my two glasses of ROOT:1, but last time I downed a whole bottle watching So You Think You Can Dance Chelsea & Matt's lyrical hip hop routine over and over on YouTube.

EMBARRASSING.

But that's how good it is. OH, and by the way, that was a Saturday night.

Needless to say Brady didn't really think that was too cool. And this is why it is the devil wine.

I seriously get scared pulling the cork that I might just drink the whole thing - I wonder, will I have the willpower to stop at 1/2 a bottle? THE DEVIL in a BOTTLE!

But I love it.

ROOT: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

Colchagua Valley, Chile 2006

Made from original European rootstocks that typically do not survive - according to the bottle, Chile is super-special because the grapes grow unaffected by wine-grape disease (phylloxera).

Cost Plus / World Market on sale for $9.99

(but usually not much more than that - an AMAZING value, I promise).

And a beautiful bottle to boot.

Bourassa 2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley

2008-06-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

So about 1 1/2 hours ago, I was agonizing over if I should open a bottle of Bourassa we picked up on our Napa trip, or go for the cheap-o, pee-on-the-floor Borsao (which, by the way still has my mind spinning about the secret to making dirt cheap not-so-bad wine)...

AND also beating myself up, wondering why didn't I go to Cost Plus / World Market and pick up some wine before 9pm?

It's Friday night people, and this is the highlight of our night. Which wine we should drink when we struggle for a solid 2 hrs. putting our kids down and trying to do some work well into the night.

So clearly we went with the Bourassa.

And all I can think right now is WHY in the heck would I ever not drink the best bottle in the house? SERIOUSLY - this wine is so good. Totally different than my normal style - I'd say it's pretty California, but in a good way.

PLUS, as I'll get to some day, the people at Bourassa are awesome.

http://www.bourassavineyards.com/

We had the Zinfandel - $28/bottle. So totally awesome.

2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley

BTW, this is 1 of the 3 winery clubs we joined on our trip to Napa...

[This image is obviously from the Bourassa website, I will get my own as soon as I'm sober enough to operate my camera. JK.]

Voga Italia - a no-go, but seriously check out their website

2008-06-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

I would say this is the best of the whites from the trip to Sendik's when[the other] Kevin picked out wines for me... but still it tastes a little too dry or something. I kept tasting something that Brady would probably say "bites his tongue". But he usually says that with reds. The whole thing is a bit confusing.

Voga Italia
with its "I'm trying too hard bottle concept" AND their "trying too hard website"... see below
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

P.S. I have nothing against Venice.

OMG! Visit their website. I'm dying. Especially about the girl at the end of the flash sequence that is sporting a dress that only Amy would wear to a barbeque. No offense Amy. Well, a little:), but I love you!

www.vogaitalia.com
$10.99 at Sendik's

Borsao - On Sale at Cost Plus (where Elle peed on the floor)

2008-06-11T19:27:00.001-07:00

Just saw it this week on sale for $5.99 - seriously - at Cost Plus / World Market.

OH yeah, and Elle peed on the floor at the checkout. My bad, totally. See, she has this thing where she goes to the bathroom just to get a treat. So I end up running around through retail stores, leaving all my belongings behind, for her to squeeze out a little pee to get some m&m's.

Since she had already found the gummy worms (which I had opened in the store to let her eat while I shopped for wine - which just KILLS Brady - I can't open food in stores before I've purchased it when he's around... but anyway) ... and I told her she couldn't have anymore (I know! I'm so mean!), I figured her saying she needed to go to the bathroom was her ploy to get more worms out of me.

FYI: It wasn't. She actually had to go pee. My bad.

Anyway, another lesson in parenting.

OH, and the Borsao was really on sale for $5.99.

Los Vascos - RESERVE a bottle for me... with a little cheese.

2008-06-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

Yeah, that was supposed to be "cheesy".

But really, a GOOD wine. Those Vascos brothers sure do know how to make a kick butt Colchagua Valley 14% bottle of good stuff.

I can not remember exactly what I liked about it, but I do remember being surprised. I'll find the receipt soon and post the price. And where I got it. I guess it would help if I actually had gathered this info prior to sitting down to write my wine blog. Ha. I work for no one! Whooo hoo! At least on this blog.

According to the back label, Los Vascos is one of Chile's oldest wine estates, and was taken over by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in the 80s. It is technically in the Caneten (with a tilde over the N) valley of the Colchagua province.

The rest of the label talks about how this wine is for "connaisseurs" ... really? I'll forgive them because I'm sure it's reasonably priced (I'll check) and it tastes good.

Note: $14.99 at Cost Plus / World Market.

Ring Bolt - I keep forgetting.

2008-06-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

This label is so awesome I keep forgetting I don't really dig the wine. But I keep buying it thinking, I must like it...

Ring Bolt
2005
Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River
Australia

Cost Plus / World Market $11.99

Paso Creek Paso Robles- should be good but...

2008-06-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

not my bag, baby (wink).

How many times can I get away with that "review"?

I am getting sort of disheartened... If a wine is from Paso Robles, I just assume I'll love it. But, maybe it's the double whammy. "Paso" in the name and being from "Paso Robles" should have made me think twice... trying too hard?

Kind of cute from the front label... but is this really a tagline that should sell me? Especially when I really think about it...

"Bold character derived from stubborn patience."

It's almost like they didn't want to make the wine.

Kind of cheesy from the back label: "... This richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with big food and spirited conversation."

I wonder how much "stubborn patience" it took for them to come up with that.

OK now I'm being mean. For no reason. It's really not that bad. It's just:

not my bag, baby (wink)

Paso Creek

Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles (but vinted and bottled in Sonoma)

2005

$17.99 from Sendik's in Franklin. On shopping trip with the "other" Kevin.

Macon La Roche Vineuse Chardonnay - Pour Le Kir Parfait

2008-06-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Always the quest to find good Creme de Cassis, and ANY Blanc Aligote from Bourgogne in order to make a Kir.

While I have yet to find either in the U.S., I was able to make a decent Kir with the Macon La Roche Vineuse Chardonnay. I think with a better Creme de Cassis I will have nailed the art of making a Kir in Milwaukee.

The vineyard has limestone-rich soils... So I am interested to try this without the cassis mixed in next time.

Vin de Bourgogne 2005

Alain Normand

Vina Robles RED to the power of 4?

2008-06-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

I screwed off the cap (yep, it's a screw top, my fave for convenience sake) and took one sip, and put the cap back on. I took it back to Sendik's because I thought there must be something wrong with the bottle because it was THAT bad. I guess sending a bottle back at the grocery store is not as acceptable as at a restaurant. Not that I really do that either, but good to know. In any case, they did let me switch it for another one. It was much better the 2nd time around, however, still not my thing.

From the same maker as the Rose I previously "reviewed" [in quotes], Vina Robles Rose, that I wasn't able to really judge because I am just not a white/pink wine person. I feel like I can't really "review" [in quotes, again] this one either because it's made for someone whose pallette is wildly different than mine.

Someone taste it and tell me what they think. I swear it's not bad, it's just:

'not my bag, baby (wink)'

Thanks Amy for helping me out with how to properly say that.

Anyway:

Vina Robles RED 4 2006
Huerhuero Paso Robles
Petite Syrah 53%
Syrah 38%
Tannat 7%
Touriga 2%
Vina Robles, San Miguel

The Stump Jump - Cool name, cool grapes.

2008-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Stump Jump: Cool name, cool grapes (including one of my faves, Mourvedre), cool label... can't go wrong bringing this one to a party. A boldly cool choice especially since it tastes great.

$10.99 at Cost Plus / World Market. One of the 2 wines I tend to stock up on (the other being Pillar Box Red).

d'Arenberg
The Stump Jump
2006
McLaren Vale
Grenache 46%
Shiraz 34%
Mourvedre 20%

Do you think they played the rounding game in allocating these percents? Just wondering.

From the back label:

"Land for many of the region's old vineyards was originally cleared using the 'Stump Jump' plough, a South Australian invention which enabled the ploughshare to jump over the gnarly roots of 'mallee' Eucalyptus trees, saving valuable time and resources."

Another note: The Osborn family has been making wine since 1927 at d'Arenberg, their winery in the McLaren Vale.

napa, oh, napa

2008-05-25T15:08:00.001-07:00

So, coming in to this experience I’ve had immense anxiety. First of all… am I supposed to feel comfortable here? What if everyone sucks? All I have heard is amazing reviews of this 5-city+ area (Napa, Sonoma, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga)… but what if these reviews are all about the need to “say” that Napa is all that, and it really isnt’?

In fact, these feelings have existed even before embarking on my Napa excursion – I actively avoid this region while wine shopping. Why? Because of the same rationale – Napa wines can’t really be ALL THAT just because they are from Napa. BTW, this feeling does not generally apply to the surrounding areas – even if it should. I almost couldn’t enjoy myself the first night here because of these anxieties.

I’d probably not suggest flying into San Francisco International airport to drive in to Napa – kind of takes away from the whole experience of coming to wine country. There is a Napa regional airport – I’d suggest this entry point even though I haven’t been there. We flew in on a Saturday – so it wasn’t that bad. BUT, I bet it would suck big time if it was even remotely close to rush hour.

I had a rough time getting out the door to get to our first reservations at Celadon in Napa. I felt like I had no idea where we were – and my nails weren’t painted. Not only were they not painted, they were living through a month-old chipped-up state of disrepair. As Brady tried to get reception on our GPS, I madly tried to paint my nails in our suite – feeling the whole time that I am going to be late and miss our reservation. Not that I would normally be worried about these sort of things – we all know I am notoriously late everywhere. I just kept thinking I’d be stuck dining at the McDonald’s playland if I missed these reservations… and I can barely handle that in Greendale.

Luckily we arrived uncommonly early. UNCOMMONLY early.

Still feeling wildly unsettled and nervous – not wanting to act like someone who I am not, but feeling this nagging feeling to fit in, I anxiously awaited for our server. Even when she arrived to take our drink order – I did not feel settled. When asking her what she suggested, I didn’t get the to-the-point recommendation I was hoping for, expecting. She sort of hesitated, and in retrospect, I appreciate this. She wasn’t posturing, or pretending to be that “Napa” person I so pre-emptively detest.

I had read a blog about wine lists in Napa before arriving here, and it mentioned to not steer away from the entry-priced wines, just because of their price points. So, I decided to take this advice… especially feeling like I needed to stick my ground in not being that “Napa type” and that we had a big vacation ahead of us full of expenses. We ordered the Pope Vineyards Sangiovese – they remarked they had only recently brought it into the restaurant. Both our server and the owner (who poured the wine for us) remarked they were pleasantly surprised. It was very nice, unassuming and a lovely way to start our Napa trip.

We had an amazing meal – the calamari which is what Celadon is famous for (highly addictive), the goat cheese with crostini (yum, yum), soft shelled-crab salad (nothing spectacular), and the fettucini with pork pasta special (“it was good,” Brady says). But the service was awesome and down to earth.

The night ended up just right – and we took some pictures of swans.

LO TENGO- or, NO TENGO y no tienes if you're smart.

2008-05-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

You might not be able to tell from this photo... but here are a couple things to point out:

1. This is a lenticular label.
2. The lenticular label is of two people dancing the tango. Probably in Argentina.

So, I've been totally avoiding this wine at Cost Plus / World Market simply because of the price point ($9.99). That in of itself wouldn't drive me off... although it usually makes me think twice. However, this wine traveled from Argentina - so it should command a higher price, right? Then, lenticular printing is relatively expensive. I felt like I'd be paying for the fuel to ship these bottles with expensive lenticular labels from Argentina, and not for the prize inside.

But, I thought I'd buy within a "theme" on my last shopping trip to World Market. So the "theme" was "Malbec"... but maybe I should keep Amy's advice in mind. I can imagine her saying that the "theme" of my trip was buying wine, and not necessarily having to buy all Malbec wines (always stick to the primary theme, she says), especially when all common sense says the wine shouldn't be any good.

In case you missed it, Lo Tengo, means something like "I have it" ... which is pretty cute. Then it is also a play on the "Tango" dance, clearly since there are two people dancing on a cobbled street on the label. OH, but you probably wouldn't miss it, because they wouldn't let you. The caption of the photo is, "El Tango". Damn I hate it when companies don't give their customers the benefit of the doubt!

A little cheesy from the back label:

"Its smooth, elegant structure makes it the perfect partner to dance the night away."

Lo Tengo
Malbec
2007
Argentina

P.S. I'm not big on Malbec ... so don't hate me for not liking it. And you may ask, "why did I make Malbec my theme on my last shopping trip?" ... the answer would be, "there aren't many French wines in Wisconsin."

Can I get a "WOOP WOOP" - yeah, it's that bad.

2008-05-22T17:58:00.001-07:00

I should have known better, than to fall ... for the recommendations of the "other" Kevin at Sendik's.

So, there are now TWO Kevin's at Sendik's in Franklin. One gives GREAT recommendations, and the other, not so much. I'm dreading trying the rest of the case I bought when I shopped with him. And now I'm feeling doubly bad because he told the cash register lady I was his "new" favorite customer.

I should have known better because he prefaced helping me pick out some new wines with, "I'm a white wine drinker". Hmmm. Then, his big selling point was that if he was recommending a red, it means it must be really good, because he's a "white wine" drinker. Yeah, I don't think it works that way. You have to be a red wine drinker in order to recommend good reds. Someone who only likes white wine (I'm convinced) is not equipped to recommend red wines.

So, there. WOOP WOOP. Don't buy it. It's so boring. And I kept drinking it anyway. It could be something I like - because I like understated wines. But this had NO statement. Bor--ring.

WOOP WOOP
2006
Shiraz
Wine of Australia
South Eastern Australia

From the back of the label: "G'day. [omg, did they really write that?] In Australia Woop Woop means not nearby, remote even. In sourcing the fruit for this well-balanced South Australian Shiraz we went outside our normal territory to blend the best regional attributes [... blah, blah]."

Also from the back of the label... in fact, if this was the only commentary on the back, it might redeem itself:

"We went to Woop Woop to bring Woop Woop to you." Now that's funny.

$10.99 at Sendik's in Franklin

Holy Cow Chardonnay - I got a soft spot, dang it!

2008-05-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

"Holy Cow, is this bad. But a good back up for fondue-making if you would rather spend $12 to boil your wine and put cheese in it."

That was going to be my first review... until I decided to check out their website: www.charlessmithwines.com, and develop a conscious. Dang it! Remind me not to do that. They are from Walla Walla Washington, and have really cute pictures and pretty convincing commentary about their wines.

Furthermore, I'm not a white drinker. So, who am I to judge. After checking out their other wines, I got excited to try some of their reds - notably the syrah. However, all I have here left to taste from them is Kung Fu Girl, which is a Riesling. Why I bought it is another story, for another post.

Holy Cow Chardonnay 2006 (I would bash it, but I'm not going to)
Charles Smith Wines
Mattawa
Washington

P.S. I think it's funny how they felt the need to say "Washington State" ... I really never heard anyone say that until I went to the east coast, when there was a need to differentiate it from Washington, as in D.C. This is probably because the Charles Smith is from Scandinavia, and not from the west coast, where we assume Washington is a "state".

$10.99 (on sale for $8.99) at Sendik's in Franklin

Adriano, Douro Valley. I call it the "Ramos Pinto".

2008-05-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

So I bought this because of the Adriano Ramos Pinto art on the label (anyone remember our poster up in the kitchen... still up... in this kitchen).

Anyway - it's good. I'm a little biased, as I can be with labels I like, but I'm going to stick to my story that this is a pretty good one.

How often do I find GOOD wines from Portugal? I mean, excluding all those port wines.

Lastly, I like any wine that says it is best consumed with pizza.

From the back label:

"Its name is a tribute to Adriano Ramos Pinto, a fervent art collector and the founder of the House Ramos Pinto in Vila Nova de Gaia."

Adriano
Joao Nicolau de Almeida, winemaker
Vinho Do Douro
Douro Valley, Portugal

Available at Cost Plus / World Market ... maybe $10.99 or $11.99. Actually, it's $12.99 ... just checked the receipt. Hmmmmm.

borsao - an UPDATE - pretty deceptive

2008-05-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure if I've encountered this before... A wine that TASTES good but leaves you with the quick drunkeness of a cheap wine. For me, I am always able to drink quite a bit of a good wine in one sitting, but a cheap one always beats me. Beats me in terms of the fact I can't polish off a bottle with no hangover, and will feel pretty much immediately drunk.

By the way, I served it to my mom 2 nights in a row, and she INDEPENDENTLY brought up the fact that the wine was making her a bit more loopy than normal.

So, I'm not really quite backing this one as an everyday wine. HOWEVER, I am definitely backing this one as a party wine. What a steal! $6.99 a bottle at Cost Plus / World Market - it tastes goods and is guaranteed to make your party rock.

ha ha.

dogajolo- wouldn't kick out of bed, but pretty forgettable

2008-05-12T18:00:00.001-07:00

Dogajolo
Dry Red Table Wine of Tuscany
2006
Carpineto
Product of Italy

80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Eat with pizza. Perfect with Pizza. Eat with pizza. Not sure what else to say, because I don't really remember it. BUT just know, I always remember a bad wine, and a remarkable wine.

$10.99 at Sendik's.

PS The label includes pronunciation, but it's still a little lost on me: (dogayalo) ... is that doe - gah - yah- low? Someone help! That doesn't sound Italian to me. Although, I don't speak Italian, so what do I know?

BEX riesling - for bex

2008-05-12T17:46:00.001-07:00

Oh, Bex. Did you know there is a wine called "Bex"?

And yes, I bought it for the next time you visit Milwaukee, but had to drink it ahead of time. But, now I see it available in more locations, and in Chicago. So you've probably had your share. I will of course welcome a bottle with you and Barker when you're in town next.

Disclaimer: I'm not really a white wine drinker - but I thought it was good. I'd drink it again.

$9.99 at Sendik's. Again, probably less elsewhere.

BEX Riesling 2006
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Qualitatswein
Product of Germany (as all good Rieslings are)

altos las hormigas MALBEC - pretty darn good, esp. for the price point

2008-05-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

I thought this one was pretty good - especially for $9.99 at Sendiks (which means it's probably less elsewhere).

From the Altos Las Hormigas website:

"Un trabajo de hormigas" es la frase argentina que expresa un trabajo con humildad, paciencia, extendido. Por lo tanto, la hormiga es nuestro símbolo y nuestro amuleto de buena suerte. Trabajamos con gran orgullo, pero somos conscientes en mantener una mentalidad abierta, lo suficiente para ser humildes, siempre dispuestos a aprender nuevas lecciones. Es el secreto para crecer como personas y como winemakers.

That's deep.

I like them. Those ants sure do know how to make a good Malbec.

altos las hormigas
malbec
2007
mendoza argentina

all good love affairs must come to an end

2008-05-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

Bodegas Juan Gil
Jumilla
100% monastrell
product of spain

Maybe it was the long out-of-stock situation at Cost Plus. Maybe it was the chance discovery of a couple bottles at the Milwaukee Public Market. Maybe it was over-buying it when it came back in stock.

But, now that it is readily available, and pretty much a star in every magazine (well, just Food and Wine, but you know what I mean), I'm over it.

The more I drank it the more I just didn't think it was all that. But, maybe I just got a bad batch.

Maybe I'll fall in love again with this one. Just not now. I just can't stop thinking about Layer Cake... my new obsession... my new love affair.

Adieu, mon amour, adieu.

Big House White - cooking wine

2008-05-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Big House White Wine 2006 (again, probably any vintage would do)

OK, I totally don't get at all what they are talking about on the back of the label.

I THINK it could be made from a blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, some other grape, Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli and something else.

It doesn't really really matter since I just use it to cook. And drink while I cook. At $8.99 a bottle, it makes it a perfect choice, and convenient with the screw-top lid.

Trader Joe's French Market Chardonnay - go FONDUE!

2008-05-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's French Market Chardonnay 2006 (but really ANY vintage will do).

This is my go-to wine for making traditional swiss fondue.

2 cups Trader Joe's French Market Chardonnay
1 pound Swiss Emmanthaler Cheese, shredded. But I try to get as much as I can, 1.1 pounds is better than 1. (It goes to "eleven".)
some Trader Joe's crushed garlic
some flour

1. Smear bottom of pot with the crushed garlic - just a light layer.
2. Heat the wine (Tailinh, the fatal flaw I never could figure out was that the fondue all goes to crap if the wine is too hot - like if it is sort of boiling - so just heat HOT, but don't boil)
3. Mix shredded cheese with flour - just a few pinches of flour to lightly coat the shredded cheese - but not a full coverage - be somewhat lazy about it. Just don't over do it. I'm not sure what would happen, but that's my advice.
4. Slowly add cheese to wine, stirring in a figure-8 with a wooden spoon.
5. Once all melted, pour into fondue pot and eat... with a Trader Joe's or La Brea Bakery or Panera Baguette. Or any baguette for that matter.

I'm not really claiming this is an authentic recipe, but seriously, it is just a pot of cheese.

It's maybe $4.99/bottle. Drink the leftovers when you're making dinner the next night.

Las Rocas - don't drink it alone

2008-04-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Las Rocas de San Alejandro
Vinas Viejas 2005
Calatayud
Spain

Garnacha
2005

What I mean is that you need to drink it with food - chocolate, pizza, anything! Just not by itself - it tastes weird.

It's a great pairing wine. Drink it with something.

Sendik's in Franklin

Crios - I believe I love it...

2008-04-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

Crios de Susana Balbo

50% Syrah
50% Bonarda

Mendoza
Argentina

Balbo describes this wine as "extremely lovable and fun to be around." I'd agree, except for the "extremely" part. That's just a little dramatic. But really, a good wine to have on hand in the house.

Got it at Cost Plus . It's a standard one they usually have there. At least in Greendale, Wisconsin, where we call Cost Plus "World Market"... and have NO IDEA what a "Cost Plus" is.

P.S. she says this is part of her offspring wine collection ("Crios"). She splits all her barrels before blending - the good ones into parents - or her signature wines. This Crios is part of the "other" barrels. Hmmmm.

Borsao - NEVER would have bought, but LOVED

2008-04-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

BORSAO
2006
Campo de Borja
Spain

Seriously... I would have never bought this wine because the label sucks. I would have never even given it a shot. But Kevin @ Sendiks in Franklin said I should try it... so I did.

AWESOME. I really like it. It's simple.

75% Garnacha
25% Tempranillo

Solanera - should probably do again...

2008-04-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Castano
Solanera
2004

Yecla region in southern Spain

Monastrell 65% -my fave grape (right now)
Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
Tintorera 15%

On back of bottle:
"The resulting wine is deeply colored, with the ripe, rich flavors of the Mediterranean."

Hmmmm... I don't know if I'd call it "flavors of the Mediterranean"... what exactly are those flavors again?

Sendiks in Franklin, WI

2006 Layer Cake Shiraz- C'EST PARFAIT

2008-04-15T16:48:00.001-07:00

oh my gosh... so so good. on sale for $13.99 at Sendik's in Franklin.
so smooth. so rich. so light.
audrey, do I sound like a wine reviewer yet?

"one hundred percent pure"
shiraz
vintage 2006
barossa valley - south australia

on back of bottle ...
"my old grandfather made and enjoyed wine for 80 years. He told me the soil in which the vines lived were a layer cake. He said the wine, if properly made, was like a great layer cake, fruit, mocha and chocolate, hints of spice and rich, always rich, 'never pass up a layer cake', he would say. I have always loved those words."

Elle at Work

2008-04-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Elle helping me take pictures... and doing a little modeling.

nikon d80 rocks!

2008-04-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am getting better at using my D80 ... at least I choose to believe it... it keep me motivated. These are the pics I took for this week's shopdetour.com home page...

2002 el vinculo - pretty good

2008-04-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Pretty good, not amazing... not incredibly memorable but I'd definitely try again.

Un Vino de Alejandro Fernandez
Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera

Ciudad Real, Espana

La Mancha Red Wine

PRETTY GOOD - I'd try again.

2005 Juan Gil - MY LOVE AFFAIR

2008-04-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I am seriously in love with Juan Gil, and any wine store that carries it. Both Cost Plus-World Market and Sheridan's carry it - so I am pretty much covered.

But seriously, amazing. I think it is about $13.99/ bottle or something like that (in Wisconsin dollars).

MY LOVE AFFAIR

2005 Juan Gil

100% monastrell

Jumilla Red Wine
Product of Spain
Bodegas Juan Gil

2006 Pillar Box Red - LOVE IT

2008-04-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is an absolute "Find". Not that it was that hard to find given it was at Cost Plus/ World Market ... for about $10. K&L Wine Merchants has it on sale right now for $7.99. We all know I have some aversion to wines priced less than $12 buckaroos, but this one I can't stop drinking it. That might be a separate problem, but seriously. Get this one for everyday.

2006 Pillar Box Red

Shiraz 50%, Cabernet 42%, Merlot 8%

Padthaway, Australia

Chris Ringland Winemaker Consultant

LOVE IT

Sfida Puglia Rosso 2006 - yummy pizza wine

2008-03-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

This wine was recommended to me as specifically a "pizza wine"... i.e. you must eat with pizza. So, I picked up a pepperoni from Papa Murphy's (which I love with any wine) and I LOVED THIS WINE with my pizza. I'm not one for "pairing" "wine" with "food" ... love all the quotes?... but seriously you've gotta try it with this one.

So, LOVED IT. With pizza.

Found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $9.99

Jesus Jones Liquidizer

2008-03-19T21:24:00.001-07:00

Best album by Jesus Jones... even if I only listen to the first 5 songs.

P.S. Don't everyone be so surprised I haven't posted any dave yet. Seriously. Man.

chateau coucy - love it everyday

2008-03-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

Chateau Coucy - Maureze - 2001
Montagne Saint-Emilion
Bourdeaux

Anyone who knows me probably knows that if the bottle says "St-Emilion" on the label, I will probably say I love it. Even before I try it. Same goes with this one.

Found it at Trader Joe's at Bayshore for $14.99

Vina Robles - fulfills the role

2008-03-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... so I have a hard time LOVING any wine that is not red. I think I just have limited experience with white wines ... and roses are always at random times when really all I want to do is smoke a cigarette and act like I'm really cool. Which doesn't really happen all too often.

I got this Rose (ROSE - NOT WHITE ZINFANDEL) to go with my crab cakes and it was perfect.

Plus, it's from Paso Robles, which probably makes me a little (or a lot) biased.

Vina Robles

2006 Roseum

Huerhuero

Paso Robles

Found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $14.99

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel - sucked

2008-03-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

... okay so it sucked, but I feel like I should give it another shot considering it seems to get good reviews.

Ernie, it really tastes like that one that you liked from Vinum Populi - that I hated and you loved. So it just might be that it's not my thing. In other words - - buy! buy!

Found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $21.99

BTW, this happens to be the most expensive wine I bought on this trip (by $1 whole dollar) - and I hated it! That might just go to show that I have no taste. But I know what I like.... I think.

kamiakin 2005 - love it

2008-03-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Kamiakin 2005 - Sheridan Vineyard

Love it.

Found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $18.99

P.S. My bottle label looks like this one ... with the red wine drippings (that's the technical term - "drippings")

sound mufflers

2008-03-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

how brady gets through dinner.

le holga, c'est bon

2008-03-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

ernie, this is for you. i put the holga to work! do you like? it's on the homepage of shopdetour.com right now. i had to have jason take a picture at the same with my nikon d80 ... to use as a pretty expensive flash. but it worked. we employed a very elaborate system of counting off (1-2-3) to try to synchronize our shots so that the nikon flash would go off for the holga picture. ha. anyway. i need a hot shoe. is that what i need? is it like the shoe phone?

Altos de Luzón - loved it.

2008-03-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Altos de Luzón (2005)
Bodegas Luzón (Jumilla)

LOVED IT

50% Monastrell Old Vines, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Tempranillo

PS I guess I'm really loving Monastrell / Mourvedre that's the same thing right? Like Syrah / Shiraz?

found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $16.99

bremerton tamblyn - loved it.

2008-03-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

bremerton tamblyn (2004)

LOVED IT.

made me want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting. [contrary to popular belief, not all bottles of wine have this effect on me].

rebecca willson
langhorne creek
wine of australia

cabernet 52% shiraz 30% malbec 12% merlot 6%

found it at Sheridan's Finest Wines & Generous Spirits at the Milwaukee Public Market for $20.99

white on blonde

2008-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

best. album. ever.

white on blonde by texas.

don't pop it in your car or about your daily monotony. get to know it while traveling or experiencing something new in your life.

oh, and make sure elle's toddler CD doesn't come on after it and ruin your moment.