Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel

Sonoma Zin consistently exhibits ripe, dark fruit qualities, with an inviting Sonoma briary/spicy varietal character, juicy richness and balance. Salute!

We were given our first bottle by Rob's niece. We have never been dissappointed with other bottles since December 2003! I don't recall the specific years that we have purchased. It typically is a medium bodied wine - easy to drink alone or with steak. The fruit opens up in the glass. The price range is in the mid teens.

Witness Tree Pinot Noir 2002

This is a Willamette Valley Oregon wine Mary and I had at Bottega recently. One had venison and the other had grouper but the wine went well with both. It goes for about $24 retail. Read more. Recommended.

In Praise of...

Romano's Macaroni Grill House Chianti.

No, it is not a very good wine but there is something I like about it. It comes in a huge jug with a screw on top. You keep count of the glasses you have had with crayons on the paper table cloth and it tastes like a kicked up version of the grape juice they serve at Methodist communions. Somehow I get the feeling that this wine will not find a place on my table but when in Rome...

Turkey wine

What sort of wine do you like with your bird? I have served Beaujolais Nouveau, Gewurztraminer and others in the past. I'm thinking about a Sauvignon Blanc this year.

My Turkey 101 cookbook suggests full-bodied Chardonnnay, Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as a Nouveau.

Tell me what you think.

Cakebread 2004 Napa Chardonnay

It was Claire's birthday and we were all in the wine store so we got her a bottle. This is a refined and very balanced Chardonnay. Not strong on oak nor overly fruity. Chards in this price range (around $40) are a treat for me!

Notes from the winery: Our 2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay offers fresh, lovely pear and ripe Granny Smith apple aromas with supporting mineral, baked bread and baking spice scents. Full and richly textured on the palate, the citrusy crisp, spiced-apple and pear flavors are enriched by yeast and toasty oak tones that extend into a very long, rich, minerally finish. Youthfully compact, with superb structure and an ideal balance of fresh fruit, acid and wood tones.

Wine Temperature

Wine temperature is a battle that Rob and I fight on a continuing basis. What is cellar temperature anyway? Here is a chart that should help you decide what temperature your wine should be served at. But then again, drink what you like.

Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc

One of my favorite whites. I am partial to the dryer Sauvignon Blanc and this is always in my cart. From the vineyard:

"For many years Kenwood Vineyards has been recognized as one of Californias top Sauvignon Blanc producers. It is our most popular wine. The fruit sourced for this wine comes from our growers in five different appellations in Sonoma County. Grapes from vineyards in the cooler regions of Carneros and the Russian River Valley bring grassy characteristics to the wine, while grapes from the warmer Dry Creek, Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley regions create melony, fruity flavors. The end result can be found in this well-balanced, award-winning wine."

http://www.kenwoodvineyards.com

Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2000

I bought this bottle as one that we had at my Parents 40th wedding anniversary and at $14.99 was a very good value. Here are the notes on the 2004 vintage from the web site.

"The 2004 Sauvignon Blanc is lively and crisp with aromas of grapefruit, honeydew melon and hints of peach. It is light to medium bodied and delivers rich and refreshing flavors and excellent balance."

"This is the first Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc sealed with a cork free closure. The screw cap closure that was used has a liner that was designed specifically for wine and forms an ideal seal to retain the freshness of this Sauvignon Blanc."

I haven't had the screw cap but I am quickly becoming a believer.

http://www.whitehalllane.com

More From The Archive

More from the wine label book. These might be something you may want to check out.

1999 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

1999 Martin Codax Albarino

1999 Penfolds BIN 2 Shiraz Mourvedre Cabernet Sauvignon

1999 Lolonis Carignane

Dolcetto D'Alba Falletto

FROM THE ARCHIVES
I have a book of wine labels of wine that I enjoyed. I didn't write down any info from this 2001 vintage but if it was in the book then I enjoyed it.

Bogle Zinfandel — 1999 Old Vine Cuvee

An oldy but a goody. I am partial to Zins and this one is very good, especially for the price which a couple of years ago cost me about $10.99. I recommend almost all the Bogle wines, red and white. A good value and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Rush Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

I was recommended this wine by the Piggly Wiggly wine guy. It is bottled or produced by a local Birmingham, Alabama guy. I am not quite sure of the story since the web site is always down. www.winesbyrush.com. This is a very good wine that cost me $13.99.

2003 Big House Red en Screw Cap (Ca'del Solo)

Don't let the screw cap fool you. This is a great drinking wine and cheap too. Another Bonny Doon import that I discovered awhile back at a wine tasting. This year’s model is built around substantial tranches of syrah, petite sirah and carignane. Around $10 at most fine grocerie stores. I must say that I am beginning to be a believer in the screw top. The wine seems to last longer in the fridge.

See

2003 Domaine des Blagueurs Syrah-Sirrah

I was told to buy anything imported by Bonny Doon. So far it has not disappointed. From their web site "Very, very complete wine – fragrant, peppery, elegant and rich at the same time. This is the kind of country wine that the French can do better than anyone else. Forgive the hyperbole, but it is a stunner. $9-10 at Bruno's, The Pig, etc.

Omrah 2002 Shiraz

(Australia). Initial taste was astringent and strong on alcohol. But after it opened up in the glass it was smooth & very enjoyable. Had this on 11/6/05 with a steak. Not sure where we got it.

Sexto 2004 Terra Alta

(Spain) It's a blend of 6 grapes (grenache, carignan, tempranillo, lledone pelut noir, cabernet and syrah) and is imported by Heron in CA. Tasted on 11/4/05. Recommended. It's about $11.