The Wolftrap 2005

This is a Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Viognier blend from the South African makers of The Chocolate Block. It's a really sensational blend in the style of a southern France wine such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Cote du Rhone, or Cotes de Provence. (Interesting that a little white is used.) We are posting this just after having our first couple of glasses with grilled pork chops and wilted spinach.

2+ stars. Great value at 8.99 at Village Wine Market. (Imported by Vineyard Brands of Birmingham)

86 Points - Wine Spectator
"Soft and forward, with mocha, cherry and plum flavors and an easygoing finish. Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Viognier. Drink now. 27,500 cases made."

Wines at Charlie Trotter's, Chicago

On 07/07/07 the Brewers and the Simon-Tills celebrated the numerologically significant day. Our wines:

• Mirabile Insolia 2004 (Sicily)
  
• Naiades Bodegas Naia 2005 (Rueda, Spain) Verdejo
  
• Barbaresco Moccagotta "Cole" 2003 (Piedmonte, Italy) Nebbiolo
  

Some comments we found ...

2006 Mirabile Insolia: ($16 retail) Insolia, a native Sicilian white grape variety, is known for its perfumey, herbal scent. Mirabile’s bottling is no exception; the oddly appealing aroma recalls ripe mango and pineapple along with fresh oregano.

2005 Naiades Bodegas Naia: ($29 retail) This wine is made from 90 year old vines and is 100% Verdejo. A mixture of pear, honey and crisp acidity along with white peach and honeysuckle aromas soar from the glass of this surprisingly Burgundian style white. Enjoy with seafood and in particular shellfish.

Barbaresco: Nebbiolo - 100%. Vinification and aging: Maceration on the skins in steel vats with temperature control, ageing in French oak barriques for 18 months. Wine Advocate (Robert Parker), 91; Wine Spectator, 91. Mary says "damn good". Generally it's said that you should serve your best bottle first while the palate is extra alert. But we had this one last and it was "wow". I will note that our sommelier was extremely helpful and easy to work with. ($53 retail)

French Winemakers Welcome Warmer Summers

Heard on "Morning Edition", August 6, 2007 · In 2003, France got a glimpse of what the future may hold. A summer heat wave broke all temperature records, straining the country's medical and energy resources. But a future of warmer summers could bring unexpected pleasures — including wine.

Click for text, photos, audio

Ten Mile

What a great wine. A suggestion from the wine dude at the Piggly Wiggly in Homewood. I wanted something easy to drink and cheap. A wine that would appeal to the "I don't care what it tastes like as long as it's Merlot" crowd and not hurt the wallet when the complained. In a nutshell I wanted something in the Big House Red or House Wine family. This was great and a big hit with everyone at the party. I suggest you pick up a bottle of this and because it is so cheap (around $10) maybe you should get two or three. And for those of you interested in the grape, it is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Barbera .