Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2007

New Years eve 2009. Good bye to the zeros. I think I found my new favorite zin. About $17 at Whole Foods.

Posted via email from Shawn's posterous

Can Blau 2007

Spanish red wine. Blend of mazuelo 40%, syrah 40% and garnacha 20%. Very tasty at about $16.

Posted via email from Shawn's posterous

Bubbly for the New Year

Winston Churchill famously said of Pol Roger "In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it".

But in this down economy, what can we reasonably afford? (Inspired by
NBR Morning Edition story "Revelers Choose Sparkling Wines Over Champagne". http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122093332)

Prosecco from Italy - brut (dry) options are available.
- try Zardetto Prosecco Brut, around $13

California sparklings
- try Gloria Ferrer Brut, from California, it is getting great reviews this year. 90 points and under $15

France - Crémant from Burgandy

- This appellation covers France's burgundy region and features dry sparkling wines. These wines are made via méthode champenoise from the principal grapes of aligoté, chardonnay, pinot blanc and pinot noir. Most of the wines produced are white, with a small amount of rosé. Crémant de Bourgogne wines must be aged for a minimum of 9 months. Their quality is much higher than the wines from the region's older appellation Bourgogne Mousseux AC, which is being phased out. Today's Burgundian sparkling wines are viewed very positively and are regarded as good, lower-priced alternatives to the wines of champagne.

Spain - Cava

- Spain makes some very fine sparkling wines called cava. It is made in the "méthode champenoise" or "Champagne method," which is the same method that is used to make Champagne in France

Thorne-Clarke Shotfire 2008 Barossa Shiraz

To complement our Christmas dinner of standing rib roast our guest Pete brought this nice Shiraz.  Despite the delivery comment below don't think this overpowering.  The chocolate and plum fruit tones did well the the roast as well as the yams and green beans.

"The 2007 Shotfire Shiraz was aged for 12-18 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak, 40% new. A saturated purple/black in color, this glass-coating effort has a nose of wood smoke, bacon, mineral, and blueberry that leaps from the glass. Rich and intense on the palate, it has layers of flavor, excellent balance, and a pure finish. It way over-delivers for its humble price. Drink it over the next six years.  92 pts. Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate"

I think it's available and the Vintage Wine Shoppe in Inverness.

Sandeman Founder's Reserve Porto NV

Capping off our Christmas dinner was this modest bottle of port.  It's smooth and clean and not too powerful.  Great pairing with our chocolate fudge type cake.  From the maker: "Selected from the finest "lots" of each vintage and aged for 5 years. Full of the power, fruit and fire that distinguishes classic Porto, Founders Reserve is the culmination of two hundred years of expertise.

Tasting Notes Intense ruby red colour, brilliant and clean. Rich red fruit aromas with a touch of age create an elegant reflection of powerful favours, the fruit and fire characteristic of young classic Porto balanced with the finesse of age.

Excellent on its own served in large glasses, Founders is a perfect match with cheeses or rich chocolate desserts.

Serving - No need to decant. Serve in large glasses to fully appreciate.

Storing - Should be stored standing, in a dry place with constant temperature (10º-20º), avoiding bright light.

Shelf-life - Recommended shelf life is 12 - 18 months.

Open Bottles - Once open Founders can remain fresh for up to 4 weeks."

Looking for hard cider

Have you seen any in Birmingham?  Rumor has it that Overton & Vine (aka Smitty's) has some.  Let us know.