Argentina

I've found many delicious gems from Argentina. Here are a few of the top:

*Bodega Lurton
Pinot Gris 2007
Mendoza Argentina
(this one was one of my absolute faves!!!)

*Silvertop
Torrentes 2008
Mendoza
(Definitely check out this special grape varietal which is THE characteristic white wine of Argentina)

*Dona Paula Estate
Malbec 2007
Mendoza

*Trapiche
Syrah 2006 (Oak Cask)
Mendoza
(I've also had the Malbec from this vineyard--it's excellent, too!)

Wines of 2009

So, I haven't posted for MONTHS, and my only excuse is that I've been focusing on a business venture, one that actually pays me. I've still been drinking some delicious, inexpensive wine, and have been tracking them, but not writing. Now, much to my husband and I's delight, I am pregnant, so that puts the wine writing venture on even more of a hiatus as I won't be drinking any for quite a long while. Therefore, I am going to make the rest of this blog for the time being short and sweet. I will be posting a list of the fabulous wines that I have been drinking the past few months without all the details, glitz, and glamour. They will be divided by region. Here we go...

Gran Cru's Oregon Wine Experience a.k.a. the land of fabulous Pinots

While we're on the topic of Pinot Noir, I have to share my amazing experience at the Gran Cru's Oregon Wine Experience located in Orlando, FL in March. If you love Pinot Noir, or are like me, and want to know where to find the really good ones, because typically they are somewhat expensive and you don't want to waste your money on a not so good one, then this is the event for you! We tasted over 100 wines, and couldn't believe how we were tasting Pinot after excellent Pinot. Some of our favorites with approximate prices: Daedalus Cellars "Labyrinth" Pinot Noir, 2004, $41.20; Domaine Meriwether Pinot Noir, $25.20; Foris Pinot Noir, $31.90; The Four Graces Pinot Noir, $31.25 and "Reserve" Pinot Noir $43.99; Henry Estate Pinot Noir, $21.99 and "Barrel Select" Pinot Noir, $27.75; La Cadeau "Rocheux" Pinot Noir; Sokol Blosser, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28.40; Torii Mor "Deux Verres Reserve, $52.25" and "Hawks View" $64.75; and Willamette Valley Vineyards, "Estate" Pinot Noir $34.75.

Our 1st place prize went to Panther Creek Cellars for the most outstanding Pinot Noir of the night! "Winemaker's Cuvee ($35.99), "Temperance Vineyard" ($47.50), and "Freedom Hill" ($47.50) were all excellent, and the "Shea Vineyard" 2006 ($47.50) actually eared a 10 on our rating scale! All bottles at the tasting were 20% off, so we bought one for $38.00.

Also, these vineyards had fabulous Pinot Gris and white blends. For under $20, try Foris Pinot Gris, Sokol Blosser "Evolution" white blend, and Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling. Yum!

A fantastic Pinot under $20?!

I tend to have low expectations of Pinot Noir under $20, so when I tried the 2007 Chalone Vineyard, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, I was pleasantly surprised! It came from Costco, and while I don't remember the exact price, on-line it ranges from $12-19. It is velvety, smooth, and elegant with cherries and other bright fruit. Exactly what I want from a Pinot without the acidic taste that I typically find in inexpensive Pinots, and it had unexpected depth. If I can find it at Costco again, I will definitely be buying more!

Crios Rose

At the Hammock Wine and Cheese Shop in Palm Coast, FL, I also purchased the Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec (2007). The shop owner warned me that this is not your typical Rose but would be appreciated by an adventurous palate. Indeed, this is a rich, spicy Rose (for around $10) that I enjoyed immensely. I paired it with a curry dish and it complemented it quite well.

Nieto Senetiner

On the way back from an excursion to the St. Augustine, FL area, we stopped at a little wine and cheese shop that I'd been wanting to visit for awhile, the Hammock Wine and Cheese shop (the address is actually in Palm Coast). I was very impressed at the vast array of wine confined in such a small space but arranged in a way that was not crowded or overwhelming. After sampling some wine and a bit of cheese (the owner was very accommodating), I decided I was in a Chilean mood. I selected the Nieto Senetiner Reserva (2005) Cab/Shiraz blend from Mendoza. Blackberries, cocoa, and vanilla with a smokiness on the nose, delicious and worth well above its $10 price tag.

Wingnut Zinfandel

I love, love, love California Zinfandels. I was seriously craving one as I visited with my friend at the Elusive Grape in historic downtown Deland, FL a few evenings ago. I chose the Wingnut Zinfandel (2006) from Napa County (retails between $10 and $15). The owner of the wine shop, Bill, said, "Really, you haven't tried this yet?! I thought for sure you had; it's great." If I had tried it before, I definitely would have remembered. Dark, rich, bold, fruit-forward with spice. The back of the bottle is great, it reads: "Draw your own lines. Stand out in the crowd. We Wingnuts settle for nothing but the extraordinary. True to its muse, this Zinfandel is full-on in every way, arousing all the senses. It pairs well with bold living. Hang on!"