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NEVERENDING ♾️ The Richmond Jake's NEVERENDING Wine Thread

Tonight, a 2006 meritage by Dry Creek Vineyard paired with grilled rib eye steaks. Great wine from my favorite winery and a nice match with the main course. Track it down, buy as much as you can afford and drink it.

Coincidently, a bottle of the 2007 meritage was delivered today along with a 2007 pinot noir. :wine:


ZG's birthday dinner.
 
Got a find, 2005 Kapcsandy Roberta’s Reserve - got it for less than half price. Going to have it with the Anniversary dinner... quite excited about it.

I am buying lots of wine right now :-$ I am trying to fill my new cellar... bought a case of Chalone Chardonnay 2008, which is wonderful. Good price too - $8.5 / bottle.
 
HEADLINE: Finding the Words for Wine
Amateur enthusiasts often end up tongue-tied. How to be eloquent and exact
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704122904575314691288383002.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

But if labels aren't really being read and retailers and restaurateurs are editing their descriptions of wine down to five words or fewer, a word-challenged wine lover might have a hard time ever improving his or her vocabulary.

Ten Worthwhile Wine Words
The following 10 words are simple, straightforward and readily understandable. I've also listed the wine(s) that you're likely to be offered by a sommelier or retailer if you use them to describe the wine,
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I received a text today from my youngest. He sent me the case of 1988; a mixed case of the year he was born ('88 was not a great year for California wines). He's not a wine drinker. I feel bad, in a certain way. I bought it retail for him--mixed emotions--from a trustworthy retailer at the time. And now I've bought it again.

He wanted the money.

Nonetheless, I think there's gonna be some good stuff in that case.
 
RichmondJake said:
I received a text today from my youngest. He sent me the case of 1988; a mixed case of the year he was born ('88 was not a great year for California wines). .......
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The cellar just grew as the case arrived this afternoon, minus one bottle. But that's ok. As I predicted, there are some good ones in this case.

Jordan, Hess Collection, Carmenet, St. Clement. Good mix of Napa's and Sonoma's and the corks show no signs of leakage.
 
Failed to report....

Last weekend we drank a 1988 Jordan Vineyard, Alexander Valley, cabernet sauvignon served with a barbecued tri-tip coated in Montreal seasoning. The wine is high on my list as one the best wines I've ever consumed (with two bottles remaining in the cellar).

Yes, it was from the case the youngest shipped me.
 
The "Wine Enthusiast" catalog has caught up with me. I don't think I'll be ordering the $4K EuroCave state-of-the-art performance wine storage unit with the deluxe package that provides superior technology with infinite versatility for superior taste.

I hope I'm not making a big mistake.
 
RichmondJake said:
The "Wine Enthusiast" catalog has caught up with me. I don't think I'll be ordering the $4K EuroCave state-of-the-art performance wine storage unit with the deluxe package that provides superior technology with infinite versatility for superior taste.

I hope I'm not making a big mistake.
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I find it alarming that most of the stuff they sell is directed at "enthusiasts" but really should be directed at business or "rich enthusiasts that don't have wives who support spending crazy amounts of money on wine accessories...".
 
Dry Creek Vineyard, 2007, DCV 10, pinot noir, Russian River Valley, served with grilled rib eyes, baked potatoes, and a green salad.

Highly recommended. Thumbs up.
 
hrrummpfff

I hope I get RJ for the secret santa gift this year.....I'll send him a case of Boone's Farm:lmao:

http://www.boonesfarm.net/

Brocktoon can't get enough of that Boone's Farm:-x

I now have access to 30% off at a very large liquor store in Vegas.....I am considering the purchase of a 40 year port and some 2004 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux :wine:
 
Last night we had a 1988 Carmenet, Sonoma Valley (85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc, and 6% merlot), with barbecued beef. No flaws, just a bland wine. And I have two bottles left.

If you have any California meritage wines like this one, don't let them age past 10-years. They are produced to be drunk young That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
 
Last night with a hollandaise sauce over filet mignons, we drank a 1988 Hess Collection, Napa Valley, cabernet sauvignon. A very nice wine :p and we have two bottles remaining. We ate dinner on the patio. Nice that the weather has changed to allow for outdoor dining.


EDIT: Tonight, jug wine with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Meh. But at least we'll be eating on the patio again.
 
RichmondJake said:
Last night with a hollandaise sauce over filet mignons, we drank a 1988 Hess Collection, Napa Valley, cabernet sauvignon. A very nice wine :p and we have two bottles remaining. We ate dinner on the patio. Nice that the weather has changed to allow for outdoor dining.


EDIT: Tonight, jug wine with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Meh. But at least we'll be eating on the patio again.
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No more outdoor eating here unless you wear multiple layers. The jug wine was probably better than the crap wine they served at the anniversary fundraiser. They overpaid for it too, but nobody bothered to ask me beforehand what I thought.
 
Wineries vs Church zoning article.

HEADLINE: Wineries battle churches over expansion plans
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Religion/1203709.html

HIGHLIGHTS:
Confident the Temecula Valley wine-grape region’s strict zoning limits would protect that view, he built a multimillion-dollar banquet hall with floor-to-ceiling windows peering across a gorge to a nearby vineyard. Now he’s worried that vantage could be ruined by a Christian congregation’s request to change the region’s zoning so it can build on part of the vineyard.

Falkner’s property has become the front line of a bitter divide between churches and growers in Temecula’s wine country...
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To commemorate the Giants being in the playoffs, a bottle of 1996 Raymond, cabernet sauvignon, Napa Valley Reserve served with barbecued rib eye steaks, potatoes, and a green salad.

The wine is to die for; all thumbs up.

Let the games begin.
 
I remember that wine useta make my ex-wife really frisky. Just can't remember which brand, or which ex-wife it was. Prob'ly just as well.
 
For our wedding anniversary dinner last night, I opened a bottle of 2004 Dry Creek Vineyard, cabernet sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley. I was a little disappointed because is just didn't have the varietal "kick." Know what I mean? I give it three out of five stars.
 
RichmondJake said:
For our wedding anniversary dinner last night, I opened a bottle of 2004 Dry Creek Vineyard, cabernet sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley. I was a little disappointed because is just didn't have the varietal "kick." Know what I mean? I give it three out of five stars.
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I have had the 2005. And for $20 I would have expected more. I would describe it as simple.


I have been in collection mode for the last couple months and purchased some good bottles, some great bottles, and some expensive bottles (which I don't know if they will be good or great or horrible). Most notably a half case of Ridge Monte Bello 2005 - 97 by WA, 95 by IWC, and Jancis Robinson gave it a 17.5. I haven't tried it yet, but for some reason Wine Spectator only gave it an 88... which worries me. Anyone tried Ridge Monte Bello before?
 
H_P, I haven't had the Ridge Monte Bello in years but I liked it. I wouldn't be worried but don't let it age too long because IMHO, Santa Cruz Mtn stuff doesn't last long. You made a good purchase.
 
With barbecued rib eyes last night, we had a 2005 Speedy Creek, Knights Valley, cabernet sauvignon. A very impressive wine and Best of Class at the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

Breaks my heart they only made 75 cases. The fruit can only go so far. :(

From their web site:

This wine is darkly colored, richly textured, and has a distinct earthy character with just a hint of oak. The mid-palate reveals textured layers of ripe black fruits, raspberry and spices. The finish is balanced and highlighted by soft and generous tannins.
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Accurate description, IMHO.
 
A few weeks ago, I drove back from Ithaca to Buffalo on NY 414. Vineyards aplenty lining the road, most of which I haven't heard of.

How do you do a wine route and stay sober? When I was a kid, I was along for the ride when my parents did a few wine route runs out of Canandaigua. They weren't really drinkers.
 
Dan said:
How do you do a wine route and stay sober?
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Rent a party bus.

I remember growing up we went on a vacation to Napa Valley. My parents enjoyed the wineries (I got labels) and then we drove up to Oregon. Years later my father told me that driving up 1 after Napa Valley was a pretty stupid move. If you have enough people, a DD is a great way, or renting a party bus. It isn't as much fun if you have to worry about getting home.
 
The strategy I adopted was to 1) just sample the wines I enjoy (no Chardonnay!); 2) spit out the wine if I do not enjoy it; 3) eat something between or at stops; and 4) pace myself - about one glass per hour is good.

I understand the wineries in Napa are making it more difficult for people who hope to get to 8-10 wineries in one day. Free sampling is gone, and I have heard that some wineries are making people take a tour in order to sample. In addition to costing a hell of a lot more, how many winery tours do I need to endure. See one and you have seen them all.
 
Cardinal said:
See one and you have seen them all.
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I disagree completely. But to each their own. I would love to be able to say I have seen every winery in Napa. Alas, I don't have the money or time. :-$
 
Cardinal said:
......I understand the wineries in Napa are making it more difficult for people who hope to get to 8-10 wineries in one day. Free sampling is gone, and I have heard that some wineries are making people take a tour in order to sample. In addition to costing a hell of a lot more, how many winery tours do I need to endure.
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True, most of the wineries in Napa are charging to taste ($10 is not unheard of but they deduct the fee if you purchase wine), and some do require you to take the tour. That's why I prefer to visit Sonoma County where these policies are less common.

Cardinal said:
See one and you have seen them all.
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I also disagree with this observation.
 
Avoid the 2007 Apothic Red. It seems to have a bottle flaw. There's red wine all over my desk and monitor. What a mess.
_______________

EDIT: I guess that constitutes abuse of alcohol.
 
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ofos said:
Sadness. Dick Scheer and I worked together at Campus Corners, the birthplace of Village Corners, in the 60's. He is a true wine expert and respected by the wine cognoscenti. Besides that, he and his wife Sally are just great people. Hopefully, he'll find another location.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localdtw/20101108/ts_yblog_localdtw/landmark-village-corner-party-store-closes-in-ann-arbor
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I just was there maybe 2 months ago...? Hmm... it is a sad day indeed. Pretty good staff and a great selection. Better than the wine shop near the farmers market.
 
I opened up a bottle of 2005 Alexander Valley Vinyards Merlot last night. Since Mrs. Cardinal does not drink, I rarely open any wines anymore. Looking at my collection, the 2005 was one of the newer wines I had. Most are from 1996-2000, and the oldest bottle is a 1989 Takaji. I need to drink more.
 
I hunted down some Middle Eastern recipes that I want to try - not spicy, but not your typical flavores, either. Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pine nuts, cashews.... The meat is chicken. I'm thinking I need a white wine with a hint of spiciness. Any suggestions?
 
Cardinal said:
I hunted down some Middle Eastern recipes that I want to try - not spicy, but not your typical flavores, either. Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pine nuts, cashews.... The meat is chicken. I'm thinking I need a white wine with a hint of spiciness. Any suggestions?
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If you want to go with a white I would go with something a bit sweet like Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Sémillon or otherwise I would go with Grenache, or a Petite Syrah. Both would go great with the chicken and cardamom.
 
There is only one varietal for me at Thanksgiving. I will be drinking a Reisling from the Mosel-Saar-Ruhr region of Germany.
 
RichmondJake said:
What are you opening for turkey day? I'm going with a sparkling wine. The SF Chronicle has some great recommendations. I'll be hunting one of these down.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/12/FD3O1GA4QE.DTL&type=wine
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I am going to go with something French probably Pouilly-Fuissé. Last year I went red with a Washington Pinot Noir (Argyle) and loved it, but want a white this year. Although I like Oakey California Chardonnays most the time, with Turkey and sweet potatoes I like a clean, non-oaked Chardonnay like a White Burgundy.
 
natski said:
I tasted the best Reisling from the Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley.. hmm :D
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I'm sorry, but you are wrong. :-@ ;) Australian wines are good, and they do better at approximating a Reisling than other regions (Oregon/Washington, Alsace, etc.) but the best Reislings are German.
 
I'm inaugurating the start of the long weekend with a bottle of 2007, Long Gamma, Sonoma County, red table wine. This one is interesting. Big, bold flavors with a hint of chocolate. It's fairly inexpensive. The more I get into the bottle, the more I'm liking it. (I guess that goes without saying.)
 
I have been saving, for this special occasion, an untapped bottle of 1986 Le Chateau Boone Farme. Happy thanksgiving!

Bear
 
A strange one tonight...2008, Starkey's Court, zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, Pedrazzini Family Vineyard (produced by Keverson wines). Strange because I expected a big, heavy wine. On the contrary, given this varietal, it's light, soft, and slightly on the sweet side. Intriguing wine; I've never drank a zinfandel made in this style. We drank it with barbecued pork ribs cooked with a spicy dry rub.

I liked it. You make your own call.
 
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