tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162912648344596192024-03-13T14:57:46.362-07:00New Castle of the PopeSom 3 or bust.Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-59972338672951173692013-09-02T21:37:00.000-07:002013-09-02T23:45:39.528-07:00A Study in Oenophelia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings and Salutations! It has certainly been awhile since I excitedly started a blog 2 years ago then promptly abandoned it. Recent developments have prompted me to give it another whirl. One year ago April I passed the Level 2 Certified Sommelier course with the Court of Master Sommeliers. This past July I passed the Certified Specialist in Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Each step deeper I take into the rabbit hole only serves to further fascinate me. So it is with much fanfare I announce my intention to attempt the Level 3 Advanced Sommelier course. This course has a pass rate of about 10%, is comprised of three sections: Theory, Tasting, and Service. In an effort to prepare for this exam I am starting back up the blog. I will be detailing all of the wines I taste. This will serve a twofold purpose ... it will serve as a written record I can go back to and...You, my precious reader, get to tag along and have me as your personal "Som." <br />
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We shall begin in Spain, where my knowledge is most pressed. I will try to detail the books I am reading the wines I am tasting, and the websites I am visiting. Please feel free to respond with any questions, comments, or criticisms you might have. Without further ado....<br />
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We begin in Ribera Del Duero. An arid region in central Spain.<br />
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The wine is called Tinto Pesquera, 2009.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Varietal:</b></span> Tinto Fino (an indigenous clone of Tempranillo) 100%<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Nose:</b></span> A powerful combination of black fruits and rich earthy aromas. Blackberry, currant, bramble and a licorice core. The earth is all fresh turned potting soil and saddle leather. Spicy. It sees a fair amount of American new oak so all the usual suspects are here. Baking spices (cinnamon, vanilla, clove) and cedary cigar box. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Palette:</b></span> Stunning. Rich and dense. A grippy tannic mouthfeel with loads of licorice and blackberry. A country mile finish. Acidity is quite high and would defiantly recommend food. I had mine with Manchengo cheese, fig paste and fresh baked bread. <br />
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Signing off for now I will be back soon with a Priorat, Rias Biaxes Albarino, and a Gran Reserva Rioja. Until Then, Salut.<br />
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Joshua M. Potter<br />
Certified Sommelier, CSW<br />
<br />Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-45878897312790243422011-10-28T21:41:00.001-07:002011-10-29T22:05:47.405-07:00My Blender<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxzxGFpiEkM/Tqucpn2BCDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/KyJpUGiKolA/s1600/Capriccio%2Band%2BSteinbeck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxzxGFpiEkM/Tqucpn2BCDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/KyJpUGiKolA/s400/Capriccio%2Band%2BSteinbeck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668796794860013618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4fwQOTzaZY/TquIXskYgsI/AAAAAAAAADo/gRJJsq7HpQY/s1600/Capriccio%2Band%2BSteinbeck.jpg"> </a><br />Hello again, fellow hedonists. It has been a busy couple weeks since my last post, but I have something special to share. I have been trying many wines in my new position as Sommelier for the <a href="http://www.unwinedalaska.com/">UnWINEd</a> boutique wine shop and the two I review tonight are some unique highlights. Without further adieu ...<br /><span class="style4"><strong><br />Steinbeck "The Crash" 2007<br /></strong></span><span class="style5">62% Cabernet Sauvignon / 18% Zinfandel<br /> 14% Petite Sirah / 6% Viognier</span><br /><br />Notes:<br />An unorthodox blend for certain, I like to think of this as a traditional California Cab in designer jeans and sport coat. Its dressed up for a night out. The Viognier adds a touch of perfume that works like a brightly colored pocket square. The nose is all soft cedar box and cassis with nice cherry undercurrents. The palette is ... sophisticated. Silky tannins prop up the aforementioned cherry flavors. Mid-palette is concentrated berries and the finish is lengthy. A stunning 4.5.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Midnight Cellars</span> <b>2007 Capriccio Italien</b><br />40% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon<br />Notes:<br />A Super-Tuscan Blend from California. Big on the nose; Strong aromas of tobacco, leather and dried blueberry. This wine is not for the faint of heart. I like to think of it as an aging bachelors apartment. Dark and woody. On the tongue this wine opens up to vibrant tart cherry and smooth vanilla on the finish. Very solid selection: 4.0<br /><br /><span class="style4"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong>Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-17821501799684649782011-10-05T00:49:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:47:21.878-07:00Star Ranch<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J6DPhoa2fU/TowNWv9ajVI/AAAAAAAAADg/sk3umPEkjvA/s1600/Starr%2BRanch%2B4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J6DPhoa2fU/TowNWv9ajVI/AAAAAAAAADg/sk3umPEkjvA/s400/Starr%2BRanch%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659913516180213074" border="0" /></a><br />Its been awhile since I have posted but I have had some pretty big changes in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">professional</span> life that should lead more frequent posting...More on that later. Lets talk about two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">phenomenal</span> wines from Central California.<br /><br />Star Ranch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Viogner</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Paso</span> Robles, 2010<br /><br />Nose: Pineapple, Citrus, and call me crazy but schoolyard gravel! I swear it smells just like the fresh gravel they used at the playground of my elementary school.<br /><br />Palette: Bright. Sassy. Crispy acids with a tart almost crab apple finish.<br /><br />From here on out I will be rating all the wines a post with a simple rating system...1 being rot gut terrible never drink again and 5 meaning I will be officially retiring from the wine business as there is nothing else to taste. This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Viogner</span> finished with a solid 3.5<br /><br />Star Ranch Supernova (80% <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Syrah</span> 20% <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Granache</span>)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pas</span>o Robles 2008<br /><br />Nose: Rich and Dark. Balanced and elusive. The aromas evolve as the wine warms to room <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">temperature</span>. From being heady and alcoholic at the first waft to its current bouquet of ripe blueberries and bitter <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cocoa</span>. This wine will grow and mature before your eyes (or nose) if you take your time with it.<br /><br />Palette: By no means a disappointment it however does not quite live up to the promises of the nose. Decent tannins give structure to light playful cherry with a long rustic finish.<br /><br />This Rhone blend is right up my ally so no surprise I give it a 4.0 rating.<br /><br />These are both exclusively available at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Unwined</span> on 36<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> and Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sewerd</span>.Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-72937318752742826352011-01-02T17:48:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:16:41.544-08:00Wine of the Month: Veuve Clicquot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TSEsjeDmp0I/AAAAAAAAADQ/Dco_bMItPfY/s1600/Veuve%2BClicquot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 449px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TSEsjeDmp0I/AAAAAAAAADQ/Dco_bMItPfY/s400/Veuve%2BClicquot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557772403027126082" border="0" /></a>Happy New Year from New Castle of the Pope! The blog has been a little quite lately, but we have a plan to end that, so check back often! Celebrate the new decade throughout January with some champagne, our wine of the month.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2VR9RbspI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0DO2udi3sUo/s1600/DSC04455.JPG"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>none<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Champagne, France<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> Champagne<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Pino Noir, Chardonnay<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> approx $40<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE BOUQUET:</span><br />Champagne seemed to be the order of the night and this one is sought after. Yellow label, as it is affectionately called by those who know it best, represents the best of Champagne. It more than punches its weight and is appreciable by amateurs and professionals alike. The bouquet is classic Champagne, slight toast and stoniness with a hint of the ripe apples to come.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE PALETTE:</span><br />Ripe green apples and a smooth creamy finish<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />Friends. New Years Eve. Hotel room. Enough said?<br /><br />Cheers!Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-82796277723815427422010-09-12T20:00:00.000-07:002010-09-12T21:53:12.468-07:00Coyote Canyon's winning whites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2UD21QqgI/AAAAAAAAACs/y25oOV16rsU/s1600/DSC04469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2UD21QqgI/AAAAAAAAACs/y25oOV16rsU/s400/DSC04469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516227912578148866" border="0" /></a>My parents have to good fortune of living in the heart of Washington's wine country. And it shouldn't be surprising that I get my love for wine from them. So we couldn't have been more pleased when they shipped us two bottles of white from Cayote Canyon signed by winemaker, John Gabriel at a recent tasting event. Mike Andrews, owner and winemaker of Cayote Canyon and his team have a pretty amazing <strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Albariño</span></strong>.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2VR9RbspI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0DO2udi3sUo/s1600/DSC04455.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2VR9RbspI/AAAAAAAAAC0/0DO2udi3sUo/s400/DSC04455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516229254336721554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>Coyote Canyon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>2009<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Horse Heaven Hills, Washington<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> White<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Albari<strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ñ</span></strong>o 100%<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> $18<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE BOUQUET:</span><br />This particular wine has the distinction of being the only Albarino grown and bottled in Washington. The nose is bountifully fruity, with peach, pear and honeydew finishing with a touch of lime and limestone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE PALETTE:</span><br />Mouth-feel is a dream. Silky soft and honeydew. Finish is strong with citric acids and a touch of slate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />Shellfish. We paired a cold shrimp scampi cocktail and bacon wrapped scallops. Think Manchego cheese.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2VSSTWqwI/AAAAAAAAAC8/BgpIZcGNY6g/s1600/DSC04465.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2VSSTWqwI/AAAAAAAAAC8/BgpIZcGNY6g/s400/DSC04465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516229259981925122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>Coyote Canyon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>2008<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Horse Heaven Hills, Washington<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> White<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Viognier 100%<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> $15<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE BOUQUET:</span><br />Peaches and Bananas. Very old-world style. This wine evokes classic Cote-du-Rhone with its subtle tropical fruit and earthy backdrop.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE PALETTE:</span><br />Vanilla and nectarine swirled around that old world stoniness. Vibrant lemon zest. A touch of mandarin orange surfaced for me as it warmed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />See above! We drank this after the Albarino and added some smoked cheddar.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2eKc38C4I/AAAAAAAAADE/lvGLM0vTTOg/s1600/DSC04486.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TI2eKc38C4I/AAAAAAAAADE/lvGLM0vTTOg/s400/DSC04486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516239020985420674" border="0" /></a>Cold shrimp scampi cocktail paired with my homemade cocktail sauce.Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-23970110631972765922010-08-01T12:44:00.000-07:002010-08-01T13:58:11.865-07:00Pair with lobster: K Viognier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXQAppc5PI/AAAAAAAAABs/bVeY4sP-IE4/s1600/K+Viognier.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXQAppc5PI/AAAAAAAAABs/bVeY4sP-IE4/s400/K+Viognier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500531229501220082" border="0" /></a>Another treat from our <a href="http://newcastleofthepope.blogspot.com/2010/08/byol-bring-your-own-lobster-party.html">Bring Your Own Lobster</a> dinner party: K Viognier. Even the cats know it's a good choice. PS: This photos was NOT staged, thank you very much.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>K Viognier<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>2007<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Columbia Valley, Washington<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> White<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Viognier 100%<span style="font-style: italic;">Web site:</span> <a href="http://www.kvintners.com/cellar/product.php?productid=38&cat=1&page=1">KVintners.com</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> 26.99 at Crush Wine Cellar, their website lists it at $20, but also says it is sold out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE BOUQUET:</span><br />Now this is a wine close to my heart. This is one of the reasons I fell in love with Viognier and continue to have an on-again off-again affair with this varietal. Playfully sassy aromas of tropical fruit within a backdrop of sweet vanilla and a flutter of lemongrass.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE PALETTE:</span><br />Light and fun on the tongue the citrus takes the drivers seat on the palette. It finishes with a lovely vanilla note. Not to heavy and not too light Viognier continues to be the "anti-Chardonnay" for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />Throw your own BYOL party. Or try ...Halibut or cod (fish and chips, really!) King crab or think light pasta with butter or olive oil.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXQpxE9e1I/AAAAAAAAAB0/fH7bmo5A9ew/s1600/K+Vionier+Label.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 208px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXQpxE9e1I/AAAAAAAAAB0/fH7bmo5A9ew/s400/K+Vionier+Label.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500531935870286674" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/POTTER%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />As a designer, Annette loves this label.Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-10093082405972490262010-08-01T12:04:00.000-07:002010-08-01T12:44:44.935-07:00BYOL: Bring Your Own Lobster party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHqV3g6ZI/AAAAAAAAAA8/z2gpPHMKmbw/s1600/lobster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHqV3g6ZI/AAAAAAAAAA8/z2gpPHMKmbw/s320/lobster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500522050141350290" border="0" /></a>Friday night we had a small dinner party, one rule: Bring your own lobster tail. A few friends joined us for butter-poached lobster, spring greens salad, sauteed asparagus, Portobello mushroom risotto, pecan-encrusted lamb, and of course, wine. Which brings us to our Wine of the Week: Wallace.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHsTO8iSI/AAAAAAAAABU/-n_qDyTHXjY/s1600/Wallace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 486px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHsTO8iSI/AAAAAAAAABU/-n_qDyTHXjY/s320/Wallace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500522083794061602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>Wallace<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>2006<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Borossa Valley, Australia<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> Red<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Shiraz 80%, Grenache 20%<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Web site:</span> <a href="http://www.glaetzer.com/news/wallace.asp">Glaetzer.com</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> 17.99 at Crush Wine Cellar<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">THE BOUQUET:</span><br />Everything you could want from a $17 bottle. The rich, dark aroma is tobacco and leather underscored by the beautiful jamminess and black cherry cola that is Barossa Shiraz. It is brightened ever so slightly by the addition of Grenache.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">THE PALETTE:</span><br />Once on the tongue it doesn't disappoint, the addition of Grenache subtly turns down the volume of a typically full bodied Shiraz, to a more toned down medium bodied blend. The cherry cola and tobacco carry all the way to the long glorious finish. The tannins are light so keep this in mind with the pairing decisions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />Any pasta with red sauce, sausage and any smokey cheese (Gouda or cheddar are my favs).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXJG1Ur46I/AAAAAAAAABk/zOn1E0cXpqs/s1600/Wallace+top.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXJG1Ur46I/AAAAAAAAABk/zOn1E0cXpqs/s400/Wallace+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500523639133168546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHrIPd5dI/AAAAAAAAABE/w-1M8enPflo/s1600/Lamb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TFXHrIPd5dI/AAAAAAAAABE/w-1M8enPflo/s320/Lamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500522063663588818" border="0" /></a>Portobello risotto and pecan-encrusted rack of lamb with port wine sauce.Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-65860766991892919492010-07-18T22:24:00.000-07:002010-07-18T23:05:01.377-07:00Wine of the Week: Treana 2008 Central Coast<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPo8g65u0I/AAAAAAAAAAs/tM9HDpYZADY/s1600/DSC04306.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPo8g65u0I/AAAAAAAAAAs/tM9HDpYZADY/s400/DSC04306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495492096648919874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE STATS:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vineyard: </span>Treana<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage: </span>2008<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Region:</span> Central Coast California<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kind:</span> White<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Varietal:</span> Marsanne 55%, Viognier 45%<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Web site:</span> <a href="http://treana.com/">treana.com</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Price:</span> 25.00 retail<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE BOUQUET:</span><br />Rich nose with deep honey, apricot, floral perfume against a backdrop of distant slate. As the wine warms the aromas only deepen emphasizing the honey and adding a touch of butter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >THE PALETTE:</span><br />In a break from the nose the palette is light and crisp with a rich mouth-feel. The honey and a touch of the floral carry through to the pleasantly long finish. Though both Marsanne and Viogner are known to be light white wines this packs a little more body than normal due to the three-month barrel fermentation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:</span><br />We paired Treana with basil Havarti, garlic French bread and other finger foods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPppkEPwPI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Z6dg4llATBE/s1600/DSC04309.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPppkEPwPI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Z6dg4llATBE/s400/DSC04309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495492870587531506" border="0" /></a>Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716291264834459619.post-76572933923980458842010-07-18T21:50:00.000-07:002010-07-18T22:22:15.620-07:00Cheers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPf5qCml6I/AAAAAAAAAAU/axg6CQ0tP64/s1600/DSC04325.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPf5qCml6I/AAAAAAAAAAU/axg6CQ0tP64/s400/DSC04325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495482151952881570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to the New Castle of the Pope. The name is the English translation to one of my husband's favorite wines ... more on that in another post. Here, we plan to combine his wine expertise, my media knowledge, and our combined love of wine and food.<br /><br />We hope to discuss the intricacies of wine in a digestible, down-to-earth way. Look for wines of the week, pairing ideas, recipes, restaurant reviews, tidbits on wine history and more. We hope you find something you enjoy.<br /></div></div><br />Cheers!<br />Annette and Joshua<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPg8fmp5AI/AAAAAAAAAAk/VlqS7odOO2E/s1600/DSC02945.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_csQALHbewIc/TEPg8fmp5AI/AAAAAAAAAAk/VlqS7odOO2E/s320/DSC02945.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495483300202537986" border="0" /></a>Joshua Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534322168738794775noreply@blogger.com0