My Blender

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 UnWINEd boutique wine shop and the two I review tonight are some unique highlights. Without further adieu ...

Steinbeck "The Crash" 2007
62% Cabernet Sauvignon / 18% Zinfandel
14% Petite Sirah / 6% Viognier

Notes:
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.

Midnight Cellars 2007 Capriccio Italien
40% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes:
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

Star Ranch

Its been awhile since I have posted but I have had some pretty big changes in my professional life that should lead more frequent posting...More on that later. Lets talk about two phenomenal wines from Central California.

Star Ranch Viogner
Paso Robles, 2010

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.

Palette: Bright. Sassy. Crispy acids with a tart almost crab apple finish.

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 Viogner finished with a solid 3.5

Star Ranch Supernova (80% Syrah 20% Granache)
Paso Robles 2008

Nose: Rich and Dark. Balanced and elusive. The aromas evolve as the wine warms to room temperature. From being heady and alcoholic at the first waft to its current bouquet of ripe blueberries and bitter cocoa. This wine will grow and mature before your eyes (or nose) if you take your time with it.

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.

This Rhone blend is right up my ally so no surprise I give it a 4.0 rating.

These are both exclusively available at Unwined on 36th and Old Sewerd.

Wine of the Month: Veuve Clicquot

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.

THE STATS:
Vineyard: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
Vintage: none
Region: Champagne, France
Kind: Champagne
Varietal: Pino Noir, Chardonnay
Price: approx $40

THE BOUQUET:
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.

THE PALETTE:
Ripe green apples and a smooth creamy finish

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Friends. New Years Eve. Hotel room. Enough said?

Cheers!