Bodegas Juan Gil Jumilla Wrongo Dongo Monastrell 2009

I’ve passed by this particular brand for some years now, something about the name Wrongo Dongo just didn’t seem right. My curiosity finally got the best of me and decided it was time to face the wine.

Aromas of oak, vanilla and bing cherry make me loose a little of my hesitation. Bursting with flavors of rich ripe fruits and cherries it reminds me a little of cough syrup but in a nice familiar way. It’s a complex wine with lots of depth and I think you really can’t go wrong with Wrongo Dongo.

Bodegas Juan Gil was founded in 1916 in Jumilla Spain by Juan Gil Gimenez. His grandsons, Juan Gil Gonzalez and brother Paco, brought to the winery an image of quality, efficiency and reliability. Juan Gil’s great-grandchildren now own and operate the winery using techniques that are kind to the environment without sacrificing quality.

Jumilla is located in southeastern Spain where the wine region spans 30,000 hectacres, consisting of 44 Bodegas (vineyards) which produce 24 million liters of wine annually.
Monastrell is the king grape in this region, used to make strong dark red wines and rosés as the thick skins of the grape thrive in the hot Jumilla climate. The grape goes by three names depending on the country, Monastrell in Spain, Mourvèdre in Franceand Mataró in Portugal..

As the summer months continue to go by and thoughts of an upcoming yet still too far away vacation loom in my head, it’s nice to know some things even though they may sound wrong, are really just quite right.

My rating - We’ll drink the rest tomorrow.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2008

I have to admit, I have some preconceived notions when it comes to Rieslings. My mind and palate immediately conjure overly sweet flavors that tastes like someone melted bottled rock candy. Fortunately my aversion to sweet wines does not mean I have to avoid all Rieslings. I recently enjoyed a lovely Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling and not once did I feel like it was eating the enamel off my teeth.

Aromas bursting of citrus and lime draw me in for the first sip. Loads of passion fruit, green apple and peach. Semi-sweet, light and fizzy on the tip of the tongue. Reminds me of champagne minus the bubbles.

Riesling, a white grape variety originating in the Rhine region of Germany is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are generally not pure and not used in a blend. The grape is thought to be one of the top white wine varietals by many wine professionals.

So how did Riesling wines get a reputation for being overly sweet? It’s thought this image goes back to WWII when German winemakers made large quantities of intentionally sweet and inexpensive wines to appeal to American GI’s stationed in Germany. By mid-century most Americans were under the assumption, German wines were overly sweet and German winemakers have fought hard to put this notion to rest.

By the late 1980’s the German wines had moved to the other extreme, too dry and overly acidic. To achieve a perfect balance between the acidity and dryness, winemakers now leave a little residual sugar so it’s naturally sweet.

While generally associated with Germany, Riesling is now grown in France, Italy, Australia, US, New Zealand and China just to name a few. All Riesling needs is a some nice cold weather to produce that characteristic natural sugar.

The residual sugar in the Chateau Ste. Michelle is 2.05% and makes it sweet enough where I don’t think I could drink a lot at one time but pairs great with grilled or smoked ribs and potato salad. Perfect summer cookout wine.

For info on Chateau Ste. Michelle, checkout my article from last month here.

My rating - We'll drink the rest tomorrow

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Dancing Bull Heraldsburg, CA, Merlot 2006

Sometimes I purchase my wine based on recommendations from other people. I believe it was my mother who spotted Dancing Bull while shopping at her local grocery chain in Boone, NC. If I remember correctly it was a BOGO offer, so when I came across the Merlot varietal in one of my local wine retailers, I decided to give it a try.

Aromas of ripe berries and a hint of oak. Blackberries and black cherry make up most of the flavor profile with a hint of raspberry mid-palate ending with a short finish. The wine is medium bodied and a little jammy but not too offensive. It’s a simple wine that’s not too heavy for summer drinking.

Here’s my major problem with this wine, it’s a sub-brand of the E&J Gallo portfolio. I still equate E&J with jug wine. I participated in a blind wine survey a few months back and at the end the participants received a 1.5 liter of Gallo Merlot. It took months before I opened the bottle and once I did, after a few sips, the wine went down the drain.

Enough of my Gallo rantings. Dancing Bull wines got its start when winemaker Eric Cinnamon began working with Zinfandel grapes in Lodi. After making his mark in the Zinfandel world, the winemaker expanded the varietals and in 2006 the first Dancing Bull Merlot was born.

I may just need to get over my prejudices against Gallo, Dancing Bull was a decent summer wine but I can’t see myself enjoying a glass in the fall or winter. But as the temps continue to rise, I find my wine choices adjusting so I may revisit this one again over the summer.

My rating - We'll drink the rest tomorrow.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Doulce France Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2008

Have I mentioned lately how hot it is? I mean really, 98 degrees for an actual high and it’s not even officially summer yet. Someone remind me how much I was complaining in January because it was so miserably cold. We’ve gone from one extreme to the other, just like I have in my wine choices lately. I haven’t written about a red wine in some time, don’t worry reds, I haven’t forgotten you but for now, it’s time for another French white wine, Doulce France Chenin Blanc 2008 by Bougrier Depuis from the Loire Valley appellation.

Colors are pale yellow with slight green tinge, subtle fruit aromas consisting of apple and grapefruit. Flavors are crisp and clean with mango, pineapple and peach. Has a lot of residual sugar making the wine seem like a giant wine cooler. Still not bad for back yard sipping, would also make a great aperitif or cocktail party wine.

Like many wines from the Vouvray appellation, the wine is most likely 100% Chenin Blanc. The back label lists the wine as demi-sec or off-dry but I found the wine to be a lot sweeter for this description to be accurate. Doulce France Vouvray Chenin Blanc is another Alfio Moiconi Selection, our friend from Total Wine. For $9.99, the wine is very simple rather delightful.

As the cicadas begin their nightly serenade signaling another lazy summer evening, all is right in my world tonight.

Pairs well with salty appetizers, spicy sausage or jerk chicken.


Here’s to Sunny, our oldest Koi who we lost last night. Good bye to the orange whale.

My rating - We'll drink the rest tomorrow.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Light and easy drinking Summer white wines

Since I couldn’t find much information on either of these wines, I figured I’d just give you a two for one minus the winery info.

Nobilis Vinho Verde

So are you all sick of my white wine reviews yet? For months people begged me to do them so now I’m on a roll. Don’t worry, once Fall rolls around (sometime in December) I’ll go back to my reds. For now though, the whites seem to be calling my name, especially Nobilis a Vinho Verde from Portugal.

The color is what initially drew me to the wine, the bottle is clear glass and the juice has the appearance of vodka. The aromas are full of lemon notes, the citrus characteristics carry over to the flavors along with a bit of fiz on the tongue. Sour apple and acid bring up the rear. It’s a very simple yet refreshing wine perfect for light summer drinking.
At less than $7, I’ll be picking up a few more of these over the next few months.

My rating – too good to put down

Soave Italia White White

This wine was ok, mostly I bought it out of curiosity for bottle and its cool curve. Sort of looks like a wave.

The wine aroma was a faint with apple and pear notes. Flavors were also light with a hint of lemon and peaches. It was easy sipping but didn’t have a lot of personality. I have the bottle now, so I don’t think I’ll purchase this one again. For $9.99, I expect a tiny bit more.

My rating – we’ll drink the rest tomorrow

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

J. Lohr Arroyo Vista, Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2008

Holy cow is it hot, I’m not sure how much use we’ll get out of our backyard this summer. Good thing I have some great summer whites to sip on. Last night we melted while drinking J. Lohr’s Arroy Seco Chardonnay 2008 and I do mean melted, this wine was simply fabulous.

The color in the glass is a pale yellow, aromas are filled with floral, honeysuckle and perfumed jasmine. Complex herbal tones, toasted almonds and honey flavors with well balanced acidity make this pure sex in a glass.

In the late 60’s, Central Coast viticulture was still relatively unheard of but all changed with the arrival of Jerry Lohr. Raised on a South Dakota farm, Jerry came to California with the intent of growing grapes. With his agricultural background and knowledge of soil and climate, Jerry Lohr settled in the Central Coast region. Central Coast suited grape growing well due to its long growing season, allowing the grape flavors to mature on the vine versus in a barrel.

The Arryo Seco appellation of Monterey County was the choice for his first vineyard but soon expanded into Paso Robles. Today J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines boasts more than 900 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in Monterey County.

Arroyo Seco Chardonnay has been added to my list of go to summer wines and is on the list to take to Key West in July. It may be hotter than you know what but for now the Koi fish are eating, birds are singing and I’ll just have to keep my water mister close at hand, along with a can of mosquito repellant.

My rating - Too good to put down

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Mark West Central Coast Chardonnay 2007

In my quest for refreshing white wines, I turned to a wine label I know I can count on for great tasting Pinot Noir’s hoping they can satiate my thirst for a summer heat busting Chardonnay. After the first couple of sips, my palate was extremely pleased with the tantalizing flavors provided by this Central Valley wine, Mark West’s Chardonnay 2007.

First whiff of aromas were a tad high on the alcohol side and a little tight. After a few more moments and a bit of swirling the aromas opened up to green grass and honey notes. The flavors are the perfect representation of summer as crisp pineapple, peach and, banana hit the palate. The wine is semi-sweet and finishes with a touch of honey.

Mark West wineries was founded in 1978 and acquired by Purple Wine Company, LLC in 2001. Headed by former Blackstone Winery CEO, Derek Benham, and winemaker Alex Cose the winery’s primary juice is Pinot Noir. Interesting tid bit; one out of 10 bottles of Pinot Noir sold in the U.S. is a Mark West Pinot. The winery is committed to using green energy and conservation while reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.

Mark West’s Central Coast Chardonnay grapes are sourced mainly from the Monterey area along the Salinas River. Where cool foggy mornings and warm days provide for a long growing season allowing the flavors of the grape to mature on the vine. Additional grapes are sourced from San Luis Obispo County, known for intense fruit flavors and natural acidity. After harvest, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel and then aged in 40 percent new oak barrels for seven months.

We paired the wine with pulled pork sandwiches and grilled veggies. Would also pair well with hamburgers or a grilled Caesar Salad. What’s a grilled Caesar Salad you ask; take one head of Romaine lettuce and cut length wise. Place flat side down on grill, grill until lettuce starts to wilt or grill marks appear. Top with your choice of meat and Caesar dressing.
Picked this little beauty up at my local Publix for around $11.

My rating - We'll drink the rest tomorrow

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

Barefoot Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley 2003

I’ve sampled several Barefoot wines in my time and I’m still on the fence. For the most part I feel they are overly jammy and not well developed so when my husband stumbled across a Barefoot Reserve 2003 at one of our favorite stores, Cacciatore Bros, I was intrigued.

While I didn’t initially have high expectations for this wine, I was pleasantly surprised after just one sip. Aromas of heavy oak and vanilla, flavors are dry with high tannins, subtle red berry flavors and slightly tart. The wine resembles a Bordeaux, with it’s complexity and sophisticated flavors. The wine has a very French feel and doesn’t have the typical in your face high fruit flavors represented in typical California Cabs.

Starting as a garage wine in the late 60’s under the Barefoot Bynum wines labels, the wine was sold only in the tasting room until 1973. At this point, original winemaker, Davis Bynum, closed his Barefoot operation to focus on premium wines. In 1986 Barefoot Cellars was launched by Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan. Their focus was on making wine that would appeal to young wine drinkers as well as wine aficionados.

Over the years, the wines have earned numerous accolades and awards. The company is also dedicated to charitable causes and recently developed the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, maybe they can help clean up the Gulf Beaches once the oil starts washing ashore.

My rating – We’ll drink the rest tomorrow

If you purchase, finish the bottle the same day you open. I noticed some 48 hours later the wine turned. It now had a high alcohol smell and slightly off aromas, the flavor was still fine but the aromas were enough to turn me off.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide