Rosemount Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

I frequently find myself having one of those nights where I don’t want to analyze wine, I don’t want to have to think about it, decipher what I’m picking up or how it makes me feel, I just want to drink wine. One recent evening this very feeling hit me, I just want to drink the juice! So I reached for a bottle of Rosemount 60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. No frills, no thrills, no thinking involved. But then I figured what the heck, I paid for the bottle, I may as well write about it.

Aromas of raspberry, black berry and a hint of oak. Rich ripe red berries, plums, light bodied and a decent finish but not fabulous round out the wine. The website claims the wine has delicious fruitcake notes, not sure I want my wine described with flavors of fruitcake.

They must like fruitcake in Australia and not realize how many people in the US would rather use it as a doorstop (I’ve had a few in my time that could serve this very purpose) than actually eat it let alone drink something with this descriptor. Now before you go throwing fruitcakes at me, it just isn’t something my palate appreciates. If this is something you enjoy then so be it.

Rosemount has been making wine for over 40 years and located in the Hunter Valley region of Australia. Moving from the coffee industry to the wine industry founder Bob Oatley wanted all employees to feel they were part of something special and to strive for the best. Now a leading Australian winery, their wines represent the Australian climate as well as their dedication to quality and style.

Up until 2001 Rosemount was Australia's largest family owned winery, it then merged with Southcorp Wines and in 2005 merged with Foster’s Group. I think most of you know I value family owned and run wineries. I feel there is more love and care put into the wines, since this truly is their livelihood. Does this mean the wines that fall under big conglomerates don’t give a hoot. Of course not, there are still dedicated winemakers and people who work with the vines from the time they’re planted until the time they’re juiced, bottled and sent to you and me to enjoy.

I’ve had other Rosemount wines and they weren’t so bad, this it may have just been this blend so I’ll continue to reach for them when I just want to drink an affordable wine that I don’t have to think about.

My rating – We’ll drink the rest tomorrow.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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How will I help the country of Chile get back on their feet; I’m going to purchase more Chilean wine

In the wake of the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday, I asked myself how can I help. The answer was easy, buy, support and promote Chilean wine. Chile's wine industry was severely affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the southern part of the country early Saturday morning. Wineries in both the Curicó and Maule valleys were hard hit, and wineries to the north in Rapel and Maipo also reported damage. Many wineries report damage to equipment, tanks destroyed, millions of liters of wine spilled on the floor and bottles strewn everywhere.

In January I tasted 120 Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon and it was divine. Later that month I picked up a bottle of 2006 Santa Rita Reserve Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon at my local BJ’s Wholesale Club. No better time to crack it open then now.

The color is a ruby red with aromas consisting of plums, blackberries, vanilla, oak and herbs. Flavors are complex, and well balanced. Hitting the palate first is the taste of cassis, oak and black pepper. Fantastic lingering finish makes me go back for sip after sip. Wine Spectator rated this wine with 89 points for Top 100 Best Buys of 2007 and 87 points for Great Values under $20 or less, not too shabby.

Santa Rita was founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernández Concha in the area of Alto Jahuel where the main winery is still located. He introduced French varieties and the most advanced winemaking techniques. In 1980, Grupo Claro acquired the Santa Rita property, introducing technological improvements and wine elaboration techniques unknown in Chile at that time. Checkout the Santa Rita Cares section on their website where you can nominate a hero in your life or support the troops.

Chile’s viticultural history dates back to the 16th century. In the mid 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced to the region. In the 1980’s, Chili experienced a winemaking resurgence due to the use of steel tank fermentation and oak barrel aging, low cost of labor, mostly disease free conditions and the mild climate that is described as a climate between California and France. All of these factors allowed the region to produce and ship inexpensive wines to the United States with the familiar Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay labels. The number of wineries has grown over time with just 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005 and is now the fourth largest exporter of wines to the United States.

Wine is a leading industry in the two regions around the epicenter, Maule and Bío-Bío, and wineries will be crucial to the area’s long-term economic recovery. The timing of the quake couldn’t have been worse as harvest is about to get underway, but with roads and bridges damaged, damaged facilities and no electrical power, it will be difficult for wineries to process grapes.

So do your part and go drink some Chilean wines, who knows when we’ll get a plentiful supply on store shelves again.
2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Spooktacular Vampire wine

Ghosts, witches and scary tales abound this time of year but don’t let all the witches brew distract you from great inexpensive wines. Halloween screams for some scary and spooktacular wines, one of my all time favorites to drink on Halloween night is Vampire wine. Vampire like its counterpart, Dracula wine, was at one time made in Transylvania, but has now moved operations to Paso Robles, no pun intended but that just bites. Half the fun of drinking Vampire wine, a side from the great taste, was the name and location of where it was made. Let’s hope the change in venue does not bring ghastly tastes.

I’m first enticed by the aromas of not so forgotten blood red ripened fruits. The aromas call to me and one can not resist taking a small nibble; make that small sip of the garnet colored liquid swirling in the glass. First sip and you’re hit with a lip smacking, succulent taste with a finish leaving one wanting more. Just one thing to do, join the ranks of the other Vampires and finish the glass.

The winery’s head Vampire is entertainment attorney, Michael Machat, who began branding the Vampire label in 1985 as a Syrah varietal. In 1989 the first 500 bottles of Syrah were sold to Alice Cooper and MCA records in London. Sangiovese (Italian for blood of Jove) grapes were planted as well and more than 600 bottles were shipped to the Anne Rice Fan Club in New Orleans. Location of production moved several times from France to Italy then to Transylvania and finally its present home, Paso Robles, CA. The most recent move has made the wine available year round but I must confess, I save this wine for drinking around Halloween.

We paired this wine with steak and garlic knots and survived to see the sun another day.-

2009© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

You can contact Kellie at winechicksguide@yahoo.com

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

2007 Oak Grove Petite Sirah

After three months of being dragged through the mud, strung along, benefits stripped earlier this month, I’m still on the same account 100%, full time…..this has to stop. I sent an email to my boss and advised her as of Monday, my new hours will be 8-2:30 and I will no longer be the point person on said account, she said, “ok”. After suggesting she draft an email to sales advising them of the change, I’m finally feeling in control of my life again. I decided to celebrate with one of my new “go to” wines, Oak Grove and in honor of new beginnings, I chose to try something new, the 2007 Reserve Petite Sirah.

In staying with trying something new, I decide to experiment with using a wine aerator.
Prior to aeration, the aromas are earthy and lots of oak but I detect only a hint of fruit. Flavors are floral and oaky with soft almost delicate tannins. After aeration, the aromas come alive, I still pick up on the oak but I swear I detect orange blossoms. Flavors have increased with cherries, raspberries and spicy, tannins are more pronounced and the wine has much more body. The wine in the glass shows thick viscosity, deep crimson red with hues of purple.

Oak Grove was founded in 1999 by proprietor Jeffrey Dye and the grapes are grown in the cool California appellations of Monterey County, Arroyo Seco and Paso Robles. The wine make up is 13.6% alcohol, 3.72 pH, .65 T.A., .3 R.S.

While the cabernet is still my #1 “go to” wine, I need to branch out and try new things. Accept what life throws at me and be prepared to throw some inexpensive empty wine bottles back. I must tell you this weekend I had one of the most relaxing weekends since my honeymoon in May. Sunday evening I sipped on a bottle of Sparkling Wine and felt all was right again.

Wine Chikadees words of the day (bonus word)
Residual Sugar (R.S.) – also called reducing sugar natural grape sugar fermented at the end of the fermentation process or added back into the wine.
Titratable Acidity (T.A.) – also called total acidity is the sum of the fixed and volatile acids which is determined by a chemical process called titrable (very scientific words!)

Copyright ©2009 by Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

2008 – Alamos Malbec

Looking for a great tasting Malbec, well I found one! One of my big wine scores at BJ’s Wholesale was an Alamos Malbec purchased for $7.99. Alamos is produced by the Cantena Family in Mendoza, Argentina. The history of the family and their wine making goes back to 1898 when Nicola Catena came from Italy to Argentina. Nicola believed Mendoza was the promised land and planted his first Malbec vineyard in 1902. After generations of changes, disappointments and perseverance the winery is now lead by Nicolas Cantena, the grandson of the original founder.

This Malbec blend contains 90% Malbec, 5% Cabernet and 5% Bonarda. The aroma is a combination of ripe berries, spice and black pepper. The flavors are fruit forward and well balanced with the perfect amount of tannins to sugar. Notes of blackberries intertwine with spice. The wine is aged for 8 months in French and American oak barrels.

2008 Alamos Malbec scored 87 points and is very drinkable and enjoyable wine at a very good price. I will definitely put this on my list of wines to drink again.


Chickadee word of the day:
Bondarda – the shortened name given to Bondarda Piemontese, a red-wine grape grown in Italy’s Piedmont region.

Copyright ©2009 by Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

2005 Rosemount Cabernet Merlot

After sipping a Mark West Pinot Noir, what could possibly follow…..luckily the Rosemount Cabernet Merlot I chose was a great follow up. It’s Sunday night and I’m set to return to work tomorrow as a full time temp, feel like getting my drink on….hell yeah!

The wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet and 30% Merlot. The color in the glass is a deep red with hints of purple. The wine presents complex aromas ranging from plums, berries with a hint of oak. Spicy flavors and the oak aroma carry over to the taste. The tannins are smooth and leave a lingering finish making this a very easy drinking wine.

Rosemount is located in the Hunter Valley region of Australia and has been in the winemaking business since 1969 and is one of Australia’s leading wines. Their wines represent the Australian climate as well as their dedication to quality and style.

We paired this wine with a hearty spaghetti sauce made from short rib and roast meat, tomatoes and a blend of left over cabernets from the previous week.

I found this wine at BJ’s Wholesale for $7.99.

New feature, wine quotes:
“Wines are like people. Some are perfect but boring, some are precocious but fail to live up to their promise, but the way they may develop is endlessly fascinating.” - Michael Broadbent, British Wine Critic

2007 Menage a Trois red wine and new chapters

After a long 4 day weekend, the return to work on Tuesday brings a new era to my life. While enjoying a glass of Folie a Deux Winery’s http://www.folieadeux.com/mat/red.html2007 Menage a Trois red, it made me think of three things I’m currently facing, leaving me with mixed emotions:
1 - After nearly 10 years at the same company, I am now a part time temp employee.
2 - The company has changed so much in the past 10 years, maybe it is a good time to part ways.
3 – The possibility and the opportunity to do something new and enjoyable with my life. It’s this third thought that excites me and prompted me to start writing about wine.

Menage a Trois literally translates to “household of three” and is a romantic relationship between three people. The name is fitting as the wine is a blend of three varietals: Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet. The grapes are fermented on their own and then blended prior to bottling. I take in aromas of berry jam, chocolate and oak. The flavors are bold and after a few minutes of aeration, take on even bolder jam flavors. Even with the bold flavors, the wine is smooth and low in tannins provide a lush lingering finish. We paired this wine with bratwurst and grilled corn. The smokiness from the grilled foods worked well with this easy drinking wine.

While I mourn the loss of one chapter in my life, a toast to the future and the wonderful blend of new experiences, knowledge and opportunities it may bring.

Wine Information:
Composition: Zinfandel, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak Aged
Alcohol: 13.5%
I found this wine at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for $8.99

Chickadee word of the day:
Blending – the process of combining different wines with the goal of creating a composite that’s better than any of the wines separately.

The Vine – wines-tini’s-tapas

The Vine http://thevinewines.com/ is serving up great tapas, wines and more at budget friendly prices. The Vine is currently offering a 5 for $5 at 5 menu. The times are actually 4-7, 7 days a week and feature 5 wines and 5 appetizers for $5. The Vine is committed to serving quality food and wines at affordable prices.
We started with The Crusher, a Napa Valley Cabernet. The wine takes its name from the mechanical device that breaks the grapes and extracts the juice. The Crusher had a velvety smooth feel with a long and fabulous finish. It was just slightly dry with a multitude of complex flavors. I pick up a slight dusty oak flavor as well as black pepper. In speaking with The Vine’s Liquid Manager, Michael Casey, he feels this is the best Cab your money can buy right now. We paired this wine with one of the $5 appetizers, Tenderloin Tips with asparagus (I ate around this just incase it affected the taste of the wine) and lemongrass Teriyaki. This dish was divine, the meat so tender and the sauce superb, reminded me why I was not a vegetarian.

The next wine was another Napa Valley wine called Dynamite. Let me tell you, this wine really was dynamite!!! The wine is a Zinfandel/Shiraz/Cabernet blend and I’m told this is not yet available in stores. The wine was so enjoyable, I ordered a second glass instead of tasting something new. Sorry readers, I guess I’ll just have to go back and taste some more yummy and affordable wines later. I don’t know why but my husband and I both tasted a slight hint of coconut. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered that flavor but it was there. I also picked up cherries, raspberries and an oaky flavor. We paired this with the Truffle Pommes Frites - seasoned parmesan, garlic and a white truffle essence. Who knew French Fries could be so divine.

Other notable food items on the 5 for $5 menu:
18 Spice Handcrafted Slider – crispy onions, wasabi dill sauce on a toasted pita.
Roasted Clams – covered with a melon, curry and served with a toasted crostini. I wasn’t sure how the melon and curry would work but it was wonderful. It tasted like pureed butternut squash, smooth and delicate.

During our visit, I was able to take a peek at The Vine’s impressive Wine Cellar. This is where I learned the current trend for The Vine is to buy for affordability and pass that savings on to the customer. I hope more restaurants and wine bars take this approach.

In speaking with the General Manager, Juan Rodriquez, and Michael Casey, Liquid Director, they understand the current economy and the need to provide quality service at a budget friendly price.

The Vine is located at 17667 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz FL 33548

Coyote Creek Cabernet Sauvignon – 2008 - California

Since the Wine Chick has been spending so much time on her home computer lately, it’s time to get some wrists pads for my aching joints. While at my local Office Depot, I couldn’t believe the price for a piece of covered gel…$15.99 - $27.99…are you kidding me…do you know how many bottles of inexpensive wine I could get for that amount. So I promptly left and headed to the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits conveniently located in the same strip mall. I found so many great buys; it was hard to find a wine for tonight. Hmm, I’m feeling a bit like a Coyote tonight. Do Coyote’s make careful plans of attack??? I don’t know if they do but I know I am!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, the Coyote Creek was on sale for $6.50 and was definitely in the Wine Chick’s budget. Hubby is at a BEERS meeting tonight so this bad boy is all mine. The color is a deep ruby red in the glass. I take in the aroma of ripe plums, leather and rich berries. This could be promising….oh please don’t let this taste like pesticides, I’ve had those wines but couldn’t bring myself to write about them. Ah, the first sip and all the aromas have carried over to the taste. It’s a full bodied wine but light enough on the tongue and continues with a strong and lingering finish.

Through my research I learn Coyote Creek is one of the many wines handcrafted in the traditional wine style at Adler Fels Winery. Adler Fels winery was founded in Sonoma Valley in 1979 by David and Ayn Coleman. David Coleman, developed innovations in production that became industry standards. Coleman created the first gold foil label to be used on California wine bottles. The winery is owned by Adams Wine Group and consists of a collection of premium wineries.

While at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, I spoke with Glen Witherbee the stores Wine Consultant. Glen and a co-worker Carol, advised me of an upcoming Wine Tasting this Thursday September 3 from 6:00 – 8:00. The cost is $10 and includes a souvenir tasting glass, $5 coupon for night of event purchase and will profile only about 75 wines….only about, these are the words Glen used. I’ll be there probably right at 6:00, if you’re in the area join me at the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits at 14729 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

I give this wine, 3 out of 5 glasses.

Winemaking Analysis Varietal composition: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% other red varietals

Appellation: California

Alcohol: 13.5%

Total Acid: 0.58 g/100ml

pH: 3.72

Chickadee word of the day:
Stealth – secret, surreptitious or clandestine activity. I know this doesn’t have anything to do with wine but it does have to do with my plan of attack. I’ll try to fill everyone in when I can. For now, this is a covert mission.... wish me luck!

Blackstone Cabernet – 2007, has Blackstone lost that loving feeling?

After my recent discovery of Mark West wines and former Blackstone owner, Derek Benham, I thought maybe it was time to revisit my old friend Blackstone. Blackstone really was the wine that started my love affair with wine. I think previous to Blackstone my only wine experience had been with Boone’s Farm and some Rose…don’t judge me, I was young. It all started when I was invited to a friend’s home for a wine tasting. The night before I was at a bar and somehow started talking to a local wine distributor. I asked him to recommend some wines to take to the tasting. He told me hands down, purchase Blackstone and I did.

The night of the tasting, Blackstone not only hooked me but also several other people became followers and would buy cases to stock their wine cellar. Blackstone became one of those great comforting friends who would never let you down and you knew the taste would always be fabulous. The wine had a way of wrapping its arms around you like a velvet blanket. Then something changed, Blackstone had lost that loving’ feeling’ and I couldn’t figure out what had changed between the two of us. I finally learned, it wasn’t me, it was Blackstone. It seems once the brand changed hands, the love was gone.

So I muster up my courage and agree to face my old friend once again. Before I even open the bottle I can tell Blackstone is different, the cork is no longer a natural cork but synthetic. There’s nothing wrong with a synthetic cork, but the wine will never soften due to natural bottle aging. I take in the aromas of plums, oak and a slight pepper. When I taste the wine, I’m immediately disappointed, the wine feels flat and thin as it hits my palate making the wine very one dimensional. What happened to the fruit forward, complex wine that had so many followers in the early part of the decade? I think I actually had tears, I was really hoping we could mend our differences and pick up right where we left off.

I can’t help notice Cabernet profiled on the Blackstone website is a 2004. Well if I remember correctly, the 2004 vintage was still delightful. Derek Benham sold Blackstone in 2001; did the winemaker leave shortly after? The current Blackstone winemaker has been making wine for 10 years, but there’s no mention whether he got his start at Blackstone of if he came on board later. Does anyone know??? I’m actually thinking of calling the winery and asking them this very question.

Before I completely break up with Blackstone, I think I need to give the Merlot another chance. This is after all the wine that put Blackstone on the map. In listening to a podcast with Gary Sitton, Blackstone winemaker, he has piqued my interest enough to give the Merlot a chance. He talks the Blackstone concept of providing quality and wine drinker friendly wines at affordable prices. Maybe there’s hope for reconciliation after all. Stay tuned for the Merlot report.

I found Blackstone on sale at Publix for $8.99. It normally retails for $10.99-$12.99

Chickadee word of the day:
Winemaker – An expert at making wine, who’s usually in charge of all steps of the wine production at the winery.

Cardiff Cellars Cabernet – 2008

Ah, Sunday evening and thoughts of Monday morning in my head….must get them out. Cardiff Cabernet should be able to help. This is only my third time drinking Cardiff and for an inexpensive wine, retailing at $5.99 at Total Wine, I think it is very drinkable. It is a full bodied Cab and not too dry. I smell berries, a touch of floral (violets perhaps), allspice and cherry. The color is a deep Crimson and highlights of purple in the glass. I can taste the berry flavors coat my tongue with a nice but not strong finish.

I have learned something over these past few weeks….the cheaper the wine, the less likely the winery has a website. The only thing I can tell you about this winery it it’s located in California. No info on the bottle, nothing online. I would like to tell you more but I simply can’t other than it is a nice wine at a great price.

If anyone can find any info on Cardiff Cellars, please forward it to me.

Chickadees word of the day:
Floral – an aroma reminiscent of flowers (duh!), such as violets, roses or citrus blossoms. This impression can also be sensed on the palate.