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.

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2006 Blackstone Merlot

After my not so fond reunion with Blackstone Cabernet, I decided it was time to meet up again with the flagship wine that started it all; Blackstone Merlot. Here’s something interesting, the 2007 Blackstone Cab had a synthetic cork but this vintage still has the natural cork. Here goes, aromas earthy, spicy and cherries. First sip and the flavor feels flat and flabby. I do get the berries and oak some fine flavors but it’s still missing that little something. It feels like when you talk to someone you used to be great friends with and now all you can do is make awkward idol chit chat.

At least I found the man that started Blackstone, Derek Benham and discovered the latest wine under his leadership, Mark West. I also now know you can find it at BJ's Wholesale for $7.99 or Total Wine for $8.99, such Wine Chick budget friendly prices.

Chickadee word of the day:
Flabby – wine that is heavy on the palate, caused by a serious deficiency in acidity and subsequently affecting flavor.

2009© 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