James Oatley TIC TOK Cabernet Sauvignon, Mudgee Australia

We all have clocks; internal ones, the kind you hang on the wall or wake up to and the ones that are more in our mind. I recently saw a friend post a comment on Facebook about her 20^th high school reunion and how could it have arrived already. Many of us view time as an inevitable and unstoppable measure of periods in our lives. It can be viewed positively as the “good times” we had or in a less positive light as the time that is slipping away. Mostly I only view my time in the slipping away sense when I’m crazy busy and can’t seem to get everything done in the day. Then there’s those days when I watch the clock and wonder if it’s a respectable time to open a bottle of wine. Today is one of those days but since it’s still too early, I’ll just have to think about the bottle of James Oatly Tik Tok Cabernet Sauvignon I had recently. I do feel like time is ticking by on me getting this blog finished so forgive me if it’s a short one this week.

Aromas of black cherry and cassis.  With aromas carrying over to the flavors, the wine is fruit forward with complexity, balance and soft tannins. This isn’t a bold and in your face cabernet but a more subtle wine. This makes the wine feel more sophisticate than your average $15 bottle.

Drink Now to 2016
Alc/vol 13.5%
RS 0.47 g/L
pH 3.56
TA 5.91 g/L

SRP - $14.99

The 2010 Cabernet is a cross-continent blend of cabernet sauvignon grapes grown in Mudgee North Western Australia (66%) and Frankland, WA (28%). Bob Oatley is credited with bringing Australian wine to the rest of the world. His success with his Rosemount Estate Chardonnay, launched Oatley into wine stardom. He also is credited with helping to stock American retail shelves with Australian Shiraz. Having learned agriculture, international trading and markets while working the coffee and cocoa trade market, Oatley’s reach continues to span continents. Robert Oatley wines opened a Petaluma, CA office in 2008, bringing those tasty and affordable wines to the US.

I’ve done a few blogs on James Oatley wines, for more info, click here.

I have a lot of those “good times” memories and maybe that’s what many of us are trying to recapture. While I no longer find dancing until 5:00AM or playing drinking games until the wee morning items very appealing, there is a comfort in knowing I can still enjoy “good times”. Those times now are spent sipping wine while overlooking the countryside at a local winery or exploring the little towns in the NE Georgia.

While time may be passing by, you’re never too old to grab time by the reigns and take charge. My only complaint is there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on my plate.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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2008 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Perusing my local big box club store, I stumbled across a bottle of 2008 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir. Normally priced around $17, this was just $13, feeling there must be some mistake in pricing I immediately snatched this little gem up before they realized the error.

Cherry and plum aromas carry over to the flavors, followed by a zesty spice. Mid-palate brings red currant and vanilla to the party. Tannins are bold and need a little refining in my opinion. The finish is a little lackluster for me but the wine is still nice. It tends to have the typical Pinot Noir feel to me, very up front and not very complex. I would appreciate this one more if it had a little more body.

Region –Oregon Willamette Valley

Total Acidity – 0.6gm/100ml

pH – 3.64
Alcohol – 13.2%

The 2008 harvest throughout Oregon was a late one. Berry development was about two weeks behind schedule due to cooler than normal temps. Luckily October was not plagued by the usual torrential rainfall but was dry and mild and harvest was completed by October 27.

While in the Portland area, my husband and I purchased a few bottles of Erath’s Estate Selection, direct from the winery. The wine sells for around $35. I can tell a huge difference between the Oregon wines and the Estate. But since my budget doesn’t allow me to buy $35 bottles of wine on a regular basis I’ll have to settle for the affordable and still very drinkable Oregon label.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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2009 Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay Mendocino County Francine’s Selection

As I sweat my way through the last few months of summer, should only be another two or three months here in Florida, time for a few more of those delicious white wines. A recent sample included a 2009 Toad Hollow Chardonnay Mendocino County Francine’s Selection.

Bright green apple and citrus on the nose, flavors are crisp and clean consisting of pineapple, citrus and mineral. Beautifully balanced between crisp flavors yet creamy mouthfeel. Low residual sugar and well balanced acidity make this a treat for all senses.

The unoaked Chardonnay spends nine months in steel tanks, hence the unoaked, and undergoes a 100% malolactic treatment and left on the lees for eight months. Malolactic treatment is a method of fermentation where malolactic bacterial culture are able to convert malic acid from grapes (generally not used with other fruits) into lactic acid. This process is in addition to regular fermentation.

The method is used for two reasons: 1) Reducing excess acidity by converting the malic acid to softer lactic acid. 2) Adds complexity to the wine by adding a buttery or creamy component as well as additional flavors and aromas.

For years I boycotted California Chardonnays, turned off by the overly buttery and oaky flavor that seemed so prominent in the region. And I wasn’t alone. Luckily winemakers took notice and took action. Today’s California Chardonnay’s are wonderfully balanced and well crafted wines so seize the day with some Toad Hollow Chardonnay.

For more on the story of Toad Hollow Vineyards click here.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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Here’s wine in your eye, FishEye Shiraz 2008

Those of you who frequently read my reviews know I have a few avoidance wines, one of them being FishEye. Back in October I reviewed Fish Eye’s Cabernet Sauvignon and was quite pleased but for whatever reason have not tried any other varietals. I just tend to shy away from some wines. But in the name of providing good wine information I must face my fears, again. I decided it was time to pick up a bottle of FishEye Shiraz 2008.

The glass is filled with smoky oak and black berry aromas. Flavors are a little sweet but the oak and berry flavors carry over as well as cassis and spice with a nice soft, balanced finish.

From the website you get the feeling FishEye isn’t about wine snobs but more about having fun with wine. The wines also seem geared towards the 22-27 year old age bracket. In my book, that that qualifies this line of wines as starter wines. In 2007 FishEye was named Hot BRAND by Market Watch. They even boast you can write about their wines in value wine columns. Hey, I’m all for fun, and inexpensive wine and at $5.99, you can’t get much more inexpensive and still be drinkable.

So what’s my take on FishEye Shiraz, I wouldn’t serve it at a dinner party nor would I give it as a gift but if you’re looking for something to sip outside in the upcoming summer months, this wine may be a good one to try.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

I decided to take a break from my Chili wines and focus on some US wines. Last nights wine, 2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estate, has the esteemed honor of being just one of the lines producing Wine Spectator’s 2009 Wine of the Year, Columbia Crest Reserve. Since this writer concentrates on wines priced under $9.99, we’ll be talking about their value line, Grand Estate.

Colors are a deep ruby red, aromas full of oak, plums, rich ripe red berries and vanilla. Flavors mirror the aromas along with a spiciness swirl around in a velvety smooth mouthfeel and leave a nice lingering finish. Very nice and easy drinking wine, it’s easy to see how this vintage scored 98 points by Wine Spectator.

Blend - 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
Total Acidity - 0.54 g/100ml
pH - 3.78
Alcohol - 13.6%

Columbia Crest is the Pacific Northwest’s largest winery located in Columbia Valley, Washington east of the Cascade Mountains. At 14,000 feet high, the mountains block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean. This leaves the region with just 6-8 inches of rain per year and the perfect growing climate for the Cabernet grape.

Columbia Crest’s history begins back in 1978 when the first 500 acres of vineyards were planted in what would eventually become Columbia Crest Winery. By 1983 the winery is officially open for business just one year before official appellation (AVA) status is granted to Columbia Valley, WA. By 1997 the winery has one several accolades as well as being listed under Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines, an honor they now receive year after year.

This wine is just further proof you really can find excellent tasting wines for less than $9.99.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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A tale of two wines, BV Coastal Merlot and Pinot Noir

Maybe the title of this review should be good versus bad as I had one good BV Coastal and one not so good BV Coastal. Let’s start with the good, always good to kick things off on a positive note.

2007 BV Coastal Merlot
The color in the glass, is a brilliant dark ruby, aromas boasting of strawberries and black pepper. Flavors swirling around the palate consisting of succulent berry flavors and cassis. Medium bodied with dry but smooth mouthfeel.

2008 BV Coastal Pinot Noir
Aromas are a little too grapy and flavors are flat and thin. Almost tastes like it hasn’t been stored properly, just tastes a little off. The website says this wine has a “rustic” style, rust flavored style would be a better descriptor. This wine truly falls under the “not good budget wine” category. I don’t think this will be a repeat purchase.

BV Coastal, produced by Beaulieu Vineyard, got its start in 1900, when Georges de Latour's and wife, Fernande, named the vineyard "beau lieu," or "beautiful place. De Latour’s vision was to create Napa Valley wines rivaling French wines from his home land. By importing Phylloxera-resistant rootstock from Europe, Latour vineyards were able to thrive while other California wines were being destroyed by Phylloxera. One other success factor was Latour was able to remain open for business during Prohibition by selling wine to the Catholic Church. BV Coastal is considered the “value” line in Beaulieu Vineyard’s five wine collections. sourcing wines from more than 1,100 acres throughout some of the best areas of Napa Valley.

Tampa wine lovers, you can find both wines at Total Wine at 1720 North Dale Mabry Highway, each are priced at $6.99.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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Maybe the title of this review should be good versus bad as I had one good BV Coastal and one not so good BV Coastal. Let’s start with the good, always good to kick things off on a positive note.

2007 BV Coastal Merlot
The color in the glass, is a brilliant dark ruby, aromas boasting of strawberries and black pepper. Flavors swirling around the palate consisting of succulent berry flavors and cassis. Medium bodied with dry but smooth mouthfeel.

2008 BV Coastal Pinot Noir
Aromas are a little too grapy and flavors are flat and thin. Almost tastes like it hasn’t been stored properly, just tastes a little off. The website says this wine has a “rustic” style, rust flavored style would be a better descriptor. This wine truly falls under the “not good budget wine” category. I don’t think this will be a repeat purchase.

BV Coastal, produced by Beaulieu Vineyard, got its start in 1900, when Georges de Latour's and wife, Fernande, named the vineyard "beau lieu," or "beautiful place. De Latour’s vision was to create Napa Valley wines rivaling French wines from his home land. By importing Phylloxera-resistant rootstock from Europe, Latour vineyards were able to thrive while other California wines were being destroyed by Phylloxera. One other success factor was Latour was able to remain open for business during Prohibition by selling wine to the Catholic Church. BV Coastal is considered the “value” line in Beaulieu Vineyard’s five wine collections. sourcing wines from more than 1,100 acres throughout some of the best areas of Napa Valley.

Tampa wine lovers, you can find both wines at Total Wine at 1720 North Dale Mabry Highway, each are priced at $6.99.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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Castillo de Molina 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Hope you’re not getting tired of the Chilean wines yet. With such a large selection now available, I’ll try to keep it interesting. I picked up a bottle of Castillo de Molina’s 2007 Cabernet during a recent Bottle Rack visit for $8.99.

The nose presents vanilla, peppery spices and oak along with a high alcohol smell. Flavors are fruity with strong tannins and it takes my palate a few sips to adjust to the dryness. Tastes of cassis and smoky oak with a very long and dry finish. It seems most of the inexpensive wines tend to be on the sweeter side, although I do not prefer overly sweet wines, my palate takes some time to get accustomed to this full bodied tannin structure.

Castillo de Molina is produced by Viña San Pedro founded in 1865 by the Correa-Albano brothers Chile’s Curicó Valley. San Pedro with their 1200 hectacres of vineyards is Chile’s second largest exporter of wines. The winery contracts with producers in seven of the country’s viticultural region producing a number of different brands.

The wine is labeled as a "Reserva", what does this mean exactly? Generally there is no regulation on what defines a wine as Reserve but it’s generally accepted rule if a wine is labeled as “Reserva” the wine has undergone special aging techniques. For Castillo de Molina, the grapes are hand harvested picking only the best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine then is treated to an extended maceration period that begins prior to and continues 2 or 3 weeks after fermentation. This allows the fruit to achieve a higher concentration of flavors.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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No need to conquer this Conquista Malbec, just sit back and enjoy the wine

I decided I needed to give Argentina a chance to redeem itself after the Don Mazo fiasco so this time I opened a bottle of 2008 Conquista Malbec.

Dark ruby color, Aromas are a bit on the jammy side with hints bell pepper and smoky oak. Creamy mouthfeel with lots of fruit flavors consisting of raspberry and cherry followed by a touch of earthiness. Nice pop in the end as the well balanced flavors and high tannins create a lingering finish. I tried this wine both with and without aeration and it truly benefited from the aeration.

The wine takes its name from the early Spanish Conquistas that settled Argentina in the 16th century. The new land’s hot, arid climate was ideal to wine cultivation. In the late 18th century the Governor of Cuyo in Mendoza, requested Malbec, a classic French grape that was struggling in the cooler climate of Bordeaux, France. Conquista celebrates Argentina’s Spanish heritage and the Spaniards that started a heritage of Argentinean wine cultivation.

Varietal make up:
88% Malbec6% Bonardo3% Shiraz3% Merlot

For $7.99 at Total Wine, this is definitely drinkable and worth purchasing again.
Remember to keep buying those Chilean wines, with yet another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2, the wineries and the country need all the support we can give. This way, you get to enjoy the wine and help a great wine region and country get back on their feet.
2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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How can you go wrong with a name like Vicious Red?

One word to describe this Sobon Family wine, WOW! I’ve had this wine for quite a few months and finally decided to give it a try and it was well worth hanging onto.

The aromas wafting out of the glass consisted of intense oakiness and rich red berries, bold fruit flavors with a hint of spice and the finish is absolute Umami. The wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Syrah and Petit Syrah. All pack quite a punch up front but finish with smooth soft, elegant tannins.

Vicious Red is just one of the labels under the Sobon Family Wines. The Sobon Family own Shenandoah Vineyards and Sobon Estates both located in the Shenandoah Valley, CA. Shenandoah Vineyards was founded Leon and Shirley Sobon in 1977 and was one of the first four wineries in the Shenandoah Valley appellation. The couple added the Sobon Estate winery in 1989. Both wineries emphasize high fruit, low tannins and are made with their own sustainably-grown grapes.

The Vicious label has several other varietals all under $10. I found this little gem at Total Wine and will be scouting out some more of these bad boys.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

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