Brit's Corner April 2014 (not to be confused with Kiner's Korner, the popular post-game show of the New York Mets which was hosted by Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner through the early years of Mets TV broadcasts). What? No, his show was about baseball not wine. But having dated some the biggest Hollywood names during his playing years he probably learned a thing or two about wine along the way. Yes, that was my odd little way of paying tribute as Ralph passed on earlier this year.
But I digress (already)... while we're on baseball news, I've recently acquired two bottles of fine cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley's Hall of Fame pitcher, Tom Seaver. Yes, THE Tom Seaver he of multiple Cy Young Awards and one NYMets World Championship ring turning the lovable losers into World Series Champions in 1969, The Miracle Mets. After retirement he returned home to California to grow grapes hoping to make fine zinfandel. He looked long and hard for bargains on Diamond Mountain until he found the parcel he needed and the rest is history, as they say. Except that the land was ripe for cabernet sauvignon, not zinfandel. Tom groused but followed his wine maker's advice and planted cabernet. Within a few short years he was making 94/97 rated wines only in small batches sold directly to the consumers-no outlet stores. So I got on the mailing list for the 2011 and sure enough in February I received an offer to buy two bottles, one each of GTS and NLS bottles. The price was a little steep for me but hey, this is Tom Seaver and I'd heard great reviews so I signed up and in a couple weeks they arrived in sunny Corpus Christi Texas much to my delight!
Back on track - my new quest is to find drinkable wines, even pleasant wines, for $10. or less. Yes, tough one there, how is this possible? Well, I think it is thanks to the modern explosion of the wine making business. There are just so many possibilities you never know what you will find. Today I'm reviewing a Clos Du Bois Merlot 2011 from Geyserville, CA. The wine was dark red, full legs, aroma of dark fruits and spice. The taste confirmed the dark, musky fruits with spice or pepper notes but a pretty well integrated and balance taste. I think "mission accomplished" on this one, good value wine, probably score a 2+ but nice.
Let me share one more under-$10. bottle: The Immortal Zin from Peirano Estate Vineyards, 2012 Sells for $11. The wine was purple, full bodied, fruity and spicy. The taste was full and bold and very tasty! I recommend it. Gave it three stars on the Brit scale.
Next time a review of six wines from a Wall Street Journal holiday special offer. Were they naughty or nice? Find out next time.....
Brit Smeal
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Unoaked Chardonnay
We tried the Dominican Oaks California Unoaked Chardonnay from 2012.
Appearance: golden yellow with legs
Smell: pear, apple, slight lime, grape
Taste: very slightly fizzy, smooth mouthfeel, pear, apple, short smooth pear beginning note, tart green apple finish, very light bodied.
Pairings: cheese was fine with the wine according to Brit. The Swartzwelders had burgers and coleslaw for dinner. Brit had salmon for dinner. The Hogans had chicken parmasean for dinner (which we think effected their rating). Heavy food and chocolate do not go well with this wine. Please note that our wines we consumed after dinner and not with dinner.
Brit Scale Ratings:
Brit: 3
Sherry: 3
Erin: 4
Robin: 2
Melissa: 2
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Brit's Corner June 201
Brit's Corner - June 2013
I've been searching for great bottles of red wine under $15 lately, and have been partially successful. Two cabernet sauvignon's have come to my attention. First was our wine club selection for Friday, June 14th, Rodney Strong 2010 from Sonoma County. Rodney Strong has a good reputation of producing good wine at a reasonable price and this selection was no exception. Priced at $12-15 this was a good value. I also sampled a Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2010 cabernet sauvignon, about same price. Robert Mondavi also has a similar reputation and also did not disappoint.
First, bear with me for a geography lesson... both Sonoma and Napa are about equi-distant from the northernmost end of the San Fransisco Bay area, which is called San Pedro Bay. They are about 20 kilometers north of the bay and about the same distance from each other (east to west). One could expect the grapes in these two areas to be very similar as they have the same soil, weather, etc... And they were.
The Rodney Strong cab had quite a bite at first, with pepper and smokey oak overpowering any other flavors, in the initial sips (also a buttery taste). This subsided with each sip giving way to a nice, pleasant taste where one could taste the fruits better and a typical Cabernet flavor; very enjoyable.
The Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon was very similar, but perhaps just a bit less bite initially, but also it didn't seem to fade as quickly. By the end of the first glass both wines had pretty much lost their bites and the dark fruits shone forth. Rodney Strong had maybe a cherry hint while the Mondavi was maybe more of a plum, but otherwise very similar. I rate both a 3 on the Brit scale, although maybe a weak 3 and admitedly, I tasted the Rodney Strong on an empty stomach. I had no cheese or other food to sample with the wine to get a better culinary experience. The Robert Mondavi was a different story, as I had lasagna for lunch before tasting it. That probably impacted the tasting.
In summary, both wines are from generally the same region, same grape, same vintage, and very similar in flavor. I like them both! Up next, I'll share some Merlot experiences!
Until next time, here's wishing you good eats, and good wine treats!
- Brit
I've been searching for great bottles of red wine under $15 lately, and have been partially successful. Two cabernet sauvignon's have come to my attention. First was our wine club selection for Friday, June 14th, Rodney Strong 2010 from Sonoma County. Rodney Strong has a good reputation of producing good wine at a reasonable price and this selection was no exception. Priced at $12-15 this was a good value. I also sampled a Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2010 cabernet sauvignon, about same price. Robert Mondavi also has a similar reputation and also did not disappoint.
First, bear with me for a geography lesson... both Sonoma and Napa are about equi-distant from the northernmost end of the San Fransisco Bay area, which is called San Pedro Bay. They are about 20 kilometers north of the bay and about the same distance from each other (east to west). One could expect the grapes in these two areas to be very similar as they have the same soil, weather, etc... And they were.
The Rodney Strong cab had quite a bite at first, with pepper and smokey oak overpowering any other flavors, in the initial sips (also a buttery taste). This subsided with each sip giving way to a nice, pleasant taste where one could taste the fruits better and a typical Cabernet flavor; very enjoyable.
The Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon was very similar, but perhaps just a bit less bite initially, but also it didn't seem to fade as quickly. By the end of the first glass both wines had pretty much lost their bites and the dark fruits shone forth. Rodney Strong had maybe a cherry hint while the Mondavi was maybe more of a plum, but otherwise very similar. I rate both a 3 on the Brit scale, although maybe a weak 3 and admitedly, I tasted the Rodney Strong on an empty stomach. I had no cheese or other food to sample with the wine to get a better culinary experience. The Robert Mondavi was a different story, as I had lasagna for lunch before tasting it. That probably impacted the tasting.
In summary, both wines are from generally the same region, same grape, same vintage, and very similar in flavor. I like them both! Up next, I'll share some Merlot experiences!
Until next time, here's wishing you good eats, and good wine treats!
- Brit
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Pinot Noir
Brit's Corner for April.
Had a wonderful 2009 Pinot Noir by Henri de Villamont from Bourgogne, France, price about $16. at Spec's. It is a very smooth, very tasty red wine with fruity and peppery hints for smell, but very pleasing to drink. Paired with filet mignon it was very good, dark fruit evident in the bouquest and taste and to me, an overal good culinary experience! FOUR STARS! Highly recommended.
My second wine to share is from South Africa, a 2011 Sabernet Sauvignon by Domaine Rouxvale. Don't let the twist off cap fool you, this cab is smooth and fruity, a very pleasant taste of cherry and black currant with a hint of spice. Dark red in appearanc with moderate legs, it has a nice appearance as well as a pleasing bouquet and opulent taste! Another FOUR STARS althought perhaps a weak "4". Still I am sharing with you two fine reds to try, one from France, a Pinot Noir, and the second a Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa and sure to find their way into your favorites list of reds in you wine cellar. Enjoy and give us your feedback should you be so blessed as to sample these fine tasting wines costing less than $20./ bottle.
- Brit Smeal, Lead Oenefile, San Antonio Smeal Family Estate
Had a wonderful 2009 Pinot Noir by Henri de Villamont from Bourgogne, France, price about $16. at Spec's. It is a very smooth, very tasty red wine with fruity and peppery hints for smell, but very pleasing to drink. Paired with filet mignon it was very good, dark fruit evident in the bouquest and taste and to me, an overal good culinary experience! FOUR STARS! Highly recommended.
My second wine to share is from South Africa, a 2011 Sabernet Sauvignon by Domaine Rouxvale. Don't let the twist off cap fool you, this cab is smooth and fruity, a very pleasant taste of cherry and black currant with a hint of spice. Dark red in appearanc with moderate legs, it has a nice appearance as well as a pleasing bouquet and opulent taste! Another FOUR STARS althought perhaps a weak "4". Still I am sharing with you two fine reds to try, one from France, a Pinot Noir, and the second a Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa and sure to find their way into your favorites list of reds in you wine cellar. Enjoy and give us your feedback should you be so blessed as to sample these fine tasting wines costing less than $20./ bottle.
- Brit Smeal, Lead Oenefile, San Antonio Smeal Family Estate
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Savignon
This week's pick by Brit is Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Savignon 2011 Central Coast version. This wine is very affordable and can be found most anywhere (even in your local grocery store)!
Appearance: dark plum in color, thick legs that take a long time to form.
Smell: smokey, strong plum smell, spices, pepper, earthy, hint of raspberry
Taste: butter, dry, slight smoke, not as strong of a taste as you would think, short taste, tart finish, slight oak, raspberry on the front note, mouth feel is cotton
Pairings: The Swartzwelders had burgers and fries before wine and the Hogans had pasta before wine. Cheeses: cheddar is a no go, Gouda doesn't do anything for it, havarty brings out the raspberry and plum taste. Chocolate brings out the fruit taste as well but also enhances the smokey notes.
Brit Scale Ratings:
Sherry: 3
Erin: 2
Brit: 3
Robin: 2
Gerry: 2
Melissa: 3
Appearance: dark plum in color, thick legs that take a long time to form.
Smell: smokey, strong plum smell, spices, pepper, earthy, hint of raspberry
Taste: butter, dry, slight smoke, not as strong of a taste as you would think, short taste, tart finish, slight oak, raspberry on the front note, mouth feel is cotton
Pairings: The Swartzwelders had burgers and fries before wine and the Hogans had pasta before wine. Cheeses: cheddar is a no go, Gouda doesn't do anything for it, havarty brings out the raspberry and plum taste. Chocolate brings out the fruit taste as well but also enhances the smokey notes.
Brit Scale Ratings:
Sherry: 3
Erin: 2
Brit: 3
Robin: 2
Gerry: 2
Melissa: 3
Friday, April 19, 2013
Wild Haven Pinot Gris
Wild Haven Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2011 was the choice by Melissa. Brit managed to get the same wine from the same valley even.
Appearance: looks like water, almost no color, thin legs.
Smell: very citrusy, homeysuckle, pear, lime, grapefruit
Taste: very light pleasant taste, refreshing, citrus bitey endnote, very smooth silky mouthfeel, starts with a mild wine taste then builds to a fruity taste of pear, apricot, honeysuckle, and then ends with the citrus bite.
Pairings: the Hogan family had fediccini Alfredo with shrimp for dinner. Brit had cod with potato crust. The Swartzwelders had pineapple chicken with rice. Havarty cheese brings out the fruit taste. Cheddar also brings out the fruit but not as much. Gouda tones down the citrus.
Brit Scale Ratings:
Brit: 3
Robin: 3
Melissa: 4
Erin: 4
Sherry: 3
Gerry: 3
Appearance: looks like water, almost no color, thin legs.
Smell: very citrusy, homeysuckle, pear, lime, grapefruit
Taste: very light pleasant taste, refreshing, citrus bitey endnote, very smooth silky mouthfeel, starts with a mild wine taste then builds to a fruity taste of pear, apricot, honeysuckle, and then ends with the citrus bite.
Pairings: the Hogan family had fediccini Alfredo with shrimp for dinner. Brit had cod with potato crust. The Swartzwelders had pineapple chicken with rice. Havarty cheese brings out the fruit taste. Cheddar also brings out the fruit but not as much. Gouda tones down the citrus.
Brit Scale Ratings:
Brit: 3
Robin: 3
Melissa: 4
Erin: 4
Sherry: 3
Gerry: 3
Friday, April 12, 2013
Beaujolais
We are all trying a Beaujolais today. The Swartzwelders and Hogans has Domaine Pignard Beaujolais 2011. Brit has domaine des Rosiers Moulinavent. Both wines are similar in grapes, region, importer, and even the labels are similar.
Appearance: deep red purple, cherry colored, no legs
Smell: cherry, fruity, butter, black raspberries, hint of pepper
Taste: peppery, slight cherry, thin fine texture and finish, very light wine that doesn't stay with you long which incourages you to drink more, not as fruity as you would think, hints of raspberry.
Pairings: robin had a bacon cheese burger, the Swartzwelders had a digiorno, Brit had a meatball sandwich and a salad for dinner. Gouda brings out the peppery taste and changes the midnote, cheddar really brings out the fruity taste and is a hit with the wine. Chocolate and fruit needs to be avoided while enjoying this wine.
Brit Scale Ratings
Brit: weak 3
Robin: 2
Erin: 2
Sherry: weak 3
Appearance: deep red purple, cherry colored, no legs
Smell: cherry, fruity, butter, black raspberries, hint of pepper
Taste: peppery, slight cherry, thin fine texture and finish, very light wine that doesn't stay with you long which incourages you to drink more, not as fruity as you would think, hints of raspberry.
Pairings: robin had a bacon cheese burger, the Swartzwelders had a digiorno, Brit had a meatball sandwich and a salad for dinner. Gouda brings out the peppery taste and changes the midnote, cheddar really brings out the fruity taste and is a hit with the wine. Chocolate and fruit needs to be avoided while enjoying this wine.
Brit Scale Ratings
Brit: weak 3
Robin: 2
Erin: 2
Sherry: weak 3
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