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Whether you are searching for a holiday gift or a tasty sip to pair with a meal, I recommend the following five wines from Argentina, Italy, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia to add to your shopping list!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Unánime Signature Malbec 2018 Mascota Vineyards is located in La Consulta, San Carlos, a small wine-growing sub-region in the southern Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Winemaker Rodolfo Sadler founded Mascota and has crafted wines for over 30 years. This 100% Malbec is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Violets, fresh red fruit, and baking spice. Palate: Bing cherries, red plum, with a hint of dark berries and subtle notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and pepper on a lengthy finish. Smooth and balanced with complex layers. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $40 Pairing suggestions: Hearty stews, roasted meat, fowl, or mushroom risotto. Intrinsic Red Blend 2021 Intrinsic Wine Co is a Washington state wine brand created by Juan Muñoz Oca, head winemaker at Columbia Crest, and his team. Columbia Crest and Intrinsic are both owned by the largest wine company in Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. According to available information, the Intrinsic Red Blend 2021 is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from the Columbia Valley region of Washington state.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely notes of raspberry, dark cherry, and sweet plums, along with hints of violet, tobacco, and herbs. Palate: This rich and juicy blend shows off notes of chocolate, espresso beans, and pepper that blend well with ripe fruit. Silky tannins and well-balanced acidity lead to a long finish with spice and berries lingering on the palate. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Sip on its own or head to the dessert table with your glass! FIOL Prosecco DOC Extra Dry FIOL (pronounced FEE-yol) means “son” in Venetian dialect and “chap” in English. FIOL was founded in 2011 by Gian Luca Passi and co-founder Giovanni Ciani Bassetti. They are childhood friends who grew up surrounded by Prosecco. “Most local winemakers have been drinking sparkling wine for 50 years and need an extraordinarily strong bubble to really feel it. We wanted something gentler, more subtle, more fruity.” says Gian Luca Passi.” This sparkling wine is 100% Glera. Prosecco DOC requires a minimum 30-day secondary fermentation in tank. This wine remains in tank 40 days for extra depth and complexity.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Green apples, a touch of white flowers, and citrus. Palate: Smooth bubbles with emphasis on the grape. It is crisp and refreshing with notes of apple, pear, minerality, and a touch of lemon zest. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $19 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, in cocktails, or with appetizers, entrees, and dessert! Appassionata Andante Pinot Noir 2017 J. Christopher Winery, located in northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, is owned by iconic winemaker Erni Loosen, creator and owner of Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf estates. Following his passion for Pinot Noir, Erni set his sights on J. Christopher, eventually purchasing 40 acres and planting the Appassionata Vineyard. The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir are sourced from 33-year-old vines in the Dundee Hills appellation. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (25% new). The wine is released five years after vintage. Andante means ‘gently, unhurried.’  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Exotic flowers, brioche, red berries, red plums, baking spice, herbal notes, and a whiff of orange. Palate: This is a lively wine that balances delicate and savory. Silky texture with bright cherry, pomegranate, baking spice, and orange zest. A long and tasty finish awaits. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $135 Pairing suggestions: Roasted fatty fish such as salmon, stuffed artichokes, duck, grilled meat, venison, and most cheese. Early Mountain Rise 2021 Early Mountain Vineyards is owned by Jean Case, who started the company in 2012. They are located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison, Virginia, with more than 55 acres of planted vineyards. Rise is reserved for only the finest vintages with specific selections from exceptional mountainside vineyards. It is a beautiful blend of 58% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 15% Tannat, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (52% new) and 18 months in bottle prior to release. If properly stored, this wine will drink well from 2024-2050.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, dark berries, plum, cedar, baking spice, and forest floor.
Palate: A perfect dance of structured tannins merging with acidity leads to an elegant wine. Aromas segue onto the palate with lingering notes of chocolate, spice, and decadent berry pastries on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.8% SRP: $150 Pairing suggestions: Hearty stews and soups, roasted red and white meat, mushroom risotto, pasta, seared tuna, charcuterie board, and spinach quiche. I hope these wines have aroused your curiosity. Your palate will appreciate it! Happy tasting! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] When one thinks of wines from the western part of the United States, in all likelihood, California comes to mind first. However, the Pacific Northwest is known for its fine wine production from Oregon and Washington. These northern states benefit from warm days and cool nights, resulting in ripe fruit and fresh acidity in the wines. Oregon is known for its production of Pinot Noir, and Washington has a reputation for its fine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Andrew Family Vineyards is nestled in the picturesque Horse Heaven Hills AVA in south-central Washington, a part of the larger Columbia Valley. Horse Heaven Hills is one of Washington’s warmer growing regions and is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyards are planted on south-facing slopes, which provides ample sun exposure.  Photo courtesy of Andrew Family Vineyards  Horse Heaven Hills AVA in red. Jeff Andrews is the owner and third generation of this family-run business. With their first brand, Trothe, receiving accolades since 2021, the team has released their second brand this spring, Sagebreaker, honoring their great-grandfather, George Smith, who tirelessly and with great difficulty broke ground and cleared sagebrush to make way for cultivation. Winemaker, Ray McKee, part of the Trothe team, has captured the essence of over 80 years of family history with Sagebreaker. While the Trothe brand is focused on single varietals, Sagebreaker focuses on classic blends, incorporating the notable terroir of Horse Heaven Hills with its rich granite soil. I received three samples of their inaugural vintage release of Sagebreaker, and I’m delighted to share my thoughts with you!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sagebreaker White Blend 2023
This is a classic Rhône white blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne, all certified sustainable estate fruit. “Each variety is grown on a parcel of their vineyard best suited to its defining varietal characteristics—Viognier and Roussanne on cooler, lowland blocks and Marsanne on a warm hilltop.” The grapes were picked, pressed, and vinified together for a co-fermentation. Nose: Fragrant white flowers, stone fruit, and apricot. Palate: It is fresh and vibrant with notes of peach, apricot, honey, citrus, and minerality. It has great texture, and is a winner in my books! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $48 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with ceviche, shrimp scampi, grilled poultry dishes, or salads. Sagebreaker Rhône Blend 2021 This wine is a classic Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, and a dash of Mourvèdre harvested from certified sustainable estate vineyards. After fermentation in Italian concrete, the wine was aged for 18 months in new 100% French oak. Nose: Red fruit aromas, bramble fruit, plum, and minerality, Palate: Strawberries, raspberry, plum, baking spice, crushed stone, and dark chocolate on a long finish. Smooth tannins and well balanced with acidity. A bright, spicy, earthy, and well-structured wine. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $68 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, poultry, game, or tuna. Charcuterie board Sagebreaker Bordeaux Blend 2021 This is a beautiful blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, all sourced from certified sustainable estate vineyards. The wine was fermented in a mix of Italian and French concrete to preserve its natural freshness. It was then aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Nose: Rose petals with a blend of dark berries, baking spice, and herbs. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with bursts of dark berries, plum, sweet cherry tobacco, and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, rich, complex, and impressive! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $84 Pairing suggestions: Beef bourguignon, vegetable stew, roasted lamb, seared tuna, or mushroom risotto. The prices may be steep, but they are worth every sip! Until next time… Cheers, Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]  I can’t believe that it’s already June 1st! The warm weather of late has had most of us reaching for cool wines and cooking light meals. With the dog days of summer yet to come, I already need to replenish my white wine and rose’ selection. To quote a dear friend of mine “it is time to make a trip to the boozeorium”.  The other evening I tasted a
2012 Efestē Evergreen Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington State. The vineyard is set high above the Missoula Flood Plains and only grows white grape varieties. This 100% Riesling was pale yellow with citrus and tropical fruit on the nose. The palate offered fresh peach, nectarine and apple. It was crisp and full-bodied with a long finish. If stored properly, it will go the distance. Alcohol is 12.8% and costs about $20/bottle. http://www.efeste.com I hope to sneak in a swim before the day ends!
Happy Wednesday! Cheers! Penina  It was a busy Thursday that ended on a gentle note with dinner and a movie. I escaped the “green food” being offered throughout the day in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and welcomed normal fare and a nice bottle of 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Mercer Estates Winery.  Mercer Estates is located in the heart of Yakima Valley in Columbia Valley, Washington. It is a family owned winery run by brothers, Rob and Will Mercer. In September 2015, I reviewed their 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon which was very good. And, I was just as impressed with the bottle we opened last night. The grapes for the 2013 Cabernet come from Mercer’s estate vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills and is a blend of 75% Cabernet, 15% Syrah and 10% Merlot. The aromas of lush fruity, spice and a hint of vanilla greeted me. The palate was layered with dark berries, plum and spice. The wine was balanced and rich with a very smooth and long finish. It was a definite thumbs up! http://mercerwine.com  Spring officially begins this Sunday with the possibility of a major snowstorm. Winter does not want to go away! I would like to put my snowshoes away and slip into my summer sandals! Have a great start to the weekend! Happy Friday!
Cheers! Penina  The holiday decorations have been put away and I’m already starting to think about all the flowers and herbs that I want to plant for the spring. Of course, we still need to get through a few brutal months of winter first.  The other evening it was extremely cold out and a perfect time to serve up a heaping bowl of Tomato Lentil soup to one of my favorite “wining & dining” companions. This hearty vegetarian soup is packed with protein and is quite filling. Sometimes I add a few grilled shrimp or sautéed scallops on top, but it isn’t necessary.  In addition to the soup, we shared a 2010 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, WA. This elegant and beautifully balanced wine is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Lots of dark fruit, floral and a hint of leather on the nose segued into plum, blackberry, licorice and spice on the palate. Soft tannins and an earthy finish made this a most enjoyable wine! http://www.abeja.net  I can’t believe that the weekend is already here and my calendar is filling up with activities. Happy Friday!
Cheers! Penina  The days are flying by and I can’t believe that we are already approaching mid September. I am not ready to give up summer!  I must admit though that I am looking forward to making soups and breads to enjoy on those crisp autumn nights. In fact, I’m planning on making a large vat of soup this week to store in the freezer. I’ve saved up small freezer friendly containers so that I can heat up a few servings at a time.  Over this past weekend, I attended a small dinner party with a “fall” menu, including a very good 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Mercer Estates, Columbia Valley, WA. The blend was 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah. It was aged in French and American oak barrels for 28 months. The wine was full bodied with aromas of blackberry, cherry, pepper and clove. The palate was layered with dark fruit, blueberry, cherry, pepper, anise and spices that led to a long velvety finish. http://mercerwine.com. I may not be ready to give up summer yet, but I am ready to embrace some hearty red wines! Have a peaceful Sunday. And, if you’re celebrating the Jewish New Year, then “L ‘Shana Tova”.
Cheers! Penny  It was a beautiful day yesterday and jam packed with a long “to do” list. My goal was to get as much done as possible and then squeeze in a late afternoon swim. Mission accomplished!  Prior to scooting out the door for an evening engagement, I opened a rosé that had been chilling in my refrigerator for a few weeks. It was a 2014 Charles & Charles Rosé from Columbia Valley, Washington. It was an interesting blend of 72% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Grenache, 3% Cinsault, 3% Counoise. The color was such a deep pink, it was bordering on coral. Aromas of watermelon and apples greeted me. The palate was soft fruit, strawberry, with a hint of citrus and candy apple on the finish. It is not a bad “go to” wine for the price…about $12.00 a bottle. http://www.charlessmithwines.com  I’m off to embrace another beautiful day!
Happy Thursday! Cheers! Penina  Last night I tried in vain to find the sketch and pattern that mysteriously disappeared. I finally gave up and settled into a quiet evening. I think that I’ll just start knitting and see where it takes me…I’ve created many beautiful pieces of art wear that way! I’ll keep you posted.  I want to give a quick shout out to 2012 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot. It had intense aromas of blackberries, very dark chocolate and spice. Rich flavors of fruit, soft tannins, chocolate and oak coated my palate. This is definitely going on my wish list. http://www.longshadows.com  I have a busy day ahead of me, but I’m looking forward to getting together with a friend this evening for some great conversation…and of course…wine! I hope to have a review for you tomorrow!
Cheers! Penina  It was a great day yesterday. I went to a holiday luncheon with a group of fabulous people who exuded happiness, laughter and positive energy! The drinks were varied…Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Strawberry Bellinis and Screwdrivers. It was festive and ended all too soon!  What little time remained of the day was spent in preparing for my youngest son’s upcoming visit! It will be a fun filled holiday season for sure! I had a quick cocktail hour with a friend and then it was on to sketching and refining my next knitting project.  I tasted a very good wine recently. It was a 2012 Saggi Super Tuscan-style Blend from Long Shadows. It was a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Aromas of cherry, herbs and mocha gave way to tasting raspberry, cherry and currants. There was a hint of smokiness to it as well. This is a nice blend with just enough richness and sweetness carrying through to a nice finish. www.longshadows.com Cheers!
Penina  It was a long day yesterday filled with business, angst and trying to put out a fire or two.  So, it was a welcome invitation at the end of the day to have dinner and a martini with a friend. We dined on mussels, pasta and salad. Yum. Since I didn’t drink any wine last night (much to my companion’s dismay), I will continue my review of Long Shadow wines.  2012 Pirouette…a lovely Bordeaux-style Blend that is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Petit Verdot. It was rich in color with aromas of black cherry, plum and spice. Intense flavors of dark berries and licorice, with hints of mocha, coffee bean and vanilla contributed to its long finish. This is an impressive wine with a lot of depth. www.longshadows.com Have a Happy Friday and pour something great tonight to start the weekend!
Cheers! Penina |
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