June 11th, 2010
I’ve been experiencing a lot lately with food and wine pairing – mainly because, well, I love wine and I love food, so the next best thing is putting them together in such a way that they compliment eachother. Here’s a perfect summer time salad to pair with those lighter, more acidic whites such as Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio…
Mediterranean Summer Salad
Serves 12 (1 cup serving size)
8 oz Orzo Pasta cooked according to package directions
2 Cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 Cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 Cup toasted pine nuts
3/4 Cup Greek olives, such as Kalamata, pitted and halved
4 oz (or more) feta cheese, broken into large chunks
2 Cups (or more) baby spinach leaves
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt & Pepper
In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, olives, garlic, pine nuts, feta, and spinach – toss and then add cooked orzo.
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to tate
Toss with salad, pour yourself a glass of vino and relax in the sun.
Tags: albarino, mediterranean salad recipe, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, white wine, wine and food pairing
Posted in Wines, good wine | No Comments »
May 4th, 2010
Courtesy of Mark Johnson, Commander Products www.commanderproducts.com…
We went wine tasting last week (Wednesday through Saturday) touring Santa Rita Hills, Lompoc, Los Olivos and all around Paso Robles. Plus I attended two mega Rhone tastings at the Hospice du Rhône in Paso www.hospicedurhone.org. There is mucho to report!
Here are a few of the items I will review later this week:
Which wineries sucked in Santa Barbara County? Who were the few that passed muster?
Which highly rated restaurant in Solvang got a ho-hum report from us?
I tasted 3 all new releases from Saxum www.saxumvineyards.com and they were all great. But, whose other wine did I taste that was just as good (that you can actually buy) for much less money?
What is the name of a stunning new tasting room in Paso that should have spent less on the beautiful building and more on a real winemaker?
What is the name of a new restaurant in Paso that might take the crown from Artisan Restaurant www.artisanpasorobles.com as the best restaurant in town?
Which wines from Booker Winery www.bookerwines.com already sold out in their first week of release? And I got to taste them (and buy them) and I must say they are fantastic.
What Paso winery is putting out the best wines across the board?
All above will be reported and posted here within a week so stay tuned…Linda
Tags: artisan restaurant, booker wines, commander printing, Hospice du Rhone, lompoc, paso robles, santa barbara county, santa rita hills, santa ynez, saxum, solvang
Posted in Blogroll, New Wines, Red Wine, Wines, good wine | No Comments »
April 7th, 2010
Tasting Notes courtesy of Mark Johnson, Commander Printing.
Wow, it was quite an evening last night at the ZIN is IN tasting at Casa de Keating. We started with 3 white wines: a white Rhône from Milaflores Winery, a Sauvignon Blanc from Stephen & Walker/Trust Winery Sonoma, and a unoaked Chard from Morgan. Then we started in on the vast array of tasty food: falling off the bone Thai style ribs, BBQ pulled pork and tri-tip sandwiches, black bean and beef taquitos with pepperjack cheese, stuffed mushroom caps, smoky BBQ ribs, and spicy chicken posole, plus breads, cheeses, nuts, and crackers.
We opened 21 wines and overall the quality was quite good, with only a few real dogs (including a pricey Aussie Zin). After separating the Zins into two flights (of lower vs. higher alcohol content) we went to work, and after a slow start found several standouts in the first group of 9. After a food break we went back at it and found several more really good wines in the second batch. Then it was time for elimination and final judging. It grew quite contentious as the west side of the table argued with the east side, almost coming to fisticuffs. Finally, after much verbal sparing we selected a winner: the 2007 Carlisle “Papera”, which interestingly was my wine — in first place — again. Though to be fair, my personal favorite which I actually scored higher, was Ruth’s 2005 Martinelli “Jackass”.
Here are my top 8 Zins:
2007 Martinelli Jackass
2006 Michael-David LUST (controversial)
2007 Mauritson Rockpile
2007 Renwood Crain Sleeper
2007 Carlisle Papera
2006 Valdez
2008 Prisoner (very controversial – see note below)
2007 Carlisle Montazi
Thanks again to Kent and Jill for hosting and helping with all the food. The table was set up perfectly with all the appropriate tasting accoutrements. Job well done!
NOTE: when is a Zin not a Zin? That was a major topic of discussion last night as some thought the Prisoner was not “qualified” for this tasting (even though it tasted great). As luck would have it, in today’s LA Times food section the front page article was all about field blend Zins. It makes for a very interesting, and timely, read.
Mark Johnson
Commander Printed Products
3450 Camino del Sol
Oxnard, CA 93030
800-722-3676 / 805-988-5880
www.commanderproducts.com
Tags: carlisle, carlisle montazi, commander printing, mark johnson, martinelli jackass, mauritson, michael-david lust, milaflores winery, morgan, Orin Swift The Prisoner, papera, renwood, renwood crain sleeper, rockpile vineyard, sauvignon blanc, trust winery, unoaked chardonnay, Valdez, zinfandel
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April 7th, 2010
Babcock Vineyards Wine Tasting this Thursday, 4/8 from 6-9pm. Fine Santa Ynez wines and appetizers $15/pp. Wines we’re tasting are the new releases of Identity Crisis Syrah (white), Naughty Little Hillsides Pinot Gris, Rita’s Earth Pinot Noir, Grand Cuvee Pinot Noir and Classic Rock Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tags: babcock, babcock winery, bryan babcock, cabernet sauvignon, classic rock, identity crisis syrah, naughty little hillsides, Pinot Gris, pinot noir, rita's earth, santa rita hills, santa ynez, syrah
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March 30th, 2010
I participated in a food and wine party a week ago with a dozen of my uber-foodie friends – these are the kind of people you love to know because they’re all chefs (unpaid ones, but nonetheless), plus they always break open the best wines. This is a California wine lovers group though, rarely do you see a wine from France or Italy make an appearance.
We usually start out with appetizers and white wine, then move into the main courses paired with our reds. I took a chance and brought a 2005 JC Cellars Marsanne from the Preston Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. For one, I was concerned about the age of the wine and knew these guys would be brutally honest if it had turned and two, I knew if it was still good, it would be great.
Cowabunga! Beautifully balanced, full-throttle Marsanne loaded with creamy pear and not even a hint of fruit-gone-bad. It was perfect and, if I don’t say myself, the best white of the night! Only 4 bottles left on the shelf so don’t dilly dally.
Tags: dry creek valley, jc cellars, jeff cohn, marsanne, preston vineyard, rhone white wine, wine for foodies
Posted in Wines, good wine | 1 Comment »
March 16th, 2010
We’re starting the week off early on Wednesday with a St Patty’s Day Celebration starting at 5:00pm with $5 Guiness, $5 O’Rielly wines (from David O’Rielly of Owen Roe wines www.owenroe.com) and traditional Irish grub until 9:00pm. Note: nothing you’ll consume will be green, I promise, but please feel free to wear some green if you please.
This Thursday, 3/18 RiverStar Vineyards of Paso Robles www.riverstarvineyards.com will be visiting and educating us on their lineup of small production wines that are packed with flavor. I’m always in search of those small, family owned and operated wineries who made fab wines for everyday drinking – in other words, RiverStar is great wine that fits nicely into anyones budget.
Come out and taste for yourself 5 RiverStar wines and appetizers for $15, 3/18 between 6-9pm.
Flight night Friday from 5:00-9:00pm. Enjoy a different flight every Friday night for only $10. Pair with a cheese plate for $7 more. This Friday Night Flight (3/19): Santa Barbara County.
Remember, whomever comes to the most flight nights from now until May 31st will get a FREE seat on our Santa Rita Hills Wine Country tour in early June – dates yet to be determined, but let me know if you’re interested & I’ll put you on the list!
To view upcoming tasting events, visit us at http://www.wineclosetinc.com/store/events_calendar.php
New Items:
Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon – www.plumpjack.com
Owen Roe Ex Umbris Syrah – www.orwines.com
Carina Cellars Viognier – www.carinacellars.com
McPrice Myers Kristina & Les Galets – www.mcpricemyers.com
Looking for a great venue to have a private party? The Wine Closet can be yours for a night for groups of 25 or less. Call Linda for details 805.746.5708.
Pick up a bottle of wine from The Wine Wine Closet to enjoy with dinner at JJ Brewsky’s, Verona Trattoria or D’Amore’s Pizza and enjoy free corkage! Great wine deserves great food!
Check out our entire selection of wine online at www.wineclosetinc.com
Retail store hours: Tues & Weds 11-7pm, Thurs & Fri 11-9pm, Saturday 11-7pm, Closed Sunday & Monday (for now).
We look forward to seeing you here.
Linda & Rob
The Wine Closet
Old Town Camarillo
2423 Ventura Boulevard
805.746.5708
www.wineclosetinc.com
Tags: cabernet sauvignon, carina cellars, david o'rielly, ex umbris, guiness, les galets. mcprice myers kristina, mcprice myers, o'rielly wines, owen roe, paso robles, plumpjack, riverstar vineyards, st patricks day, syrah, viognier
Posted in New Wines, Red Wine, Wines, good wine | No Comments »
March 5th, 2010
Vinni Bag is a reusable travel bag you can pack your beloved wine into so you can take it with you on the road (or plane that is). We’re all about reducing our carbon footprint and the Vinni Bag is one way of doing just that since it’s reusable over and over again. There’s nothing better then enjoying your own wine once you reach your destination away from home, and the Vinni Bag will help keep it safe during travel.
The Vinni Bag has received some recent press, check it out…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35647695/ns/travel-rob_lovitt_columns/
New gear for multi-tasking travelers
Accessories? These days, they’re more like necessities
By Rob Lovitt
Travel writer
updated 5:44 a.m. PT, Tues., March. 2, 2010
Tight travel budget got you down? The makers of luggage and travel accessories feel your pain.
Consider many of the new products at this year’s Travel Goods Association (TGA) show, opening today in Las Vegas. Instead of touting designer names and luxury logos, manufacturers are emphasizing affordability and the specific needs of individual travelers.
“Travel is a multi-segmented market,” says Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA president, “and each type puts different demands on travelers. So it only follows that we’re seeing more and more accessories targeting specific types of travelers.”
Found a new favorite wine or foreign olive oil, but feeling the squeeze from TSA’s 3-oz. rule on liquids? Pack your bottles in the inflatable VinniBag ($24.95), put them in your checked luggage and they’ll survive even the roughest baggage handler. Expandable air chambers provide protection against impact and leakage; the open design will accommodate odd-sized items (e.g., figurines, vases, perfume bottles) and the bag rolls flat when not in use.
Purchase the Vinni Bag today at The Wine Closet for only $19.99 http://www.wineclosetinc.com/store/p1029/Vinni-Bag-Wine-Travel-Bag/product_info.html
Tags: ellesco, rob lovitt travel writer, travel bag, traveling with wine, vinni bag, wine travel bag
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March 2nd, 2010
Here’s what’s going on this Thursday night at The Wine Closet…
Whether or not you’ve heard of or tasted wines from Mollydooker, this is a tasting NOT TO MISS! Seriously, I mean it when I say Australia’s best – I love all of these wines! But wait, there’s more…we’ll teach you to do the “Mollydooker Shake” – bonus!
For 12 years, Sarah & Sparky Marquis (pronounced Mar-kwis) have been “WOW”ing wine fans around the world with their award-winning Australian wines. This dynamic duo has been awarded the title of Australian Winemakers of the Year; is the only husband and wife winemaking team to receive Mclaren Vale’s prestigious Bushing Award three times; and is responsible for crafting four of only 24 Australian wines to receive 99 points from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate in the last 10 years.
Tasting is $18 per person for 5 delicious wines and appetizers- this Thursday, 3/4 between 6-9pm.
To view upcoming tasting events, visit us at http://www.wineclosetinc.com/store/events_calendar.php
So here’s a little info about the Mollydooker Shake and a link to the video demo created by Sarah and Sparky Marquis so you can check it out yourself.
Apparently, the Mollydooker wines are made with less sulfites and more nitrogen in an effort to help ward off headaches suffered by those who are allergic to sulfites. Because of the addition of nitrogen, the Mollydooker wines need to be “shaken” prior to consumption to help release the nitrogen – ever had a Guinness Stout in the can? – same concept used here, except there’s no nitrogen capsule inside the bottle.
The proper way to “release” this extra nitrogen within the bottles of Mollydooker wine is to unscrew the cap and pour about 3 ounces into a glass, screw the cap back on the bottle, turn the bottle upside down and give it a vigorous shake, unscrew the cap to release the gas (foam will be noticeable on top of the wine which quickly disipates), put the screw cap back on and repeat the Mollydooker shake once more, now the wine is ready to consume.
check out this link http://www.mollydookerwines.com/videos/mollyShake/mollyShakeNew.html – of course, this “shake” is not recommended on their Sparkling Shiraz for obvious reasons.
Enjoy!
Tags: maitre 'd, mclaren vale, mollydooker, mollydooker shake, sarah and sparky marquis, sarah marquis, sparkling shiraz, sulfites in wine, the boxer, the scooter, the violinist, two left feet
Posted in New Wines, Red Wine, Wines, good wine | 3 Comments »
February 20th, 2010
Read below for day 4 of Mark and Kathie Johnson’s Lake Tahoe via Sonoma and Napa food and wine report:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1
It was another beautiful day so we drove around the lake with a stop at Truckee www.truckee.com . We got back as the sun was setting and the sky was turning pink. Tonight’s dinner was at Café Fiore www.cafefiore.com , a tiny little Italian restaurant, and one of our favorites. We started with our usual cheesy garlic bread oozing with butter. Sinfully good. Then after a simple salad and minestrone soup we received our entrees. Kathie got the spaghetti con salsiccia: thin spaghetti tossed with spicy Italian sausage, spinach, crushed red chilies, garlic, olive oil and lots and lots of pancetta. Delicious and a huge potion too. I ordered lamb chops (3 thick double cut) that were brushed with Dijon mustard, then coated with Italian bread crumbs, pan fried, then roasted to a rosy pink. Finally they drizzle an aromatic butter-garlic sauce on top. It was heavenly – crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. But as great as the meal was it was topped by the wine: a 2004 Kosta Browne “Amber Ridge” Pinot Noir www.kostabrowne.com . This is the Holy Grail of Pinots, the kind of wine that you always search for but rarely find. It was simply amazing. A fabulous nose, bright cherry fruit, smooth yet complex…just nirvana. Kathie said it was possibly the best Pinot she had ever tasted. Alas, this was my very last bottle of the 2004 KB Amber Ridge, bottle # 1956 of 2546 bottles produced.
Tags: amber ridge pinot noir, cafe fiori, dan kosta, food and wine, kosta brown, pinot noir, tahoe, truckee, wine and food
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