Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape White

1999 Beaucastel Blanc

In their words: Beaucastel Blanc is produced from 80% Roussanne grapes, the balance from Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Bourboulenc and Clairette, which are organically grown at the domain. 80% of the wine is fermented in stainless steel, the other 20% in 225 liter oak casks. Its rich bouquet of pear hazelnuts and tropical fruits and its ripe, full body promise a rare white Chateauneuf-du-Pape of great longevity.

In her words:

On the Nose there is canned pears in syrup, mixed apples, autumn leaves, and yellow wax beans/fresh peas, and a carrot note.

On the Palate are terrific mixed apple notes, garden greens, a faint nuttiness, ash, and fresh peeled carrots along with a yellow wax bean note.

In his words:

On the Nose harvest apples, pears in heavy syrup, fresh hay, autumn earth/leaves, fresh picked wax beans/edamame

On the Palate apple crispness, fresh picked wax beans/edamame, autumn leaves, and a long finish.

Menuts Bordeaux

Menuts 2004 Bordeaux
(75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet, 10% Cabernet Franc)

On the Nose:

dusty dried blueberries, wet mud, mint, molasses, and a cherry cheesecake note (baked cherries, nutmeg, and graham)

On the Palate:
walnuts, nutmeg, molasses, anise, blackcurrant, and a touch of mint jelly.

She Says:

Over all a nice medium body, good tannins, pleasant nose, and interesting flavors. I am a Merlot fan, and the more wood and herbs I get out of it the better; this blend pretty much hits the notes I like. I love the earthy nuttiness and the dash of mint jelly at the end. I am not sure what I would serve this with to be honest because I really did did enjoy drinking it on its own. Perhaps lamb with mint jelly?

Curmudgeonly Introduction

Let me be up front and say that I never had any plans to introduce myself. I liked the idea of just popping in, letting people know about new beers, wines, and spirits, and then heading out again. My partner, however, is much more of a people person; since she's extended the invitations, I feel I should at least try and play the part of "good host."

I've been working in the wine field for two years and studying to be a degree-ed and diploma-ed Sommelier for about a year and a half of that time. If you must know, I'm starting school again this very month.

My favorite red varietal is Mourvedre/Monastrell (Jumilla). I like it straight up; it's a fantastic blending grape, but underrated as a single varietal. My favorite white varietal is Chenin Blanc (Loire Valley). I'm definitely of the Old Skool; when it's not for work, you'll most likely find me drinking something French or Italian. I love Left Bank Bordeaux and I will happily fight to the death anyone who suggests that California can do better things with Cabernet Sauvignon.

When it comes to beers, I prefer stouts, porters, and pale ales; I drink a lot of English beers. For spirits, I like gin, Cognac/Armagnac, Irish whiskey, single malt Scotch, and absinthe.

Outside of the distilled world, I spend my time reading, watching Doctor Who, and waiting for the Zombie Apocalypse.

Wilhelm Walch Prendo Pinot Grigio 2006

This has been my "house" Pinot Grigio ever since I ended up with a case of it. I'm not a super-huge fan of the varietal or anything, but it's nice to have around and it tends to pair easily with many of the foods I regularly make.

While this is a Vintage 2006 (and thus getting a little long in the tooth for a moderately priced white wine), it's held up pretty well thanks to careful storage.

In their words: ...

In my words: Well, if they're not going to say something, I will. The nose was flush with lemon, grapefruit, and fresh grass. Underneath lurked a bit of slate, graphite, and, oddly enough, marshmallow. The palate followed the nose, with the graphite becoming even more prominent. The body was a little heavier than I remembered, somewhere in the light/medium range. Prendo is tart and smooth, with a medium finish.

Happy 2010!

From all of us to all of you, Happy New Year!!!
May this year be good to you;
May you discover many new wines.