Saturday, May 30, 2009

Got Wine?

I am excited about our 2007 wines that have aged in oak barrels for the last 18 months. We must have done something right all along because all of them are outstanding in their own right without requiring further TLC or intervention. I can hardly wait to share them at our barrel tasting party.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavors range from black currant, cherry, plum, jammy, bell pepper, chocolate and spice. It should pair well with rich roasted meats such as prime rib with a reduction sauce or with grilled meat and grilled vegetables.

2007 Merlot

Our Merlot by nature is a soft, drinkable wine with rich, plum-like flavors with blueberry and cherry notes. I call it "smooth." We have planted our Merlot grapes in well-drained soils in our sunny vineyards in Ramona. IMHO, our Merlot is an outstanding varietal in its own right. Our Merlot is a wine that people have ordered for their wedding receptions. Perhaps, they fell in love with its beautiful aromas?

2007 Syrah

Our Syrah has a rich crimson color, with enticing aromas of ripe black cherries, violets and sun ripened plums that follow through on the palate. The wine is full bodied, with lush fruit flavors balanced by soft, supple tannins. Our Syrah should pair well with lamb chops, beef steaks, robust and hearty meat dishes and even with roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic.

2007 Zinfandel

Our Zin wine is wildly popular. An extremely versatile wine, Zinfandel pairs well with dishes ranging from BBQ beef to grilled chicken or roast game. In fact, our Zinfandel is usually sold out shortly after each release. Our 2007 Zin is jammy raspberry fruit and hints of pepper, soft and well-integrated tannins and a dry finish. With its balanced acidity, forward fruit and soft tannins, it should pair well with hard to match spicy, and highly seasoned foods and sauces. I love our Zin with practically everything chocolate and especially with Mexican or Asian cuisine. It is heaven on earth.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

A good glass of wine can go a long way!

This recession brings many uncertainties. But, one thing you can be certain about is that wine in moderation is good for your health.

With all the buzz from numerous scientific studies that I have read about the health benefits of resveratrol and flavonoids in red wine, wine lovers gotta love that. In the last couple of years, there have been numerous studies which have found evidence that resveratrol, the polyphenolic compound found in red wine from fermentation and maceration with the skins and seeds, may be a tool for fighting an array of health problems, from cancer to aging to Alzheimer's to obesity. I read somewhere that a doctor in Australia even sells his 'Wine Doctor' wine to his patients!

The bottom line is that you shouldn't have to trade down in quality just because the economy is in the tank. These days, a good glass of wine can go a long way. A votre sante!

Saturday, February 28, 2009

A good start in 2009!

Mercifully, we had a good start in 2009 despite the daily dose of bad news about the economy. We decided to focus on the vineyard and winery work to take our minds off the downward spiral of the stock market. We even got our own student intern from UCI, Anthony. Sweet kid! We immediately put together an "internship" program to suit his curiosity and eagerness to learn everything about wine making. Good wine starts in the vineyard. So his first lesson was pruning grape vines, between the showers in January. Second lesson: tying new vines to posts. Third lesson: bottling and labeling. Fourth lesson: wine racking. My Goodness! Thanks to Anthony's willingness to learn and our desire to teach; we are catching up and doing really well. Geoff and Michael are happy to have an extra hand around the winery while I am busy preparing for this tax season.

With Geoff, Michael and Anthony's help, the four of us were able to bottle another barrel of 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. Well balanced, good color, nice aftertaste and pleasant aroma. Very approachable, as Michael would say, at a good price! Look for it at Albertson's and our web store.

Kim