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2012 Mr. Riggs “The Ring In” Shiraz

“The Ring In” Shiraz was a mail-order bottle that caught my eye in several ways: 1) its simple, understated horseshoe-shaped logo; 2) its odd name; and 3) the fact that it was a Shiraz.  Several years ago I had a pretty significant Shiraz phase, recording thoughts and tasting notes in a wine notebook, but this grape has been absent from our table in recent months.  Someday I may unearth the notebook and add some of that information to Notes–here some thoughts on the Mr. Riggs experience in the interim:

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2012 Mr. Riggs “The Ring In” South Australia Shiraz.

Big bouquet of blackberry and dark fruit on the nose, right upon opening, and with none of the sharpness that you occasionally get when uncorking a Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep, deep red pour into a glass held by my eager hand, and then more fruit too upon initial tasting.  Here are several ideas from the experts that should further shape your instincts with The Ring In:

“This exclusive U.S. import offers notes of black cherry, eucalyptus, violets, blackberry, vanilla, cocoa, and minerals.”

As depicted in the mouth-watering photo here, we had The Ring In (a South Australian gem) with a hearty beef stew and biscuits, both cooked up to a tender and flavorful effect by my wife.  You might be thinking about heartburn right about now, but let me assure you her stew broth was packed with subtle tastes that were easy on the tongue and throat.  This meal did well to ward off the chill of a rainy, overcast Sunday and was a great last dinner before an early a.m. flight to New Jersey and “road” foodstuffs.

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2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir

After a tiring flight from San Antonio, the 2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir was a welcome treat that marked the end of a six-day work week.  My wife had opened in advance of my arrival, and the aromatic Pinot Noir had had a good opportunity to breath while I was en route from the airport.

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2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir, Ubben Vineyards, Russian River Valley, California, USA.

This Russian River Valley red, aged in oak barrels, was created by Ubben Vineyards (and winemaker Reed Renaudin) and had a great fruity scent to it.  Great, vibrant color too.  Notes from the pros read as follows:

“This sublime wine offers impressions of dark cherry, strawberry, lavender, vanilla, cedar, and a hint of toast.”

It had a bit too much vanilla for me, but the strawberry (not exactly my favorite) was subtle and I tasted more of the cherry and cedar–gladly.  I consumed a glass with a chicken cordon bleu and delicious orzo salad, and the Gracenote was an effective medium between the two.  A nice bit of comfort after the Saturday night flight.

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2011 Mark West, Pinot Noir

Mark West hadn’t visited our home in some time–not since we left the friendly confines of New Jersey–and, on several nights this week, stopped by to catch up.  West’s easy, casual style made him a welcome guest and I wistfully watch him leave us tonight.

This light, well-balanced red used to be a staple in our “wine cellar”; we never bought by the case but nevertheless in good quantity and/or frequency.  Our local NJ liquor store then started overpricing this California Pinot Noir, and we consequently started to explore other Bordeaux and Pinot options.  Despite missing the Mark West varietal, this market dynamic did ultimately compel my wife and I to find other good wines so it’s not all bad news here.

This evening, we’re having the 2011 Mark West Pinot Noir with an apple-blue cheese salad, “Golden Blend” quinoa, and herb-encrusted chicken breasts, pounded nice and flat for easy cookin’ and gnoshin’.  Smells fantastic and I’m sure this last glass of French- and Hungarian-oak aged red will nicely accompany our spread.  This is night three of the Mark West, and it was perfect on night two when it had had a chance to breath but not too much.  We’ll see you again, my friend…

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2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson

Something about a “red wine blend” from Kendall-Jackson sounded good when I saw it in the local grocery store (I know, still sounds weird to me too) and on this occasion those instincts were right on the money.  The 2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve is a fantastic bargain–a $15 wine that packs a much richer profile into its KL label.

We all know the Kendall-Jackson crest so forgive me for skipping the photo on this occasion.  I’m fairly confident I detected lack cherry, hints of vanilla, and some definite oak aging?  It was jammy and smooooth…so very smooth.  The winemaker offers the following:

“Smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, richer than Merlot, more balanced than Zinfandel, this red wine blend offers intriguing flavors and aromas: roasted coffee, dark chocolate, pomegranate, and black cherry intertwine to offer a multi-layered mouthfeel and sumptuous texture.”

The Kennedy Center honors (amazing performers that prompted us to explore past years’ musicians with equal zeal) provided a great backdrop; the Summation’s was even better.  Definitely interested in putting my hands on a substantial quantity of this fine red offering.

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2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto

Time for celebrations tonight and marking the way is the 2011 Dogajolo Toscano Indicazione Geografica Tipica–a dry red table wine from Tuscany.  After weeks of American and French wines, we’ve hit Italians twice now in January.  This one was part of birthday celebrations and thus has extra special regards from us.

2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto, Tuscany, Italy.

2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto, Tuscany, Italy.

Truth be told, I had a first glass last evening (with pan-seared steaks and blue cheese salad) but tasting tonight–while we watched great YouTube video of the Kennedy Center honors for Led Zeppelin and then Paul McCartney–the Dogajolo showed its range.  My wife had selected the Dogajolo based on recognizing its label from some occasion years ago, and I see why this one stuck deep in the subconscious of her mind.  In part, its label reminds me of one of her favorite Christmas wrapping papers.  From the taste perspective, it’s deep red and fruity, it packs in some zest, and it’s real easy to drink.

A quick label recap: “The Dogajolo is made from 80% Sangiovese grapes blended with a dash of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in dry farmed, hillside vineyards in central Tuscany.  Fruity and intense flavors, with hints of berries, coffee, vanilla, and spice, are matched with a supple tannin structure and a long finish.  This young ‘Super Tuscan’ wine shows at its best with full-flavored dishes such as roasts, grilled meats, cold cuts, and tomato-based Italian specialties such as pizza and pasta.”

All those would be great and lord knows we tried several already…and are looking forward to others.  Suffice it to say, the Dogajolo acquitted itself well.

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2011 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest

A long work day in frigid Chicago culminated at the Capital Grill bar, with the Hurricanes vs. Blue Devils basketball game on the bar TV and bright-colored bottles beckoning.  I was tired and well beyond the point of banal small talk, and thus encouraged to see the familiar H3 label behind the bartender.

2011 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest, Washington, USA.

2011 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest, Washington, USA.

I knew that Horse Heaven Hills had been part of Notes in the past and selected the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon to help warm up my freezing hands and insides.  This Columbia Crest cab quickly ingratiated itself to me, its peppery and spicy undertones doing well to prop up its jammy fruit flavors.  The 2011 Horse Heaven Hills, in my humble estimation, had a deep, earthy taste and an easy finish.  Really enjoyed this.

The H3 accompanied assorted breads and a classic steakhouse meal–a 10oz filet mignon (grilled “medium rare plus”) with creamed corn.  My tired self skipped the wedge salad and just swirled this ruby red around an oversized glass, finally content for the day…glad that I’d selected this Washington-based bargain.

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2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery

Great ambiance this evening as we break into the 2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine from the Folie a Deux Winery in Napa, California.  Check out the lighting and the setting here as we close out a fun weekend…

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

…and thus makes me sad to report that the 2012 Menage a Trois California Red Wine was either mishandled by us or just failed to live up to its billing.  We had this red blend–a mix of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cab–with steak, fresh asparagus, and “gourmet” potato crowns.  It was fruity–SO fruity.  There’s a definite red berry deluge in the Menage, one that is actually a bit too sweet for my taste.  The Menage I wouldn’t classify as a table wine, or a dessert wine, but it definitely overpowered my taste buds before and with dinner.

Here’s what the winery says of their Red Wine: “Fresh, ripe, jamlike fruit that is the calling card of California wine.  A delightful blend based on three varietals–Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

I’m not sure that I share the ‘delightful’ thinking.  I’m no wine snob and thus report that the 2012 Menage was purchased at Wal-Mart–even was double-charged for it, adding insult to injury–but I won’t be going back for another one of these.  As odd as it is to say, it’s just too fruity.

Postscript:  Given the above, I only had a single glass of the Menage upon first tasting.  When I revisited the following night, the 2012 Menage a Trois had “settled down” and was much easier to drink.  Lost some of the sugary vibe and made me rethink if I was at fault for the less favorable first tasting experience?

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2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve, Sonoma County, Buena Vista

The 2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve Sonoma County (Buena Vista) stayed over with us for a couple of nights.  On the first, this spicy Zin complemented a delicious meal of pork chops, deftly ployed with a savory mustard sauce, and some leftover mashed potatoes that were just as creamy as last Saturday night when we first enjoyed them.  I had passed on opening this bottle several times since receiving but finally broke down and gave it a go this week.

Many of you know of my unrefined palate, know that Notes is just a passing fancy, something to reference and steer me right when I’m next ordering from a wine list or in the store buying.  To you, I’ll say the 2011 Zinfandel Private Reserve had some immediately noticeable spices in it.  I thought the fruit flavor might be cranberry…some red berry that was a little heavier than the raspberry or strawberry of a Pinot Noir, a bit more peppery than a Bordeaux…but really good nevertheless…both with the pork chops and pepperoni pizza the following night.

If you’re a more serious visitor, I sort of wonder how you found this blog (or why you’re still reading!) but still share here the winemaker’s original intentions for the 2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve: “A beautifully rich, ruby colored wine, the nose opens with expressive aromas of black plum, blueberry, and notes of freshly cracked pepper. Fine tannins, incredible structure, and stunning balance lead to a velvety mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish.”

If you go with a Buena Vista, you’re bound to be on the right track…this one is no exception and you’ll enjoy.

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2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista

Any week that has Buena Vista in it is better than one without.  I’m much less a fan of white wines than I am reds, but when you’re going with a Chardonnay produced by one of the country’s most storied vineyards you’re in good hands throughout your tasting experience.  Our bottle was #1259, and she was drawn from one of 348 cases produced.  Here’s the playbook from the folks at Buena Vista:

2009 Elenora's Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

“The 2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay displays a spicy bouquet of citrus and ripe pear while bright fruit flavors and great acidity give the wine depth and balance.  A creamy texture and rich flavors of Golden Delicious apples and peaches are brilliantly showcased in this distinctive wine.”

Elenora was with us for meals both divine (i.e., salmon with a dijon mustard and oregano sauce) and homespun (i.e., PB&J with chicken noodle soup), and acquitted herself with grace and dignity in each.  The 2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay from Buena Vista is rich in color, more like apple juice than the glassy spring color of a Pinot Gris, and definitely packs in the pear/citrus combination in equal measures.  It’s easy to drink and easier to appreciate.

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Podere Paganico Brunello di Montalcino 2005

I always say the best wine is consumed with friends, and that’s part what made this bottle so special–that plus the killer coffee-braised short ribs with ancho chile (thanks Jackie)!  This intense Italian red was a gift from friends and accompanied a great Saturday night meal and even better conversation.  We uncorked with hors d’oeuvres that included several types of hummus (one great option grown in nearly Asheville, NC), vegetable munchies, pretzel chips, and green olives stuffed with jalapeno–one of our favorites.  Kids and adults made quick work of all this fun…

Podere Paganico Brunello di Montalcino 2005, Tuscany, Italy.

Podere Paganico Brunello di Montalcino 2005, Tuscany, Italy.

…and then we were on to the main event.  The ribs were fantastic and we’ll all remember the funny story about what it took to get the right cut from the local butcher.  Sounds like a less frequent request that I bet the butcher told his family that night too.  All the extra care came through in the killer meal, though.   The Podere Paganico Brunello di Montalcino, a Sangiovese from Tuscany, was packed full of flavors both dominant and subtle.  Its plummy fruits combined effectively with the savory short ribs (which practically slid off the bone), and there was some spice at work here too.  A little longer on the finish than other recent reds we’ve sampled in recent weeks…fruity but not too berryish, if that makes sense?

In addition to the ribs and red, we also had heavenly mashed potatoes, so rich and creamy that they piled high–albeit briefly–on our plates alongside fresh green beans.  All this goodness ultimately gave way to another Pinot Noir (a delicious This is E11even from the Santa Maria Valley that is pictured herein but will have to wait another sampling for a write-up of its own) and chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream.  Wish this was our “typical” Saturday night for so many reasons, but perhaps its rarity made it all the more enjoyable.  Certainly one for the memories–just like the vino.