Tag Archives: $10-$15

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The Ones That Got Away – Fall 2016

2013 Judge & Jury Red Blend, Kunde Family Estate, Sonoma County, California, USA; 2011 Lamole Gran Selezione Chianti, Italy; 2014 Petite Petit, Michael David Winery, Lodi, California, USA; 2014 Toasted Head Chardonnay, California, USA.

2013 Judge & Jury Red Blend, Kunde Family Estate, Sonoma County, California, USA; 2011 Lamole Gran Selezione Chianti, Italy; 2014 Petite Petit, Michael David Winery, Lodi, California, USA; 2014 Toasted Head Chardonnay, California, USA.

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2012 Summation Red Wine Blend, Vintner’s Reserve, Kendall-Jackson

Kendall-Jackson is recognized by oenophiles and neophytes, a brand you can find in fine wine stores and grocery stores alike. I picked this one up in the latter, looking for a midweek bottle that would pour for a few evenings after conference calls and “deliverables”. I’ve sampled a few vintages (2010, 2012) of the Summation in the past and thought this a worthwhile refresher course.

2012 Summation Red Wine Blend, Vintner's Reserve, Kendall-Jackson, Santa Rosa, California, USA.

2012 Summation Red Wine Blend, Vintner’s Reserve, Kendall-Jackson, Santa Rosa, California, USA.

And so pour it did, accompanying several meals that were fairly unremarkable other than their ability to provide some basic sustenance after days in the salt mines. The 2012 Summation Red Wine Blend, Vintner’s Reserve, from Kendall-Jackson, was the best thing about each of those meals (e.g., beef tacos, grilled chicken). It’s not quite a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon but clearly a blend of their favorable attributes. There are fewer tannins in play in the Summation than a Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s got a bit more heft than a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel. The 2012 Summation is almost one of those wines you want to chew, because it has some near-edible notes of chocolate or dark cherry. Dark and juicy, and inky good red in the glass.

When the opportunity presented itself later this week, I bought another Summation (this one a 2010) and will keep it handy for the near future. That says as much as anything you just read. Give it a shot–you’ll find it very serviceable and accessible.

 

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2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White

This dish was so great the first time we tried it (thanks Blue Apron!) that we had to run it back–it’s cod kedgeree, over a bed of basmati rice, cabbage, and frizzled onion. The onion is a salty accent, as is freshly squeezed lime juice, and it all went with the 2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White. This bottle has been with us for about a year, even moving between homes, and this evening was its great unveiling. Its purchase was actually a happy accident that yielded dividends we’re enjoying tonight with the light dinner fare.

2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White

2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White, Bordeaux, France.

The 2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White is really fun. Citrusy, light, and not at all sweet. The vineyard, producing grapes for over eight generations, now embraces chemical free methods so you even feel “organic” and clean when you’re drinking this wine. Its a mix of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Semillon (my first taste of the latter?) that comes together in an even, gentle white. It is sweeter than a Blanc and less buttery than a Chardonnay–a good place to be, in the opinion of this taster.

The winemaker’s notes read, “Yellow pale with iridescent hints. Aromatic, citrus fruits with aromas of white flowers. Lively, rich, with the fine presence of acidity.”

Now, I have no palate or idea what an ‘iridescent hint’ means, but I can confirm it’s an enjoyable citrus pick-me-up. The 2013 Les Hauts De Lagarde Bordeaux White won Gold “Best In Class” recognition at the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, which means you might put more stock into this wine than just the opinion of this guy. I’m looking forward to finding another bottle of this in the future.

 

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2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Meritage

Okay, this one is much less about the 2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Meritage. It pours blackish-purple into your glass (or your cup, as the case may be this evening) and smells of plum and black cherry. Normally I’d pair up this red blend with grilled steak and wax on about the pepper undertone of the Mondavi with the meat…but tonight I’m in a different sort of venue.

2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Meritage

2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Meritage, Central Coast, California, USA.

Instead, I’ve paired up the 2013 Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Meritage with a deck of cards; it’s my nourishment while playing for the first time in a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament with some good friends. Our entry fees are going to the local little league team, raising funds for their annual trip to Cooperstown. With Lady Luck largely avoiding my #3 position at Table #3, I have ample time to sip my Meritage and fold low off-suit cards. Face cards and pairs are avoiding me like the plague, and “6s” are burning hot on the table.

That being said, I’ll tell you the 2013 overpowers a handful of pretzels and slices of turkey party sub. It’s dark fruit goodness, and pouring as fast as my chips disappear. Loving the experience of both…