The selection this month is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. It is a colaboration of wine made from several top Washington State vineyards. Produced by Polaner selections, it is the 2006 Vintage of Ex-Libris. Ex-Libris which means “from the library” was used as the name for this complex Cabernet as the wine was sourced from the “library vaults” of the several Washington State vineyards previously mentioned. Ex-Libris is a latin term and was the focus point of this project keeping in mind only library selections were to be used. The goal was to bring together these library sources to create an outstanding wine that would drink like a $30-$40 bottle, with a price tag in the $20 range. Much like other vintages of Ex-Libris,... »View More
Added Monday, March 30, 2009
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We all know that wine is such a huge industry these days that it is a real easy gift to buy for almost anyone. I know some folks may be intimated to purchase wine for others because they feel they don’t understand, or aren’t confident in what they are purchasing. That is understandable, but you can also have fun with it. For example, take a look the next time you are in the store, how about Fat Ass Cab? Or Old Fart wine? If it is a 40, 50 or 60 year old birthday party, how about gifting a bottle of Old Fart? Hey, it may not be the best tasting wine, but who knows, it could be and regardless, it is a unique gift for a wine lover. My husband recently got a bottle of an Australian wine called Ball Busters accompanied by... »View More
Added Sunday, March 29, 2009
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I have to tell a rather funny story, there is the chance my wife will not be happy with me, oh well. Now a little history first, as you know if you frequent our site my wife and I love wine. We both feel we are rather knowledgeable when it comes to wine and this is the funny part. We travel out to Napa every year and visit the valley wineries and tasting rooms. Our trips out have been at different times of the year, yet always when it is warm or hot. So, we are very aware of the damage a hot car can do to wine. You can cook a bottle of wine in no time in a closed up car sitting in the sun. We have learned to go to great lengths to protect our purchases with coolers and Styrofoam shippers. We have never lost a bottle in all of our five visits.... »View More
Added Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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I have been thinking a lot about the economy lately as I am sure most of us are. I mean just about everyone worldwide has been effected in some way or another. Every newspaper, magazine, or internet page has an article about how bad times are. Each day we wake up not knowing where the stock market is headed, my retirement plan has been devastated, and I now wonder if at my age (53) I will ever retire. Surely we all wonder what the future holds. I do have a job for now, although we have been cut to a four day work week twice a month which in effect is a 10% pay cut, I do need to be thankful that I am employed, far too many people have been fired or laid off. I don’t know about you but I find I tend to be more careful spending money now, save... »View More
Added Saturday, March 21, 2009
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That is right, the luck of the Irish and I consider myself lucky each time I enjoy a nice glass of wine. This past weekend we celebrated our annual St. Patricks Day party and I was very lucky, as were my guests. At least I hope they felt that way too. I started the evening with one of my favorite Chardonnays, Raymond Burr vineyards. Some of the guests were surprised to see me drinking white as they know me as a red only drinker, or at least for the most part. Hey, it’s good to keep em guessing sometimes. Anyway, after the very smooth Raymond Burr Chardonnay it was time for a Frank Family Chardonnay, another favorite vineyard that we discovered on one of our prior trips to Napa a few years back. Both of these Chardonnays are better served... »View More
Added Monday, March 16, 2009
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Here is a great easy St Patricks Day recipe, Irish Cheddar and Stout Fondue. I know when you think St Patricks Day you think Irish stout and this is made with stout, but it pairs nicely with wine too! This recipe found in Bon Appetit recommends serving the fondue with steamed vegetables, such as potatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and apples, but can be served with just about anything. We served it with bread chunks and honey wheat pretzel sticks.
1 pound Irish Cheddar cheese, grated (or Sharp white cheddar)
2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 cup (or more if desired) Irish Stout
6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Toss cheese with flour in large bowl. Bring 3/4 cup stout, juice concentrate,... »View More
Added Sunday, March 15, 2009
in Wine and Food
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It is time for some wine “babble”! Yea, babble. Just some straight nonsense talk about enjoying some wine.
I think back to my early days of wine drinking when I really didn’t know much at all about wine, not that I am an expert by far, but I do feel over the last 10-12 years, I have educated myself quite a bit. In thinking about this span of time, I realize how dramatically my tastes and my wine budget have increased. Of course early on when you begin drinking wine, you are purchasing moderately priced wines as it is difficult to comprehend spending $25-$30 on just one bottle of wine. Especially when you are unsure you will even like it, and you can buy 3 bottles of the $10 wine you know you like. Well, I call those $10 bottles my... »View More
Added Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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