I have begun my search for our 2008 Summer wine collection. Lots of entertaining and weekends and nights at the pool club demand a well stocked wine cellar. These Summer wines are often best young, last years group is gone. This year's collection will include some light summer whites for sipping or quaffing and several reds that go well with bar-b-que.
Started with a case from Shoppers Vineyard.
I will be tasting these over the next few weeks and sharing my thoughts as I go. This post might get very long.
Monte Oton Garnacha 7.99 - 5.99
I bought this wine just because I loved the label and it was priced so low I really could not go wrong. Don't you love this colorful label.
I have never been a big fan of Garnacha or Grenache as it is called in France. It typically has a very earthy flavor that I never liked. I was surprised to learn that Grenache is the second most planted varietal in the world, not sure what is first, probably Chardonnay or Cabernet.
"Monte Oton is situated high on the windswept slopes of the extinct volcano Moncaya. This sun drenched location is ideal for harvesting perfectly matured garnacha grapes. The resulting wine is full bodied, elegantly textured and exhibits a long finish." Winemaker
On my first taste of this wine I was not impressed. After sitting for awhile it got better. With food it really came alive and tasted great.
I can't say this is a wine for everyone. If you enjoy Spanish wines you will probably like this. It will be great with steaks, burgers, Paella. I would not match it with heavy bar-b-qued meats. It would be great with Spanish cheese and almonds.
Color fun label great for summer entertaining. It might back the cut for the Summer collection.
Syrahs / Shiraz from Argentina and Australia
Shiraz is a new love for me since I learned how to recognize good ones after a trip to Australia.
Tintara Mclaren Vale 19.99 - 15.99
This is a relatively affordable Shiraz from McLaren Vale. I have one complaint about this wine. It is so smooth and delicious I could polish off a bottle without even noticing I drank so much.
I like Shiraz from Mclaren Vale more than those produced in any other area of Australia. Wine makers in Mclaren Vale have been making fine wine there since the mid 1800's. Thier way of producing wine is well stated in these words from Drew Noon, noted "servant" of the highly aclaimed Noon Winery.
“It's a bad term 'winemaker', in the end you're just a humble servant trying to translate what you grow into the bottle.”
This Shiraz from Tintara Winery is a real winner. Wines & Spirits says "Leave it in a decanter for a few hours, and the wine gains dimensions beyond those rich tannins, adding layers of fruity mushroom and pipe tobacoo scents... A great buy."
This is a delicious wine. It makes the cut and will be on the list for Summer 2008.
I have yet to taste:
Susana Balboa Shiraz 14.9 - 11.99
Lagarde Shiraz 9.99 - 7.99
See comments on these here: Syrah of Argentia
Penny Hill Shiraz 72.99 49.99
An Italian
Colosi Rosso 9.99 - 7.99 Reviewed Here
Actually an old favorite I expect to be delicous.
Whites
Montes and Vermonte Sauvignon Blanc
14.99 - 9.99
11.99 - 9.99
Luisa Pinot Grigio 15.99 - 11.99
This is a wonderful wine read review here
Mulerbosch Chenin Blanc 14.99 - 11.99
Naja Rueda 13.99 - 11.99
Always on the Summer list a favorite for many years.
Lagarde Chardonnay 9.99 - 7.99
