So little time, So many wines...

2013 La Croisade Vin de Pays d'Oc Reserve Cabernet - Syrah

"With a bright deep red colour this wine is rich and luxurious on the palate. The flavours are very intense and complex with subtle nuances of violet and blackberries well integrated with toasty oak overtones. The mouth is wonderfully smooth and full bodied with an exceptional length. This wine will be the perfect accompaniment to any kind of meat dishes and cheeses or simply as an aperitif." Winemaker's Notes

  OK - not a wine that you would serve as a special occasion, still, a nice blend with balanced flavors and an ability to go with a wide array of foods. Great addition to the $100 case...

2011 Bodegas Ego "Fuerza" Monastrell, Cabernet- Jumilla, Spain

The 2011 Fuerza is mainly Monastrell with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented traditionally and aged 12 months in barriques. The nose shows a mixture of esparto grass, Mediterranean herbs, paprika and tree bark over the core of black cherries. The palate is quite savory, with fine, although abundant tannins that would do better with some powerful meat dishes.

OK - I don't know what Esparto grass smells like, but this was a heavy, nice blend made for big meat dishes. Decent aftertaste and a moderate nose, this is a great weekend bottle for grilled dead stuff.

NV Domaine Ste Michelle Brut

OK - this is a standard in my house. Great inexpensive bubbly with a new remodeled label. This beat a Dom Perignon in the Wine Trials book, in a blind tasting. Inexpensive enough to add OJ, yet tasty without any additions.

2014 Essay, Chenin Blanc/Viognier Swartland, South Africa

Winemaker's Notes:

This is a medium-bodied white made from South Africa’s classic white variety, chenin blanc. The Chenin Blanc gives the wine its bold guava and melon flavours and a refreshing acidity. Some lees contact fleshes out the wine and fills the mouth with flavour and roundness. The Viognier was added for extra body and its intriguing floral notes. 87% Chenin, 13% viognier

I'll admit, I've always liked both Chenin Blanc and Viognier. Almost off dry – great summer sipper. Medium body, light aromatics, best on a hot sunny day.

2012 Zuccardi serie A Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina

A full-bodied, rich red Argentine wine with aromas and flavours black plum, pepper and dark spices on the finish. This muscular wine will elbow its way in beside a rare steak or prime rib. It's strong, but not overpowering like the ideal dinner companion conversation. Malbec is Argentina's flagship red wine grape, and this producer excels at the style of wine. Pair with grilled meats.

Malbec food pairings: pepperoni pizza, radicchio, lamb cutlets, beef tenderloin.

The Zuccardi Serie A range demonstrates the richness and diversity of Argentina's Series" as the way of expressing our most representative grape varieties by recognizing the best growning regions specific to each, and selecting top vineyard sites along the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

 Not a bad little cheapie – typical of Malbec from Argentina – tasty, not too complex but made for meat – even better if grilled…

Chandon Etoile Tete de Cuvee 2004, Napa VAlley, California

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale yellow/gold with small steady bubbles.

Aroma/bouquet: Pear, apple, hazelnut, cinnamon and toast.

Palate: Lemon, tangerine, hazelnut and minerality. Creamy mouthfeel.

Additional comments: Rich and structured. Would pair well with a wide variety of food. Could positively compete with higher priced champagne.

When to drink: Chandon Etoile Tete de Cuvee 2004 is ready to drink now through 2018.

Grapes: 61% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier.

Yes, this is not an inexpensive bubbly, although it is cheaper then vintage Champagnes from France. Very structured and wonderful on the palate - I was blown away by the layers and tastes of this wine.  Even my wife thought it was really tasty...

I think I will stop for now, save a few wines for later. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!