A couple of days later (before trying the wine) I was in a local supermarket (Ralph’s to be exact) when I spotted the wine again. Because it was on sale I decided to purchase one more bottle. At first I was a little skeptical because I hadn’t tried the first bottle. What if I didn’t like it? What if it tasted like shoe polish? I didn’t let any of my doubts stop me. Instead, I purchased the bottle, which was on sale.

When I got home I started making dinner and decided to open the bottle I’d picked up at “The Green Jug”. I must say, at first taste, I was captivated. This was the smoothest blend I’d ever tasted. According to their website and the bottle, this wine was inspired by “Apotheca,” a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century Europe. I don’t know about that but I know that the blend of lush syrah, spicy zinfandel and smooth merlot gives you a wine that is more elegant than some of the finest wines you’ve ever tasted.

The alcohol content of this wine is 13.1%. On the nose you will experience the wonderful smells of dark cherries, blackberries, mocha and a hint of spice. The intense flavor of dark fruit with hints of vanilla will caress your tongue. Finally a silky/velvety texture lingers at the back of your throat making way for a smooooooooth finish.

If you live in the San Fernando Valley you can purchase this delectable treat at “The Green Jug” or the Ralph’s in Woodland Hills. If you don’t live in an area where you can find this wine in a local shop you can purchase it online at The Barrel Room.

This wine is definitely a jackpot and can be consumed on a casual basis or can be served at any elegant affair. Pick up a bottle of Apothic Red today! You won’t be disappointed.

Please remember drink responsibly.

Gainey Limited Selection Chardonnay Label

This past Saturday, after running numerous errands in the summer heat of the San Fernando Valley, I decided a nice refreshing glass of chilled white wine would be the way to relax and coast into my evening. As most of you know, I prefer red wine to white, but I love being introduced to a delicious chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. In May we took a little trip to the Gainey Winery and while there we bought a few bottles of Gainey’s 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay. As members of their wine club, we also just recently received 2 bottles of their 2007 Limited Selection Chardonnay. Nonetheless, I decided to chill the 2006 bottle and was extremely I happy I did.

In February 2009 “The Wine Enthusiast” gave Gainey’s 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay 90 points and I can really see why. This has got to be one of the best tasting chardonnays I’ve ever had. From the Gainey Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley, the chardonnay grapes for this wine were grown on the Evan’s Ranch, which is located on the western end of Santa Ynez, the cooler side of the valley.  The 2006 grapes took their time ripening because the weather was cooler than usual. Because of this the grapes had a much more intense or concentrated flavor.

Chilled Glass Chardonnay

The first pour of this wine is fragrant with smells of peach, pineapple, mango and Golden Delicious apples. Although this is a full-bodied chardonnay with crisp acidity, the texture is buttery and creamy smooth. The taste…awww the taste, reminds me of tropical paradise with strong hints of pineapple and peach. Finally the wine lingers with a soft, smooth finish. Chilled, this wine is definitely one to be poured on a hot summer day. It will make you forget about the heat in no time.

Gainey Winery should definitely be on your list of to dos if you are traveling to Santa Ynez Valley’s wine country. If you don’t have plans to travel there soon  you can  certainly order wine via their website or check your local wine shop. The 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay retails for about $38.00 a bottle and is worth every penny. Please check it out.

As always, please remember to drink responsibly.

Stonehedge

I simply love going into a store to purchase something and then happening by the wine section only to leave with a total jackpot. That very thing happened to me again today. I was in Trader Joe’s picking up a few items for lunch for the rest of the week when I decided to just peruse the wine section. Now mind you, I wasn’t planning on buying anything I was only going to look (window shop if you will). 

Stonehedge Vineyards

Well after several minutes of going up and down the aisles I happened upon a small section of Petite Syrahs. Knowing how much I enjoy a good Syrah I decided to focus in a little closer. I found myself reading several of the labels (front and back – see previous post) when I became fixated on a bottle of Stonehedge Reserve Petite Syrah produced by Stonehedge Winery in Napa, California. There was nothing extremely fancy about the bottle. A typical black bottle with a nicely done black and gold front label. The back label was also nothing to write home about. However, for some reason this little bottle seemed to be calling out to me to take it home. I finally conceded and put it in my small shopping cart before heading to the register.

Petite Syrah Grapes

After I made dinner I decided to give it a taste. Wow! What a surprise. The first thing that came to my mind was a nice smell of ripe dark cherries.  The initial taste was outstanding. Explosive flavors of dark plums and berries filled my mouth and engulfed my palate. Complex, the flavor was quite bold but the finish was as smooth as silk. I didn’t have to use my Vinturi to get this effect either. 

I really try not to seek out other reviews about a wine before I write about them so that I am not biased. However, while searching for more info about the vineyard this wine comes from I did read a few reviews. Some seem to agree with me and others not so much. As always I encourage you to try this wine for yourself and let me know what you think. I had this with a spicy dinner and it was very good. Also, for the price (a mere $9.99 at Trader Joe’s) this will definitely go on my jackpots list. Go out and try it and provide a comment. I would love to hear your opinion. 

Stonehedge Reserves

Until next time…drink responsibly.