La Ferme Julien Rose 2009

Do you remember what it was like to open up the fridge on a hot summer day and see it there... that bright red, wiggly, jiggly dish of fun? I just loved when mom made jello and that is the memory reserve I tap into when it is 110 degrees outside and I open my fridge and see La Ferme Julien Rose. It just makes me grin. Same vibrant color, same promise of fruity fun. This is totally my go-to wine in the summer. Bright, strawberry red juice that is so crystal clear it seems almost shiny in the glass and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors that zing your tongue. I love that it is a little fuller bodied with a clean layer of acidity that keeps it balanced and super refreshing. And at 13% alcohol, there is not even a hint of sweetness. You can easily polish off this bottle if you're not careful.

Serve it with just about anything. Seriously, it is ridiculously food friendly... shawarma and hummus, burgers and dogs on the grill, BBQ chicken chopped salad, potlatch seasoned and planked salmon... the options are endless. Just be sure you don't serve it too cold. If you open it and it seems sort of bitter and flavorless, let it warm up just a teensy bit and enjoy. At $5.99 a bottle at Trader Joe's it can easily become addictive.

Read More in: Trader Joe's Alert! | Rose Wine

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Clos Du Val Winery Declares Its Vindependence

I know you're wondering why I'm posting about a piece that was so obviously crafted in July, so I will tell you. For the past 6 weeks I have been up to my eyeballs in moving boxes. Packing them, hauling them and most importantly, unpacking them. I've been a little distracted by all that cardboard and as a result my inbox has been filling up with tasty little tidbits that I've recently been trying to catch up on.

This one strikes my fancy because I just love the message... and the discount is a pretty good incentive too.

When, in the course of events, it becomes necessary to stand up for what you believe in, to bravely swim against the tide, to do what you think is right even if it is contrary to the opinions of others, to not allow yourself to be swayed, bullied or bargained with.
At Clos Du Val, we hold these truths to be self-evident, that our commitment to such principles is at the very foundation of all we do and all we have done since our founding in 1972. That to manipulate these principles in a manner inconsistent with our dedication to balance, elegance and grace would demonstrate a lack of respect for each other, our vineyards and our consumers.
We, therefore, as a winery and as individuals, and in recognition of these principles set forth by our founders nearly four decades ago, on this day in July in the year 2010, declare our independence which, in the spirit of individualism, shall forever more be deemed 'Vindependence.'
To the spirited individuals who share these principles, we ask you to join our revolution and declare your own Vindependence today and, in doing so, you will receive access to exclusive content and giveaways, as well as 15% off any on-line or tasting room purchase through 2010.

I can't honestly remember the last time I had a Clos du Val wine, so I'll have to do my due diligence and get back to you on that one. I do remember the price point being just over our Cheap Fun limit (in the low 20s?) so perhaps I'll save them for a Swanky Wine Friday... nothing wrong with a little budget-friendly swank, right?

Sign the Declaration of Vindependence

Check out Clos du Val Wines

p.s. I signed the declaration just prior to posting this and I already received a discount code to use for the remainder of the year.

Read More in: General News | Wine News

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Friday the 13th actress unveils 'Crystal Lake' bottle tonight at the winery

If you are a wine loving fan of Friday the 13th, you should check out Crystal Lake Wines, a private label offering from Valley View Winery in Oregon. And enjoy this piece, courtesy of the Mail Tribune:

The original Final Girl pulled a mauled and blood-caked hockey mask from an old box Thursday and proudly displayed it in Valley View Winery's otherwise cheery tasting room.

Adrienne King, the star of the first cult classic, placed the mask beside her artwork, which features eerie snapshots of her character just before a young Jason Voorhees tears out of Crystal Lake and drags her under the surface during the film's final sequence.

The horror of Crystal Lake has returned once again -- on a bottle of high-end wine.

"This combines all my passions," King said. "My acting, my artwork and wine."

King is promoting Crystal Lake wine, named after the spot where Jason slaughtered armies of sex-obsessed teenagers for three decades.

Valley View Winery will host a showing of the original "Friday the 13th" tonight -- which just so happens to be Friday the 13th -- to celebrate the new vintage and the 30th anniversary of the film's release. A showing of the slasher classic will accompany a fan meet-and-greet with King. The proceeds will benefit Applegate Valley Fire District 9.

Crystal Lake wine sells for $20 a bottle and includes a personalized autograph with each bottle.

Read More in: Celebrity Wine | General News

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Swanky NYC Restaurant Replaces Their Wine List with an iPad

Well, this is just another reason why I love New York. This already-swanky spot ups its cool factor with iPad wine lists... Check it out. From Chip Chick:

Looking for a cool way to dine in NYC - especially during restaurant week? Well the South Gate restaurant is the first New York City restaurant to launch custom designed iPad wine tablets. The iPad is now being offered as a way for customers to navigate South Gate's extensive wine list of over 650 bottles. Their new iPad "wine tablet" provides customers with detailed information about the major wine regions and varietals, and it also automatically updates the wine list as labels sell out, so that the inventory is always accurate. South Gates' sommelier will use the iPad "to educate patrons on over 650 bottle wines available or invite guests to instantly access the information themselves from the iPad's fully customizable SmartCellar application with the touch of a finger." If you ask us, with the iPad doing all of this work now, who needs the sommelier? But anyway, yes folks, it's happened! Get ready to get wasted, courtesy of your iPad.

via Chip Chick

Read More in: General News | Swanky Wine Fridays

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Taste Live with Fresh & Easy Tonight!

Normally I'd break up my Fresh&Easy coverage, but as I was perusing their blog for wine recommendations (taking advantage of the big sale this week) I came across an invite to participate in a Twitter tasting. It is tonight so if you're interested, RSVP ASAP. Here are the basics:

To join
1. Sign up at Taste Live using Twitter, Facebook or creating a new account on the top right corner
2. RSVP here
3. Pick up the wines below at your local Fresh & Easy store
4. Log in to Taste Live on June 23rd starting at 7:00PM (PST) - Hashtag: #FreshEasyWines

The wines in question are all Fresh & Easy exclusives:
Napa Family Vineyards Chardonnay - Under $12
The Vine Yard Late Harvest Riesling - Under $8
Re del Castello Chianti Classico - Under $10

Check out full details of the tasting on the Fresh & Easy blog.

Read More in: Wine News | Wine Tastings

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Cheap Fun Fresh&Easy

For those of you graced with a Fresh & Easy in your neighborhood, check your local flyer. I just found out mine is having a fabulous wine sale and though I don't frequently buy wine there, this sale is so good I'm using as an excuse to try (and review of course) some of their private label selections:

In addition to the unheard of discount--the best I can usually find is 10% off 6 bottles--if you spend $25 you also get a free canvas wine bag. So go, buy some wine, save some money, get a bag... and then check back here for the F & E Selections reviews and let me know your thoughts.

Read More in: Wine Discounts

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Shall I Drink it or Wear it? Essence of IX - Swanky Eau de Vin

My curiosity is seriously piqued from this one. High end, uber swanky perfume that just happens to be made from distilled grape essence, with the earthy touch of French oak:

Essence of IX $320
A limited edition pure perfume. Brambly. Floral. Stirring. White sage, roses, black currant, California lavender, French oak & wild honey. Inspired by Colgin Cellars' winery, the exquisite terroir of their Napa Valley vineyards, and the famed IX Estate (colgincellars.com).

Essence of IX Ingredients - 100% certified organic grape alcohol (beverage-grade), A proprietary blend of ethically sourced essential oils*
*Certified Organic, Wildcrafted, Biodynamic, or Pesticide-free

via Strange Invisible Perfumes

Read More in: Swanky Wine Fridays

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Stonecap Riesling 2007

VARIETAL: Riesling
REGION: Columbia Valley, Washington
PRICE: $7.99

I would venture to guess that some of you just saw the word "riesling" and are already mentally moving on... Don't go! This is not your granny's Blue Nun. The only thing you should fear from this wine is polishing it off yourself in one short sitting. In fact, why don't you just put your forefinger over the "R" word and imagine it says, "Stonecap White 2007." Are we ready to move on?

If you've been turned off by old world rieslings--which can be syrupy and redolent of kerosene and nectar--you must give a new world version the chance to wow you. This one does have a hint of nectar, but more of a whiff, like you've just come across a wild honeysuckle bush while playing capture the flag. One drop of honey on the tongue and the rest is all orange and grapefruit peel, almost ripe peach, juicy nectarine, and enough citrusy acidity for a clean crisp finish. Infinitely interesting and surprisingly well balanced, the Stonecap is also dirt cheap. I was not aware of the price point when I first tasted it and I would have guessed it fetched somewhere in the $14-$18 range.

Rieslings are by nature very food friendly. Pair this one with asian or the recommended seafood. Next time, I'll enjoy it with a little St. Andre smeared across some Jacob's cream crackers.

Find it here.

Read More in: White Wine | Wine Tasting Notes

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Swanky Table Wines are Good to the Last Drop

I don't know about you, but when I think of "table wine" I certainly do not think swanky. But the following two gems are just that.

If you've never checked it out, go to Wine Express and sign up for their Deal of the Day Newsletter. Every day you'll receive an offer for a discounted wine and 99 cent shipping. And periodically, they do a little housecleaning and offer some deeply discounted Last Drops:

Col Solare 2002 Red Mountain Estate, Columbia Valley
A "Dream Team" of winemakers come together to produce what has been called Washington State's best Cabernet-based wine. Marcus Notaro and Renzo Cotarella from Tenuta Antinori and Doug Gore of Ste, Michelle source grapes from a 30-acre estate vineyard in the Red Mountain appellation, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The 2002 scored 94 points from Robert Parker and is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah. The wine is aged 26 months in a mix of French and American oak, 92% new. It shows depth and concentration with layers of dark chocolate, black pepper, black plum and vanilla. Supple tannins linger on a lengthy finish. Very Limited! $49 (originally $74.95)

Chateau Branon 2001 Pessac-Leognan
The Origins of Garage Wine
What exactly is garage wine? The term refers to great wines made in very meager facilities and it's not the winemaking facility, but the commitment of the vintner that makes these wines so impressive. Jean-Luc Thunevin led the movement and by the 2000 vintage, there were at least 25 of these wines being made in Saint-Emilion. Now, they affect areas that were previously untouched, such as the Graves and the Médoc.

Purchased by the owners of Chateau Haut-Bergey, the Garcin family, they sought the help of Jean-Luc Thunevin to make their 2000 vintage a Garagiste style luxury cuvee. This estate, which was very famous in the 18th century, was abandoned and then partly left to the urbanization of the 20th century. The vineyard is located between Haut-Bailly and Malartic-Lagravière on gravelly soil and planted with 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. In 2001 Michel Rolland took over as winemaker and produced this extraordinarily rich, powerful wine. $81 (originally $159.95)

via Wine Express

Read More in: Swanky Wine Fridays | Wine Discounts

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Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha 2007

VARIETAL: Tempranillo
REGION: La Mancha, Spain
PRICE: $14

This wine is a lovely and luscious surprise in so many ways. I bought it out of spite really. I was picking up a few lamb racks for my mother's birthday dinner and realized that I since she ONLY drinks white, I needed only one bottle of red for my uncle and I to share. Since he drinks mostly California pinot noir and cab, and he insists that it is impossible to find a decent bottle of anything for less than $20, I just had to find something totally out of his comfort zone. He was taunting me and I was determined to prove him wrong. So I grabbed this tempranillo thinking it would be a good match for my lamb--and that's exactly how I would spin it for him--and I just wouldn't mention the price.

At first whiff, the Volver tempranillo is completely mesmerizing. Warm aromas of saddle leather and coffee go straight to your head where they mingle for a while with the intense fruit notes you get from macerated red berries and dried currants. It is ever-so-slightly floral, but a more dried, dusty floral--just a hint of dried violet, or maybe lavender. First sips quickly turn into an empty glass. Sharing is definitely a problem with this one. The rich, round fruit notes are layered with subtle spice, sweet tobacco, and supple tannins. This tempranillo has wow. I think I could have polished off the bottle before the lamb racks hit the grill.

This wine so completely blew me away. My uncle was even impressed and thought I spent $25 or $30 on it. Check your local Whole Foods or get it online here.

Find it. Get it. Drink it. Thank me later.

Read More in: Red Wine | Wine Tasting Notes

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Jarhead - Wines of Character

Before we all head out to the beach or the block party or the family picnic, let us remember why most of us are not at work today. Let us honor the men and women who valiantly serve and have served to protect us, our children and the United States of America.

I don't know about you, but I like to do most of my honoring and remembering with a fine glass of something in my hand. Now, thanks to the passion and perseverance of two fine marines, you can enjoy a fantastic California red and show your support at the same time.

With Jarhead Red, we aim to give back while honoring the men and women who defend our nation. Each bottle of Jarhead Red supports the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational assistance to children of U.S. Marines, with special consideration given to families of fallen Marines.

While Jarhead Red is made by Marines, for Marines, it will appeal to anyone who enjoys a robust red wine crafted in an approachable style.

2008 JARHEAD RED
The Rhône varietal components of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault were harvested from the Firestone family's estate vineyards and aged in individual lots of French oak barrels, 25 percent of which featured new oak. These lots contributed depth and complexity to the final blend, while a larger lot of Merlot from other local vineyards brought a supple roundness to the texture. The 2008 opens with deep aromas of plum, coffee and vanilla. Rich, rounded flavors of black cherry, cassis and cedar unfold into a long, spicy finish. This wine is a perfect match for classic American fare, such as peppered steak, barbecued chicken and grilled sausage. True to its name, Jarhead Red boasts a robust character and a finish that doesn't quit. This is the 10th vintage of Jarhead Red since the inaugural vintage of 1999. $13

2009 JARHEAD CHARD
The 2009 Jarhead Chard comes from select vineyards in Santa Barbara County, where the long, moderate growing season is ideal for achieving optimal ripeness and balance in the Chardonnay grape. The wine was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and French oak to maintain natural fruit freshness while bringing a toasty roundness to the palate. The 2009 Chardonnay begins with aromas of tropical fruit with hints of vanilla and citrus. Flavors of pear, pineapple and butterscotch finish with clean, mineral accents. This finely balanced Chardonnay is an excellent match for grilled seafood, roast lemon chicken and creamy pastas. $13

2006 JARHEAD RESERVE
Only the finest lots of the vintage are selected for the limited-edition bottling of Jarhead Red Reserve. These lots are aged separately for a minimum of 16 months in premium French oak barrels. The 2006 vintage is a complex, full-bodied blend that opens with smoky aromas of black cherry, plum, mocha and juniper. The palate unfolds with deep, integrated layers of briary black fruit with hints of spicy vanilla. $24

The 2008 vintage is a powerful blend of Cabernet Franc (75%), Merlot (13%) and Syrah (12%) and will be released in September of 2010. Stay tuned for details.

Images and copy via Jarhead http://www.jarheadred.com/

Read More in: Chardonnay | Red Wine | Wine Recommendations

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Totally Chill - Ice Jacket Instant Chiller

I can't tell you how many times I've had to do the fast chill on a bottle of white and the chilling karma was just not in my favor... Soggy and drippy from the ice/water technique or worse, leaking and almost frozen, forgotten in the freezer. I've stopped buying pre-chilled wines altogether--they've often been sitting upright in the cooler for months and after struggling to remove the cemented cork, I discover that said bottle has been robbed of all its flavor. This little wet suit for wine seems to be a good solution:

Fast and fashionable wine chilling! It's a cold fact: this neoprene jacket not only chills wine in 5 minutes and keeps it cool for 3 hours, it does it in style with eye-catching colors and design! Place in freezer till non-toxic gel inside becomes icy cold, then wrap snugly around bottle with Velcro� closure. The black jacket is $14.95 and the blue is on sale for $12.95. Both ship free if you order 2 or more. (via Wine Enthusiast)

Add fun bottle of white or rose and it makes a great gift for your memorial day host/hostess. Keep one for yourself and take it to the beach or concerts in the park all summer.

Read More in: Wine Accessories

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CheapFun Finds for Memorial Day

The summer season is almost upon us and if you live anywhere that is even remotely temperate this time of year, my guess is you're gearing up for the season's first big barbeque. Whether you're planning a massive backyard bash or an intimate gathering, we have your vino covered.

For the seriously budget minded, we suggest a red and a white that are crowd pleasers and can be easily found for a mere $9.99:

Boro Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Meticulously selected fruits from our vineyards in Rapaura Road and Renwick, results in a wine with an abundant spectrum of tropical and herbal aromas. Intense flavours of passionfruit and gooseberry are balanced by an overlay of limes and lemons. A succulent wine with depth and texture and a lingering finish of lime. (from Highfield Estate)

Colores del Sol Malbec
Colores del Sol meaning "Colors of the Sun." is a Malbec that captured the exciting, alluring qualities of the Malbec grape in a wine which utilized modern, high-quality winemaking. The vineyards in Mendoza are among highest in the world - therefore, closest to the sun where the sun's light is most pure. That pure light reflects from grapes and vines like a starburst, revealing all the colors of the sun. The grapes are watered with pure melted snow channeled from the Andes, using a centuries-old irrigation system inherited from the native settlers, the Huarpes Indians. (from Colores del Sol)

If you want to impress your guests and still stay in the $12-$17 range, here are a few picks that truly wowed us:

Six Prong Chardonnay
Not your typical Northwest Chardonnay. Reminiscent of the Chablis style, and perfectly food-friendly. Lean, but zingy with a big sliver of chalky wet basalt slicing through bright gooseberry & kiwi flavors, finishing crisp & clean with nuances of white pepper and the slightest hint of vanilla oak. Very refreshing. (from Six Prong)

Ottimino Zinfinity
Aromas of blackberry syrup, plum and black cherry are tinged with caramel and hints of vanilla and smoke. The entry on the palate is juicy, adding flavors of pomegranate and ripe raspberry. The tannins are smooth and round and the expansive mid-palate leads to a firm and persistent finish. The balance of this quintessential Zinfandel allows great versatility with food, and its deceptive heartiness will reward experiments with exotic pairings. (from Vintage Point Cellars)

Brothers in Arms, No. 6 Shiraz Cabernet
Deep maroon, crimson and magenta hues. A lifted spice and herb aroma displaying a rosemary fragrance mixed with plum and dark red fruits. Juicy berries up front greet explosive fruits coupled with talc and fine drying tannins which carry the fruit across the palate uninterrupted. Highly approachable now but will cellar for 6 to 8 years. 85% shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. (from Vintage Point Cellars)

Or if you want someone else to do the choosing, My Wines Direct is offering three great packs that offer a little something for everyone:

Sunny Whites
Serve up refreshment with these six sunny selections. From Australia, California and Italy, we've brought you the best whites for the summer season. Sit back, sip and save....you'll save $9 when you choose all of these wines together. Elegant and refreshing, what's better on a warm summer day than a cool glass of white wine? Italian Pinot Grigio has long been a summer favorite. But the Aussie's won't be out done. They've vinted the best of the down under sunshine with the Richland Chardonnay. California is no stranger to sunny favorites - enjoy a classic Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

BBQ Bests
Cheers to the grillin' master! Everyone will toast the chef as they enjoy these rich and bold reds, ranging from an Argentine Cabernet and Malbec to a French Côtes du Rhône and a Pinot Noir from California. A premium addition to this pack - the award-winning Merlot from Hall vineyards, which normally retails for $50. Fire up the grill and open a few bottles, to make your BBQ the best of the season. From meat and chicken to salmon and veggies, you'll find the perfect pairing with one of these top red picks.

Mouthwatering Mix
It's the warm weather season for fun with family and friends. Get the party started with a tempting mix of 6 wines from California, Argentina and Spain. Pair with your favorite foods and savor the delicious flavor combinations. Serve the California Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with sautéed fish, grilled chicken and summer salads. If you enjoy a meal around the grill, pour a few glasses of the Argentine Cabernet or the premium Hall Merlot. And for an international cheese plate or a decadent chocolate dessert, try the Spanish Crianza or California Pinot Noir.

Wine pack copy and images from My Wines Direct.

Read More in: Red Wine | White Wine | Wine Recommendations

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Josh Cellars Amber Knolls Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION: North Coast, California
PRICE: $15

I have a dear cousin named Josh. Growing up he was more like brother to me and though it seems a bit silly to associate a wine with a human personality, I could not help thinking of my Josh while enjoying this one. There must be something about the name. This seemingly unassuming and straightforward cab has something of a hidden personality, a surprising richness of character and interest that draws you in and makes you feel at home. But this cab is beyond smooth. It is quite the charmer. Bold cassis and sweet tobacco notes add layers of intrigue to the warmth and familiarity of ripe and dried berry fruit essences. The Josh Cellars is a lovely $20-$30 cabernet--except that it is not. This is truly a stunner for only $15... a thoroughly enjoyable drink-on-its-own gem. But if you must, please enjoy responsibly with a neatly seared filet mignon, perhaps finished with a pat of thyme butter.

Image from Joseph Car Wine

Read More in: Cabernet Sauvignon | Wine Tasting Notes

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Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Price: $10

This is surely going to be a go-to wine for me this summer. The very pale golden color is somewhat misleading. Though it looks more like a pinot grigio, I can assure you this wine has a lot going on for a mere $10. It is lovely and aromatic with layers of juicy stone fruit and citrus blossom. Bright and crisp yet soft and round, this sipper stimulates all of your senses at once. An array ripe summer fruit will linger on your palate, but this sauv blanc finishes clean. I'm thinking seared scallops and a salad of mache dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

Image from Mason Cellars

Read More in: White Wine | Wine Tasting Notes

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