08/11/08 01:13 AM
***wine reviews***
The grape: Grenache
What it tastes like: It tastes like what I imagine blood would taste like if I were a vampire whose victim has eaten a lot of plums and licorice.
What to serve it with: Phil Collins greatest hits (trust me on this). Gnocchi with chicken, sage, carmelized onions and truffle essence
Say this and sound smart: Grenache is the dominant variety in most Southern Rhône wines.
The price: $28
Imbiber rating: 91
The blend: 51 percent pinto noir; 49 percent chardonnay
Why you should buy it: Cuz it’s some damn tasty Champagne. The chardonnay grapes are from the Côte des Blancs. The pinot noir is grown in Montagne de Reims. A blend of 15 prestigious crus, aged six years.
What it tastes like: It’s creamy and has a little baked apple thing going on. It’s very well-rounded.
What to serve it with: crab soufflé… or frozen pizza in a pinch
Say this and sound smart: La Montagne de Reims est un ensemble géographique boisé, situé entre Reims et Epernay et bordé au nord, au sud et à l'est par des coteaux de vignes.
The price: $95
Imbiber rating: 90
Why you should buy it: Felton Road may very well be the best wine producer in all of New Zealand. No shit! They made “Lord of the Rings” AND “Whale Rider” there – it’s, like, the greatest country in the world. Sure, it’s more popularly known for its pinot noir, but as this bottle proves, the chardonnay kicks serious ass as well.
What it tastes like: You’ll instantly pick up the melon, and that’ll be followed by tart citrus. Then you’ll note the light oakiness and truly breathtaking balance…seriously, that’s exactly how things will go down on your palette. Oh, and Frodo lives!
What to serve it with: It doesn’t matter. I’d pour this stuff over corn flakes and be happier than a Maori princess watching the All Blacks dance the haka.
Say this and sound smart: Central Otago is the most southerly wine-producing region in the world.
The price: $35
Imbiber rating: We love this magnificent vino specimen to the tune of 92 pointskees.
Felton Road 2007 Pinot Noir Central Otago
Why you should buy it: This is, undoubtedly, some of the finest pinot noir this scribe has ever tasted. Indeed, 2007 is considered to be a subpar year for wine from Central Otago, but Felton Road pulled off a miracle.
What it tastes like: Perfectly balanced, fruit forward (but not a fruit bomb) with some Snickers bar action. This wine has SPINE!
What to serve it with: Mushroom risotto, preferably prepared by the chef at Comme Ca in LA. To die for, really.
Say this and sound smart: All of Felton Road’s vineyards are managed organically and biodynamically
The price: $45
Imbiber rating: 95
J Pinot Noir Nicole’s Vineyard 2006
Why you should buy it: J’s legendary winemaker George Bursick is a slave to fashion, and in fact may very well be the most stylish man in all of Healdsburg. His designer duds cost major bucks, so by buying his wine you’re helping to sustain haute couture alive in style-challenged Sonoma County!
What it tastes like: Pure elegance. I suspect it’ll only get more refined after a few years in the bottle, but it’s ready to drink now.
What to serve it with: Liberty Farm duck in a red wine barley sauce
Say this and sound smart: Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
The price: $65
Imbiber rating: 91
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