tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36668964817272644532024-02-07T04:08:02.060-08:00GOOD L'VIN(O)Life is precious; drink red. Life is unpredictable; spend under $30. Life is short; take that trip. Life is valuable; drink to celebrate... anything.lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-27458176036831981312012-09-11T09:02:00.003-07:002012-09-11T09:04:19.391-07:00A Burgundian Finale!To end my blog series, I'd like to share with you our trip to Burgandy, France...<br />
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We have come to adore Pinot Noirs, and we went to go explore their roots. This pilgrimage helped us to appreciate both European and Californian wine a bit more. I always encourage wine tourism because it's educational, breathtaking, exciting, and full-filling in so many ways.<br />
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First off, to travel there, you need to take a train from Paris to Dijon, and then another one from Dijon to Beaune, the base town for a Burgundian tour.<br />
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2nd, wine tasting here is NOT the same as in California. You can't just drive up to the wineries and expect a glamorous tasting room with a perky, welcoming wine club attendant. Keep in mind that most wineries in France are generations old, which means that they have survived because they have a loyal following with consumers, restaurants, and distributors. They don't need to please tourists who will probably only buy 1 or 2 bottles of wine. Some might view this is "stuffy" but I think it shows history and culture, so it should be appreciated for what it is.<br />
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We did a bit of research and learned how to go wine tasting in Burgundy and found 2 proper ways....<br />
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1. Jeep/Van Tour<br />
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Companies: <a href="http://www.authentica-tours.com/">Authentica</a> and <a href="http://www.chemins-de-bourgogne.com/59/Accueil/Home.html">Chemins de Bourgogne</a><br />
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Both of these tour companies were amazing: provided great information, tastings, and scenic views. There are multiple tours to choose from, whether you want a meal included, cheese tasting, or a simple vineyard drive along. Do a bit of research, and you will find tours that fit your style and budget.<br />
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Some key things we learned were...<br />
a. ALL of the grapes in Burgundy are Pinot Noir. Government-mandated.<br />
b. Quality is marked and controlled on the label. Look for "Village" or "Premier Cru" for your best bets (these mean that the quality is a bit higher and the winemaker is involved with the process from start to finish). Amazingly, this labeling is government controlled as well, so you know what you are getting. Now, if only California regulated what "Reserve" means....<br />
c. Each region within Burgundy are distinct. Our favorites were the "Village" qualities of Beaune and Gevrey Chambertin. Fruit forward, but not jammy, and earthy notes that are not too overwhelming. Overall, great balance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweeping vineyard views</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle among the vines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awed...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French vines. The long stem is referred to as a "baguette" and the short one is called "croissant" - Oh, Frenchies :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting at a family vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring their generations-old wine cellar</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, GENERATIONS old. Reminds me of "Cask of the Amontillado".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought a bottle of "Gevrey Chambertin" for our wedding night.</td></tr>
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2. Cellar tours, walking around Beaune<br />
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Winery: <a href="http://www.marcheauxvins.com/vin-beaune-tourisme/en/marche-aux-vins.html">Mache Aux Vins</a> <br />
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Stay overnight (or maybe 2-3 nights) in lovely Beaune, a little town with a wonderful wine-making past and present. Wander in and out of alleys, have snacks and house wine at random cafes, splurge and have dinner in a wine cave, and explore the ancient wine cellars masked as modern store fronts. Most are guided tours of cellars and caves, but some are self-guided. One we will highlight is Marche Aux Vins, a self-guided and self-pouring cellar tour. This "store" may not be among the vast vineyards, but we found it to be so much more...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering in Beaune</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Marche.... looks like it could be a typical wine tasting on a long flat table, but....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMieafOtdwf4ztXKvuVxKraHaxs_xLgiJsLbOnumbY54y-cMu-PQveRMZfxYpLuNnReomVuBNWo-SEfwP4k6qg2IFQdIGoLEWosmd9e7BaLAyXmOtzP2DNJSakJ8VXWcWpow5cbd-7O1Q/s1600/P4030356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMieafOtdwf4ztXKvuVxKraHaxs_xLgiJsLbOnumbY54y-cMu-PQveRMZfxYpLuNnReomVuBNWo-SEfwP4k6qg2IFQdIGoLEWosmd9e7BaLAyXmOtzP2DNJSakJ8VXWcWpow5cbd-7O1Q/s320/P4030356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... instead, you are lead downstairs into a wine cave/cellar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wines are labeled with descriptions. The tour is self-guided.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MO2_0pysJg08GkxGA3drO7iG5jznJCOf3jXkCSoJx9rQl6V0Ssm8sxI_z1z5WrCD2MSqA50X0cBQD_GPnAvdzXX63YFN098DdOxX5uN5NNBeBdLw_WHVm-2_CCdrG7Qgd9t2msjmLj4/s1600/P4030363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MO2_0pysJg08GkxGA3drO7iG5jznJCOf3jXkCSoJx9rQl6V0Ssm8sxI_z1z5WrCD2MSqA50X0cBQD_GPnAvdzXX63YFN098DdOxX5uN5NNBeBdLw_WHVm-2_CCdrG7Qgd9t2msjmLj4/s320/P4030363.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are able to pour our own tastings. Very trusting of tourists. We remained surprisingly mature through this process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid3Io2-6_CQnEvuXjNlOomDUuol6JUAnI8w-2g-DT_vL1GA6cpIfk4VQVRGdqBQELMY_V0zfOpRGVRSLqO6zVfO9OZiUjAQdqSWqBwxborvktXyj7VmN4phV16xmfnZ4TyuYnXd1rPjo/s1600/P4030371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid3Io2-6_CQnEvuXjNlOomDUuol6JUAnI8w-2g-DT_vL1GA6cpIfk4VQVRGdqBQELMY_V0zfOpRGVRSLqO6zVfO9OZiUjAQdqSWqBwxborvktXyj7VmN4phV16xmfnZ4TyuYnXd1rPjo/s320/P4030371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being a self-guided tour, we were able to move about at our own pace.</td></tr>
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Wine has taken us far and wide, shown us unique differences between people and cultures, made us open-minded about possibilities. I end my blog on this note: my journey isn't over, but I turn it over to you to take you places and experience/taste things you never knew of. Why? Because it's just good l'vin(o).<br />
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<br />lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-43851747891578699682012-08-27T14:05:00.003-07:002012-09-11T09:43:49.890-07:00Finding wine, finding myselfPinot Noir has become my favorite wine - so versatile, pleasing, and distinguishable between key regions. Some favorites - Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Oregon, Burgandy, SLO. Why? I have come to really like fruit-forward (not jammy) qualities with light earth tones. This is my go-to style, and each of the mentioned regions give different degrees of this. I don't know what it is, but writing just can't seem to describe why I react with "Oh.... my.... God!" with quality wines from these places. Is it the way that the sweeping vineyard views, gorgeous weather, mystic fog, soil, minerals from the earth, TLC of the hands and minds that handle the grapes and vines, and inviting sunshine is somehow compressed into a simple, humble glass? Because Pinot Noirs are so distinct, it is easy to mentally transport back to some of our favorite trips...<br />
And now, I am about to embark on a new adventure... to Japan! My wine journey is not ending; in fact, my self-education with sake will begin. However, I am still wondering why I am cutting off my flowing supply of great, accessible wine.<br />
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As I live in Japan, I will see how my perspectives (on wine) change. How much will I miss it? Will sake and Sapparo be able to fill the void? Will Japanese food naturally change my cravings? (FYI - ramen and red wine do NOT go together).<br />
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Thank you for reading my blog. It was not created with any ambition - just a simple desire to record what I learn and hopes to share knowledge with others who are curious.<br />
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I choose to end my blog, though, to begin a new one, which will chronicle my time in Japan. Through writing this blog, I have learned the importance of recording experiences, having an outlet for ideas and reflection, and looking back on growth. I am excited to see how my next writing journey develops!lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-23417463709808525142012-03-07T14:34:00.002-08:002012-03-07T14:36:08.910-08:00Don't Mess with Texas Wine<div style="color: #38761d;">Texas got wine?</div><br />
I had no idea. What a pleasant surprise as I planned my trip to San Antonio. I originally thought I would take 2 days to meander through the old town, past the Alamo, through the River Walk, but then I somehow stumbled upon Texas wine country while browsing online (oh, the treasures I find!). I quickly cut my San Antonio self-tour to one evening, and then I spent the next day and a half in Fredericksburg, 1.25 hours from San Antonio. Unintentionally, I found myself in the real Texas, the flat countryside, with the smokin' BBQ and good ol' Texan hospitality (especially in the tasting rooms). Cabernet Sauvignon and juicy, tender beef ribs? Yee-haw!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYapkU_Hrtd0zzkSwII_O6RtTACd2YgPmr_RHNFtBAVSP5NG8aUpp6Wri0bqn-L7MWdLRTRdrgylzK_93fIvgwb1RqYAchu5GZL8x5ci6o9N3NV6rvqvw4PlzWGGQlK5GA14EcxJlMA/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYapkU_Hrtd0zzkSwII_O6RtTACd2YgPmr_RHNFtBAVSP5NG8aUpp6Wri0bqn-L7MWdLRTRdrgylzK_93fIvgwb1RqYAchu5GZL8x5ci6o9N3NV6rvqvw4PlzWGGQlK5GA14EcxJlMA/s320/image_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrel room with Texan love</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas mostly grows Bordeaux varietals like Cabs, Merlots, Cab Francs, but we found a lovely locally-grown Pinot Noir that we just adored. Winery: Sister Creek Winery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Texas...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRV6xB6eTIjVjz_8Bsmv2TSmOkqCMoxluZna3Onpa2PYdCvFsrowhEl5D3hQSLbvmsoWvTM_f93KvEwTDeS-LIQvUeaCj0cN1-r7rBHGHmDzZ5V-eh8HtiRbxx4HHpPTHOLg33TVHdTX4/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRV6xB6eTIjVjz_8Bsmv2TSmOkqCMoxluZna3Onpa2PYdCvFsrowhEl5D3hQSLbvmsoWvTM_f93KvEwTDeS-LIQvUeaCj0cN1-r7rBHGHmDzZ5V-eh8HtiRbxx4HHpPTHOLg33TVHdTX4/s320/image_4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting at Sister Creek Winery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lsR9STCI7pb8mnANB6Nyefj3HkmZwGJPbxEUOyNMeODvby5tZ12A8s95gabDLI6JqITrztJo62gNMYNCwI6WE5ENBVfj2VkpjuSDu3zxe0VlmIcRSrE-Oyg1MixfzugG_DHDDBqusHk/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lsR9STCI7pb8mnANB6Nyefj3HkmZwGJPbxEUOyNMeODvby5tZ12A8s95gabDLI6JqITrztJo62gNMYNCwI6WE5ENBVfj2VkpjuSDu3zxe0VlmIcRSrE-Oyg1MixfzugG_DHDDBqusHk/s320/image_5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saloon-like set up at Becker Vineyards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEhqrwDo2Du6SLOaChfXIs7rLRuhr0qdaKcTYaEdj44K9y1BYhyhvOM36Ddaz0Pr5mZ20tzLkNyQ99ki00U__eXJ7Kg4rPaIeZz8gDXcJKxNoe3sEQFIdrNzLg4FMhnPs10L8BgfW88o/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEhqrwDo2Du6SLOaChfXIs7rLRuhr0qdaKcTYaEdj44K9y1BYhyhvOM36Ddaz0Pr5mZ20tzLkNyQ99ki00U__eXJ7Kg4rPaIeZz8gDXcJKxNoe3sEQFIdrNzLg4FMhnPs10L8BgfW88o/s320/image_6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the outdoor setting at Becker Vineyards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4Wf5uUDYPRLhbiVlMnv5ALmY1eqCQV5u9mXXXmyDW4gI29niIg4FjiywF8SQWYOc8eFa7ug6sMKRXKFSJcbHNz4Rfx6AiG83ASvofe_RJZlOcOwt-CtWL9x0y2y08LeDq6TtezkgRLs/s1600/image_9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4Wf5uUDYPRLhbiVlMnv5ALmY1eqCQV5u9mXXXmyDW4gI29niIg4FjiywF8SQWYOc8eFa7ug6sMKRXKFSJcbHNz4Rfx6AiG83ASvofe_RJZlOcOwt-CtWL9x0y2y08LeDq6TtezkgRLs/s320/image_9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good excuse... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeNFbwIYSSis-8erxeZJQrEmdHFYma0_uum5YshI0UcVeyOO8xcnC7yAuRSHUCqhnwFZxW94e01MaikvGftHPrUPJuq2Sg4SUtTpR5Oo9ZggcAjLlUI9uOR7H9fc4A1Y-cAmCVZFlMh8/s1600/image_8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeNFbwIYSSis-8erxeZJQrEmdHFYma0_uum5YshI0UcVeyOO8xcnC7yAuRSHUCqhnwFZxW94e01MaikvGftHPrUPJuq2Sg4SUtTpR5Oo9ZggcAjLlUI9uOR7H9fc4A1Y-cAmCVZFlMh8/s320/image_8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking with the locals. Yes, that's a real belt.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;">Thank you Texas! I look forward to spreading the news about your awesome wines!</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-39339258829394755852012-03-06T12:24:00.002-08:002012-03-07T14:39:04.925-08:00Sonoma Landing Pinot NoirIt has been quite a while since my last posting. Looking back, my days are a haze of MANY different wines. Some good, most unmemorable.<br />
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It's not that I have been drinking BAD wine. No, no. I just become underwhelmed after I finish a bottle and I lose motivation to re-purchase, to re-try. The hunt for bargain wines is not an easy one (<i>oh, what a tough life</i>). At times you feel you have found something worth writing about, but you just get bored or tired of it over time. And then you forget... <i>What's that wine we had? Oh well, onto the next!</i><br />
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Is new and fresh on your palate something to pursue, or reliable and predictable?<br />
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(<i>this can be a metaphor for so many things</i>)<br />
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I am at a point where I do want something that I can always turn to and KNOW that I won't regret opening and finishing. I choose you, Sonoma Landing Pinot Noir!<br />
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Light bodied, light tannins from the stems and skin to mellow out the fruit, and pairs wonderfully with a light meal of salad, fish, or something with gooey cheese (perhaps ALL of them together!).<br />
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My wine racks are stocked with a variety of wine, many that we purchased as single bottles. My wandering palate will continue to pursue the next greatest bargain. But as of right now, it's "interested" in the Sonoma Landing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bottle is usually offered on BevMo's 5 cent sale!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-59792004534837720502012-03-05T15:32:00.000-08:002012-03-05T15:32:30.998-08:00Temecula's WoW (World of Wine) event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WoW... I love being a wine person!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">$90 per ticket (which can be shared between a couple) that can be used over 2 days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">30+ wineries participating</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2+ wine tastings paired with gourmet food samples - per winery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a gastronomically FANTASTIC weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(see photos below) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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No other words necessary. I'll let you know when the next event is approaching....</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-34310843039519526422011-08-08T06:41:00.000-07:002011-08-08T06:55:34.708-07:00Meeting Rex Pickett (author of Sideways)<div style="color: #444444;">*** </div><div style="color: #444444;">Thank you Ian Blackburn (of <a href="http://www.learnaboutwine.com/">Learn About Wine</a>) for organizing a meeting with <a href="http://rexpickett.com/">Rex Pickett</a>, author of Sideways! Pickett has come out with the sequel to <i>Sideways</i>, called <i>Vertical</i>. </div><div style="color: #444444;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #444444;">It was inspirational to listen to Pickett speak about his life, influences on his storyline, struggles in the writing world, and his passionate hatred towards Merlot!</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;">Interesting facts I learned were...</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;">* Pickett's personal life is reflected in Miles, so the story is quite personal.</div><div style="color: #444444;">* Like Miles, Pickett really DOES hate Merlot.<br />
* <i>Sideways</i>, the play, is coming soon to Santa Monica. (Pickett said "no" to creating the musical version).<br />
* Pickett is working on an HBO series about a wine critic with a social disorder.<br />
* The Hitching Post and many wineries of the Santa Barbara Vintner's Association were AGAINST the filming of <i>Sideways</i>, the movie, because they thought it would give them a bad name. Oh, the irony!<br />
* Pickett's ex-wife, who at the time was his most trusted peer-editor, told him to burn <i>Sideways</i> after reading a draft.</div><div style="color: #444444;">* This author is not out to please the public. In fact, he had many creative differences about how the sequel should be. He did not want to write what others wanted for Miles; he wanted to let Miles be Miles and therefore decided to NOT consult focus groups or big-time publishers.</div><div style="color: #444444;">* In the book Vertical, Pickett takes our beloved characters to <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2010/05/oregon-wine-trail.html">Oregon's Willamette Valley</a> - where else would Pinot lovers go?</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;">The wine nerd in me is thrilled to share these experiences with you!</div><div style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for Rex Pickett's talk at Cafe Metropol, Downtown L.A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork outside of Cafe Metropol</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny and I are excited to hear about <i>Vertical</i>, the sequel to <i>Sideways</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rex Pickett enthusiastically gives us the backstory to <i>Sideways</i>. Ian Blackburn, from <a href="http://www.learnaboutwine.com/">Learn about Wine</a>, is listening in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rex Pickett explains that he writes from a very personal place</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the event Ian Blackburn! FYI - "Beekeeper" Zin is his first wine! Full-bodied, smooth, dark berries with a hint of spice - delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsZR0VN1FsaMbMk_8SuyuLgtmNwwOmv4h8ej580kzqavymvgPwhA_owC9JT-DuNGkyapIEu9GRc2V5Mhjuus9qdu3zUXB51V9SrLOAV1-qYIiGyUDxer5nGPWXlGu9wf8kkZaJ6h4SoA/s1600/P8060056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsZR0VN1FsaMbMk_8SuyuLgtmNwwOmv4h8ej580kzqavymvgPwhA_owC9JT-DuNGkyapIEu9GRc2V5Mhjuus9qdu3zUXB51V9SrLOAV1-qYIiGyUDxer5nGPWXlGu9wf8kkZaJ6h4SoA/s320/P8060056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some personal time with Rex Pickett</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the encouragement, Rex!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAD7wKzNaX5Zr1XgjccTwa3xqrHCrlHbR2pXFO3BSfImwTVIK79cRsQwsn7ObkYQ47qYyXFE-IPNzK_WHvhhsbk8Lpsu5Iwy9x21MFJItcmbcYucGq6IvrbqWxbSIOHfRWSdGE2a9skI/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAD7wKzNaX5Zr1XgjccTwa3xqrHCrlHbR2pXFO3BSfImwTVIK79cRsQwsn7ObkYQ47qYyXFE-IPNzK_WHvhhsbk8Lpsu5Iwy9x21MFJItcmbcYucGq6IvrbqWxbSIOHfRWSdGE2a9skI/s320/Picture+1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rex, we all appreciate you for making the time for us :)</td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: #444444;">I read the first chapter last night... I'm hooked already! (I will post a review on the book when I finish) </div><div style="color: #444444;">***</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-60549378008288412312011-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:002011-08-08T09:19:49.395-07:00Let food drive your wine***<br />
When I first started tasting, I was on a mission to find affordable wines that I could lounge on the couch with. I enjoyed food with wine, but the wine was the main event.<br />
<br />
I kicked up the enjoyment factor a bit by letting food help me decide the wine, and now, they are BOTH the stars. DOUBLE the enjoyment! <br />
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<br />
Many people ask me "I can't enjoy wines. I want to, but I don't know how." Before I'd always suggest "Try everything and narrow down your choices." <b>But now, I suggest, "Well, what do you want to eat?" </b>The great thing about learning to drink wine with food is that you're not forced to drink a large amount, nor are your taste buds abused from drinking flight after flight. You first enjoy the food (which you already know how to do) and then you see if the wine provides a different, better experience.<br />
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I am by no means a cook, but this is a quick dish that I make when I need a healthy munchy:<br />
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<b>Mediterranean Pizza</b> (all ingredients were bought at Trader Joe's. Ingredients can be added, taken out according to your preference, therefore I do not tell you how much of each to put in)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdajS4xwI3YdE9Byht7LM5rQlgqzgUujKvQaIHZBbzObCPD3Je-ElM7Fwl65sgXkPtX1jghYUbMaUaQ947nH6kLmaZtBLBx2lZmVloMXcttT3mCRwAJCaZxyigUq7H01HlLMGgJf-I8s/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdajS4xwI3YdE9Byht7LM5rQlgqzgUujKvQaIHZBbzObCPD3Je-ElM7Fwl65sgXkPtX1jghYUbMaUaQ947nH6kLmaZtBLBx2lZmVloMXcttT3mCRwAJCaZxyigUq7H01HlLMGgJf-I8s/s320/Picture+1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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- Toast a whole wheat pita bread. Spread eggplant hummus after wards.<br />
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- Chop tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic cloves, walnuts. Throw into a bowl. sprinkle in fat-free feta cheese, slice in some avocado, and if you want more texture, add some sliced almonds<br />
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- Finishing touch: olive oil (just a tad) and balsamic vinaigrette (don't add too much at first. Taste and add because the flavor can be overwhelming). Mix in oil and balsamic into bowl of ingredients. Taste and add more of anything as needed. <br />
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- Spoon the yummy stuff in your bowl onto you hummus covered pita bread. Enjoy with a lighter-bodied red wine like a Pinot<span style="color: purple;"> </span>Noir, or enjoy outdoor with a summery Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc!<br />
***lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-78094891578809818512011-08-05T11:10:00.000-07:002011-08-05T12:51:51.889-07:00Groundwork Grenache - Santa Barbara<div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">***</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">A while back, I wrote about an <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2010/02/santa-barbara-trip-gone-awry.html">unfortunate attempt at a bus trip to Santa Barbara wine country</a> with <a href="http://www.learnaboutwine.com/">Learn About Wine</a> (through no fault of this company). A couple of months later, our trip, deemed the "Burning Bus Tour" (nice!), was rescheduled and we were on our way!</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would highly recommend anyone to take a trip with <a href="http://www.learnaboutwine.com/">Learn About Wine</a>. Professional, organized, informative, and fun!</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trip occurred in 2010, and a little more than a year later, we found ourselves digging through our wine collection, finding this bottle, the <a href="http://www.sansliege.com/product/2009-GROUNDWORK-GRENACHE">Groundwork Grenache</a> ($20), and reminiscing... "Oh yeah, remember that?"</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #741b47; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1055252x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1055252x.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actually BETTER than what I remembered. Fruit with a hint of spice, smooth and medium-bodied, chilled at 55 degrees to make it refreshing on a 100 degree day <b>(*hint: we use a mini-fridge to store our red wines. We turned it down to "low" and it happens to be around 55 degrees! Much cheaper than purchasing a wine fridge.) </b></span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then it all came back to us.... outdoor tasting, trying the excellent wines of Sans Liege, but the wine-maker raving about this particular bottle, his favorite, his passion, his label called Groundwork.</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just to let you know, Grenache is usually used as a blending grape along with Syrah and Mourvedre to create the lovely "Rhone" blend. It is brave and wonderful for him to venture this way. I appreciate it more and more with every sip (and a chug here and there).</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">To passion, uniqueness, and accomplishment... Cheers!</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">*** </span></div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-35375112262141824602011-05-20T09:18:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:44:57.059-07:00Tre Amici - 2008 - Witch Creek Winery<div style="text-align: center;">Diversify your wine collection. Show some love to our wineries down south!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBu5OEqQDSqTBX9GbNcfE38-6Zh4N6wjpgNF0pq_xYsZB77NFi1YnlU3skjYyEPIbUdctN2aUiYI59JoPiHqSjaz1KdbjGQmX-dVUpUrBpXlJVo0TjUaZM7RH0KISklyGPDNLVMT9qwc/s1600/P1300070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBu5OEqQDSqTBX9GbNcfE38-6Zh4N6wjpgNF0pq_xYsZB77NFi1YnlU3skjYyEPIbUdctN2aUiYI59JoPiHqSjaz1KdbjGQmX-dVUpUrBpXlJVo0TjUaZM7RH0KISklyGPDNLVMT9qwc/s320/P1300070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.witchcreekwinery.com/">Witch Creek Winery</a>, located in Carlsbad, sources grapes from Baja California, Mexico.<br />
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<div style="color: #6aa84f;">Last night I opened a bottle of their Tre Amici, and it exuded earthy aromas, inky-rich juices, and just the right amount of tannins.</div><br />
Although, it doesn't give you a sense of San Diego or Mexico the way corona bottles do (you wouldn't imagine people relaxing on a hot, sunny, humid beach with this wine), but the wine does have a unique quality to it.<br />
<br />
When you taste it, it's not Paso, or Napa, or even Temecula. It's something different, something special, something worth owning, and something DEFINITELY worth drinking.lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-51314478044213481542011-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:002011-08-08T07:10:50.615-07:00In-and-Out and Zin? Best Date EVER!<a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2010/02/wine-house-no-risk-buying-guide.html">Wine House</a> recently reduced the price of <a href="http://www.renwood.com/">Renwood</a> Zinfandel Grandmere from $35 down to <b>$15! </b><br />
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<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winemaker describes: "The 2005 Grandmère Zinfandel is a brick red color. The aroma of this wine is chocked full of vanilla, caramel, holiday spices, raspberry and hazelnut. The flavors are deep and rich with layers upon layers of ripe fruit, toasted oak and spice. This wine is always about the best of the best and we are blessed with many Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards from which to choose each component of the final blend. Full flavored, generous and mouth filling are the words that we use to describe this wine."</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Truly a perfect description of this well-crafted wine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> As soon as Danny read about this bottle, he picked up a bottle right away to surprise me with!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lovemarks.com/media/image/in_and_out_html.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.lovemarks.com/media/image/in_and_out_html.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/6e/82/8344511d2e60bbe2337e6b301851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/6e/82/8344511d2e60bbe2337e6b301851.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> What better way to enjoy it than with a nice, greasy In-and-Out to bring out the flavors of the wine?</span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;">There was a lot of smackin', slurpin', and gruntin' in delicious approval. </span></span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was the best date night EVER.</span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-42077100408880500252010-12-27T09:45:00.000-08:002011-08-05T08:44:22.654-07:00"Jammy" Triumph<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q9J24m0Whw0/Sd0qS7i_36I/AAAAAAAAFso/BOzN5WyDJK8/CEC_syr_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q9J24m0Whw0/Sd0qS7i_36I/AAAAAAAAFso/BOzN5WyDJK8/CEC_syr_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" width="183" /></a>"Jammy" is often used as ammunition against California wine... but it's what MAKES California wines.<br />
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<div style="color: #3d85c6;">Delicious.</div><br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.bridlewoodwinery.com/">Bridlewood</a> (Central Coast) Syrah, 2006. Thick, jammy with lots of dark berry flavors, undertones of dark chocolate, and then a lingering light-peppery finish. </div><br />
This bottle is accessible in many retail stores, not only at the winery. I found it at the BevMo 5-cent sale one year and went to town!<br />
<br />
However, I make it a point to visit their beautiful, mission-style winery in Santa Ynez whenever I'm in the area (which is quite frequently). <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=18842">$13 at your local BevMo</a>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-32213751391834575492010-12-03T05:29:00.000-08:002011-08-08T06:45:24.634-07:00Fell in love with... Sonoma Pinot Noirs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/1b/16/5c848e426d7d753a1fe7523b58bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/1b/16/5c848e426d7d753a1fe7523b58bb.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
Box Car 2008</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;">An "in your face" Pinot.</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;">Ravages the brain, trying to figure out the texture, tastes.</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6;">Cola, ripe cherries, oak... so much more! But who cares? It just tastes good and puts the biggest smile on my face :)</div><br />
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<br />
Bought a bottle during <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2010/02/wine-house-no-risk-buying-guide.html">Wine House</a>'s Black Friday sale.<br />
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original price: $28 <br />
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Black Friday sale: $15<br />
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<br />
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Should've bought more...lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-47337548740330505782010-11-17T05:10:00.000-08:002011-08-05T08:44:00.161-07:00Vina Robles - Red4 - Paso RoblesTable Wine.<br />
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Weak, quick finish, light-bodied, unimpressive.<br />
Tastes cheap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jojRX7G04G2K0VY5_xbzQn_MFUXte2IuAbih1mmcbGFBg0p5OS1AtW-V2hDQ-Gy-t1goWvlLS47K0OQh4sdetW83nWFd20CgQatli81tO7bKr7v5Vt4YgKkmepjR1T52ljYtpxp5Kp8/s1600/VinaRoblesRed4_label-912x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jojRX7G04G2K0VY5_xbzQn_MFUXte2IuAbih1mmcbGFBg0p5OS1AtW-V2hDQ-Gy-t1goWvlLS47K0OQh4sdetW83nWFd20CgQatli81tO7bKr7v5Vt4YgKkmepjR1T52ljYtpxp5Kp8/s320/VinaRoblesRed4_label-912x1024.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Technically, Vina Robles' Red4 is a "table wine", but I REFUSE to label it that way.<br />
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<div style="color: #3d85c6;">A Rhone blend - Syrah, Petite Syrah, and splashes of Grenache and Mourvedre - which is a hearty, medium-bodied wine with a soft, yet memorable, combination of dark fruit, cinnamon&spice, and the good ol' earth. <span style="color: black;">The flavors and aroma have no notes of "cheap table wine"; you would think it's much more expensive than it actually is.</span></div><br />
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<br />
Winery: <a href="http://www.vinarobles.com/">Vina Robles</a><br />
Location: <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/first-time-to-paso-robles.html">Paso Robles</a><br />
Wine Label: Red4<br />
Price: $14lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-75346081083181802082010-09-06T13:37:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:43:45.319-07:00Ecluse - Cabernet Sauvignon - 07<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME88YhffVFaBIVzhv0G-NT9QlghItPjvVNNRatECKTPDFIlWKCAx17YNNHMPKl3ffxJa3294Z2jFHaLHVOYAeqaL5bShk8xa-Ws1RYylYKv8RvoVxOPBWHD7BoF3SSYLS27VYJnef6Ic/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME88YhffVFaBIVzhv0G-NT9QlghItPjvVNNRatECKTPDFIlWKCAx17YNNHMPKl3ffxJa3294Z2jFHaLHVOYAeqaL5bShk8xa-Ws1RYylYKv8RvoVxOPBWHD7BoF3SSYLS27VYJnef6Ic/s320/Picture+1.png" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.eclusewines.com/"> </a><br />
To celebrate both of our birthdays, Danny and I decided to stay in, cook, and open up a "special occasion" wine... our beloved <a href="http://www.eclusewines.com/">Ecluse</a> Cabernet Sauvignon!<br />
<br />
We had been holding onto this one, for it is our most expensive bottle at $30 (Ecluse is a small-production, family-owned, boutique winery in <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/first-time-to-paso-robles.html">Paso Robles</a>). <br />
<br />
Drinking this wine truly made us feel thankful for life, our senses, and our patience in keeping this bottle 'til it was "the right time". <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;">Apparent fruit and minerality that show off the Paso Robles terroir. Tannins add to the structure but finish off smoothly. Every time I took a sip, I desired to hold and swirl it in my mouth as long as I could because I didn't want the sensation to end. </div><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">With this incredible wine, we had homemade pizzas (sauteed chicken+bell peppers on pita bread, marinara sauce, topped and baked with a variety of cheeses) and, of course, birthday cake (light pound cake with chopped fruit and fluffy white cream - which my amazing friend Jennifer bought me). The wine went perfectly with everything we ate.</span><br />
<br />
Thank you <a href="http://www.eclusewines.com/">Ecluse</a>, for making our birthday unforgettable. We can't wait to return to <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/first-time-to-paso-robles.html">Paso Robles</a> to pick up more "special occasion" wines!lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-45943322369135128512010-09-06T12:49:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:43:02.763-07:00Milan Vineyards - Toganga Triad - 2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanvineyards.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/2008_Topanga_Tri_4ab531960668e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.milanvineyards.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/2008_Topanga_Tri_4ab531960668e.jpg" width="101" /></a></div>Creating wine - the dream can be accomplished at the <a href="http://www.camarillocustomcrush.com/index.html">Camarillo Custom Crush Winery </a>in Ventura County. Imagine walking into this crushpad and discussing your vision for your ideal wine with the winemaker. He suggests where to purchase grapes and reviews the best process of barreling with you, and in months to a year, your wine is ready for bottling with your own custom label! Best of all, it's all done at this Winery for you.<br />
<br />
What I admire about this crushpad is that it promotes wine created from local grapes (Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu, and Topanga Canyon). Many new wineries are using this venue to get their labels off the ground until they can afford their own locations for barreling.<br />
<br />
As you walk in the the Crush Winery, you may taste a variety of wines that are produced here.<br />
<br />
We came across the <a href="http://www.milanvineyards.com/">Milan Vineyards</a>' Topanga Triad, <span style="color: #38761d;">which was inspiring, complex, and flavorful. 65% Syrah and 30% Grenache exudes a lot of fruit with a nice round-off of earthiness, provided by the 5% Mourvedre, to finish off the taste.</span> At $18 a bottle, we purchased 2 because we knew it would not be conveniently, readily available elsewhere. <br />
<br />
Our local wines need more maturing, promoting, and aging but I'm proud of the direction they're heading.lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-64650734721697630692010-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:42:20.949-07:00Mandolina - Nebbiolo - Solvang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sbwinetour.com/images/logos/mandolina1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sbwinetour.com/images/logos/mandolina1.jpg" /></a></div>Solvang is a unique, pedestrian-friendly, Dutch town in the Santa Barbara area. Many are so excited to go, plan trips around seeing it, only to realize they're "done" with it after about 2 hours.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, there are many other places to go around Santa Barbara - Downtown, Los Olivos, Foxen Canyon... but if you wanted to come all this way to Solvang, why not stay a little longer?<br />
<br />
I suggest going to <a href="http://www.llwine.com/Default.asp?Page=130">Mandolina</a> (tasting room). They make their wines in "Italian" styles. Super Tuscans, Nebbiolos. Barberas. Last time I was in Solvang, Mandolina was the last stop on our wine trail, and as the saying goes, "After 3 wineries, you're not tasting - you're DRINKING." I did manage to walk out with tasting notes, and 6 bottles. 2 Super Tuscans and 4 Nebbiolos. <br />
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After coming home from the trip, I organized my wine collection and came across my 4 bottles of Nebbiolo. 4 bottles? I didn't even remember why I purchased this! I had to try it.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">Light bodied, good balance of cherries and oak, not too much acidity but just enough to make me salivate. Easy to drink. Perfect for making any weekday a special day.</div><br />
I checked my tasting notes and I saw that the original price of this is $20. Then, I looked at the fine print. "<a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2010/06/sb-vitners-visa.html">Passport weekend</a>: buy 6 bottles and recieve 50% off". <i>Oh, that's why I have 4 bottles of this stuff!</i><br />
<br />
While in Solvang, I'd also recommend visiting Mandolina's sister tasting room, <a href="http://www.llwine.com/Default.asp?Page=129">Lucas and Lewellen</a>, which focuses on more California style wines. (Yes, we brought home 6 of their bottles, too!)<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-73276247660435779492010-06-21T14:19:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:41:29.492-07:00Santa Barbara Vintner's Visa / Passport (and suggested itinerary)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(scroll down to read a suggested itinerary if traveling from Los Angeles)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHlsdaCVdppr3TXdeCCZBTVqlzrJWRQBo_-1IsVI3dcoxJXRGHU8-7nVHTq9wED8D_kHLxLNW7jf3KKrxORN5u3FVcBlLSnbJMtdg5xGTofwoaH4ILLVEk6vJ0H5dqGnnMfBLi1uF1A8/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHlsdaCVdppr3TXdeCCZBTVqlzrJWRQBo_-1IsVI3dcoxJXRGHU8-7nVHTq9wED8D_kHLxLNW7jf3KKrxORN5u3FVcBlLSnbJMtdg5xGTofwoaH4ILLVEk6vJ0H5dqGnnMfBLi1uF1A8/s320/Picture+1.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*my <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/wine-tasting-tips.html">tasting</a> notes*</div></div><br />
<br />
Ah, the dilemmas of visiting wine regions....<br />
<br />
<br />
How many wineries can you go to? At $10 per tasting room (at least), the fees can add up. <br />
<br />
You want to purchase wines, but again, it could end up costly. The more you drink, the more you want to bring the wine home (darn that warm, fuzzy, friendly, loving feeling that wine gives me!) <br />
<br />
Which wineries do you choose to go to? In the Santa Barbara area, there are over 50 wineries to choose from, and so many well-crafted and delicious Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs to experience! Where do you even begin planning?<br />
<br />
To solve your dilemma, I would suggest participating in <b>visa/passport events</b>. You purchase one ticket (usually about $40-50), which has several participating wineries on a checklist (at least 12). You go to as many of the wineries that your tolerance allows and get each of the places stamped (like a passport). The tastings are the same or better for visa/passport participants (who are usually offered snacks, a separate area to lounge in, and/or treated to reserve tastings). Want to bring wine home? Wineries usually offer amazing deals for the event!<br />
<br />
I have participated in several passport/visa events in SB wine country, from vineyards on the countryside to tasting rooms in the quaint towns (most recently, the <a href="http://sbcountywines.com/events/festival/visa.html">Santa Barbara Vintner's Visa</a>).<br />
<br />
After tasting through <i>several</i> Santa Barbara visas, I present my list of favorite wineries/tasting rooms in this region...<br />
<a href="http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/map.html">click here for detailed map </a><br />
<br />
Solvang (tasting rooms):<br />
<a href="http://www.llwine.com/Default.asp?Page=130">Mandolina</a><br />
<a href="http://www.llwine.com/Default.asp?Page=129">Lucas and Lewellen</a><br />
<br />
Los Olivos (tasting rooms):<br />
<a href="http://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/tastingroom.php">Stolpman</a><br />
<a href="http://www.danielgehrswines.com/home.html">Daniel Gehrs</a><br />
<br />
Santa Barbara (tasting rooms):<br />
<a href="http://www.sbwinery.com/">Santa Barbara Winery/ La Fond Winery</a><br />
<a href="http://www.oreanawinery.com/">Oreana Winemaking Company</a><br />
<br />
Santa Ynez (vineyards):<br />
<a href="http://www.buttonwoodwinery.com/">Buttonwood</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rideauvineyard.com/">Rideau</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bridlewoodwinery.com/">Bridlewood</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gaineyvineyard.com/">Gainey</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sunstonewinery.com/">Sunstone</a><br />
<br />
Foxen Canyon (vineyards):<br />
<a href="http://www.volkwines.com/">Kenneth Volk</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foxenvineyard.com/">Foxen</a><br />
<a href="http://www.zacamesa.com/">Zaca Mesa</a><br />
<a href="http://www.demetriaestate.com/index.html">Demetria</a><br />
<a href="http://www.riverbench.com/">Riverbench</a><br />
<br />
**********<br />
<b>Suggested FULL, 3-day itinerary if traveling from Los Angeles:</b><br />
<br />
There are MANY other vineyards and tasting rooms to visit, but if it's your first time in this wine region, these are good ones to start with. Links to all wineries mentioned in the itinerary can be found in the list above (which is organized by area). Please read my <a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/wine-tasting-tips.html">tasting tips</a> before going.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 1</u><br />
Take 101N to the 154, which is indicated by "State Street" exit (the 154 is also known as the San Marcos Pass - BREATHTAKING views of the mountainside!) Eat breakfast at <a href="http://losolivosgrocery.com/">Los Olivos Grocery</a> (their cafe has a pretty view). Visit <i>Bridlewood</i> (<b>Santa Ynez</b>), and then head to <b>Los Olivos</b> to explore. Eat lunch at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=panino+los+olivos&fb=1&gl=us&hq=panino&hnear=Los+Olivos,+California&cid=0,0,6259903794116710658&ei=9rsgTPeVE9vsnQehxdBu&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQnwIwAA">Panino</a>, and taste at <i>Stolpman</i> and <i>Daniel Gehrs</i>. After, head south on Alamo Pintado Road, hitting up <i>Buttonwood</i> and <i>Rideau</i> (<b>Santa Ynez</b>), and end up in <b>Solvang </b>to finish off your day of tasting with <i>Mandolina</i> and <i>Lucas&Lewellen</i>. Have dinner at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-angelica-solvang">Cafe Angelica</a>. Stay overnight at the newly re-modeled <a href="http://www.kronborginn.com/">Kronborg Inn</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 2</u><br />
Breakfast in Solvang at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/paulas-pancake-house-solvang">Paula's Pancakes</a> (sit at the counter to avoid a 20-30 minute wait for a table). Head to the <a href="http://www.santabarbara.com/dining/review_read.asp?pk_restaurant=1437">R Country Market</a> in Los Olivos to pick up food for a picnic lunch. Head up to <b>Foxen Canyon</b> to taste at <i>Ken Volk</i>, <i>Foxen</i>, <i>Zaca Mesa</i>, <i>Demetria</i>, and <i>Riverbench</i>, and take time to soak in the phenomenal views. Head back down for dinner at the <a href="http://www.hitchingpost2.com/">Hitching Post</a> (have their Merlot with one of their steaks, and walk around the bar to view pictures from <a href="http://www.hitchingpost2.com/sideways.html"><i>Sideways</i></a>), and then stay overnight again at the Kronborg Inn.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 3</u><br />
Make sure you wake up early for a light continental breakfast at the Kronborg Inn because you want to make sure to go taste at the lovely <i>Sunstone Vineyard</i> (<b>Santa Ynez</b>). Afterwards, go eat lunch at <a href="http://www.thevineyardhouse.com/">The Vineyard House</a>, and go taste at the magnificent <i>Gainey Winery</i> (<b>Santa Ynez</b>) on your way back to the 154 Pass (it's so pretty - why NOT go back this way?). On your way back down the 101, taste in the city (<b>Santa Barbara</b>) at <i>Oreana</i> and <i>Santa Barbara Winery</i>. Dinner at <a href="http://www.beachbreakcafe.com/contact.html">Beachbreak Cafe</a> (cool local joint).<br />
<br />
<u>Day 4</u><br />
You <i>will</i> be TIRED at work, but that just means you had an AWESOME weekend! <br />
<br />
***I packed a lot into the itinerary, but you should take out items on the list that do not seem reasonable for your tolerance or price-range. Check store websites for current hours, exact locations, and menus. <b>Please drink responsibly</b>. When in doubt, eat more and stay a while in the town or winery you are in.***lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-70937663572877995972010-06-21T13:14:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:41:17.122-07:00Paso Robles, Part 2: Far Out Wineries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6VSgyEhFn_nVCfR0TdJLbSyEJICRHfCTiOykd3dQ6aujQ5KKmXwCATSqFDBCssW9HQywkiLJa5VGzz7Ir03vbwwl-E1swZb8nKOp0uaWkKDWrtucVopCGvqCjdm6mZQh-jM6QfZj9qk/s1600/map2009.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6VSgyEhFn_nVCfR0TdJLbSyEJICRHfCTiOykd3dQ6aujQ5KKmXwCATSqFDBCssW9HQywkiLJa5VGzz7Ir03vbwwl-E1swZb8nKOp0uaWkKDWrtucVopCGvqCjdm6mZQh-jM6QfZj9qk/s320/map2009.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*map: courtesy of <a href="http://faroutwineries.com/">faroutwineries.com</a>* </div><br />
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The following wineries are more north-west, and a bit "out of the way" compared to the wineries on the 46. Here are the ones worth visiting(wineries listed from west to east):<br />
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<br />
1. <a href="http://www.justinwine.com/">JUSTIN</a>: Known for their custom reds- JUSTIFICATION, ISOSCELES, OBTUSE. Beautiful winery. Tour recommended (for appointment call 805.238.6932 ext. 3224 )<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.lcwine.com/">Le Cuvier</a>: Smooth reds with various layers. Nice craftsmanship, especially with their Pinot Noir and Cab. Franc.<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.tablascreek.com/">Tablas Creek</a>: Specializing in Rhone varietals, so expect jammy fruit with a side of tannins.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.tolocellars.com/">Tolo Cellars</a>: These wines are more spicy and tannic. There are even signs of green peppers and pepperoncinis. Appetizing wines for a great meal!<br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://www.adelaida.com/">Adelaida Cellars</a>: our FAVORITE in this region. These wines are clean, silky, sexy, amazing.<br />
<br />
6. <a href="https://www.opolo.com/">Opolo Vineyards</a>: Earthy yet smooth, with hints of fruitines.<br />
<br />
7. <a href="http://www.minassianyoung.com/">Minassian-Young</a>: An up-and-coming winery. Big, unique reds worth visiting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goodlvino.blogspot.com/2009/12/first-time-to-paso-robles.html">click here to view more on Paso Robles (wineries along the 46 east and west)</a>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-62016107191475074922010-05-24T17:44:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:38:41.824-07:00Buttonwood - Cabernet Sauvignon - Santa Ynez - '05<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goldmedalwineclub.com/images/nl/buttonwood_cab_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.goldmedalwineclub.com/images/nl/buttonwood_cab_thumb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Purchase at the <a href="http://www.buttonwoodwinery.com/">Buttonwood Winery</a> - case sale: $100!!!<br />
********************<br />
<br />
I don't cook. It's messy, and frankly, I'm not very good at it.<br />
<br />
Now, imagine this scenario: I come home later than expected because of work. I'm tired and frustrated, so I relieve myself with a nice phone conversation with a friend, and as we are talking, I look through my wine collection and pull out this Cab. I uncork it and pour myself a glass while I'm listening to my friend go on about her day. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">I swirl my glass, take a sniff, sensing aromas of dark, ripe fruit and some acidity. I take a sip and the fruit becomes brighter, the tannins are present yet mellow, and the finish is soft, with a slight acidic kick at the end.</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">At this point, I was not listening to my friend anymore; the only thing in my mind was that I wanted spaghetti and marinara meat sauce. So simple, yet the wine made me crave it.</span><br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #e06666;">I said good-bye to my friend and drove to Ralphs, where I bought Ragu premade marinara sauce, turkey ground meat, penne pasta, and fresh cut mushrooms. I brought it home and put it together, and it was AMAZING.<span style="color: #e06666;"> Yes</span>, this wine inspired me to cook. There was a specific flavor I sought that only I knew how to fulfill. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">After my meal, I relaxed on the couch with another glass, just by itself, and I decided it was an awesome day.</span></span>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-10589610981821854922010-05-05T05:31:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:40:56.061-07:00The Oregon Wine Trail!<span style="font-size: x-small;">(scroll down for advice on Portland) </span><b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b>Oregon's Willamette Valley</b>. (It's "will-Ah-mit" damnit!) Lush rolling hills. Indecisive weather. As we drove around to taste, we encountered rain, hail, clouds, and sunshine, each lasting for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time. What an adventure!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPim-Lr4AR20u-mDvOGnWrgTpcqJCdZdfGymrMBJrpVGU2dwKg-Yo7oIwjMEYb9zg4FcRldBj_LM_YTmml9brZ4zhVizmCRgidUa3kc4gncD6l8tc93hnI6sub_hhYemI73uy1QnYo780/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPim-Lr4AR20u-mDvOGnWrgTpcqJCdZdfGymrMBJrpVGU2dwKg-Yo7oIwjMEYb9zg4FcRldBj_LM_YTmml9brZ4zhVizmCRgidUa3kc4gncD6l8tc93hnI6sub_hhYemI73uy1QnYo780/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Pinot Noirs in Willamette are so unique and amazing that Riedel actually made glasses specifically for them! Most wineries offer their tastings in these:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiR-SnPvdbwjatnB2ToJtMzy6AEAgp5ySL8hF7VutEQsjj7IccbCWOPEvK8r4eQGFUFIu2CN9rAHH5sl3e579JlDTaqmjfTowYJllzov9b_A7kBBaurMvyMhgfx_6WF2t99_L9uaSqNw/s1600/P4020096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiR-SnPvdbwjatnB2ToJtMzy6AEAgp5ySL8hF7VutEQsjj7IccbCWOPEvK8r4eQGFUFIu2CN9rAHH5sl3e579JlDTaqmjfTowYJllzov9b_A7kBBaurMvyMhgfx_6WF2t99_L9uaSqNw/s320/P4020096.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Within the Willamette Valley, there are different regions, but their commitment to produce good quality wines that are 100% Pinots is similar. The two areas that we got to know were Dundee and Newberg. <a href="http://www.willamettewines.com/map.shtml">click here for map</a><br />
<br />
Suggested Wineries in <b>Dundee</b> (expect the wines to be more smoky, earthy, delicate):<br />
-<a href="http://www.erath.com/">Erath</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.toriimorwinery.com/">Torii Mor</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.thefourgraces.com/">Four Graces</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.sokolblosser.com/">Sokol Blosser </a><br />
-<a href="http://www.dobbesfamilyestate.com/">Dobbes, Wines by Joe</a><br />
-<a href="http://argylewinery.com/">Argyle</a><br />
<br />
Suggested Wineries in <b>Newburg </b>(expect the wines to be more complex, full, fruit-forward):<br />
-<a href="http://www.trisaetum.com/">Trisaetum</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.pennerash.com/">Penner Ash</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.vidonvineyard.com/">Vidon</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.aramentacellars.com/">Aramenta</a><br />
-<a href="http://www.bergstromwines.com/">Bergstrom</a><br />
<br />
Suggested place to Stay:<br />
-<a href="http://www.chehalemridge.com/">Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast</a><br />
This B&B offers cozy rooms, breakfasts that present culinary expertise, and a panoramic view over the Willamette Valley for a very affordable prices, starting at $120 a night (we stayed in the "Oregon Trail Room").<br />
<br />
<br />
*******************<br />
PORTLAND (45 min. from Willamette Valley): <br />
<br />
While in Oregon, I'd encourage you to explore Portland for a day or two. The transportation is easy to use, and the people are extremely helpful. A few things I'd like to recommend while in the city:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firstthursdayportland.com/">"First Thursday" Gallery Walk</a>: Art galleries and boutique shops stay open late every first Thursday of the month. Some shops even offer free wine and snacks. Great event!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.andinarestaurant.com/">Andina Peruvian Restaurant</a>. Delicious, tapas style. Rich in flavor, just like the way they prepare seafood in <a href="http://chifasenperu.blogspot.com/">Peru</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aICocFoodcch5NrflDO161bWL-k2oB6vinNEJJa-o-vCHR3j_xs6aPHUL3e25H8DgP-Bs5GDCEgqPm2cAjatW2qXvftr49RsbK3f2NUloCj5NJbOrHTiqlgw7r2of-b6e8Z6GHTr4Xs/s1600/P4010080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aICocFoodcch5NrflDO161bWL-k2oB6vinNEJJa-o-vCHR3j_xs6aPHUL3e25H8DgP-Bs5GDCEgqPm2cAjatW2qXvftr49RsbK3f2NUloCj5NJbOrHTiqlgw7r2of-b6e8Z6GHTr4Xs/s320/P4010080.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Andina's seafood paella</div><br />
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<a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/splash/default.aspx">Deschutes Brewery</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOl4dlarJPecTluMxLMuWrNM9XbwesmYmB7XQl6n5Jh_oSksaNpQji3D24SQtXuFv6gXsohHh3UlAIa9fFdmbDzQjGFsrltwqfTXM6KaJ3l7X3t9XA0XP7pYen6lguYVEBENmIDVYA3g/s1600/P4010081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOl4dlarJPecTluMxLMuWrNM9XbwesmYmB7XQl6n5Jh_oSksaNpQji3D24SQtXuFv6gXsohHh3UlAIa9fFdmbDzQjGFsrltwqfTXM6KaJ3l7X3t9XA0XP7pYen6lguYVEBENmIDVYA3g/s320/P4010081.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Try... </div><div style="text-align: left;">- Streaking the Quad (honey after-taste, thick, slight fizz)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Ivanna Weiss (crisp, banana on palette)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Bourbon Barrel aged Hop in the Dark (in between IPA and stout, malty and complex)</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rogue.com/">ROGUE Brewery</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbqJh2AIVMwvTrlzr3YOcCEdSWbuBtxQQtEdEj_jN5prmUqd_-stMW6hgFz2H4AF3ziICRa6RZ5dV_qknUju0hL7vl1XM_2J8-3FRmpBIAd2X-tc-heI9GR8ASGylabHnAPOQEjkQtLc/s1600/P4010085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbqJh2AIVMwvTrlzr3YOcCEdSWbuBtxQQtEdEj_jN5prmUqd_-stMW6hgFz2H4AF3ziICRa6RZ5dV_qknUju0hL7vl1XM_2J8-3FRmpBIAd2X-tc-heI9GR8ASGylabHnAPOQEjkQtLc/s320/P4010085.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOxiwgUc986mNOTTmggxlzZ9QcElmeU_3qdbJJeA3HBFBOzzoYW5l9-ekF04hw_K6O5KtgWTix7KQGQQXBEpoONagMyK6bLeXdXBrMZP9_c73-eKE9Mss5_mtYG7UmONuY8D02AB5gpE/s1600/P4010086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOxiwgUc986mNOTTmggxlzZ9QcElmeU_3qdbJJeA3HBFBOzzoYW5l9-ekF04hw_K6O5KtgWTix7KQGQQXBEpoONagMyK6bLeXdXBrMZP9_c73-eKE9Mss5_mtYG7UmONuY8D02AB5gpE/s320/P4010086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTujhzs-2emDKeNzJviVSe_kaV40M_BNtMegSBLJQmPRuulrG_XjNsRsED70BECez0tBf1QB2BjCKIiInVmYe1IASe1qWT8Qfg1TGedaILJVYqdWY3jYAqY6OT75KC9Y8mxaooak1jOqY/s1600/P4010088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTujhzs-2emDKeNzJviVSe_kaV40M_BNtMegSBLJQmPRuulrG_XjNsRsED70BECez0tBf1QB2BjCKIiInVmYe1IASe1qWT8Qfg1TGedaILJVYqdWY3jYAqY6OT75KC9Y8mxaooak1jOqY/s320/P4010088.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Try... </div><div style="text-align: left;">- Hazelnut Brown (tastes how it sounds)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Dead Guy (hops and honey)</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Honey Orange Wheat (crisp, with long-full citrusy-hoppy finish)</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-21784168236147132482010-04-14T21:26:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:40:15.306-07:00Donati - Merlot - Templeton (Paso Robles)Don't get me wrong. I love me some fruit forward, full-medium bodied, over-ripe zin. <br />
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<div style="border: medium none;"><a href="http://winelibrary.com/images/44062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://winelibrary.com/images/44062.jpg" wt="true" /></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;">But opening up a mellow, earthy <a href="http://donatifamilyvineyard.com/">Donati</a> Merlot after a "jammy" zin brought some relief to my palate and rocked my senses to sleep after a long day at work.</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The next day, I noticed more fruit, but surrounded by oakiness. Wonderful balance. I just sipped and loved every minute of it.</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">The third day, more acidic qualities exuded. I should have finished the bottle the previous day...</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><i>(lessons of evolving wine... always finish the bottle if you're enjoying it - never assume it will be the same the next day) </i><br />
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<b>Price:</b> This bottle is $27, but we bought it directly from the tasting room in Templeton, near Paso Robles, and the bottle came with a complimentary tasting. Currently, this bottle is out, but let this be a testament for wonderful Merlots!lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-68910787691355032122010-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:002010-06-13T05:54:44.028-07:00Tamari - Malbec - ArgentinaMany enjoy wine with food, so if a wine is acidic or has a quick finish, it does not effect the enjoyment for those people.<br />
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However, that is not me; that is not how I enjoy wine. I want wine that I can appreciate on its own.<br />
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</div><div style="border: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeRFRm5tlY4P5PQkpPj8uZe-07OwFY2riUQAfFXlkqsm2svu8Btq9XRALCPmJPZGWorgtYwLVBJuPXEZJ7nj8RnY6MzCV_OPiaTe8AD0pyt25Pbxyz9fHPg2Y5mKJUIYLr07eWXhGlyM/s1600/wine_1151483_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeRFRm5tlY4P5PQkpPj8uZe-07OwFY2riUQAfFXlkqsm2svu8Btq9XRALCPmJPZGWorgtYwLVBJuPXEZJ7nj8RnY6MzCV_OPiaTe8AD0pyt25Pbxyz9fHPg2Y5mKJUIYLr07eWXhGlyM/s320/wine_1151483_detail.jpg" wt="true" /></a>Waiting for a take-out order at the <a href="http://www.laquintaresort.com/dining/adobe-grill.cfm">Adobe Grill</a>, I decided to drink a glass of wine at the bar. I chose a Tamari Malbec. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>First sip:</b> light flavor... gritty end.</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Second sip:</b> became more buttery and smooth.</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Third sip:</b> I realized my glass was dirty and got a new one, with an overly generous pour (almost to the rim!)</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Fourth gulp:</b> Wooo! Too acidic! I drank it too quickly.</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Fifth sip: </b>It seems to be getting worse. It's just too acidic. The finish is way too quick.</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">(Too bad I am ordering food to-go instead of eating it with the wine - food might have spurned a different opinion on this wine)</span></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">I finished the glass with more of sick feeling than a pleasant one. I tipped the bartender, collected my food, and stumbled home.</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-18876950080415677232010-03-27T11:31:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:37:08.377-07:00Turnbull - "Old Bull" - Napa Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_325519745"></span><span id="goog_325519746"></span></div>As my wine hobby grows, and I fantasize about immersing myself in the business. To learn details on how to get started, I sat through a Wine Business 101 lecture held by Ian Blackburn (<a href="http://www.learnaboutwine.com/">LearnAboutWine</a>).<br />
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Blackburn gave a lot of useful facts and anecdotes to clear up my questions, and I realized that I'd rather keep my day job and have wine remain as a hobby. I think I need that separation, I need that contrast. There is nothing like a great wine trip to look forward to to get you through the day. What if I had a career in wine? After all that stress would I really be looking forward to more wine? <br />
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<div style="border: medium none;">It's true that there are plenty of people who build their lifestyles around wine and love it. Perfect example, our instructor, Ian Blackburn. His journey with the wine business has been a roller coaster, but his heights made staying in the business worth it.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><a href="http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1041272x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nt="true" src="http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1041272x.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
To refer back to the class, we tasted plenty of wine, including a bottle of self-blended pinot noir (left over wines mixed in one bottle). But one that stood out was "Old Bull" by Turnbull winery. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In response to the economy, Turn Bull released a bottle that the average person can purchase and enjoy (<b>$19.99</b>). The varietals are a mystery - a red blend with qualities of dark berries with a touch of cinnomin and spice. Full, easy to drink, and glamorous (Turnbull's reds usually begin at $35, and although the "Old Bull" is only $19.99, you still taste all the qualities that make Turnbull and expensive brand).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></div><div style="border: medium none;">Maybe I'll change my mind about pursuing the wine business as my experiences deepen. 'Til then, writing about wine (for pleasure) is enough to keep the mind afloat.</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-52157827219674420312010-03-25T20:42:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:20:14.092-07:00Little Penguin - Pinot Noir - AustrailiaWhen I first started drinking wine, I only drank Pinot Grigio, partly because I was clumsy and I didn't want to show any wine stains. <br />
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Then, I moved onto Pinot Noirs as my palate shifted towards reds.<br />
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After discovering Temecula, I longed for heavier, more tannic reds, so I developed a stigma towards Pinot Noirs as I stereotyped them as too "light bodied". <br />
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How ignorant of me! After many trips to Santa Barbara, I realized that Pinot Noirs can be fuller, but its delicacies should be appreciated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xQR40eaM80w/Sb3T-IvMF4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/1C459TmYXbE/s1600/LittlePenguinLABEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xQR40eaM80w/Sb3T-IvMF4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/1C459TmYXbE/s320/LittlePenguinLABEL.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">This takes me to the Little Penguin Pinot Noir. Bought at the BevMo! five cent sale, I came home with two bottles (<b>one bottle is only $8.00</b>), and the next day one bottle was already finished. The thing I noticed about this Pinot was that I could taste the whole grape cluster. Fruit forward taste. Stems and seeds in the finish. Flesh remains on your tongue. Cheap, excellent wine. In fact, last year, <i>Wine Spectator</i> included this bottle in their "Best Wines under $20" issue!</div>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666896481727264453.post-59669364032852912942010-03-17T20:28:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:19:39.988-07:00Gascon - Malbec - Argentina - '08<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLFduMXFixBpEoDoZdDHMlxmjBNA1Bx3Q1zJb6RaSgtCxrt0Yc9pNSUf2iT3nFltTO-LRjy6A9e6I95yMc5XslOR8LF0JKysTikk9gNIod3W1hue2eX1hEvRqlhGRLH6iK0O5VdRz2io/s1600-h/P3170076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLFduMXFixBpEoDoZdDHMlxmjBNA1Bx3Q1zJb6RaSgtCxrt0Yc9pNSUf2iT3nFltTO-LRjy6A9e6I95yMc5XslOR8LF0JKysTikk9gNIod3W1hue2eX1hEvRqlhGRLH6iK0O5VdRz2io/s320/P3170076.JPG" /></a></div>Back in April 2009, I won a wine contest...<br />
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<b>Where:</b> Trader Joe's Westside, Sepulveda at Palms<br />
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<b>Prompt:</b> In 75 or fewer words, review and recommend your favorite wine from those offered at your Sepulveda/Palms Trader Joe's and be eligible for a $50 gift card!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://excellentproj.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Gascon-Malbec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://excellentproj.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Gascon-Malbec.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>What I Reviewed:</b> Gascon Malbec '08, retail $9.99<b><br />
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<b>What I submitted:</b><br />
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<div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I poured myself a glass of Gason Malbec. I was mesmerized by the sunlight radiating through the deep plum color. The pleasant, balanced aroma of dark berries and chocolate seduced my lips, inching to the rim of the glass. As I sipped, the initial light texture sprouted into tannins, which provided an enjoyable earthy finish. Nibbling on chocolate with the next sip, all that was left was a sigh.</i></span></div><br />
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Looking back at my writing, I cringe. I'm proud that I won first place, but I'm not proud of what I wrote. But that feeling just comes with writing; there's always room to edit. First of all, it was difficult trying to fit my ideas into 75 words - I must have went through more than 10 revisions. Second, reading this description again, it sounds like I threw up a Wine 101 dictionary. I just needed more space to show my personal connection with the wine without sounding like a generic commercial (can you tell I'm self-critical?).<br />
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However, this experience DID start me off into writing about wine, and I'll only improve with time, experience, knowledge. <span style="color: #38761d;">And even though I'm not truly happy with what I had written, I stand by the Gascon Malbec when I say it's truly a nice, drink-at-any-occasion wine. </span>lisa.s.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02762809128072260780noreply@blogger.com2