CMS 2006

Well here at least I learnt something: CMS for Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. This one was suggested by vendor at Blackwell wine store on Geary for a BBQ. This 2006 red from Washington state is definitely a strong and dense mix which combine well with traditional BBQ sauce. A little too heavy at my taste who prefers a light rose for this kind of event when it's warm but it wasn't on this day. I liked the little print in French on the label "Tradition de Famille" which tricked me as this wine has no equivalent in France! OK that's how I learn, by trying new stuff and I'll continue to take risks buying wines I have no idea if they fit my taste!

Saint-Chinian Chateau Bousquette 2003

Where was I?! Not even out drinking wine but taking a break which I hope won't take away my taste for wine. So here is a red wine from south of France, Languedoc region, which was correct but not exceptional for a 2003. Made from organic grapes, it has a specific flavor which doesn't make it easy to match with all kind of food usually pairing well with red wine. May be I haven't eaten the appropriate meal with it so I cannot advice everyone to go for it but just to be careful. In fact I haven't tasted any wine recently good enough so I could encourage others to try :-( So I'll have to talk a little bit also of these wines I do not like.

Pascal's Shed 2002

I couldn't resist to buy this red Corbieres Domaine de Lignieres 2002 " Le Cabanon de Pascal" (translated in subject) even if its price was a little higher than I use to spend for wine (around $20 at Blackwell on Geary, SF) but it's not every day that you can find a wine with your name in it; yes I'm Pascal and I'm glad that my name appears on a bottle with such good wine inside! Very sofisticated in mouth with berries aromas not very common in Languedoc wines this was a real pleasure to drink this wine and I'm won't miss an opportunity to open another bottle soon. Enjoy!

Avignon...esi

Another interesting Sauvignon Blanc found for $13 at Andronicos. The name reminded me from Avignon of course, close to my home town. The wine was dry as I expected with fruity flavors at the same time. I had it with seafood and even if not as good as the NZ one it was definitely acceptable. For those appreciating dry white, this is a good one to try in this price range.

Good and Cheap Chilian

Amazing value, especially the Sauvignon Blanc at $2.99 a bottle at Trader Joe's. They also have Chardonay and Merlot. I have tasted bad wine for more than this; these are correct for everyday.

Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc from NZ

Many wines to talk about in this Holiday season but one really attracted my attention: the Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2005 from Nelson area in New Zealand. This wine was nicely recommanded by competent employee at Andronicos in SF for $12 something. This is not the place I'm spending a lot of time and money to buy wine because of their more than average price but I have to say that the selection is well done. Usually when someone offers you some help to find a wine in a store it is to sell you expensive ones or those they cannot sell, but I have to mention that this was not the case this time. I know pretty well and appreciate Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs but never tried or heard about those from Nelson area. Well this seams to be less known and this wine especially from a small winery but I really liked it; the citrus accent was not as obvious as in Marlborough whites but the balance, dryness and flavors made it perfect to accompagned oysters and fish dinner. Highly recommended.

Cheese lovers

Last week-end I decided to make a little extra and get some "good" cheese in town- usually I make the trip to the Cheese Board in Berkeley when it's time for me to refill the cheese plate- so I went to this place on 24th Street where I used to go when I was living in the Noe Valley neighborhood 10 years ago. The place is called Cheese and Co. I guess they went under new management and this is NOT the place to go for cheese:
1- unqualified employees
2- not systematically offered to try
3- some cheeses are so old they should not be on the shelves
I got 3 varieties, none of which was acceptable for about $20 which I realized later the price was probably wrong but couldn't find the detailed bill in the bag... of course. They definitely lost a customer and I could prevent anyone else from going there it would only be justice. AVOID this place! I got there a bottle of wine a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru for a bit more than $20...well I should be skeptical about the deal: the wine started with a fine taste but the illusion disappeared as fast as it came; very short in mouth; probably to young. Trader Joe's have Bordeaux as good for half price.

Week old Beaujolais Nouveau 2007

As much as I like this tradition, possibly because one of my daughter is born on a 3rd Thursday of November as well as Beaujolais nouveau every year, it is now a one day event and is barely of any interest to mention. This year I got 2 bottles of Louis Tete (pic) on Wednesday evening at $12 each; it was as good as I could expect. The next day I had 2 other kinds at a celebration at work one bottled by Kermit Lynch for $16, the other one at $15 a bottle: totally ridiculous! The trend seems to produce primeur wine closer to common Beaujolais than to banana juice but it is still far to justify such price. Anyway it's alreay a week old and before I forgot I wanted to post these comment in memory of the 2007 cru.