It Starts With A Grape

This California chard opens with a bouquet full of tropical fruits. Papaya and mango will be among the first to emerge, followed by hints of pineapple. There is minimal oak on the nose, and not much carries over to the palate. Clearly geared towards the fruit, and executed well. Its definitely on the lighter side, the tannin structure could be a little stronger, however the simply done fruit is enough to merit this chardonnay a good rating, and good value. It will pair well with delicately seasoned lemon grass, chicken, or a light grilled fish. As for cheese, stick with something thats not to heavy, Brie would be a good choice, paired with some apricot preserves, mmm…

Hailing from Spain, deserving of its name, comes this bold blend of tempranillo and Shiraz. Ready to eat ripe black cherry will be the first thing to tantalize your senses. Followed by plenty of oak, which creates a really nice balance with the fruit, and fresh ground black pepper, that is sure to send shock waves through your taste buds even before your first sip. Rest assured this wine’s bark does not exceed its bite, you get a mouth full of ripe fruit, and perfect tannin structure. I would have liked to see a lengthier finish, however it is crisp and mouthwatering leaving you wanting more. Paired with such foods as bacon wrapped shrimp, or peppercorn steak, this wine will truly shine. Not quite ready for dinner, pair it with an aged Gorgonzola.

Breaking away from the traditionally elegant and subtle French pinots, La Baume is big and bold. Its strong tannin structure beautifully compliments its super-sized fruit flavors, which include tart blackberries and just ripened black cherries. Wimpy it is not, filled with an array of peppery spices on the nose as well as the palate. It will stand up to such foods as grilled steak or nutty super sharp cheese. This pinot is a perfect companion for those chilly winter nights.