Claude Val Vendanges Vin De Pays D’oc (2006)

January 11, 2009 — Tom & Melody

claude-val-vendanges-2006-vin-de-pays-docIt is a cold Sunday night in Michigan. We are sitting here with a glass of wine, Enya on the Bose, Trigger on my lap, a pot of homemade soup on the stove and a loaf of bread in the oven. Does life get any better? Even in the deep, dark Michigan cold, I feel happy and cozy and blessed!

Tom chose this Claude Val Vendanges Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 tonight. I think it is fabulous. We think we bought this on a trip up North to see my folks — at a place called “The Blue Goat” in Traverse City. Wow, yummy. I really, really like this one. In the glass, it is not our usual blackish red, but rather a pale purple. On the nose is the scent of cloves and honeysuckle. On the palate, I taste peaches, strawberries and roses. The feel is round in the mouth with structured tannins.

If we don’t finish this tonight, it will definitely be what I choose to have tomorrow! Cheers!

Posted in Blends, Carignane, Cinsault, French wines, Grenache, Under $10. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Prestige Cotes du Rhone (2007)

December 14, 2008 — Tom & Melody

prestige-pont-du-rhone-dotes-du-rhone-2007It is Sunday night and we are relaxing with a glass of wine. Trigger is next to me, the Christmas tree is lit and the Boze is playing a lovely relaxing CD. I have a roast simmering on the stove with potatoes and carrots peeled, washed and ready to put in the pot.

Tom chose this Prestige Cotes du Rhone 2007, a French blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, for our evening. This has a pretty high alcohol content — 14% — but the taste is not at all hot or alcoholic.  The nose is lushly floral. The palate is chocolate and spice, while the finish is gentle with notes of bitter chocolate and vanilla. This is going to be a great accompaniment to our pot roast dinner. I think this wine is wonderful. . .I hope that we have more, and I think we do!

Posted in Blends, French wines, Grenache, Mourvedre, Over $10, Syrah. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Pont du Rhône Côtes du Rhônes (2007)

November 15, 2008 — Tom & Melody

pont-du-rhone-cotes-du-rhone-2007Tom purchased this Pont du Rhône Côtes du Rhônes 2007 French red at Trader Joe’s. We are enjoying this on this rainy and cold Saturday night in Michigan.

I immediately noticed a wonderful nose. This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdere is lovely. On the palate is anise  and pine. The tannins are nicely balanced with pepper and fruit. This is an acidic wine that is bursting with flavor.This is a great find. Absolutely. I will put this on our “purchase again” list!

For dinner, I am simmering a big kettle of bean soup with a ham bone that I bought from the local butcher. I have a loaf of whole-wheat bread rising on the counter. It’s looking like it’s about 20 minutes away from putting in the oven.

It is so cozy to be home, warm, and comfortable on this cold night. I walked by lots of homeless people when I was in San Diego this week. I know that I am a very lucky lady. Trigger is cuddled next to me as I write this and I am glad we are all together.

Posted in Blends, French wines, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône, Under $10. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

Ginestière Coteaux du Languedoc (2005)

February 1, 2008 — Tom & Melody

Ginestiere Coteaux du Languedoc 2005It is TGIF night at the Werner household. We have both had a demanding week with several late nights and early mornings. So, here we are, a blessed Friday evening, with dinner simmering on the stove and Trigger relaxing in Tom’s lap.

Tonight, we are having this Ginestière Coteaux dur Languedoc 2005, a wonderful French blend of Syrah and Grenache. This is a full-bodied red with a nose of ginger and spice. On the palate are lots of fruit and firm tannins. The finish is rich with caramel and thyme.

For dinner we are having a soup that I made on the weekend — it’s a tasty vegetable soup — along with whole-wheat bread and white cheddar cheese. Cheers!

Posted in Blends, French wines, Grenache, Over $10, Syrah. 2 Comments »