Haute Red - Pinot Nior

Hi friends! 

I'm back and blogging about my wine journey... just a new direction with it... I will be blogging about the wine I drink and restaurants I enjoy going to. Not just about wine anymore! I do a lot more eating these days... and I'm finally able to enjoy my wine again!

A few days ago Grant went to our local grocery store and picked up this bottle of wine. He went there strictly for groceries but when he saw the name of this bottle he thought of me. I started an event planning company named "Haute Affairs" so he said he had to buy it. The bottle was only $10 so it was hard to pass up. Grant and I both enjoy pinots so why not! 

I didn't have any expectations for this bottle. I had never heard about this winery/ bottling company so I didn't really know what to think. We opened the bottle and took a sip. I was pleasantly surprised. The wine was pretty tasty! And for $10... I will definitely buy it again! 

HAUTE WINES  Website states the following:

Grape Composition: 82% Pinot Noir, 18% mixed varieties including Syrah

Appellation/Source: California cool climate vineyards

Aromas & Flavors: Ripe berry, bing cherry and plum aromas with a hint of bay leaf and toast. Flavors of bright, racy berries carry through to a bright, clean finish

Oak treatment: Light touch of oak

Alcohol: 12.5%

Food pairing: Ribs, chicken, steak, pork,
grilled fish, burgers

Shoe pairing: Simple pumps, high heels,
extremely high heels, tall boots

My friends and my shoe choices

Cheers,
Winegirl15

Coffee Cup Cafe

3734 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

562.433.3292

Love Love Love this place for breakfast! I go here at least once a week! I've only been there for breakfast, but I've heard the lunch is just as good. 

I generally get a flavored coffee (last flavor tasted was a chocolate macadamia nut). I get the honey apple sausage scramble, with potatoes. Toast? Nope... This is CA people... I get the corn tortillas! 

If your in the area or come down... expect a pretty long wait. The earlier the better! 

Cheers,

winegirl15

Naples Rib Company

I have been so busy... I haven't had much of a chance to blog about restaurants that I have been to. And being 8 months pregnant... There have been LOTS of restaurants.

Naples Rib Co.
562-439-7427 - 5800 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

I would like to take a moment and talk about a local restaurant my husband and I dine at least once a month. Not only is the food great, but the owner, and all employees are all friendly. It's a family restaurant just down the street from where my husband and I live. Grant and I had this for our anniversary dinner, and we celebrated Grant's 31st birthday there this year.

They have amazing ribs! I'm an eater, and eat out a lot! There ribs are fantastic! Grilled artichoke, or the onion brick by far are the best appetizers. If you are in the mood for ribs and good company... GO!

Enjoy and cheers,
Winegirl15

Onotria - Wine Country Cuisine

2831 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

(714) 641-6415

http://www.onotria.com/

We went with a couple that works with Grant in the Medical Sales industry. They have been going here for quite awhile and suggested the restaurant. Grant and I had never been and decided to give it a shot.

The food was fresh, and flavorful! They are known for the wine selections as well as Italian cuisine. I suggest this restaurant to friends and family! I can't wait to go back when I can do a food and wine pairing!

Below is the food we ate...

Appetizers we ate:

Bu!alo Mozzarella with Cherry Tomato, Garlic & EVOO Compote 12

Zucchini Blossoms with Goat & Ricotta Cheese in Tomato Coulee 14

Grilled Farmer Bread with marinated Eggplant, fresh Tomatoes, Herbs & shavings of Grana Padano Cheese 6

Food we ate:

Roasted New Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic 8

Salmon Filet over poached Fennel with Pink Peppercorn!Tarragon Cream Sauce 24

Half Chicken, brick& pressed & seasoned with fresh Lemon, Garlic & Herbs 16

Dessert:

Seasonal Fruit Tart with fresh Whipped Cream 8

Next time I will get the osso bucco! If you live in the Orange County area... GO!!!

Enjoy and Cheers,

winegirl15

Makin' moves...

And........

It Looks like my Twitter fans have chosen Lodi! Please check back for more posts and information!
Cheers,
xoB

December - $15 Bottle of wine

Sonoma: Southern California

Winery: Parkers Estate
http://parkersestate.com/

2005: Parkers Estate (Riverside Crossing) Syrah: Sonoma County Private Reserve

Price: $13.99

Description:
Won SILVER in The San Diego International Wine Competition in 2009.

Wine makes a symphony of a good meal.
~ Fernande Garvin, The Art of French Cooking

Winemaker's Notes:
Ripe plum, raspberry and soy characteristics. Rich, ripe and opulent, generous fruit aromas and flavors, augmented by vanilla spice.

Winegirl15:
This wine is very good. I drank it with my family when we were having appetizers. This was my favorite $15.00 wine this month. If you like Syrah's this is a must pick for any dinner party. Affordable wine and extremely flavorful. I even enjoyed the aroma. Looks like you can go to their website, put your zip code in and it will tell you where the nearest location to purchase it is.

Hope you are all enjoying your Holiday Season!

Eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart.
~ Ecclesiastes 9:7

Love and Cheers,
xoB

December - $30 Bottle of wine

Sonoma: Southern California

Winery: St Francis
100 Pythian Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Phone: 1-888-675-WINE (9463)

http://stfranciswinery.com

2006: Cabernet Sauvignon: Sonoma County

Price: $27.99
Bought at VONS: $15.00

Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It's culture. It's the essence of civilization and the art of living. ~ Robert Mondavi, Autobiography, "Harvests of Joy"

Description:
Winemaker's Notes:
All the grapes in this classic varietal come from five Sonoma County appellations: Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Sonoma County. Hand-picked from mid-September through early November, the fully ripened clusters are then crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and fermented from eight to fifteen days. The wine is then aged in different lots for fourteen to sixteen months in new American and French oak, and then blended. Once bottled, we hold the wine another four to eight months so that it’s fully developed by the time we release it. The result is a full-bodied Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon with rich mouthfeel, moderate tannins and deep color accentuating the taste of black currant, plum, blueberry and spicy oak.

Winegirl15:
I noticed that VONS like many other grocery stores are conducting wine sales. If you're a wine drinker, you can get great bottles at terrific prices right now. My local VONS was even selling Cakebread Chardonnay for 30% off marked price (Maybe I'll save that for my Napa region). :)

I didn't know much about St. Francis before I bought this bottle... But, I'm sure glad I picked it up. This bottle was smooth and flavorful. I definitely recommend this bottle of wine! And if your lucky, your local wine store or VONS might even have it on sale!

It's now time for me to branch into the expensive wines...@sonomawineries has given great suggestions, and I can't wait to go out there and try them out! Stay tuned for my next Sonoma region blog!

Good wine is a necessity of life for me.
~ Thomas Jefferson

Cheers,
xoB

December - $15 Bottle of wine

Sonoma: Southern California

Winery: Rodney Strong
11455 Old Redwood Highway
Healdsburg, CA 95448
800-474-9463

http://www.rodneystrong.com

2006: Cabernet Sauvignon: Sonoma County

Price: $16.99
$11.99 - $2.50 (coupon @ Costco) = $9.49

Description:
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackberry, cocoa and earth lead to a rich, layered mouthfeel, replete with black cherry, cedar and cassis, and structured with lush, mature tannins. Enjoy this seductive cabernet sauvignon now and over the next several years.

Vintage Notes
The 2006 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. March rains slowed shoot growth down considerably, and set the timer for a late harvest. After a fine May and June, much of July was a scorcher, including a 10 day stretch where every day saw temperatures over 90 degrees, and several days topped out at 110! Fortunately, the delayed development of the grapes kept sun scorch to a minimum. Harvest began the third week of September, and continued throughout October. This ripening period was accompanied by mild weather and promoted excellent flavor development, with the last of the cabernet harvested on November 1st.

Winegirl15:
Great bottle for the price! This bottle is good for an everyday wine... You can pick it up in the grocery store as well as at Costco. I lucked out with a coupon the girl handed me at the door. I was there for Christmas presents and walked out with wine... WHAT A SHOCKER! HAHA. Anyhow, go and pick up a bottle!

Even more importantly, it's wine, food and the arts. Incorporating those three enhances the quality of life.
Robert Mondavi

Cheers,
xoB

December - $10 Bottle of wine

Sonoma: Southern California

Winery: Fife Vineyards
707-485-0323

http://www.fifevineyards.com

2007: Zinfandel: Sonoma County

Price: $6.99

Description:
winemaker's notes:
-Rich, dark berries, dried cherry, cloves and spice, well balanced with an exceptional finish.
-Pair with BBQ Beef, grilled chicken, sausage, and pizza.
-Vineyards with sun drenched days and crisp, cool nights. Aged in French Oak.

Winegirl15:

Love the following quote:

"Wine is sure proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
Benjamin Franklin

This is a pretty good zin for $7. I got this wine at Trader Joes, and drank it at a dinner party I hosted. It was a good bottle to drink in between my expensive bottles. Biggest advice with this bottle... Let it sit for a little before drinking it.

Off to another bottle to taste!

Cheers,
xoB

Where is Waldo?

How about... WHERE IS WINEGIRL15???



Or perhaps I should say, "Where is winegirl15 going to taste next"? I need your help in choosing! What California region should I taste next?

After I receive your emails or posts, I will choose next Monday!

Thanks for your help!
Cheers,
Winegirl15
xoB

November - $60 bottle of wine

Paso Robles: Southern California

Winery: Turley Wine Cellars
2900 Vineyard Dr
Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 434-1030

http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/turley+zinfandel+pesenti/2005/usa

2005: Zinfandel: Pesenti Vineyard

Price: $61.99

Description:
winemaker's notes:
"The impressive, powerful 2005 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of minerality, loads of bright, savory, black cherry and black currant fruit, and notions of pepper and crushed rocks. This is one of the deepest, richest, most full-bodied 2005s in this portfolio." 91-93 Points
Wine Advocate
December 1, 2006

critical acclaim:
"91-93 points "The impressive, powerful 2005 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, plenty of minerality, loads of bright, savory, black cherry and black currant fruit, and notions of pepper and crushed rocks. This is one of the deepest, richest, most full-bodied 2005s in this portfolio. ""
93 Points
The Wine Advocate

Winegirl15: My girlfriend Julie and I drank this wine together. Julie is definitely my wine buddy! She picked this bottle up a year ago when she visited Turley Wine Cellars. I cooked dinner and we sipped the wine together. The wine was deep plum in color and was very smooth. We tasted black current, cherries, and pepper. I suggest this wine for anyone that likes a robust Zinfandel. Thanks Jewelz for sharing this bottle of wine with me! We need to plan a weekend in Paso soon!

Cheers,
xoB

November - $10 bottle of wine

Paso Robles: Southern California

Winery: Peachy Canyon Winery
2025 Nacimiento Lake Drive
Paso Robles, CA 93446
1(800) 315-7908

http://www.peachycanyon.com

2006: Incredible Red

Price: $8.99 Trader Joes
$12.00 Peachy Canyon Winery

Description: Bright fruit mild acid and an elegant finish that makes it a very food friendly wine that is reasonably priced.

Winegirl15: This month I choose Paso Robles to blog about. A friend of mine suggested Peachy Canyon Winery. I was at my local market (Trader Joes) I found Peachy Canyon under the Zinfandel section. Paso Robles is known for Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. I chose a Zinfandel because I like the fact they have blackberry, anise and pepper flavors.

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance."
--Benjamin Franklin

My husband and I drank this bottle before heading to dinner. We were both very surprised how much we liked this bottle for only $9. It was sweet, spicy, and had a great after taste. I recommend this wine for an everyday bottle. You can’t beat the flavor for the price.
Cheers,
xoB

October - $60 bottle of wine.

Temecula: Southern California

Winery: Leonesse Cellars
38311 De Portola Road
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 302-7601

http://www.leonessecellars.com

2006: Signature Selection Merlot

Price: $95, only 212 cases produced.

Description: Complex aromas of blackberry, coffee, tobacco, and vanilla accented by a subtle herbaceous note. Flavors of ripe cherry are complemented by firm, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Wine is made of: 85% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Winegirl15: Why did I choose a Merlot you might ask? This is now a popular question since the movie “Sideways”. The quote from wine snob character Miles tells his friend Jack before a double-date dinner: "If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am not drinking any f -- Merlot." After the movie people wouldn’t order merlot, and if you dare order merlot people will look at you funny!

Now, I’ve done a little research on the subject of grapes (I majored in Psychology so don’t be too critical). And basically Merlot was one of the most popular and over produced grapes and even one of the most used grapes to blend… counterpart being Cabernet. In the early 80s Merlot grapes were rapidly planted until it was so widely available that it brought down the value. Some say that this could happen to the pinot grape. Interesting thought, or is that a myth because pinot grapes are more finicky to grow?

"Wine is more than a part of dinner - for many people, it's a fashion statement. And no varietal is more vulnerable to the vagaries of coolness than Merlot."

Personally, I don’t generally order merlot not because of the movie hype, but I find it to be your typical table red that is sometimes overly fruity in flavor. So, I would say I’m definitely a Cabernet or Pinot girl… However, if the Merlot is a high end wine… I have no problem ordering it! They can be outstanding!

This month I was surprised to see the winery my husband and I belong to sent out our shipment of 3 2006 Signature Select Merlots. Leonesse has 3 different wine club levels. Grant and I belong to the best of the best. And that is what they are. Leonesse is the best winery in the valley… hands down! They were even featured in Westways magazine for November/December issue. I’ve been a member for 4 years, and I will always remain a member there. I got engaged there, bachelorette party, and I go every other month (if not monthly). I suggest this wine for anyone that has a special occasion or a special holiday gift.

I thought the wine was exceptional. I really enjoyed this bottle of wine. I used my Vinturi aerator and sipped slowly. I could taste the blackberry, boysenberries, and a hint of tobacco. The finish definitely lingered and I had a hard to sharing with my husband. Good thing we have 2 more bottles!

Hope you enjoyed my blog! Below is a picture with one of the girls at Leonesse… I was enjoying a tasting of the 2006 Signature Select Merlot there! :)

Cheers,
xoB

October - $30 bottle of wine.

Temecula : Southern California

Winery: South Coast Winery
34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 587-9463
website: http://store.wineresort.com/wild-horse-peak-petite-sirah

2006 Petite Sirah: Wild Horse Peak, Mountain Vineyards/Reservoir Block

Price: $38.00 / Case: $456.00

Description: Lavender earthly flavor, fig aroma with spicy oak, berries, damson plum, and aged in French Oak.

Winegirl15: Let me start out by saying why I chose Temecula this month… Temecula was the area I grew up going to with my parents, and it’s a place I frequent about every other month now. My parents belonged to Wilson Creek Winery when I was a child and would often go with friends, and my first winery that I belonged to was South Coast Winery. I call Temecula “A grown up’s Disneyland”, because it is the happiest place on earth... Or at least the happiest place close to where I live.

“Life’s too short to drink bad wine.”

My husband and I drank this wine while we were meeting with our financial advisor (he meets at our house quarterly). The ironic part was when we were talking about our savings account and what we generally spend our money on… even though my husband and I don’t spend thousands of dollars on wine, our advisor definitely gave us a look when I said that the current bottle we were drinking was about $40 (if he only knew the next bottle for another tasting was $95). Grant and I gave each other a look and giggled.

“What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile.”

Comments on my chosen wine: This was a fantastic wine. I definitely suggest this wine for anyone that likes a fuller body wine. I thought it was a tad spicy which I like in a Sirah and I tasted the plum with every sip. I used my Vinturi aerator to open up the wine because I didn’t decant this wine. If you don't have one, I suggest you also buy one of those as well. You can get them at crate and barrel and at Bevmo. I have those websites on the side of my blog. So, click and buy!

I hope you all enjoy my blog! I have the other I'm finishing later today, and it will be posted tomorrow!

Cheers,
xoB