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Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

Wine Line: Wine thoughts and odd lots

Good news for wine lovers. Cost Plus has started a wine discount club similar to those of Raley's and Save Mart. There is no obligation to join, but they do request your e-mail address so they can send you their weekly specials.

Now here's the bad news, there isn't a Cost Plus in Merced. So would you please put that on the same list that we have going to lobby for a Trader Joe's, a Beverages and More, a Macy's and a ...(fill in whatever you think this university town needs). By the way, who is keeping a copy of this master wish list? Any volunteers?

Banned in Bama

In early August, the Associated Press ran an article that reported the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board had put a stop to selling Cycles Gladiator wine. The article went on to explain that the label, an art nouveau rendition of a nude female with a flying bicycle, violated Alabama rules against displaying "a person posed in an immoral or sensuous manner" according to Board attorney, Bob Martin. Are you kidding me?

Cycles Gladiator wine is produced by the Hahn Family Winery in Monterey County and made "What's on our table" selection twice -- once for the 2005 cabernet sauvignon and a month later for the 2005 merlot and syrah. All three are tremendous values, readily available and well under the $15 limit.

In April of '08, I wrote about cork-dorks, like me, who appreciate the beauty and creativity of wine labels. I mentioned several of my favorite labels, and, of course, the Cycles Gladiator label was at the top of my list. So according to Alabama laws, does this make me a pervert? Needless to say, this ban hasn't hurt the sales of Cycles Gladiator. If you really want to see some cool wine labels, go to www.coolist.com.

Butterfly wineries

Here are a couple more reasons to visit Mariposa. The host in the tasting room will most likely be the owner/winemaker/viticulturist/marketing director/senior cellar rat and public relations chief, so you'll get straight answers to all your questions. Also, you won't have to worry about tasting fees, wine trains, bachelorette parties in limos, traffic jams or pinky-wine snobs. Here's to Mariposa wineries, cheers!

What's on our table

For many years, our house white wine has been the Mondavi Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc. I bought the 1.5-liter size at the local Costco for a terrific price. The 2008 Woodbridge is just as good. In fact, I think it has improved under the new ownership, Constellation Brands. The crisp character of citrus and melon mixes with floral and spicy aromas and finishes with dry hints of lime, making it a perfect match for seafood or fresh salads. Another option to consider is the 2008 Woodbridge Pinot Grigio. With 18 percent chenin blanc added, the wine has tropical fruit notes and a refreshing lemon finish. It is ideal as an aperitif or with lighter foods. Retail price is $8 per bottle, but look for it in the 1.5-liter size. Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can reach me at rgwinton@yahoo.com