Thursday, January 30, 2014

Domaine De Fontsainte
Corbieres 10'

Naked Wine Review 138

Wine: Corbieres Rouge " Reserve La Demoiselle"
Grape Varieties: Carignan 70%, Grenache Noir 20%, Mourvedre 10%
Producer: Bruno Laboucarie
Vintage: 2010
Region: France>Languedoc-Roussillon
Appellation(s): Corbieres, Corbieres Boutenac
Price: 17.00
Date tasted: 1/25/14
Place tasted: I was somewhere. There was a woman with me and she kept singing an ancient song in Chinese that made my teeth itch. She wore a powder blue dress and carried a red rose. The rose symbolized truth in memories; the dress was the soft harmonious connection among all energies; but the song was a warning to pay attention to that which is right in front of you when you stop seeing life through your cell phones eye. I thanked her for her painful song of wisdom and we sipped wine together in silence for a while. 
Served with: Vegetable wafers with Asian duck stuff. Goes well with more challenging flavors and spices. Try with bold cheeses such as bleu, super dark chocolate things, and any variety of grilled red meats and strong herby dishes.
Appearance: So deep and black you can't see the bottom of her mysterious pool. If you crunch her with light you'll find a heavy fuchsia drenched in wet dark purple.
On the snoot: A bouquet of wild flowers and cedar mixed with the slightest hint of black current. 
Taste: The journey begins with a mouthful of earth and pepper haunted by the soul of blossoming hyacinth. A quiet mist of dark fruit adds its blessing to the other elements completing the complexity of her spirit. Finish is very dry with polished soft leather tannins, sandalwood, and drops of sweat from a muscular naked ebony god. Very nice.
Balance: Jagged edges form at the top of her swell before slow thick bulbous legs texture the sides of your glass. Her personality is dry and bold. Acid, tannins, and alcohol combine in a beautiful way with no residual sugars to compromise her sincerity. 
Comments: A unique and interesting wine experience. Challenging, thought provoking, and all around delightful. 

Rating: 4 tipsys

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Cantina Zaccagnini
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 10'


Naked Wine Review 137

Wine: Red Dry
Grape: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Producer: Cantina Zaccagnini
Vintage: 10'
Region: Italy>Abruzzo>Pescara>Bolognano
Price: 13.00
Date tasted: 1/14/14
Place tasted: I was at home talking to my new ghost about the price of organic carrots. He was appalled! says back in his day ALL carrots were organic and only cost a penny or two a bunch. We then shared some quiet time while I prepared food and uncorked the wine. During dination & libation I described to him all the wonderful scents and flavors I was experiencing for his vicarious pleasure. 
I've decided I like having a ghost around the house. He can stay.
Served with: Try it with my special 'linguini & friends'. It is a very food friendly wine and would go well with a nice antipasto spread, herby red sauce dishes, strong cheeses, roasts, grilled meats, lamb, and game. Just stay away from the more subtle flavors of fish or cream sauces and you'll be just fine.
Appearance: Profound ruby hue with an incandescent candy apple red glow and violet refractions.
On the snoot: A strong handsome nose bursting with fruit and tastefully accessorized with sarsaparilla and mineral rich wet grass. 
Taste: She presents to the palate wearing a gown of black cherry with a halo of herby basil and licorice spice. Soft tannins like the nap on fine velvet are present throughout and linger in a slow woody finish even after the fruit has faded. 
Balance: She sports a slender graceful naked body with long fast athletic legs. Soft blossoming tannins suspend in a pool of well proportioned acid and alcohol with no icky residual sugars. A well structured wine, smooth and beautiful.
Comments: Great upon opening right out of the stunningly well dressed bottle. Born in beautiful Italy and most likely available in beautiful your neck of the woods. 
Give it a try, it's good anytime… doesn't matter, wine can't tell time. 
Cin Cin my friends.

Rating: 3.8 solid tasty tipsys

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Hidden Legend Pure Honey Mead


Naked Wine Review 136

Wine: Pure Honey Mead
Vintage: Not stated on label
Region: Montana>Victor
Price: 13.00
Date tasted: 12/31/13
Place tasted: In my happy place, singing with mead. I was a mere child when I was baptized in the fire of Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Today a thousand musical experiences flood my memory and fill me with joy. Take comfort with me now in music and raise a toast to the mother of all creation in all of our skewed perceptions, and in truth…prepare thyself Zion.
Served with: Brie with black currant preserves and brandy topping. It would go well with fowl, curries, and any spicy dry foods for contrast. 
Appearance: A tender golden topaz, deep and clear. 
On the snoot: Distinctive pear with layers of honey and a twinkling of oak.
Taste: Mellow succulent honey levitating through the power of alcohol and cradled in the spirit of an ancient troubadour. Soothing finish of ripe pear lingering in a late summer orchard.
Balance: Not dry but not sticky sweet either. Unlike many of us, she's pretty well balanced and good natured, AND she looks good naked. What more do you want?
Comments: This well crafted Montana mead is available in many states. I would urge you to try it and also seek out and try the various other meads available in your area. Explore, enjoy, have fun.
A toast to the ancestor of all fermented drinks. Gia' Sou!

Rating: 3.7 tipsys