La Posta Malbec 08'

Naked Wine Review 67
Wine: Malbec
Producer: La Posta
Vintage: 08'
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: A most thoughtful gift; around $20
Date tasted: 12/25/10
Place tasted: (Flashback) I woke up in 'Spirit of Christmas Town' surrounded with the love of family and friends both near and far. In person, I was blessed with the exceptional company of Mike, Susan, Mom, and the Kat Woman, with whom I shared a perfect day, wonderful meal, and a lovely bottle of Malbec (thank you Mike & Susan).
Serve with: It was great with Christmas ham, but would also be really wonderful with this Argentine Lentil Stew recipe I found.
Appearance: A weighty ruby blood-like appearance, with deep inner rusty refractional nuances.
On the snoot: Blueberries & violets combine in an exotic offering to honor the satisfied snoot.
Taste: Explosive blueberry upon impact, accompanied by a gentle mix of orange and cocoa. She then blends with an etherial pepper spiciness, lingering hard in mid palate. On the finish expect to be challenged with dense, chewy, tannins.
Balance: Very dry and twiggiesque. Let breathe an hour or two before imbibing.
Comments: If you want to do something nice for someone, or as a special treat to yourself, slowly savour a bottle of La Posta Malbec and ponder for a moment. Think about all the wonderful experiences you've collected; with every sip, something to be grateful for. It's a Malbec Meditation.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rihaku "Wondering Poet"Sake

Naked Wine Review 66
Wine: Junmai Ginjo Sake
Producer: Rihaku Shuzo
Vintage: 03/09
Region: Japan
Price: 14.00
Date tasted: 02/01/11
Place tasted: I was still nursing a broken tail from last weeks tragic accident of unknown origin, and looking forward to at least being able to enjoy a nice home cooked Chinese meal. Lucky for me, this meal was accompanied by the gentle warmth and kindness of Rihaku Sake in a cute little porcelain cup. For the record, this sake is recommended to be served slightly chilled. I tried it that way as well, and it was indeed probably the best way to go. Anyway, as I sat there on my memory foam pillow and bag of frozen popcorn, full meal before me, I closed my eyes and was transported to a beautiful Asian world surrounded by the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine, the rare melonana fruit, and a peaceful healing herbal glow. As I began to imbibe, it felt as though I were sipping sacred dew from an exotic magical flower. 
Serve with: Appetizer: Chicken Siomai. Main Dish: Bourbon Chicken, and sticky white rice. These are very easy to prepare and an excellent pairing with the Sake. Food that is too strong in any facet – spicy, rich, hot – will overpower sake. It's very nice to have with Peking Duck on Valentines Day. Those were the only good V. Days I ever remember having, and they were great! Thanks JH.
Appearance: Clear and bright, like white light sparkling, with just a kiss of early golden sunshine. She has the body and spirit of a woodland faerie as she dances on moonbeams in an enchanted forest.
On the snoot: A tropical breeze. Subtle, comforting, and calming to the poor little anxious snoot. 'There, there, little fella, all better now.'
Taste: A tropical blanket of banana and soft melon combine to warm the palate. There is also a distinct yet oh so gentle, naked clean brightness, that seems to have a direct effect on ones awareness of the aquamarine light that shines around the throat area. It's nice, I like it. I think you will as well. It leaves a soft warming sensation as it fades... into another sip. Smile and enjoy.
Balance: The incredibly delicate balance among acid, alcohol and sweet is remarkable. A most inspired trio, in perfect harmony.
Comments: There are 5 basic types of sake, see eSake.com.
I don't know why I don't drink sake more often. It is a unique and delicate flower that deserves much more attention than given in the west. Try it, and then try it again. You can't not love it, you just cant!


Rating: 4 stars