Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 10'

Naked Wine Review 114

Wine: Firehouse Red

Grapes used: 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Sangiovese, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere

Producer: Tamarack Cellars

Vintage: 10'

Region: Washington State>Columbia Valley

Price: 16.00

Date tasted: 12/12/12

Place tasted: It was raining which always makes me smile. I had finished all my chores for the day including letting the bald guy out of the attic. Time to relax; a bottle of wine breathing on the counter and me lost in the sound and scent of a vivid ocean memory...

It was a year ago today that Kaya Katwoman caught her first bird. I'll never forget the look on her proud little face. You see, she had been dreaming of this day for over five years now! A worthy occasion indeed. So with a little nip and a little wine we celebrated the mighty hunter within the elegant feline form...

as well as the sound and scent of the eternally nurturing ocean mother we both long to be near. 

Until we meet again, Cin Cin.

Served with: Toasted sesame oil marinated chicken on jasmine rice with side of asparagus. A food friendly wine that can handle a fair amount of herb and spice. Grilled meats, red sauce pasta dishes, quality dark chocolate....you get the idea.

Appearance: A dense opaque ruby brew with singed purple edges. 

On the snoot: Is the scent of delicate spice nymphs stirring a pungent and concentrated cherry blossom potion with one of those magic vanilla beans you can only get in Mexico.

Taste:  She lovingly embraces the palate with hugs of dense rich cherry and blackberry laced with vanilla, tar and espresso. Close your eyes and linger here while her enchantingly soft nature and silky smooth well integrated tannins flow over wet wood and lead you through a long, gently penetrating finish. 

Balance: Her body is slight with skinny naked legs but don't let that fool you, she sings with all the big strong, well rounded notes of a star Mezzo Soprano; beautifully balanced, charming, and witty. 

Comments: Observe the oxygen molecules that work like little ants on a peony as she opens into a soft full round bloom.

Always remember to breathe and let breathe.

Rating: 3.8 tipsys

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon 09'

Naked Wine Review 113

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon 

Producer: Girard Winery

Vintage: 09'

Region: California>Napa County>Sonoma

Price: 23.00

Date tasted: 1/10/13

Place tasted: The sky was rich and dark with snow, and somewhere in the distance a hoot owl echoed in deep colors of luminous melancholy. In my survival kit was a bottle of wine, a thermos of hot chili, Bob, and for some reason a New Years Eve noise maker. The budding crescent moonlight reflected my mood beyond the light of sun as I snowshoed my way to a warm fireplace and the comfort of a dear friend. 

Served with: We had it with my own hot chili mole, which is of course the best chili ever! It is very food friendly, just stay away from fish, cream sauces and more subtle flavors and you'll be fine.

Appearance: A black garnet facade that cannot quite hide her deep glowing amethyst soul.

On the snoot: Fragrant notes of sweet cherry, wet mineral, and a little basil rise to bless the happy snoot.

Taste: Rich jammy fig, black current, and pomegranate rest comfortably on a posh blanket of vanilla and coffee bean with well integrated tannins throughout. Finish is dry and bright with fruit yet heavy with leather and earth which slowly crescendos into an orgasmic release of pure palate satisfaction. Whew, is anyone else warm?

Balance: Beautifully balanced with all the proportions I find most attractive in a fine red wine; warm, yet no sticky residual sugars, high in alcohol and acid, and plenty of chewy tannins. 

Comments: Let her breathe and notice how she opens up like an exotic flower. She's a smooth, dry, complex, and most tasty cabernet. 

I cannot wait to try more Girard varieties.

Rating: 4 delightful tipsys

Wine for this review compliments of:

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits