Life's a Cabernet.....

It was late in the evening on New Years Eve.

My parents and friends had gathered at Giorgios to say

good riddance to the miserable nightmare year that was 2013. 

We had just enjoyed an incredible white wine and buffet of scrumptious food.  

Next would be a red wine that I had never tried, never even heard of

and, after one sip, would never forget.

 

It was a 2008 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.

 

Eight months later, I would be fortunate enough to not only taste it again, but to try other vintages, thanks to my happy place holding a special tasting event with Silver Oak Cellars.
 

 

Silver Oak Cellars is "single-minded in the pursuit of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon"

 and for 40 years has produced distinctive Cabernets from its Napa and Alexander Valley wineries.

In those 40 years, there have only been two winemakers which is impressive in its own right. 

 Silver Oak Cellars believes in "extended aging" and using American Oak barrels.

In fact, they have their own barrel facility in Missouri!

 

Before I start to brag any more on these fabulous Silver Oak Cabs,

I need to mention Twomey (pronounced Tew-mee) Cellars. 

 

The Silver Oak Family established Twomey Cellars to "pursue the discovery of varietals in California beyond Cabernet Sauvignon" and uses the same philosophy which guided Silver Oak since 1972 -

"to make exceptional, food-friendly, wines that are deliciously drinkable upon release". 

As a rule of thumb, any wine the Silver Oak Family makes that isn't a Cab is called Twomey. (Twomey wines are also done in French Oak, not American.)

 

2013 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc

Napa/Sonoma Valley
 

 

 

Not being a Sauvignon Blanc fan, but giving every wine a fair chance, I took my first sip of this

Sav Blanc and immediately thought, "Ugh. Yep. Grapefruit. Typical Sav Blanc".

It smelled like grapefruit, it tasted like grapefruit and was very crisp and tart. However, I gave it another chance and realized with food, it may have hope.

Just the right cheese would probably change my mind about this one.

I don't think I'll ever be a "Sav Blanc lover" but it surely didn't get poured out!

 

 

2012 Twomey Pinot Noir

Sonoma

 

 

Realizing this is a California Pinot Noir, I still tried to keep an open mind. It definitely smelled "dirtier" than most California Pinots which was a plus for me. I like dirty, earthy, barnyard smelling wine. But it also had a tad hint of an aroma of vaseline. That's where it lost me.
 

A very light garnet color gave way to a smooth tasting wine with a dominant cherry flavor. That dominant cherry flavor is the reason why I do not like California Pinot Noirs. I was instantly reminded of a warm homemade cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Most of you probably think that is delicious. Unfortunately, I do not.

I like dark cherry flavors; not bing or maraschino. Bleh.

 

 

That being said, this wine was not horrible at all and I could be forced to drink it with chocolate.

But why force myself at almost $60 a bottle when there are plenty of other wines that I like much better and that are not as expensive! Still, I was probably the only person in the room of 40 who was not overwhelmed with happiness at a sip of this Pinot. To each his own!

You like what you like. No reason to explain!
 

I also think while everyone was enamoured with this wine, I was the only one who caught the football analogy given about pinot noir grapes needing "good hang time" to grow properly. All I could think of was a football after it was released from the punter's foot and sailing upward and onward. Must be football season. Go Skins! But I digress....

 

2008 Twomey Merlot

Napa Valley

 

 

 

This Merlot was the dark horse of the night for me.

 (Insert Katy Perry song by the same name here: Are you ready for the perfect storm? 'Cause once you're mine there's no going back!)

 

I have become pretty partial to Washington State Merlots with an exception here or there. I don't feel as strongly about Washington Merlots as I do Oregon Pinots but it tends to be pretty obvious to me that Washington State has won the prize in outstanding Merlots.

 

This Merlot was much darker and prettier in color compared to the previous Pinot which wasn't a surprise. One reason I tend to like Merlot is it's easy to drink and tends to be pretty smooth from the onset.  The Twomey Merlot smelled of dirty feet crushing berries on a wet farm. I love when vivid images instantly pop into my head like that one!! I was excited about the smell and was anticipating the flavor as a result. However, this Merlot was very peppery and had a spicy flavor to it which threw me off. Had I not been told this was a Merlot, I would never have guessed it. Then it all made sense. This Merlot had a tad bit of Cabernet Franc blended in. Yep, there ya go! That's why it wasn't as smooth and it had that spicy peppery taste! Very bizarre. Not bad, just shocked my brain and my taste buds. I immediately thought the intensity would probably lessen with food - North Carolina slow cooked BBQ perhaps!

 



The reason I refer to this wine as the dark horse of the night is because at first impression I wasn't convinced but once the event was over and I tried it again, it started to grow on me. It wasn't until I was encouraged to taste it with the Maytag Blue Cheese provided on our buffet that I not only enjoyed it but my taste buds then instantly fell in love. So much in love that I grabbed the remaining block of cheese to share with my fellow winos and a bottle to take home with me! 
 

A special thank you goes out to my wine buddy, Steve, (below) who suggested the cheese pairing!

 

 

Ok, kids, now comes the good stuff! The moment we've all been waiting for!!

Silver Oak Cabs!!!!

 

 

2009 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley

 

 

 

 It was truly incredible how the aromas with this wine improved dramatically over the previous wines we had tried.  It was very "jammy" which is such a complement coming from me and the Evil Red Genius! If we refer to a wine as "jammy" then it is a superb wine! My taste buds were jumping up and down with joy at the taste of this Cab. While I always say we all have different tastes and likes, it's pretty phenomenal to me to see everyone agree when they try a particular wine. This one was one of those. My dad, who is just learning to appreciate "big reds", took one sip of this Cab and said,k with a big smile on his face, "ooooh!"

"Yes, Daddy! That's right! It's that damn good, isn't it?"

(Proud Daughter)

With scents of sweet baking spices, floral accents, black cherry and similar tastes with licorice overtones, this full-bodied red has a long lingering finish that you just don't want to ever end. The best part is, while there aren't many made, it can be properly stored for 20 years!!

 

 

The events typically have no more than 30/40 people; sometimes only 15 to 25. This evening's event, was packed solid, though. Tells ya what the Silver Oak name does, eh? 

 

On top of the "regulars" at my wine bar, my friends, my family being in attendance, and meeting a few new friends, at this point in the evening is when I realized the one person who would enjoy this and definitely should be here but wasn't, in fact, actually was here... in spirit.

 

As I savored the last sip of this 2009 Cab, I instantly saw him in my mind and an overwhelming and quick aroma of the dip (which he was just about famous for making in his time) came over me. It was then that I smiled, with a slight tear in my eye and said, "Of course you're here with me, Granddad!"

 

 

I can't begin to explain how many times I have said that I wished he was here to meet Arthur and Mike and enjoy the food as well as the wine and friendship this place has brought me over the last five years. On this night, at that exact brief moment, I had proof that he was indeed there with me.

 

Next, we would do a side-by-side comparison of the remaining (and best) two cabs of the evening. Try swirling two glasses of wine at the same time - one with your right hand, one with your left.

Not as easy or elegant as it sounds.

 

 

2008 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

 

 

 

The wine's beautiful dark garnet color bursts with fruit from the first pour. It has a deep floral nose with flavors of dark fruit, herbs and a hint of tobacco combined with a satin texture making this wine incredibly elegant.  
 

 

2009 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

 

 

While the 2009 vintage is still elegant, it is bolder and more subtle than the 2008. It has a more intense nose with flavors of mocha, nutmeg, jam and undertones of licorice. It is not as floral as the 2008 vintage but still has that glorious satin finish.

A sort of subtle elegance, perhaps.

While the 2008 Napa Cab is what introduced me to Silver Oak,
the 2009 Napa Cab will keep me coming back for many years to come!

 

Life truly is a Cabernet, my friends!
Cheers to you, Silver Oak!

 

 

"The road to wine knowledge is littered with empty bottles."

I am proud to be traveling down that road! 



Take a chance - it just might turn out well

I love cooking. I love pairing wine with meals.

I love when the perfect pairing occurs. It can be truly magical.

 

Sometimes I just take a chance and whip up something easy and inexpensive. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. This time it worked and was super yummy (like those technical terms?)!

 

Cooking should be fun!!

I don't always follow or use recipes (which drives my mom crazy).

Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and do what feels right!

 

The first part of feeling right with this meal was opening up a bottle of wine from the

Livermore Valley-San Francisco Bay area.

 

2012 Wente Vineyards

Morning Fog Chardonnay

 

 

 

In February, I tried the 2009 vintage of this exact Chardonnay during the Super Bowl and was extremely satisfied. I like the 2009 vintage better but the 2012 was delicious in its own right.

 

With aromas of butter, toast and apple, flavors followed suit but with a hint of graham cracker and a slight bit of acidity. The 2009 was easier to drink for me because it had more dominant oak flavors and coconut. This was a tad bit too acidic for me, but don't worry, I'm not complaining by any means!

 

 

I saw these chicken meatballs in the grocery store on sale a few weeks ago and grabbed a package and tossed them in my freezer for future use. One night I figured I'd want to just whip up something quick and those would do!

 

 

 

I love that these meatballs are fully cooked and just need to be heated.

I suppose you could put them in the microwave but I decided to slowly warm them up in a skillet.

 

At the same time, I chopped up two fresh red peppers and about two cups of fresh pineapple and sauteed them in olive oil.
 

 

I prepared a cup of Basmati rice and drizzled just a tad of teriyaki sauce over it so it wasn't dry.

Add the hot meatballs and sauteed peppers and pineapple to the rice and there ya go!

A little tangy, a little spicy and a little saucy!!

 

 

 

 I hadn't felt like cooking or drinking wine in almost a week when I got the urge to take this chance. Pretty easy way to jump start my mojo again! The wine paired quite nicely as well.

 

 

When I feel "off" I don't feel like cooking, I don't feel like drinking wine, and I don't feel like listening to most music. The introvert in me comes out full force and I want the entire world to leave me alone.

 

That was this kind of night.

 

It had been a few weeks since I decided to join the world of dating again.

(Was that a mistake? The jury is still out.)

I'm often my own worst enemy when it comes to dealings of the opposite sex especially when the heartstrings are involved. 

For a single moment (or perhaps 10), I started to feel that downward spiral begin and the feelings of misery abounded.

Remember that old country song that had the lyrics "there's a tear in my beer"? Yeah, well....it was wine instead of beer but you get the idea.

 

After I ate and was solemnly sitting on the deck with Prowler by my side and a second glass of wine, this song by

Taylor Swift (yes, I do like some of her stuff) and Ed Sheeran came on...

'Cause all I know is we said "Hello"
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed. 

 

Then the phone rang......

I almost ignored it but something made me answer it.

It was a sign. Just the slight push I needed.

I'm glad I answered the phone.

My smile came back. The loneliness dissipated.

I took another chance that night..... and it just might turn out well.

 

 

 

 

"I heard what you said. I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved.”
-Shana Abe

 

 

Looks can be deceiving!

For 40 plus years, I have been going to my family's "beach house" in a little redneck, backwoods town on the Potomac River which I call my second home.  For quite a few years, I have noticed a sign on 95 South for Hartwood Winery. It happens to be the same exit where I get off to head towards the beach house, except in the opposite direction.  Quite recently, even two of my friends have mentioned going to this winery. So two Fridays ago, on my way down to the river, I decided to finally check it out!

 

 

I wasn't expecting much being in Stafford County and when we pulled up the gravel driveway, I was a little hesitant on what we were about to find. But I had my protector with me so Prowler wouldn't let any craziness ensue!

 

pretty grounds

 

lovely barn in the distance



A gorgeous butterfly posed for me.



It was then that I knew all would be fine. One of my spirit people was with me.
My protector. Thanks Steve!

Gorgeous butterfly bush!




Looked like we were going into someone's house.... I think we did.....

pretty vines

 

To my surprise and delight, this was a lovely quaint farm winery owned by a very sweet couple. In fact, the gentleman is retired from Prince William County Schools and knows one of my mom's best friends (and a dear friend to me as well), Betty, really well!! Small world!

 

 

Beverly led us in our tasting of 11 wines.  To my surprise, I bought a bottle of the 2006 Chardonnay to share later that day - such a nice porch sippin' wine!

She was so gracious and sweet in letting Prowler come in with us and even told me to let go of him so he could "prowl" around. Well, wasn't he full of himself at that point! I was extremely proud of my boy and he made himself at home quite nicely after inspecting every inch to make sure it was safe for his momma and Aunt Maurine.  While we did the tasting, he eventually laid down next to me at the tasting bar!! What a good boy!


I cannot begin to express what a sweet little place this is - from the beautiful gardens, to the soft spoken genuine Beverly, to the funny Jim and the downhome feel the entire time we were there. We were able to take our time, enjoy what we were tasting, hear stories and share stories.

 

What a gem we had found and a true testament to how looks really can be deceiving!

 

 

As we headed back to Route 17 for the next hour of our trip, I had to stop for a photo op.

The Little Red Barn!

 

I had no idea this "little red barn" was anything special. I just love barns.

As I walked up on it I saw a marker that said the following:

 

"This barn, was constructed by John Calvin Stewart on his farm, the former Hartwood Plantation of Robert C. Rodgers, II. The barn was located across Hartwood Road from its present location. It replaced an oder barn that burned.  In 1993, the barn was threatened with destruction. In response to concerns in the community, Dr. H. Stewart Jones invited the community to move the Little Red Barn to her property. It remains there now as a community landmark and as a symbol of Dr. Jones' commitment to historic preservation. Placed by the Stewart Jones Charitable Trust."

 

This may not seem like a big deal to many and I am sure most people pass this barn and don't even give it a second glance. I, however, am so glad that I stopped. Not only was it a really cool structure but who knew it had some history to it! I found out that Dr. Jones passed away at the age of 94 on April 7, 2009 and not only was she dedicated to the education of young people at all levels throughout her life, but mention of saving the "Little Red Barn" was actually in her obituary. In 2001, the Stafford Historical Society named her as one of its Keepers of Knowledge due to her efforts and generosity in saving the "Little Red Barn" from destruction and serving as a commemoration of the agricultural heritage of the region.

 

I love small town stories!!

 

 

I also love barns that have stories!

 

At this point, Prowler thought I had lost my mind, I'm sure, running around with a big grin on my face taking pictures of a barn of all things!  Let's go Momma!!

 

Next stop - Colonial Beach and front porch wine sippin'! Yee Haw!

 

 

I had already planned the wine theme for this particular weekend as Orin Swift wines and we started off with his white blend, Mannequin. Maurine had tried it on the tasting table previously and Dad and I shared a bottle two years ago but I knew he didn't really remember it and that she needed to have an entire glass to actually enjoy its perfection!

 

We've all heard, "Don't judge a book by its cover,"right?

Well, don't judge a wine by its label either!

Well, unless you love creepy labels and it's an Orin Swift wine - then you can judge because the creepier the label the more fantastic the wine!

 

 

 

I must admit that had I not known of Orin, nor tried this wine before, I would have thought it was ridiculous.

Again, looks can be deceiving!

 

 

2012 Mannequin

Orin Swift Cellars

Napa Valley, CA

 

 

 

There is a LOT going on in this white blend:

 

48% Chardonnay, 14% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Grenache Blanc, 12% Viognier, 8% Marsanne,

4% Roussanne, 2% Muscat

Aged in 40% new French oak, 40% neutral ok and 20% stainless steel for 14 months

 

I thought of explaining what we smelled and tasted and while we were pretty much on target (apricot, lemon, floral, peach), Orin's website description says it so eloquently:

 

"Gilded in bright yellow, an alluring perfume of candied lemon, Bosc pear, wild flower, and honeydew melon incentivize the palate. Upon entry, a deliciously rich and creamy texture balances out vivid tropical fruit notes, exotic spices, and fresh pineapple that slowly emerge in a captivating way. The finish has a lively tone of acidity, which serves as an ideal foil to the crème brulee, marshmallow, and hazelnut flavors that envelope the mouth."

 

 

Plus, when the Evil Red Genius exclaims, "I really like it" then you KNOW it's good!

 

 

 

Dad was also happy.......

 

 

 

 

The ironic thing is when something is that good you must savor it. 

I learned the hard way a long time ago.  Dad and Maurine, however, weren't so fortunate.

Their glasses are empty; the tiny wine girl's is not.

 

 

Never fear though! I have more wine.

It's no comparison to Mannequin, but it's good wine nonetheless.

 

 

2006

Chardonnay

Hartwood Winery

 

 

A dry white that spent eight months in French and American oak barrels with nutty scents of meadow and ripe peach, apple and butterscotch flavors.

This wine instantly reminded me of chicken and dumplings!

 

 

It also went well with a Vermont swiss cheese!

 

 

Even Mom, who doesn't drink wine, was happy at this point.

Why?

Cheese, of course!

Doesn't cheese make everyone happy?

 

 

 Wine, cheese, family, friends and what else?

Luke Bryan music!

 

Even the neighbor across the street was singing and dancing with us

while he was washing his golf cart.

 

 

 

 

 

Prowler thinks we're all crazy, but I wouldn't dream of going anywhere this fun without my best boy!

 

 

 

Moral of the post: Looks can be deceiving!

 

From a somewhat shady entrance of a winery, to "just another barn" on the side of the road, to naked limbless mannequins on a wine bottle, to a Chardonnay made from grapes grown in Stafford to a scary-faced German Shepherd.....
Had I followed my first instincts on all of these and many other things
 I would have missed out on a lot of pure simple happiness!

 

 

"The least amount of judging we can do, the better off we are."

-Michael J. Fox

 

 

 

 

A tale of two Pinots

Pinot Noir calls the Burgundy region of France "home".  However, pinot noir grapes are planted in regions all over the world. The U.S has become a major Pinot Noir producer, with some of the best regarded coming from the Willamette Valley in Oregon (yay!) and the Sonoma County Russian River Valley region in California.

 

While I have not tried French Pinots, and as I write this I suppose that is something I defnitely need to do sooner rather than later, I do not have a taste for California Pinots at all!  The Willamette Valley is at the same latitude as the Burgundy region in France and has a similiar climate where these grapes seem to thrive.  Odds are I just may enjoy a Burgundian Pinot.

(Note to self: add French Pinot to list)

 

Regardless, there is no doubt, and I am proud to say, that I am

a self-proclaimed

Oregon Pinot Noir snob!

 

With that being said, I will TRY other Pinots, of course, but I'm not likely to ever purchase one from outside of Oregon without tasting it first. Rest assurred, I definitely won't purchase a California Pinot.

 

An Oregon Pinot Noir was the first red wine that I ever tried and could "fathom"way back then. Granted, I needed chocolate, but it didn't take long for me to enjoy it without my favorite crutch. Actually, back then, eating chocolate with red wine was like riding a bike with training wheels. It just helped guide me until I was a big girl and could do it on my own! It actually took longer than one might think but once it did I was full speed ahead!

 

In the August monthly wine club at my happy place, there was a California (gasp) Pinot Noir. I belong to a different wine club there but Dad and the Evil Red Genius each received one of these.  I first tried it a few weeks ago at the Evil Red Genius' house and then tried it again at the beach house two weekends ago.

 

While Dad and she both think highly of this wine, and while I admit it was drinkable and richer than most from California, it's still

"just a California Pinot" to me.

 

Hailing from Napa (there's something it's got going for it!),

the

2012 Steele Canyon Cellars

Pinot Noir

 

has a grassy, backyard smell coupled with plum, berries and a smoky tobacco-esque finish.

This particular California Pinot did not have the overwhelming cherry taste that most have which is my biggest turn-off.  Paired with dark chocolate sea salt almond bark, a dark berry flavor was released with a tad bit of spice on the finish. This is a wine that I would have a glass of if there was already an open bottle and chocolate was nearby.

 

 

 

One Pinot down; one to go......

 

 

"Consistently well-made wines that represent the essence of Oregon"

That is what A to Z Wineworks says on their website. I'd have to agree with this statement.

 

 

 This Pinot has aromas of earth, hay, grass, berries and clove. The smell made me smile and the following exclamation was made, "We like dirty wine!"  I immediately said I wanted to make this smell a "plug-in" fragrance in my home. Flavors of dark cherry (which I love; it's the other cherry I can't stand. You know the one that tastes like Chloroseptic throat losenges. Yeah, that one)

 plum, blueberry, cocoa and green tea give way to a slightly tangy finish. 

 

What came to mind next?

This taste is what happens when a dark cherry and plum roll around in dirt together.

Yum!

I do not recall the vintage of the first A to Z Pinot that I tried but I fell in love with it and A to Z still makes one of my favorite Oregon Pinots. I did not know until researching that the 2012 vintage is one that could stand a few years of cellaring. However, after drinking it, it makes perfect sense now. I wasn't by any means disappointed but it didn't "take me back" to that first time I tried it. However, that was about seven years ago and odds are the vintage was 1-2 years prior to that even.

 It also could very well be that I prefer "bigger" red wines now; and will hardly ever choose a Pinot over a Merlot, Cab or red blend.

 

Still, neither of these were wasted.......

 

 

 

Two simple wines. Two simple labels. Two of my favorite wine regions.

 

 

 

Joel Fleischman of Vanity Fair described pinot noir as

"the most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic."