Sure, It’s Cold, but We’re Hot

November lingered like the sweet scent of wisteria after an autumn rainstorm, hanging on the breeze, before the last storm blew it all away. We had our hot days, (relative to the season), and even our own hot nights, until the metal-grey blasts of December kicked down our door, showed us the badge, and said, “Parties’ over, pal.” And so we piled up more firewood, or called the oil company, lit up the crockpot to make a gallon of chili, and admitted that winter was here, and what kept you? Long dark days need a special kind of perspective, to keep it real, and keep us smiling. You visit friends, enjoy the Tamworth piggy and lamb they graciously set out, and dust off the wines you have set aside for “the right moment.” Maybe your wines aren’t dusty, but I bet they’re good. Especially if they come from the current crop of new arrivals, such as...

There’s a story, told in many languages and cultures, about this foxy fellow, the shapeshifter, the trickster, who sometimes is known as Reynard, or Rounard, or whatever fits. This agile, furry friend pops up, stealing hearts and minds, in a kind of thievish ballet, and leaves behind, in his/her wake, a bottle of wine in exchange for the fat hen he/she’s plumped off with. A tasty legend, but here’s the down-to-earth skinny. The wine is named Renard 2003 Syrah, and it hails from California, by way of Sonoma. Not your average red-tailed rogue, but smooth, with big teeth that get smaller with a little airtime. We enjoyed it with a scrambled egg/onion/garlic/sausage combo, and it was delightful. This red is no overblown, too-plump-to-stand-up confection. The wine is lean, but not sere, or arid, like some too-dry French Syrahs. Look for it on Friday, the 8th. It’s $16.99, save $2.00, and well worth the one-to-two-hour wait for it to open up and give you a high-five.

Next up, a Pinot Noir from Napa, and it’s a pleasure to be adding it to our shelves. You’re probably familiar with Aquinas Cabernet, a ‘Best Buy’ if there ever was one. Now we have a sumptuous red that makes a pretty big splash for $9.99, save $4.00. The 2005 Aquinas Pinot Noir is slow to open, but once it does, you find a silky, strawberry/raspberry/herbal bouquet that is quite beguiling. Napa doesn’t seem to be the ideal environment for the noble Pinot grape, but those wizards at Aquinas manage to find the rabbit every time. Show me a better California Pinot for $9.99, and I’ll buy it; but until then...Arriving Friday, the 8th.

For the most part part, I’m usually a chardonnay-avoider, unless someone cries out, “I’m special!” or “Don’t be so elitist!” or “ Care for some $200 dollar Montrachet?” Our next entry won’t set you back too far, and is a very well made wine that someone bought too much of and needs to now make it go away. Good for us, because the 2003 Echelon Chardonnay is just what the chardonnay doctor ordered. Light on the oak, bright fruit, with a twist of crisp lemon and a mildly nutty finish. I am buying twenty cases, and when it’s gone. it’s gone. Trouble is, the price is not yet settled! I’m hoping to let it go for $5.99. Hopefully, I won’t have to print a retraction. Look for it on Friday, the 8th.

Lastly, also arriving on Friday, the 8th, is a wonderful blend from Hedges Vineyards, called CSM. (No relation to the TV show.) If you’ve ever been graced with the powerhouse ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet blend, at $24.99, no shrinking violet, then you will see the pedigree, only writ a bit smaller. It’s Cabernet, Merlot, and a smidgen of Syrah. The nose is flowery and quite pretty, with a base of cocoa/mocha. It’s soft, but not flabby, and would grace a plate of fries and a Portabello “burger” quite nicely. If you’re a closet Merlot fan, (Curse you! Paul Giamatti!), then hold your head high. This one’s for you. $11.99, save  $1.

Don’t forget!

The wine tasting at the Flat St. Pub, downstairs, on Friday the 15th, from  5:30-8:00, looms ever closer. Great wine, really great food, and convivial company, not to mention doorprizes, await you for $15 per person. Get your tickets QUICK! at the Co-op wine department, or at the Customer Service Desk if I am not in the building. Cash or checks, only. Tickets are $20 at the door, on the night of the tasting. See you there.

Comments

[Gina Graff]

Jeez, Richard. You said HOT WINES and I thought, "Yeah, hot wine." So here's a link to some very interesting hot wine recipes to warm up the season.

http://www.wineintro.com/mulled/

Ho ho ho

Gina