WineTimers in February

The WineTimers met on Friday February 25th for our monthly meeting of the wine minds at Bobbie and Frank's. The winter blahs have settled in and a fun wine and food filled night was definitely called for. All WineTimers were in attendance except for Rick who was in Orlando, soaking up sunshine-- What's up with that!
The first wine presented for the evening was a 2008 Principessa Gavia Gavi. This is the premier dry white wine of Italy, pale straw in color with an intense, fresh and fruity bouquet with hints of pineapple and green apple. Along with the wine notes came the "Legend of Principessa Gavia" whose story was about a beautiful princess who fell in love with a guard in her father's court. She married him and lost favor with the King, however was eventually forgiven for marrying out of her class and given the town they chose to live in, named Gavi. Alas, true love and romance in this wonderful light wine selection.
The next wine presented was a 2009 Folie a Deux Manage a Trois Rose. Manage a Trois examines what happens when you put 3 attractive, single young grapes into 1 exquisite bottle-- probably illegal in most states! This rose` is the epitome of a good rose` No pretense, just a fruit laden roller coaster ride of raspberries, strawberries, lychee nuts and flowers. A virtual carnival in your mouth!
Last and surely not least, we were treated to Francis Ford Coppola's 2008 Claret Black Label Diamond collection. Claret is a term originally coined by the British to describe Cabernet based wines. This Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec blend is alluring and sophisticated; it is memorably lush with a tapestry of smooth tannins, and succulent flavors of wild berries, plum and anise. WineTimers are no strangers to this selection as it has been available at several wine tastings this season. Karen and Jeff, being good sports were able to "get back on the horse" and actually try this excellent wine again, following a rather adverse experience last month-- good job!
Not to be left unsaid, Bobbie and Frank went over the top with appetizers followed by 4 large VIP pizzas to keep the hungry WineTimers satisfied (and soak up a little wine for the drive home). A fabulous evening enjoyed by all. We look forward to our next gathering and whatever wine adventure might be planned!

Wine Tasting at Grizzly's

I just want to mention that our local Grizzly's Grill N' Saloon hosted a fabulous wine tasting on Monday February 21st. Sara and "wine guy" Jeremy Olson of Johnson Brothers Beverages Inc. presented the featured wines for the evening (about 23 of them)! They gave us the chance to sample wines already on the Grizzly's wine list as well as many others for our enjoyment, opinion and comparison. As is true for all wine tastings, what one discerning wine lover enjoys is not what all wine lovers enjoy. This is a very individual sport, but always fun to hear everyone's take on the wines offered. Along with great wines, Grizzly's also served up a wonderful variety of appetizers. Rick promises more events like this one and hopes for a few more wine tasters. This would be a great event to have a group of friends at a table for a very enjoyable evening of wine and friends.

WineTimers One Year Anniversary

WineTimers are still here! It's been awhile since the last post. We took the holidays off and then resumed our wine adventure on January 14th, exactly 1 year after we started this fabulous wine group. All the WineTimers were present for a great night of wine, food and socializing, as we like to do on a monthly basis. We were entertained by Mike and Nancy for the evening's festivities. The first selection of the night was a 2008 Joseph Masbon Vouvray. This was a dry to soft wine that came from the area of Vouvray in the heart of Touraine (Central Loire Valley). Excellent with fish, seafood, or poultry. I believe this was the second time we had a Vouvray served for WineTimers.
Next we had a 2009 A by Acacia Pinor Noir. Acacia has 25 years experience with the Pinot Noir grape that resulted in an elegant wine with strong black cherry flavors and an unexpected hint of violet and spice that conveys the essence of California Pinot Noir.
The last selection for the evening was a 2008 Sterling Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. In this Cabernet, you will find lush blackberry, cherry and black currant flavors wrapped with vanilla and spice from barrel aging. These characteristics come from California's Central Coast, the most diverse appellation in the State. There you will find both cool foggy nights and sunny warm days that lead to fresh, bright and fruit forward wines. This selection pairs well with grilled steak, roasted lamb or pork, and mellow cheeses.
As always a great time was had by all. Thanks to Mike and Nancy for a wonderful evening as WineTimers enter the second year! Looking forward to our February "meeting" at Blair and Anna's.

Wine Quote of the Week

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Wine Quote of the Week

"My grandmother is over 80 and still doesn't need glasses. Drinks right out of the bottle." ~ Henry Youngman

Wine Quote of the Week

"Great wine without great food is experiencing only half the pleasure." ~ Michael Mondavi

Wine Quote of the Week

"Wine is bottled poetry." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson