2009 Corvidae "Mirth" Chardonnay

A week or so ago I made a delicious sweet corn risotto that was unfortunately completely overpowered by a pork chop or steak or something. So tonight I recreated the risotto and used it as a carrying vessel for BBQ salmon. The salmon was quickly cured with a sugar/salt/spice rub and smoked over cherry wood. At the last minute I glazed it with the super sweet and spicy Meat Mitch BBQ sauce.

The wine was the 2009 Corvidae Mirth Chardonnay, Columbia Valley. A beautiful, 100% tank-raised, non-malolactic Chardonnay, it oozes aromas and flavors of peach, mango and nutmeg. Nice acidity. I recommend drinking this outstanding value Chardonnay at or near room temperature.

2009 Chateau de Segries Cotes-du-Rhone

The 2009 Chateau de Segries Cotes-du-Rhone shows a dark color and a nose of underbrush, black pepper, dark fruits and a hint of wintergreen. Thick and rich on the palate with tart fruit, copious amounts of black pepper and dry cocoa. Moderate tannins and acidity. Outstanding value at about $12.

2007 Terlan Pinot Bianco

For dinner tonight, I tossed some leftover roasted chicken in a saute pan with red onion, garlic, fresh thyme and a jar of "artichoke pesto." After a few minutes, I dumped in some heavy cream and had a devastating artichoke cream sauce. Tossed everything with al dente pasta and let it finish in the pan.


This delicious dish was accompanied by the equally delicious 2007 Terlan Pinot Bianco, Alto Adige. Deep golden color is more reminiscent of a California Chardonnay than any Pinot Bianco I've ever had. Stunning nose of lemon, pineapple, honey and wet stone. You can practically smell the minerality in this wine! Rich and honeyed on the palate with sur lie and dried pineapple flavors yet the acidity and minerality keeps everything lively and fresh. Bone dry and a terrific pairing with dinner.

Two wines from Heredad Ugarte

2007 Ugarte Cosecha, Rioja - Pretty, Pinot-like nose of cherry, vanilla and a smoky/hickory note. tart cherry flavors with tangy acidity and light to moderate tannins. Very drinkable and very reasonably priced around $10. Mostly Tempranillo with a bit of Grenache.

2009 Eguren Reinares Viura, Castilla - Pale, nearly imperceptable color. Pretty, Viognier-like nose of flower, peach and a distinct yeasty nose. A bit thin on the palate, but very flavorful.

2009 Grayson Cellars Chardonnay

The 2009 Grayson Cellars Lot 11 Chardonnay, California represents and excellent value in California Chardonnay. Pale color. Pretty, Viognier-like nose of white flowers, peach and red apple. Medium-bodied in the mouth with ripe red apple, clove and butterscotch flavors. Buttery, toasty characteristics take over on the finish.

2007 Rubus Cabernet Sauvignon

Thoroughly enjoyed the 2007 Rubus Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley tonight with dinner. Nice, if unspectacular color. The nose is a veritable explosion of fruit compote - blueberry, raspberry, cherry with a hint of cinnamon spice. There's a bit of fine French oak in there, too, but its use is subtle; as it should be. The fruit and spice notes follow through on the palate where the wine displays full tannins and very good acidity. Overall, this is a very balanced wine that is imminently drinkable now but will also probably fare well in the cellar for the next 5-10 years. Rumor has it that there is a good bit of Stag's Leap fruit in this wine and the briery/blueberry component makes me think the claims are true.

Dinner tonight was a pork tenderloin that I rubbed with spices and olive oil and grilled over charcoal. I like to pull it when it's still at a rosy medium-rare, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it sit for a good 15-20 minutes. The pork is still plenty warm and really retains a lot of its natural juices. I served the pork with a reduction of red wine, balsamic vinegar, a bit of brown sugar and a spoon of raspberry preserves. Not quite Woodfire Grill good, but tasty nonetheless.

2007 Dunning Cabernet Sauvignon

No surprise that I enjoyed the 2007 Dunning Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles tonight. I've been in their wine club ever since visiting their winery (and staying in their guest house) in April of 2009. The wine is a dark as ever. That is to say, black as night. There's some blackberry in the nose, but the aromatics don't seem to be as fruit-driven as previous bottles. Rather, the nose is dominated by aromas of mineral and graphite with a generous dollop of French oak. Lots of that minerality follows through on the palate where the aforementioned blackberries start to assert themselves. Considerable tannins and acidity. I think I have two or three of these left. Might be worth holding on to one or two for 5-7 years just to see what happens.

Dinner tonight was grilled rib eye over a sweet corn risotto served with grilled asparagus. On its own, the risotto was devastatingly delicious. But I fear the steak and Cabernet may have been a bit too much for it. I'm thinking of trying this again soon with something lighter; perhaps grilled salmon.