Monthly Archives: February 2011

Foie Gras, Baked Brie, Carpaccio

Posted on February 26, 2011 by J, just J.

  One aspect of the wine cult where pretense, snootiness, and faux sophistication are sure to rear their ugly heads is the whole subject of food pairings. People are mortified that their guests will think them philistine or the Clampetts … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Sayin' | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Black Swan Shiraz 2010

Posted on February 25, 2011 by J, just J.

  Black Swan, according to the label, is from South Eastern Australia. Many, many popular, affordably priced Australian wines are from this “Super Zone” which covers almost a third of Australia. More upscale Aussie wines may carry a GI, geographical … Continue reading →

Posted in FAVES, Shiraz | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Morassutti Merlot 2009

Posted on February 21, 2011 by J, just J.

  I have had little success learning anything about the brand Morassutti. All I know is they are one of the many, many labels in the stable of brands wholly owned, controlled by, or imported by the giant company The … Continue reading →

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The Labradoodle of Wine…Petite Sirah

Posted on February 19, 2011 by J, just J.

  Lying on the floor near my feet, as I type this, and staring at me adoringly, is my dog, a Labradoodle. He is, without question, the friendliest, most cuddly creature on four feet. And he looks like a Sesame … Continue reading →

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Gato Negro Chardonnay 2010

Posted on February 18, 2011 by J, just J.

  I was just glancing through The Store‘s website, and noticed they are offering the Chateau Margaux 2000 Bordeaux Blend on sale for $1999, down $400 from their normal $2499. I wonder if it comes in a 1.5 liter bottle, … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Latin American | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

What’s In A Name

Posted on February 16, 2011 by J, just J.

  Fat Bastard…. (No, not me, the French wine)…. Plungerhead (so named because of its modern interpretation of the cork-the Zork)…Royal Bitch… Toasted Head…Gnarly Head…Bear Boat…Full Boat…Holy Cow…Moobuzz (by the same people as Plungerhead)…Red Truck (and Pink Truck)…Little Black Dress….Herding Cats….Goats … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Sayin' | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Frontera Merlot 2009

Posted on February 15, 2011 by J, just J.

Frontera is one of the 18 or so labels either wholly owned by, or partnered in some way with, Chilean wine giant Concha Y Toro. They produce cheapskate friendly labels Frontera and Sunrise, high end brand Carmen de Peumo, and … Continue reading →

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Glen Ellen Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay

Posted on February 14, 2011 by J, just J.

  This was on sale at The Store for $3.99 for a 750ml bottle, down 2 bucks from its regular $5.99. That’s about a 30% reduction from an already cheapskate qualifying price, so I had to try it. Glen Ellen … Continue reading →

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the Little Penguin Shiraz 2009

Posted on February 14, 2011 by J, just J.

  I say Syrah, you say Shiraz….From South Eastern Australia, says the label, so by tradition Shiraz is the name, though it’s the same grape other areas of the universe call Syrah or Sirah—except for the Californians who “steal” the … Continue reading →

Posted in FAVES, Shiraz | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Glen Ellen Proprietor’s Reserve 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel

Posted on February 13, 2011 by J, just J.

  I found this 1.5 liter bottle (the only size it comes in) at THE STORE a few weeks after the holidays on sale for $6.99. Their normal price is $11.99, so even at “sticker” it qualifies as a cheapskates … Continue reading →

Posted in Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments