Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wine Time
Hurray! The vino's arrived. I'll pick it up while the little one's playing tennis. Will try & update/correct the dinner review later.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wine Space Review of Four Vines by Ron Anderson
Here's what Ron has to say about his 4 Vines tasting... (www.thewinespace.com)
4 Vines Tasting Room and Winery Visit…….Winery #6 Paso Robles
This was our final stop on our Paso Robles wine region trip that led us to none other than 4 Vines Winery right on Highway 46 in Templeton, Ca. We had experienced high end, family run, and commercial style wineries, so the laid back sort of cool atmosphere was a fun way to conclude our tasting tour…..
When we entered the parking area at 4 vines we noticed an adjacent vegetable garden in raised boxes. Apparently 4 vines will have a farmers market with organic produce grown on the site, in the near future………....Great idea!
When we entered the tasting room, we realized everything was under construction….Our loss, but a “curious” gain to those who are fortunate to visit once it’s completed. We could tell by the atmosphere, the classic rock playing in the background and the fun and wild names on the wines, that this tasting room was full of life! We were greeted by one of the tasting room staff members. Conversation was lively, fun and our pourer was pleasant, informative and began explaining the wines. With wine names like “Naked” Chardonnay, “Maverick” Zinfandel, “Sophisticate“, “Biker“, “Dusi“, “One tree hill block“, “Killer Canyon“, “Peasant GSM“, “Anarchy“, “Heretic“, “Loco“, And “Monarchy…….we knew we were in for a interesting time. Actually we know this winery will be a lot of fun when the construction is done, and a must stop at location to experience when driving through, while in or around Paso Robles wine region.
http://www.fourvines.com/
We were asked what glasses we would like to sample the wines from. They had a collection of wild named glasses to sample wine. These glasses match a lot of the wild names of all the wines,. Somehow KD was convinced by the staff that the Zinbitch glass was going home with her (That took some convincing). Ron picked Heretic and away our tasting began! We sampled Maverick, Sophisticate, One tree hill block, Killer Canyon, Anarchy and Heretic……and by the time we got to Heretic wine our palates were completely gone!!!!!
As our minds were somewhat clouded from the previous testing’s at the various winieries, (even though we did not “Drink” everything we were poured) we needed something bold that would stand out and give our systems a jolt. 4 Vines wines did just that. Their bold reds and their naked chardonnay were just what the crazy ass doctor had ordered! Our palates however were going into overtime and we quickly realized we needed to come back when we could start here first!
As a side note: We did feel like Right Said Fred was serving our wine “Sing with me” (I’m to sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my wine, to sexy oh yea!) all in a days good fun and a great way to have a unique wine experience thrown into your day of tasting. Then again maybe it was the wine talking……..
The only thing missing was a monkey on a grinder wearing a Harley jacket drinking a bottle of ANARCHY singing AC/ DC‘s Black in Black!!!!!!!!!!
The bottles that made it home with us from 4 Vines Winery were……….
4 Vines The Heretic Petite Sirah ‘07 Cost approx. $40.00
4 Vines Sophisticate Zinfandel ‘07 Cost approx. $25.00
4 Vines Syrah ‘07 Cost approx. $40.00
4 Vines Anarchy Rhone Blend ‘07 approx. $40.00
We will describe the wines wine more in depth as we pair them with an entrée in the future.
We rate the Wine (Good)
We rated our experience………… (Great)
Here are our Ratings: / Pass / Fair / Ok / Good / Great / Fantastic
Disclaimer: Just because we like or dislike a wine or winery does not mean that you will have the same experience. Of course it’s always worth a try………tell us what you think………..in other words post a comment!!
Aloha,
RON & KD
Four Vines Winery - Paso Robles, California
Source: www.fourvines.com
4 Vines Tasting Room and Winery Visit…….Winery #6 Paso Robles
This was our final stop on our Paso Robles wine region trip that led us to none other than 4 Vines Winery right on Highway 46 in Templeton, Ca. We had experienced high end, family run, and commercial style wineries, so the laid back sort of cool atmosphere was a fun way to conclude our tasting tour…..
When we entered the parking area at 4 vines we noticed an adjacent vegetable garden in raised boxes. Apparently 4 vines will have a farmers market with organic produce grown on the site, in the near future………....Great idea!
When we entered the tasting room, we realized everything was under construction….Our loss, but a “curious” gain to those who are fortunate to visit once it’s completed. We could tell by the atmosphere, the classic rock playing in the background and the fun and wild names on the wines, that this tasting room was full of life! We were greeted by one of the tasting room staff members. Conversation was lively, fun and our pourer was pleasant, informative and began explaining the wines. With wine names like “Naked” Chardonnay, “Maverick” Zinfandel, “Sophisticate“, “Biker“, “Dusi“, “One tree hill block“, “Killer Canyon“, “Peasant GSM“, “Anarchy“, “Heretic“, “Loco“, And “Monarchy…….we knew we were in for a interesting time. Actually we know this winery will be a lot of fun when the construction is done, and a must stop at location to experience when driving through, while in or around Paso Robles wine region.
http://www.fourvines.com/
We were asked what glasses we would like to sample the wines from. They had a collection of wild named glasses to sample wine. These glasses match a lot of the wild names of all the wines,. Somehow KD was convinced by the staff that the Zinbitch glass was going home with her (That took some convincing). Ron picked Heretic and away our tasting began! We sampled Maverick, Sophisticate, One tree hill block, Killer Canyon, Anarchy and Heretic……and by the time we got to Heretic wine our palates were completely gone!!!!!
As our minds were somewhat clouded from the previous testing’s at the various winieries, (even though we did not “Drink” everything we were poured) we needed something bold that would stand out and give our systems a jolt. 4 Vines wines did just that. Their bold reds and their naked chardonnay were just what the crazy ass doctor had ordered! Our palates however were going into overtime and we quickly realized we needed to come back when we could start here first!
As a side note: We did feel like Right Said Fred was serving our wine “Sing with me” (I’m to sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my wine, to sexy oh yea!) all in a days good fun and a great way to have a unique wine experience thrown into your day of tasting. Then again maybe it was the wine talking……..
The only thing missing was a monkey on a grinder wearing a Harley jacket drinking a bottle of ANARCHY singing AC/ DC‘s Black in Black!!!!!!!!!!
The bottles that made it home with us from 4 Vines Winery were……….
4 Vines The Heretic Petite Sirah ‘07 Cost approx. $40.00
4 Vines Sophisticate Zinfandel ‘07 Cost approx. $25.00
4 Vines Syrah ‘07 Cost approx. $40.00
4 Vines Anarchy Rhone Blend ‘07 approx. $40.00
We will describe the wines wine more in depth as we pair them with an entrée in the future.
We rate the Wine (Good)
We rated our experience………… (Great)
Here are our Ratings: / Pass / Fair / Ok / Good / Great / Fantastic
Disclaimer: Just because we like or dislike a wine or winery does not mean that you will have the same experience. Of course it’s always worth a try………tell us what you think………..in other words post a comment!!
Aloha,
RON & KD
Four Vines Winery - Paso Robles, California
Source: www.fourvines.com
Wine Tasting Dinner & an Order
I attended a wine tasting last night at a local resturant. The owners are good friends. The back room was packed with xenophiles & foodies eagerly awaiting the tasty treats.
*Blogger's note: Alas, I didn't have the foresight to bring a notepad with me. I wrote my notes on the order form. Since I ordered 2.5 cases, my notes went with the order. I've reconstructed all this from memory. I'll try & add to this post when the wine arrives later this week (by Friday, it is hope).
Porter Zana (?) Lambrusco served with Polenta cake topped with a hearty bolonaise sauce. A dry Lambrusco - can you believe it?! Fruit forward and full bodied. A nice apertif to start the evening.
Four Vines Naked Chardonnay served with a creamy Cesar salad. Wow! At last a California Chardonnay that tastes like something other than oak or butter. I have friends who absolutely rave about Toasted Head Chardonnay. While it is a great wine for a small price, I think it has a heavy, melted butter flavor. I want to eat butter, not drink it. (Of course, when I was in high school, one of my friends suggested rubbing butter on herself for sunbathing, but, ewww, that's just gross.)
My friend, Ron Anderson, actually visited the Four Vines Paso Robles vineyard earlier this week. He & his wife came home from that tasting trip to a crashed server. Ron's been scrambling to repost all the blogs. (I'll include his Four Vines blog in a later post.) Here's his blog anyway: www.thewinespace.com
The next course featured Sicilia Nero d'Avola served with a wild mushroom risotto. This is an Italian grape varietal that's becoming more popular. It had a nice bite to it.
Cantele Salice Salentino served with a beef stew, potatoes & steamed broccoli. A heavier wine almost similar to a cab, but without the mouthful of red. One of my fellow foodies thought my husband would like it. "It's a good wine for those who like beer," he said.
Dessert was tiramisu with a tawny port. (Obviously I wasn't impressed with the port. And I love, love, love port.)
All these wines are inexpensive and ready to cork and drink now. It was a delightful evening. I promise to remember my notes for the next wine adventure.
*Blogger's note: Alas, I didn't have the foresight to bring a notepad with me. I wrote my notes on the order form. Since I ordered 2.5 cases, my notes went with the order. I've reconstructed all this from memory. I'll try & add to this post when the wine arrives later this week (by Friday, it is hope).
Porter Zana (?) Lambrusco served with Polenta cake topped with a hearty bolonaise sauce. A dry Lambrusco - can you believe it?! Fruit forward and full bodied. A nice apertif to start the evening.
Four Vines Naked Chardonnay served with a creamy Cesar salad. Wow! At last a California Chardonnay that tastes like something other than oak or butter. I have friends who absolutely rave about Toasted Head Chardonnay. While it is a great wine for a small price, I think it has a heavy, melted butter flavor. I want to eat butter, not drink it. (Of course, when I was in high school, one of my friends suggested rubbing butter on herself for sunbathing, but, ewww, that's just gross.)
My friend, Ron Anderson, actually visited the Four Vines Paso Robles vineyard earlier this week. He & his wife came home from that tasting trip to a crashed server. Ron's been scrambling to repost all the blogs. (I'll include his Four Vines blog in a later post.) Here's his blog anyway: www.thewinespace.com
The next course featured Sicilia Nero d'Avola served with a wild mushroom risotto. This is an Italian grape varietal that's becoming more popular. It had a nice bite to it.
Cantele Salice Salentino served with a beef stew, potatoes & steamed broccoli. A heavier wine almost similar to a cab, but without the mouthful of red. One of my fellow foodies thought my husband would like it. "It's a good wine for those who like beer," he said.
Dessert was tiramisu with a tawny port. (Obviously I wasn't impressed with the port. And I love, love, love port.)
All these wines are inexpensive and ready to cork and drink now. It was a delightful evening. I promise to remember my notes for the next wine adventure.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How Preschoolers Play Hide & Go Seek
Once they agree to play. Ian bossily tells Joe, "You will count first while I hide. But you must count to 83."
Joe is confused. He's never counted that high. Instead, Joe counts to 8.
"Ready or not, I'm coming to get you!" he shouts.
Ian, who has "hidden" himself in the soccer goal's netting, waits until he sees Joe crashing through the flower bed. Ian then runs around the yard at full speed while Joe chases him.
Then, by some miracle, they decide Joe will hide. Ian announces he will count to five.
Ian counts backwards from five while Joe scrambles to hide under the picnic table. When Ian finishes counting, he shouts, "I counted in reverse from five."
Joe shouts back, "well, it's time to find me."
Ian says, "Not now, I just counted in reverse from five." Ian then proceeds to count to five. Joe asks Ian if he's coming to find him yet. Again, Ian insists he again needs to count in reverse.
"Are you ready yet?" Joe impatiently asks.
At last, Ian is ready. He runs to find Joe.
Joe sees him coming and runs to his mother.
A safe place. No more tag. And no more hide and go seek.
Joe is confused. He's never counted that high. Instead, Joe counts to 8.
"Ready or not, I'm coming to get you!" he shouts.
Ian, who has "hidden" himself in the soccer goal's netting, waits until he sees Joe crashing through the flower bed. Ian then runs around the yard at full speed while Joe chases him.
Then, by some miracle, they decide Joe will hide. Ian announces he will count to five.
Ian counts backwards from five while Joe scrambles to hide under the picnic table. When Ian finishes counting, he shouts, "I counted in reverse from five."
Joe shouts back, "well, it's time to find me."
Ian says, "Not now, I just counted in reverse from five." Ian then proceeds to count to five. Joe asks Ian if he's coming to find him yet. Again, Ian insists he again needs to count in reverse.
"Are you ready yet?" Joe impatiently asks.
At last, Ian is ready. He runs to find Joe.
Joe sees him coming and runs to his mother.
A safe place. No more tag. And no more hide and go seek.
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