Wine & DVD - Testarossa Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard and "August Rush"

I wanted to make sure I posted this the night we watched the movie and not the night after because I wanted to make sure I remembered everything clearly.

First off, the wine: Testarossa Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard 2006 - this was the only good thing about the wine & DVD (more on the DVD in a minute). From the Santa Lucia Highlands of California, this lovely Pinot was everything I'd expect from Testarossa. Hubby and I joined their wine club and so far they have consistently sent us wonderful wines. This Pinot Noir was no exception. Smoky, dense cherries, lingering finish. You know, everything you'd want in a California Pinot. It definitely made watching the movie easier.

"August Rush" - lord have mercy, where do I begin? Boy (musician in band) meets girl (concert cellist) at a party, they spend one night together, girl (with overbearing father) leaves boy to persue her music career, boy and girl lament over parting, girl is pregnant, girl gets in accident at the last trimester of her pregnancy, overbearing father tells girl baby is dead, baby boy child not actually dead and grows up in orphanage hearing music in everything, child runs away at 11 years old, child goes to Julliard and conducts symphony that he wrote, girl and boy attend concert and reunite, child realizes parents are in audience, everything is okay.

This was schmaltz, pure schmaltz. Plain and simple. And I fell for it hook, line and sinker. There are movies I've cried at, plenty of them. I cried at this one, but there's a big difference. This movie made me feel used. I felt guilty for crying. Nothing was believable. Lots and lots of factual errors, and it's like the producers didn't even care. It's like they were just going for the tearjerker. They banked on the major percentage of the audience doesn't pay attention to detail.

If you can watch a movie and can blank out facts and reason, then by all means watch this DVD. Otherwise, don't waste your time. You'll hate yourself afterwards if you do.

Wine & DVD - Sarah's Vineyard Merlot and "Bedazzled"

Sarah's Vineyard Merlot Des Grandes Hommes 2003 - from the Santa Clara Valley of California. We picked up this absolutely terrific bargain of a wine when we visited some friends last September. Beautiful raspberries and vanilla aromas that follow through on the palate. Rich, smooth and luscious. Regularly $25.00 per bottle, it was on special for a mere $10.00 per bottle! Of course there is no more to be had at the vineyard, but we still have a few more bottles squirreled away :-D

"Bedazzled" - this was not the newer version with Brendan Frasier and Elizabeth Hurley. This was the 1967 version set in England with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook. There were some similarities with the two, but the older version was, expectedly, very dated. Dudley Moore played Stanley Moon, a shy cook at a Wimpy's burger restaurant. He lusted after Margaret Spencer, who pretty much didn't know he existed. Enter Peter Cook as George Spiggot, aka the Devil. Stanley sold his soul to George for even wishes, which George promptly sabotages. If you've seen the new Bedazzled, then you can probably figure out how the older one ended.

All in all, I preferred the newer version. Elizabeth Hurley as the Devil was just brilliant casting. Don't get me wrong. Peter Cook was good, but he just couldn't pull of "despicable" like Liz!

I forgot to mention...we watched this movie on out new Roku Netflix player and it was pretty cool. I have over 100 movies queued up, so there will be no shortage of movies to review :-D

Wine & DVD - Testarossa Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow and "The Shape of Things"

Testarossa Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow Vineyard 2006 - from the Santa Lucia Highlands of California, this wonderful red was made from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in North America. Beautiful brick red in color with dark cherry aromas. Crisp and vibrant palate loaded with dark fruits and a bit of spice. Lovely!

"The Shape of Things" - released in 2003 and starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz. Paul plays Adam, who is a shy and introverted security guard at a museum. Rachel plays Evelyn, an art student who Adam meets at the museum when Evelyn steps over the roped off area in front of a statue that she was about to deface. They begin dating and Adam starts to change, much to the chagrin of his friends.

The acting, in my humble opinion, is only so-so, but the story is excellent. This psychological drama is heart-wrenching, funny, sad and, most of all, unbelievably messed up. Hubby figured out almost from the beginning what Evelyn was up to, but I try not to look that far in advance. I follow the movie and just watch as things unfold. I was blown away at how she...

Nah, you'll just have to watch it for yourselves.

Bennett Family Cabernet Sauvignon The Reserve 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

We took this wine with us to dinner tonight. When we first opened the bottle, the wine seemed a bit thin and flabby. Tom said to let it open up a bit and not to judge it right away. With dinner it was a bit better, having some more body and fruit. We didn't finish the whole bottle, so we corked it back up to finish at home. It didn't hold up. It seemed too astringent and made my face scrunch up when I drank it. Needless to say, I didn't finish it. Definitely not impressed, especially at $25.00 per bottle.

Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This was everything you'd expect from a good Napa Cabernet: rich, luxurious, ripe fruit, not overly oaked, vanilla notes, hints of tobacco. This is one of those wines that make you go "mmmmmm..."

Another one purchased at Wine Warehouse, for the terrific price of $24.99 (what a steal!). I think I'm going back to get some more!

Handley Cellars Gewurztraminer 2005

Tom made Jamaican Curry Goat last night and I was a bit stumped as to what wine to serve with it. I browsed through our wine inventory and found the Handley Gewurtraminer. I'd had this wine before and absolutely loved it, so I knew it would be a good pairing. What an understatement. It was an awesome pairing! The wine smelled like a garden of roses and tasted of lychee and citrus. It had good acidity, bright and vibrant and it stood up very well to the spicy food.

Jamaica-style Curry Goat

1 1/2 pound fresh goat meat
1 cup red wine
1 medium onion, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, crushed and minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2-4 Tbsp Jamaica Curry Powder
1 tsp thyme
12 allspice crushed
fresh-ground black pepper
sea salt
water
potatoes

Cut the goat into 1-2 inch chunks as bones allow. In a large skillet, sear the goat in goose fat over high heat until brown. Lower heat to medium and add 1 Tbsp curry powder, red pepper and onion. Saute until onion is clear but not brown then add garlic and stir for a minute or two. Raise heat and add wine and stir for a minute or two. Add a cup of water, the rest of the curry powder, the allspice, some black pepper and the thyme. Cover and simmer (low to med-low heat) until the goat is tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Check it often and add water if it looks dry. Turn the meat over occasionally, too. Cut up the potatoes and add them (and a little more water) for the last 30 minutes on medium heat.

When you add the potatoes, the sauce should be a bit watery and should cover the potatoes. When done, the sauce should be thick, so if it's still watery, simmer it uncovered until it's the right consistency. Add salt, black pepper and more curry powder (if needed) to taste.

Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Albariño 2007

A blend of 80% Albariño, 15% Loureiro and 15% Treixadura. To me, the most intriguing character of this wine is the aroma: it reminds me of the scent of freshly laundered sheets that have been hanging on a clothesline to dry. Crisp and clean. There's some bright acidity and a fair amount of citrus on the palate, but it's somewhat thin and a bit too light in body for my taste.

Pleasant enough, but I doubt I'd buy it again. I didn't dislike it, I just wasn't bowled over by it. (Bonny Doon Wine Club selection)

Testarossa Chardonnay Rosella's Vineyard 2006

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This wonderful Chardonnay was one of our Wine Club selections that we received Monday. I had been craving a good Chard for awhile so we opened this up with dinner (Breaded Asian Spiced Pork Chops with Brown Basmati-Broccoli Rice) and it paired perfectly!

It had such a powerful burst of tropical fruit flavors, pineapple and banana, with a creamy mouthfeel thanks to the malolactic fermentation. Good acidity, clean finish. In a word...sensational!

O'Brien Cellars Seduction 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

I could have waited to post this on Valentine's Day, but I wanted to post it now so you might have a change to find a bottle.

This is a proprietary red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Notes of tobacco and cedar on the nose, followed by smoky oak and vanilla on the palate. This wine has nice fruit flavors, but it's not jammy. Well-balanced and very approachable. In a word...Sensational!

*Update: As per Bart O'Brien's comment "The 2004 is gone in most markets but the 2005 is just as good. It can be ordered online at www.obrienestate.com. We have a free shipping special on 6 bottles or more; 10% discount on 12 bottles."

Thanks, Bart!

Verite La Joie 2000

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, this blend's name "La Joie" means "Joy" in French and it lives up to its name. It was truly a joy to drink!

Dark garnet in color, it had aromas of tobacco, a little bit of mushroom and vanilla, which followed through on the palate. Also evident on the palate were hints of cherry and a bit of earthiness. Full in body with a nice lengthy finish. Good acidity, well-balanced with ultra-smooth tannins. The nicest thing about this wine? We have one more bottle in our cellar ;-)

Beaucanon Merlot Jacques de Coninck 1999

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This wine is one that we acquired when we closed our store last June. I've been looking forward to opening it since it is a slightly older vintage. I wanted to see if it's held up. It has!

The color is a beautiful deep russet/ruby red. The nose is full of dark fruits (raspberry, plum) and just a little bit of tobacco. The palate is where this wine shines. Full-bodied with oak notes, lots of fruit and a good dose of tannins. It's nicely balanced with a good long finish.

I think we could have even held onto this wine for another year or two. But why wait? It was good now!

Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc 2005

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

Normally I drink red wines, but occasionally I'm in the mood for a nice white. Le Cigare Blanc is a blend of 54% Roussanne and 46% Grenache Blanc. It's golden straw in color and wonderfully aromatic. Flavors of melon, pineapple and even a little bit of banana. Well-balanced with good acidity and a surprisingly long finish. Love it!

Page Wine Cellars Le Petit Page Metlot 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

The movie "Sideways" really put a hamper on Merlot sales after the movie was released. That's really sad, because there are some terrific Merlots out there. And this is definitely one of them!

Dark red-violet in color. Aromas of oak, dark berries, spices and saddle leather, with the vaguest hint of eucalyptus. This is a hefty Merlot, one that could easily be mistaken for a Cabernet Sauvignon, but just a little more delicate. Notes of tobacco and dark berries on the palate, it just seems to coat the tongue. Well-balanced with soft tannins and a lengthy finish.

I've also had two of winemaker Bryan Page's other wines: the Napa Red Blend and The Stash, both of which are incredible. He also makes a Cabernet Franc called The Fury. I'll be getting some of that soon and will review it as soon as I taste it. I know it will be good. In my mind, Bryan Page can do no wrong!

Testarossa Syrah Thompson Vineyard 2005

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

Last September Tom and I went to California to visit some friends for my birthday. They took us to several vineyards, Testarossa being one of them. We ended up joining their wine club. This was one of our recent club wines.

Beautiful ruby red in color, it had lots of vibrant fruit aromas. Full in body with loads of ripe fruit (raspberries, plums). Smooth tannins, well-balanced, good acidity with a nice finish. An excellent club wine!

Elyse Petite Sirah Rutherford 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This monster of a Petite Sirah was inky purple with a red-violet rim, and had legs that would make Ginger Rogers envious. Floral aromas of maybe violets or lilacs with dark fruits and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate was luscious, full-bodied and very dense, definitely not for the faint-of-heart. It had a finish that lasted long after you could even remember what wine you were drinking. In short, it was awesome!

Kendall Jackson Taylor Peak Merlot 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

Tom and I had tried this wine at a wine dinner a year or so ago and had bought a bottle and put it aside for a bit. We took it to dinner last night and were reminded why we purchased it.

It had a beautiful, lush nose of dark fruits and vanilla with a hint of tobacco. Ample-bodied with soft tannins, it was nicely restrained. This Merlot was well-balanced with a good lengthy finish.

Turnbull Old Bull Red 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

What's in this blend? 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 9% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Tempranillo, 2% Petite Sirah, 2% Sangiovese and 2% Petit Verdot. More like what's not in this blend?

I get several different aromas: earth, dark fruits, tobacco, spices, white pepper. The palate is rich and lush and full of healthy tannins. The aromas follow through and leave a substantial finish. If this wine doesn't turn your tongue purple, I don't know what will.

I give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Sarah's Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel Besson Vineyard 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2007

Inky black with red-violet hues. A little "hot" on the nose, probably due to the 16% alcohol. Aromas of licorice, a little tar and dark fruit (plums, cherries). Very vibrant palate. Juicy, with good acidity and fruit. Well-balanced.

I give this wine two thumbs up ;-)

Brassfield Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Sereno Vineyard 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2007

Let me first start off by just saying...WOW! This gorgeous Cabernet from the Clear Lake district really has it going on. Beautiful ruby red in color with aromas of dark fruit with a bit of spice box. The palate just explodes with flavor, big and juicy! I get, among other things, tobacco, vanilla, black cherries and gripping tannins. By gripping, I mean these tannins take hold of your tongue and won't let go. The finish is long and invites you to keep drinking.

We have three more bottles of this wine in our cellar and it could easily develop for another 2 - 3 years, but if it's this good now, I can't see how we'll be able to wait that long ;-)

M. Cosentino The Poet 2002

photo © Linda Blakely 2007

This is the third bottle in about a year that Tom and I have tried. The first bottle was pretty dreadful, to be quite honest. We drank it after we first purchased it. The second bottle was drunk about 6 months later, and it was marginal at best. This time it's better. It has softened with time in the bottle and has developed more flavor.

The Poet is a Napa blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. I get hints of anise on the nose, followed by stewed dark fruits (cherries, plums). At first sip it's a bit on the astringent side, but after a minute or two in the glass it gets much more palatable. It's full and round in the mouth, with flavors of fruit and vanilla. Nice lengthy finish here, too.

This is a wine that truly benefited with bottle aging.