Monday, July 7, 2008

Miramont Eclipse Lot 51

Miramont Eclipse Lot 51

This deep ruby purple wine, which the management of Coffee Creek Wine Shop had a hand in developing, is a remarkably complex blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel and Syrah. The nose is full of blackberry notes, with hints of a wood fire smoke. That blackberry bouquet shifts to a raspberry and cassis flavor, with a hint of blackberry still lingering in the background along with a touch of toasted oak from the barrels. As the fruit flavors fade, balanced finish of supple tannins and light acidity lingers on the palate well after you've finished that sip, enticing you to take another.

Food Pairings: grilled meat and BBQ

Twin Vines Vinho Verde


Twin Vines Vinho Verde

Twisting the cap off, sitting by the pool, you'll first notice that, like most vinho verdes, Twin Vines is lightly effervescent. As you poor the pale golden liquid into your glass, you might notice a soft aroma of citrus fruits like grape fruit and pineapple. When the first sip hits your tongue, the grapefruit takes over, dancing brightly across your palate. Finally, the grapefruit flavor moves aside as the ripe green apple finish lingers for a few moments, then slowly fades away.

Food Pairings: Salad; light seafood, citrus sauces, light pasta dishes

2006 McManis Petite Sirah


2006 McManis Petite Sirah

As the deep, deep purple of this wine hits your glass, powerful black cherry scents meet your nose, intertwined with the smell of a wood fire. That black cherry aroma continues on to the flavor, adding to the jammy, dark berry tastes. When the fruit finally steps out of the spotlight, the lightly toasted oak finish takes center stage. It lingers for a while, with soft tannins that make it seem like the taste will never end.


Suggested Pairings: Non-Citrus Sauced Duck, "Un"-Spiced beef, Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce, Heavy Garlic Red Sauce

2006 Cline Viognier


2006 Cline Viognier

The first thing to notice when this Viognier hits your glass is the wonderful pale straw color. Also, breathe in the tropical flower scent that hides a slight hint of sweet orange. As it first hits your tongue, you find a strong ripe pear flavor, but you will find much more happening in this wine. Honeydew melon tickles your palate, as well as a fleeting touch of apricot. Then, as the initial flavors start to fade, the sweet orange scent that rounded out the nose comes back to finish off the taste, leaving a pleasant acidity that lingers for a short time, then makes way for your next drink.



Suggested Pairings: Light Fish, Chicken, Citrus Sauces and Asian Chicken Salad