2003 Central Coast Petit Sirah
Concannon Vineyard, a California Historical Landmark, takes great pride in being one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the United States. Founded in 1883 on rocky soil of the Livermore Valley by Irish immigrant James Concannon, the winery continued operations during prohibition by producing sacramental wine. Concannon’s 2003 Central Coast Petit Sirah offering features a heavy, elegant-style bottle common for wines at three times the price. Pouring a deep, dark ruby red, the bold tannins in this wine will stain both your glass and your teeth’maybe not the best choice for a first date. The bouquet exudes dark fruit, smokiness and a faint alcohol smell. Full-bodied, this Petit Sirah bursts with dark cherry and black currant flavors blending nicely with a touch of white pepper and oak that culminates in a lingering, smoky finish. Pair this one with steaks fresh off the grill but beware, the well-hidden 13.6% ABV could put a damper on your croquet skills. At a price of $9.99 at CNG Wine & Spirits this wine is a summer steal.
Tall Horse Chardonnay 2004
The Western Cape growing region of South Africa simulates the climate of the Mediterranean almost perfectly. Its no wonder then that French and Dutch colonialists during the 17th Century (despite their ill intentions) transported European wine know-how to South Africa for the benefit of future oenophiles. Tall Horse Chardonnay 2004 sells for $6.99 (at CNG Wine & Spirits), but don’t let the low-end price tag fool you, this wine stands as tall as its unusual namesake, the giraffe.
Exhibiting aromas of tropical fruit, peach and green apple this refreshing wine begs to be taken along for your next picnic. Like other South African wines Tall Horse assaults the palate with a fruit forward style bursting with pear, apple, pineapple and lemon flavors. Light-bodied and crisp without the buttery oak flavors and bitter dryness that turns some would-be drinkers away from Chardonnay, this 13.5% ABV wine is an easily-enjoyed treat aperitif or alongside fresh salads and creamy pastas.
This pony brings in a good value.
2004 Relax Riesling
With its simple, cooling blue bottle and inspiring label, Germany’s Scmitt-S’hne winery invites you to enjoy a cooling summer glass of their 2004 Relax Riesling (9.5% ABV). The Riesling grape produces a variety of wines that range from bone-dry to syrupy-sweet and Relax falls between the two extremes’a tasty white that even your friends who don’t drink wine will enjoy. Appealing to the nose with fragrances of grapefruit and green apple, the pale-yellow liquid bursts with freshness and promises a light white wine to beat the summer heat. Typical for grapes harvested from steep-sloped Mosel-Saar-Ruwer valley, this fruity Riesling tastes of unripe pineapple, pear and a faint peachiness all coming together in elegant harmony. Well balanced with a refreshingly crisp acidity, Relax pairs well with highly spiced Oriental food and complements take-out from The Clay Pit (I also hear you can serve it alongside sauerkraut). Retailing for $9.99 at CNG Wine & Spirits, Relax Riesling’s flavor, value and accessibility make it a great wine to cool down with this summer.
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