Just couldn't wait for the weekend to pop some Green Fin Organic 2013 Pinot Noir!

On the Label: With classic red color, ample dark cherry fruit, supple tannin and a smooth finish, our Pinot Noir, made entirely from organically grown grapes, is the perfect companion to enjoy with a meal or with family and friends. 

Here's a link to an article about Green Fin, owned by Bronco Wine Company, who also produces another Trader Joe's favorite, Charles Shaw (aka Two Buck Chuck... 3 Buck Chuck... now 4 Buck Chuck...) http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=71669

Winey Girl says: The label belies a wine that, even though it's not fussy, is far superior to it's more

In a word...YUM!

aptly-arted Pinot Noir counterparts. Green Fin, "made with organic grapes," is truly one of my favorites. Of course, California wins again, this time from Madera. It is smooth. It is cherry forward and oak barreled and wonderful. Simply wonderful. After drinking lesser wines for a while, although I saved some cash, I really missed the smooth oak. I missed the cork. I missed the smell. You get the picture! Though The Hub couldn't find Green Fin in Charlottesville's Trader Joe's, it was plentiful in North Carolina, and thanks to one of my favorite people, I am now the proud owner of a case. $4.99 per bottle is an incredible price for this incredible wine! I plan to savor my Green Fin Pinot Noir for several chilly months to come. Though thought of as a Spring wine, I prefer to think of it as "transitional," that is, too light for Summer or Winter, but just right for Spring or Fall. I guess if you buy your case in the Spring, it may not make it to Fall! Final word...drink it if you've got it.

Certified Organic by CCOF, and certified headache free by Winey Girl!

Red Winey Rating: 5 stars!

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl

Transitional Time, Transitional Wine... Emma Pearl Pinot Noir 2013

On the label:  Uncork. Sip. Exhale. Emma Pearl Pinot Noir cascades over the tongue with rich cherry, strawberry and dark chocolate flavors. The wine is well-structured with a dark red fruit driven finish and plush, round tannins.

A toast or too toasty?
You decide!

The Hub

Winey Girl Says: I sent my husband to Trader Joe's, on an errand to get some more Green Fin Pinot Noir, which I absolutely love. (I haven't written about it yet! That's what the wine run was for!!)  It's getting a little cooler, yet not cold, and I thought Pinot fit the bill nicely. Back to story... the Fin was out of vintage, sadly, and Emma was suggested as a reasonable substitute. $3.99. Great price, and well within my cheap yet classy parameter. However... I just can't recommend this wine as one that I really like. It's pretty  harsh. I smell tobacco, and even though I like Cigar Box Malbec, this is a different tobacco smell. It almost smells a little sour, and I employed The Hub to share in this one, just to make sure I am being fair. Words like serious, bitter, edgy like a teenager... exciting and sassy came to mind. My biggest problem with it was it made me really thirsty. Why was that? I had eaten a lovely meal at a local restaurant that I know didn't contain a bunch of salt. And, I had plenty of water beforehand too. Bottom line, I just don't prefer this wine.

The good thing is even though we bought a case, you can return any unopened bottles, so all is not lost. Also, we had an absolutely fabulous wine tasting in our treehouse again, this time, at night! So, even though the wine wasn't as magical as I imagined, the night was a success! Our first cool day with a nice breeze, and we took total advantage of it. I'm getting excited about Apothic's seasonals which are coming!!

Red Winey rating: 2 stars

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl

Back to School and the Vin Vault

On the Label: Our Red Blend is a  unique combination of varietals that results in dark berry and black currant flavors, with plush tannins and a dark roast coffee finish.  www.vinvaultwines.com

Winey Girl says: I'm back! It's been a few months, but I want you to know I have been testing, just not writing. With the kids going back to school, I, too, am back to blogging, so here goes!

Back to School must be celebrated, but frugally! After all, we've just spent tons of moolah on notebooks, jeans, kicks, and cleats...you name it! Now, it's off to my local mecca of frugality, Walmart, and the wine aisle. I've been exploring box wines this summer - more to come on that. In all my trips down this aisle, I had never seen this one - Vin Vault. I love my red blends, and it's still really nice outside here (aka low humidity), so we decided to have a "Tasting in the Treehouse." Lovely! This wine was really great!  At first sip, we immediately thought "Apothic!" (This house is very excited about the fall Apothic releases!! What a great fall wine!) Anyway, we'll pay much more for that and this is an excellent swap! In fact, serve it in a carafe, and your friends would never know it's such a deal! It's from Modesto, CA, and packed by the International Wine Merchants, if you need that info. Again, I haven't met a California wine that I truly didn't like!

Wine in Tree

Pretty bold compared to some less expensive blends, Vin Vault has the taste of a much older red than 2013. Full bodied, smooth, and love the coffee smells and hints! (My other favorite drink!!) At 13% alcohol by volume, and a full 3 liters (that's 4 750 ml bottles), Vin Vault is an incredible deal. I paid $17.97, which would be $4.49 per bottle - excellent! Better than some at my favorite bargain wine bin, Trader Joe. AND, it comes in a really cool box.

No dogs allowed,
but isn't she a cutie?!

To add to this lovely evening, I served a cheese that said "Buy Me!!" A Somerdale "Vintage Cheddar Cheese" which boasts on the label,
"Enjoy me with Red Wine." And we did! This yummy, British hard cheddar was incredible with the wine. (Note: It was a cheese splurge compared to canned cheese, at $5.98 for the chunk. It was worth it!) I added a box of my favorite crackers, some grapes, and for $25 we had ourselves a scrummy celebration, with leftover wine and cheese, to boot.

We were quite content to stay right there in the treehouse all evening!

Red Winey Rating: 4 Stars!

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl 

Drops of Jupiter, California Red Wine - Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co.

On the Label: Hey all. It's Jimmy Stafford here - from the band Train. Inspired by all the great friends we've met on tour, we created this fruit-forward red blend, full of boysenberry fruit and soft, smooth tannins. Just as the song Drops of Jupiter strikes a chord with so many, this wine is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect on its own and also with barbecued chicken, pizza, or spaghetti bolognese. Enjoy!
www.savemesanfrancisco.com

2013 Drops of Jupiter...aye aye aye aye!

Winey Girl says: Well, is it good with deep-fried chicken?! This name begs the question! I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the bottle - it truly is fruit forward, which means it's still slightly sweet and fruity. It's a 2013, so that's young for a red. Was I disappointed? No way! It's still very good, and it's pretty great that Train has this wine company that supports the families of seriously ill children. That's using your fame and passion for the common good - and passion, Train has! I am sure that as they develop their offerings, their passion will show through more and more in their vintage. It's got the smell I love, and at 13.5% alcohol content, this value-priced bottle is super heady! Kroger had it on sale for $9.79, and that's a mighty nice price for this bottle, worthy of taking as a hostess gift - especially one who loves Train's hip and trendy San Francisco music. I can think of several of my Cal gal pals who would cherish a bottle of this! One last word - I can just taste this with some Stilton - maybe some Trader Joe's Lemon or Apricot... Deelish!

Gonna leave you with some more from Jimmy, himself... https://youtu.be/jRfnQlBWBwU

Red Winey Rating: 3 stars

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl

Grifone Rose Italian Wine Profumato e Fruttato

On the label: Grifone Rose is made through the traditional skin contact method - during the fermentation the grape skins are left in contact with the pressed juice until our winemaker is happy with the color. The wine is then transferred to another tank to finish the fermentation process. This classic method combines the fragrant scents of white wine and the elegant freshness of a young red wine. Our Grifone Rose is crisp and intense with fragrant aromas of raspberries and peaches, flavors of tangerine zest and watermelon with a hint of sweet white flowers and a crystalline minerality to round out the flavor profile, serve chilled.

Winey Girl Says: It has taken me a couple of bottles, not by myself, of course, and several days to
come up with what I think about this wine. Unlike it's pretty color, I have no real clarity on my opinion, other than it's "nice." I loathe that non-descriptive word. Says nothing. So, as I think about what my taste demands, I remind myself it was a deal at $4.99 - special for the Easter weekend at Trader Joe's. That store entrances me. From the moment you walk in to store through the well-selected flowers it screams "BUY EVERYTHING YOUR BASKET WILL HOLD!" 11:45 am, and the wine guy was easily talked into tasting this Rose, which he proclaimed was not quite cold enough yet. He was right - if the bottle were $12, I would have left it there, but it wasn't, and I bought a case for the Easter dinner. Back at home, the room was divided on this wine. Yes, there was enough for everyone, it was free (to them) so everyone had a glass, and it was pleasant enough. In a room full of wine drinkers, this Grifone didn't get rave reviews. In fact, it really didn't get much response at all. I liked it, and had another glass, but then heartburn set in. Though I know Rose lacks the smooth qualities of a true red, I guess this Rose's "crystalline minerality" ruled the day. I love dry wines, but I need a little help with the harshness this one offered. Tums it was. On opening a bottle last night, I wasn't impressed at all. Decision made. Not my favorite, but it was light, and I am sure I will enjoy the other bottles blended with ice and raspberry ginger ale. (Think blended, by the pool.) This is definitely a wine to serve when you want to impress (color) but don't have the cash. It looked beautiful with pink plates and polka dot napkins. Nobody complained as they sipped it with their ham, turkey, and ambrosia. Mission accomplished.

If you've never heard of Trader Joe's, check them out at http://www.traderjoes.com/. It's a fun experience, and if you love the marketing aspect like I do, you'll want one of these in your back yard!
Also, TJ's is a great place to try everyday, affordable wine. Their tasting booths are bare bones but fun and they hire only the most congenial people - refreshing in today's "me" market. This sounds more like a Trader Joe review, but I bought an assortment, so stay tuned!

Rose Winey Rating: 3 stars

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl

Woodbridge - Mondavi's Everyday Elixir

On the label: In 1979, Robert Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery near his childhood home of Lodi, California to craft fine wines for everyday enjoyment. Our Pinot Noir is an elegant wine displaying aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and a hint of cocoa, followed by a smooth, velvety finish. - www.woodbridgewines.com

...forgot to mention Woodbridge Pinot Noir
went really well with Breyer's new
Raspberry Cheesecake Gelato!

Winey Girl says: They put it right on the label - "for everyday enjoyment," so there it is. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2013 Pinot Noir is reasonably priced, in fact, it was on sale for less than $10 for the magnum. It's a beautiful color, like a pinot noir should be, but when uncorked, I could tell right away that it lacked the fullness of Robert's Coastal and Private Selections - but shouldn't it?! I mean, why would we pay extra if Woodbridge was the same as RM Private?! So, when compared to last week's 2013 RM Pinot Noir Private Selection, Woodbridge has a harsher taste - almost metal, and I really couldn't smell or taste much cocoa, but the cherries stood out as prominent.

This evening, we had a glass with roast beef, steak fries, and green beans, and lemme tell ya, it was good eats! I even cooked the beef in the Woodbridge, adding to the tastiness! That's another thing - if you're on a wine budget like me, cooking with Woodbridge is the way to go! It's dependable and easy on the pocketbook.


Winey Rating: 3.5 Stars
"Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit."                                                                                                                                     - Robert Mondavi

Until next wine, Winey Girl

Sunday, Mondavi Sunday...2013 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir

On the Label: Robert Mondavi Private Selection was founded in 1994 by Robert Mondavi to capture the delicious flavors from California's best vineyards. And that's what we're doing 20 years on. We invite you to experience our Pinot Noir. Smell: Strawberry, roses, vanilla; Taste: Cherry, raspberry; Pair: Pot Stickers, lamb burgers. robertmondaviprivateselection.com

Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2013 Pinot Noir

Winey Girl Says: I decided, with that bottle of magnificent Meritage, to proclaim this Mondavi March at Winey Girl!

I am willing to overlook the grammatical errors which smack me in the face with that second sentence (on the label)!! Put that aside, and we have yet another beautiful RM wine. I am not a huge fan of Pinot Noir, but this one is light and dry, which I really appreciate. The cherry does take over a bit too much for this girl at first sip, and I wish I could smell the roses, but the buds are already on the maple trees, so forget smelling anything over the obvious right now!! On second sip, this wine is truly a masterpiece, and the oakiness I love really stands out!

It's going to be great with the roast London Broil and veggies I made earlier, and I have dark chocolate brownies for dessert, in anticipation of a small glass to finish. Wine really does lift the spirits, and on this beautiful, sunny day, RM's Pinot Noir pairs well with abundant sunshine!

"Fine wine can turn a good meal into a feast."
                                                                       -Robert Mondavi

Until next wine, affectionately yours, Winey Girl

Nothing says Spring like Robert Mondavi 2011 Meritage.....?

On the label: "Like Mr. Mondavi, Winemaker Rick Boyer believes that wine enriches life. Our Meritage red blend is a velvety wine revealing notes of dark plum, black cherry, and blackberry with a lingering finish." facebook.com/robertmondaviprivateselection

Winey Girl says: It's been a while since I read Robert Mondavi's autobiography, Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became a Great Business, but Mondavi is an American Classic, and his wine

Meritage served with Lemon-Pepper Chicken and Pasta

heritage is still intact. This 2011 Meritage, from the Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Central Coast label, is, in a word, beautiful. It's all the label says, and you just can't compare a Mondavi wine with any other California wines, in my opinion. There are plenty out there that are good, but I believe all of Mondavi's wines are to be savored. 

It's a cold and rainy night here, despite the announcement that Spring has arrived, and although I wanted a light dish for dinner, this wine jumped off the shelf and into my basket! (Who needs the red meat/red wine rule anyway!) It is indeed velvety, but more than that, it fills your head with aromas of oak, flowers, berries, and is an experience! This is a wine to be shared with your best friend or in an intimate gathering where everyone can say, "Ahhh! Nice!" or whatever it is you say after you have a sip of greatness. I love the label, I love that it's "Coastal." Love. It.

Funny thing, you know I'm not a wine wiz, but I do remember reading that Meritage is a fancy name for an everyday red table wine. It's an American invention. Go figure. I guess Mondavi didn't let that stop them from their high standards. Don't let it stop you from trying this delicious red blend either.

Here's a nice article about Robert: http://www.winespectator.com/wssaccess/show/id/40906

One last note: I love that on each cork, and yea, they are the fake ones, is a quote from RM,
"Making good wine is a skill; making fine wine is an art."
Wine = Art. I can live with that!

Red Winey Rating: 4.5 stars

Until next wine, affectionately yours, Winey Girl.

Saint Patty's Pick - Black Point 2012 Red Blend

On the Label: "Don't be afraid of the dark - that's where you'll find the deepest, most intense flavors. Black Point merges the peppery spice of Zinfandel, the smooth fruit flavors of Merlot, the elegant structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the depth of Syrah to create a red blend that's graceful, bold and delicious." - Black Point Wines, Saint Helena, Napa County, CA

Black Point 2012 with Trader Joe's Truffles

Winey Girls says: Goodness gracious! You had me at "peppery spice"! This past year, I have really fallen for some red blends, and this is one of the best and best priced. Purchased at a price club, I thought if it wasn't good, no big deal. As it turns out, this wine is smooth, just like it says on the label. I couldn't verify whether it is oak barreled, but I can say I couldn't detect any metal aftertaste. So....what does this wine lack? It is a great everyday wine, but is not as full-bodied or as bold as some other reds. Not a wine I'd reach for on a special night, but one I'm glad to have as a back-up for drop-in wineos, in my cellar. It's one that a winey girl can have a second glass of, without worrying about a headache like some of it's bigger red brothers. All in all, the pros outweigh the cons!

Tonight, we tasted this with some delicious cheeses and Cocoa Truffles from Trader Joes! This wine paired well with Mushroom Brie, which was also smooth and creamy like the wine.The truffles were small, so we enjoyed a few of them, guilt-free.



Nothing green, you say? Where's the bangers & mash for St. Pat's? Though I'm not a fan of Irish food, I can assure you that any red meat would taste better with Black Point! No green beer here!

Red Winey Rating: 4

Until next wine, affectionately yours, Winey Girl

Sunny Sunday = Pinot Grigio

Sunday's Choice - Bella Sera - Italian Pinot Grigio, 2013


On the label: This classic Italian varietal from Veneto in Northeast Italy is a crisp, refreshing wine with lovely floral notes. Pair with pasta, herbed chicken, or fish. www.bellaserawines.com

Winey Girl Says: In Italian, Bella Sera literally translates "beautiful evening," and I can't imagine an evening more beautiful than one that include a glass of this! Well...maybe a glass of this on my favorite Floridian island, Sanibel, looking at the sunset...you get the idea. Crisp and light, this is, hands down, my favorite Pinot Grigio. I fell in love with it last summer at a local green awning restaurant, and, to this day, look at it yearningly every time I pass by it on the wine aisle of my local grocery! Not too pricey at $14 per magnum, it is more than this winey girl can afford on a weeknight. In fact, I reserve that price for a special occasion; however, I thought that writing about it qualified for that special event... don't you agree?! Anyway, it's gentler than a chardonnay, as pinots are supposed to be, yet this one has so much character that if blind-tested, I may say it is chardonnay! Since I met this wine last summer, it has the distinct pleasure of taking me right back to my favorite season, by the pool. I like it best cold, in fact, I am not such a snob that I won't add ice to a lesser wine, but this one just needs a good chill in the fridge. If you love chardonnay, yet find that it's a little too much for spring or summer, try this one for a more-than-suitable sub.

Tonight I am pairing Bella Sera with a rotisserie chicken and iceburg lettuce wedge with cucumber and Tzatziki dressing, With Spring just a few days away, I can't wait to drink more pinot grigio and enjoy simple foods again (aka no more hearty soup!).

What's Tzatziki? It's greek for YUMMO!
Check it out here: http://stalkerville.net/recipe/tzatziki-sauce/

White Winey Rating: 5 stars

Until next wine, affectionately yours, Winey Girl