Two Wines, One Producer

2010 Layers

As a red wine drinker, it takes a good white to make me take notice and the 2010 Layers has done just that. With the hot weather we've had, the Peter Lehmann Layers is a great way to wash away the day. With it's beautiful blend of Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürtztraminer and Muscat, it hits many notes.

The cool, refreshing wine starts off very subtle with a slightly acidic beginning, but then rolls around and awakens nearby taste buds. You start to pick up the crisp apple and peach, then finish off with a hint of mellow fruit blossoms and spice. The wines roundness really lets it flow over your tongue and pick up all its subtle flavors. Your mouth will beg for you to take another refreshing sip.  

I like this wine and would drink it with just about anything. For this time of year, pairing it with a nice crisp salad, garden-fresh tomatoes & cucumbers or sushi would do it justice. If you're in the mofor something a little more substantial, go for a nice piece of grilled fish with lemon or maybe chicken satay.

2008 Shiraz

Peter Lehmann wines are considered to be some of the better wines coming out of Australia and his 2008 Shiraz doesn't stray from that. The slightly tart start can be a little deceiving; but when given a moment to open up, the dark cherry and blackberry fruit notes come through. As the wine swishes and swirls, it really starts to mellow out. The finish is light, with a subtle barrel flavor that rounds it out nicely.

I find this wine to be such a gem because it is nice and light, not sweet and not to dark. This is a great wine to eat with. It's mellow enough for a juicy burger but stand up enough to pair with a nice tuna steak. This shiraz would be a great on a Sunday evening with a nice meatloaf supper or a rich, braised chicken dish. It's decent legs really carry this medium bodied wine through dinner.

Heidsieck & Co Monopole

I love champagne and I wouldn't push this one out of bed! Heidsieck is one of the oldest champagne houses in France and there is a reason why...they make good bubbly. The Monopole Blue Top is a great representation of the great champagne they produce, using 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier grapes.

The Monopole has a lovely, delicate nose that is slightly smokey. The small bubbles dance across your tongue bringing with them subtle floral notes and a tart apple flavor. Every drink is well balanced, drawing you back for another sip.

At the price point, this isn't one of my every day drinkers, but if you've got a couple friends who can enjoy a nice glass of champagne, this is a good one to steer towards. You don't need a special occasion for bubbly, a simple Tuesday will do. Not just because Tuesday is sushi night (and this champagne does pair well with sushi), but because you've made it through the first part of your week, or maybe it's your "Friday" or maybe just because you wanna! What ever reason you have, take some time out and spoil yourself a little with this great bottle. Maybe with some fresh oysters, cold sushi or cheese and fruit.



James & Bell Zinfandel

I'll be honest, I didn't expect much when I was looking at the label and saw that this wine was from Morgan Hill. The climate isn't exactly made for great Zinfandel. Well, my distrust continued as I began to pour the first glass and it looked like a cheap, pale pinot noir. 

As I suspected, this wine was CRAP! This zin was a 2006, so you would hope for a little something going on, but I don't think time would ever do this juice any good. To start off, it was tart and that's being nice. There was no body, no character and no real flavor. It was just a sour grape juice. I hate to be so right. 

**Let me also state that this was not something I picked up off the shelf in a wine shop, or even Wal-Mart. I bought a groupon for a website (wineinsiders.com) that was a great deal. When I was looking at the limited options they had to offer, I couldn't find any info on any of the wines they carried. So I was purchasing blind. I had already bought the groupon and wanted to get my moneys worth, plus there is also the chance you'll come across some hidden gem... this was not that gem.  

Bell Chambers Chardonnay

So this 2009 California Chardonnay is simple. It's approachable and enjoyable by anyone. It's light and middle of the road, but not in a bad way...
There are subtle oaky notes that are nice, but not over-powering. There are fruit notes of pear anf honey dew melon at first sip, but the wine finishes slightly short.
It makes for a great sip on a hot night (which seems to be almost every night here, lately)
I wouldn't pay over $8/btl in the store and would probably be disappointed if ordered out (somewhere decent), but great as an at home sipper. Don't be ashamed to serve this to your friends; just don't over pay!