Michael Pozzan 2009 Chardonnay

Pozzan's 2009 Chardonnay is 100% Russian River Chardonnay. I find this wine to be a very no nonsense white that is will most likely only be enjoyed by true chardonnay lovers. This wine is not for those of you who "kinda like white wine and think some chardonnays are okay..." It has been aged in french oak for 6 months and you can taste it, but not in  a bad way.

The coloring is a lovely golden, straw color; which to me warns me that it may be heavy. This wine walks the line... It has a great round mouth feel, but is a little short on the finish. It's not tanic or acidic, so there is a nice smoothness to it. At first breath, the nose gives away it's lushness. There are notes of apples and a hint of vanilla. Upon tasting, my mind goes to apples on the stove top being wilted down in brown butter. A hint of butterscotch, almost. but there is no upfront sweetness. As it cascades around my taste buds, there is a hint of mango and honeydew. The slight fruitiness plays well with the richness of this wine.

I have been enjoying this lovely pour solo and would be great any time of the day. The wine maker thinks it would make a nice aperitif, and I tend to agree. If I were to pair it though, it would be fabulous with a nice seared piece of foie gras with a mango anise chutney over brioche. Or perhaps, go the simple route with an aged cheddar grilled cheese sandwich; crust removed, please.

Any which way you take it, this well-rounded chardonnay should not be missed. Not sure were to get it in Pensacola, but for you west coasters, I picked it up at BevMo! for around $14.

Watermelon Gimlet

Okay, now obviously this isn't a wine, but oh boy is it delicious! Boys & Girls you are going to want to hang up that tired, old Cosmopolitan and give this drink a shot. Nothing says summer like an ice cold watermelon and nothing is more quenching and refreshing than a good squeeze of lime, so this drink is perfect for those hot, sultry summer nights.

There are a couple versions for this drink, just depends how fancy you want to be...we'll start with the simple method:
In a rocks glass filled with ice pour 1 1/2 oz watermelon vodka (I like Three Olives), about 1/4 oz of lime juice and top with soda water. Give it a stir and garnish with a lime wedge. Easy Peasy

For a little fancier...
in a shaker can, muddle 4 lime wedges. Add 2oz watermelon vodka and top with ice. Give it a shake and either strain into a martini glass or pour over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime.

For your socialite garden party...
Buy a watermelon and cut in half. Use a very small melon-baller and ball out about 25-30 small watermelon balls. Put in a dish in a single layer and freeze. In a large pitcher, muddle a bunch of limes, maybe 3 limes, cut up and add your watermelon vodka; hold in the fridge until party-goers arrive. Strain just before service. When it's time to serve, set out your martini glasses and put 4 or 5 frozen watermelon balls in each glass. Pour your gimlet into each glass and garnish with a lime, in this case, a twist might look better.

ENJOY!

Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon

This California cab is probably my favorite wine right now. The grapes are sourced from the North Coast where the cooler temperatures are perfect for a balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. I love it's easy drink ability, that it goes so great with grilled items (perfect for summer), and that it's reasonably priced. Don't let this simple, classy bottle frighten you, it won't break the bank.

The nose on this wine is deep and earthy with hints of oak and plum. I found it to be a little "hot", but it mellowed out as I drank; the second half of the glass has a much smoother nose. This cab has great color and legs. The mouth feel is rich and full bodied.

Just like the nose, this wine really opens up with time. The wine drips of dark fruit and chocolate with a bit of smoke. The flavors come through best on the back of the tongue, so the finish isn't as long, but it does leave you wanting more.  

Food pairing with this wine is pretty easy, because it goes with a lot of things. I would advise to stay away from anything too salty, but that's the only thing I would stay away from. As I mentioned, grilled items are a great option. I think barbecue chicken, grilled veggies and slow-cooked ribs will complement the slight smokiness of the wine. Italian food, especially pizza, would be a great option because it can compete with the spice and would compliment the cheesiness.

This great red is a smart option when dining out, since people will be eating different items and it marries well with an array of things. My only complaint on this wine is that it's only found in restaurants, not in the stores. Lucky for me, The Pensacola Fish House & Atlas keep it in stock and I can get my hands on it.