As vacation season 2013 draws to a close and we all try
to grab a last taste of the Summer, we've lined up 4 selections that would make
for a great season send-off via your deck...pick up a couple of each of these
and invite the neighbors...you'll be the wine all-star of the neighborhood!
J Lohr Vineyards and Wines
As one of the pioneering winemakers of California's Central Coast, Jerry
Lohr in 1972 unveiled his first vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation of
Monterey County, an area reknowned for having the state's longest growing
season because of it's cooler heat index, providing the perfect conditions for
the development of world-class Pinot Noir and Riesling.
J Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling
With an inviting honeysuckle aromatic, this clean and bright selection
would make for an excellent apertif as its rich fruit fills the tongue with
flavor. That honeysuckle smoothly
transitions into a touch of lycee fruit, with a tangerine essence and the
pulpiness of blood orange citrus.
Consider this an ideal choice for Thai Chicken, Teriyaki-Grilled
Vegetable Skewers, or the season-ending toast to another great Summer!
J Lohr Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir
Named for the Falcon that inhabits the lone Pine Tree in the vineyard,
this delicious selection is a classic example of the potential Monterey has for
producing versatile and richly-flavored Pinot Noir that can relate to delicate
or full-flavor wine consumer. The
exuberance of the pulpy cherry fruit is enhanced by blending 24% Valdigue, or
Napa
Gamay grape, a very fruit forward variety, while the richness and depth are due
in large part to the Pommard and Dijon clones of Pinot Noir used in the
vineyard, two French varieties of Pinot Noir well-known for their fuller body
and flavor.
This Pinot is rich enough for grilled tender meats, but would pair best
with grilled Alaskan King Salmon.
Carmen Winery of Chile
Founded in 1850, Carmen was Chile's first wine producer, maintaining a
continuous production history of 160 years and sold in 50 countries around the
world. A landmark in its prodigious
history was the 1994 rediscovery of Carmenere in Carmen's Merlot vineyards. That discovery changed the course of Chile's
wine industry, giving it a wine which is distinctly its own.
Carmen Gran Reserva Chardonnay
This is a Chardonnay lover's dream...slightly oaked nose with a nice dose
of inviting vanilla, butterscotch, and figgy spice. The flavor delivers a big texture of dried
fruit flavors and ripe pineapple, with the juicy tropical acidity to balance
the touch of creaminess on the finish.
Pair this with a big Summer grill food like Swordfish Steaks. It will stand up to the best of Napa
Carneros' Chardonnays at twice to three times the price!
Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere
Considered to be a Cabernet-family variety, Carmenere was traditionally
part of the blends of the best Bordeaux wines.
Today, it is almost exclusive to Chile, having been mistaken for a
Merlot clone for a long time...until it was isolated in 1994 at Carmen Winery,
it is believed that this variety is what made Chilean Merlot so unique. This wine is the perfect grill match for the
Aussie or Napa Cab lover...Full body, brambly, wild, diverse fruit flavors,
hints of clove and bell pepper, and a touch of earthiness that lends beautiful
character. While it certainly matches to
big grill meats, it also generates such great aromatics and flavors that it can
be savored on its own...think cool late summer evening, with the first nip of
Fall in the air!
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