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Archive for February, 2009

2005, Kamsberg Bushwine, Pinotage, approx. $15

Before I started writing this wine commentary, say circa 2004/2005, I tried pinotage grape wines from South Africa on a whim.  I was impressed with the earthiness of a Zinfandel yet with the flavor hints of a Cab or Merlot without the over the top pepperiness.  Side note, anyone know where I can find a Joseph’s Hat Pinotage I would be fore ever in your debt.  So when this 05 Pintage caught my eye recently, I thought, let’s give it a try.  I was reminded of those days of discovery when a 2001 Joseph’s Hat or 2000/2001 Roodeburg impressed me.  Maybe trips to Napa and Sonoma and more recently experimenting, with Bordeaux’s and Burnello’s has expanded my appreciation for more complex wines, but, I wasn’t as impressed as I once was with the Pinotage.  Don’t let my subdued enjoyment hamper your exploration of the unique taste experience a Pinotage brings.

Sandeman, Founder’s Reserve, Porto and Warre’s Warrior Special Reserve, Porto, approx. $20 and $21 (but I got them both reduced)

I am not sure why I’ve taken a detour from my usual red wine pursuits and sampled some ports.  In all these things, I usually blame the Food Network channel for such culinary distractions.  So, after a quick run to the Mediterranean Imports Store at the West Side Market, to grab some high cocoa chocolate and heavy creme and blue cheeses, I thought I would give these a try.  I was quite impressed.  I poured the port straight into a sherry glass (hopefully this is the appropriate) and started with the bottle at about 58 degrees but didn’t put any effort into maintaining that temperature.  Alternating between the cheeses, chocolate, walnuts and pecans i found both ports extremely enjoyable.  I think my favorite cheese was the heavy creme blue cheese.  Instead of being dry and crumbly, it mostly stuck together with the consistency of cold butter.  I liked both ports equally with the Sandeman being a bit smoother with a more subdued flavor and the Warre’s having a bit more pizazz.  I recommended this change of pace.

2005, Bellechasse, Bordeaux, approx. $12

I saw this 2005 Bordeaux while trolling the isle of the local mega-mart and I thought, hey, it is a 05 Bordeaux I don’t think I’ve tried before, so I should pick this up.  I tried it with a simple steak and fries meal at home and was left, again, in a word … flat.  I have no complaints for the price.  I have no virtues to extol for the price either.  If this is your price range, I would recommend this wine as a safe choice.  If you are looking to impress, other wines below packed more punch than this one for relatively the same price.

2005, Chateau Gonin, Bordeaux, approx. $12

I was in a rush on the way home from work.  I cut out a slight bit early and volunteered to cook dinner.  So, I picked up some center cut pork chops and walked next door to check out the wine section.  Having recently (read below) found that 2005 Bordeaux wines were for the most part, flavorful and not over powering, I headed right for the hanging “France” sign.  Yes, I probably should be over at the Pinots or even Chardonnays.  The selection was poor, but this one caught my eye.  It didn’t look familiar and the approximately $10 price tag seemed worth a shot.  I ultimately made the chops by searing them in the pan and then deglazing the pan with brandy and finally adding some butter milk since it was going to expire soon.  The sauce turned out surprisingly good, but I should have made more.  Also, I could have done the chops a bit less since they were such a thin cut.  The wine paired nicely since it was in a word … simple but definitely not flat (see other poor choices below).  If you are looking for a Bordeaux wine that won’t encroach on your meal and definitely won’t deplete your wallet, this wine fits the bill.