Les Jamelles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Les Jamelles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

It’s been some time since we have discussed the French.  Pondering the wine shelves today I was drawn to something a little more traditional, a Cabernet Sauvignon.  As usual, I picked the wine according to price and presentation (label, bottle, etc).  This one has it in spades, beautifully classic presentation and, at around $8 a bottle, the price is perfect.

 

 

It’s not hard to drink either.  The wine has enough character and complexity to make it pleasing to drink alone, however, there is not so much to it that it fights the food you want to pair it with.  By this, I mean that you smell the blackcurrent, raspberry and a hint of cedar, but once you roll it around in your mouth, you find it’s easy going, rather like me!  It’s not heavy on the tannin, and just dry enough to pair nicely with red meat, and soft enough to pair with pork.

I prepared some filet mignon from Harmons, served with a red wine reduction, steamed asparagus and sour cream & cheddar mashed potatoes.  Tony was quite silent as he ate, and sipped his wine, interspersed with the occasional “hmm”, and “that’s what a steak is supposed to be”.  I’m hoping the wine will go nicely with the raspberry tart I bought for dessert…yum!

I recommend stocking up for the winter with this one.  It will keep nicely, and it will be fabulous to keep on hand for when you need a dependable red. 

Cheers!

The Hermit Crab

Great name, great wine!  This is a Viognier Marsanne blend from South Australia, 2009 vintage.  It really is quite amazing, and Wine Spectator gave it 90 points.  I knew nothing of that when I bought it, though, it was all about the name, how could I possibly resist?

My first bottle was enjoyed with my BFF, Nicole at The Oyster Bar (ww.gastronomyinc.com).  We had one of the specials, it was fish, and although I cannot remember what kind of fish, I do remember both of us marveling at the wine.  It was smooth, crisp without being too dry, and delivered exactly the right amount of fruit and honey in perfect combination.

That experience made me want more, so I bought two more bottles (under $15, of course!).  Tony and I shared a bottle on Saturday night with some macadamia crusted tilapia, potatoes au gratin and asparagus.  Yes, it was still amazing, although it seemed a little different from what I remembered.  Now, it came across with more citrus flavors, and the same crisp, refreshing finish. 

I won’t bore with you with too many details from the label (they discuss the vineyard more than the wine), but I will STRONGLY recommend that you run right out, NOW, and buy yourself a few bottles.  I think it’s worth at least $100 investment from your summer entertaining budget.  Your friends will thank you, however, you may want to fib & tell them it’s the last bottle, or you’ll never get rid of them!

Whether it’s a fun label, an interesting bottle or a weird name, your wine purchase is your decision...don’t take it too seriously, and enjoy the buying and drinking experience.

Cheers!