A Mouse in the House
In our area we have two beer and wine stores, one I've mentioned before that has quite a variety, always bringing in new interesting products, quite lovely really. The other, which is closer, tends to feature lucky lager and wine in the box form. I don't go there very often but with a recent hockey game and a desperately thirsty husband I stopped in. I took a quick tour around the wine racks, predictable and boring, but I spotted this lone bottle back with the dusty port bottles bordering on the tequila section, Church Mouse Syrah.
Church Mouse is an off shoot of Church & State wines in the Okanagan. I searched their site to see what they had to say about this wine but it wasn't listed which makes me think this bottle was left from a unusually whimsical purchase on the part of the beer and wine store and it has been patiently sitting in the back waiting for someone to notice it.
I did, and I like it. It was smooth, rich and perfect when I got home from work last night and needed a nightcap. I think I need to investigate the Syrah more as it's not a varietal I'm very familiar with, I'll look forward to a little more investigation tonight.
A Tale of Three Merlots
Cedar Creek Merlot, Hester Creek Merlot and Columbia Crest Merlot are three that have been on my mind of late. It seems every second diner who graces our restaurant is asking for my opinion on a Merlot so here goes...
The Cedar Creek Merlot (sorry no picture, they are apparently very annal about their logos) now this has been on our house wine list for several years and to be honest I never much cared for it, until this year. I find the 2004 to be smooth, rich and easy to recommend as it has a wide appeal, not to mention the low price point. It is always nice to see a wine evolve.
The Hester Creek Merlot, we brought it to try out. We have a feature sheet in which we get to play around with new products. We like to bring in a case or two of new products to try out (tough part of my job) for our ever evolving wine list. This is one we brought in recently to mixed reviews. I find it a little sharp and lip puckery for me however the other main server likes it. I've had the same sort of mixed customer reviews as well, interesting seems to be a favored remark. So I guess you'll just have to try this one yourself and see what you think.
The Columbia Crest is our House favorite and I personally think it's the best value on our menu. Wonderfully smooth and rich with a surprising fullness that I wouldn't normally expect from a Merlot. I love it, we love it and everyone I've recommended it to, loved it. Triple love here.
Wild About The Goose
You have, have, have to try this wonderfully aromatic wine. I'm not usually a huge white wine drinker, except in summer, of course, but this is an exception. It doesn't seem to always be available so if you see a bottle, grab it, you won't be disappointed. A glass can conjure up wistful summer days with its intense rose petal aroma even on the most dreary, rainy West Coast day.
It's Super Freaky
I tried this unusual Viognier/Shiraz mix a year ago and loved it, so I was excited to try it again when I found it in our little wine store. Again, great. It has the full, rich body of a Shiraz but with an interesting depth. It's an easy sipping wine that goes well with both blogging and Survivor, what more could you ask of a wine?
