I have a tradition of enjoying really good bottles of wine when watching really high stress Dallas sporting events. Throughout the Maverick’s run to wine the NBA Championship bottles of 2003 Miner Oracle, 2006 Rancho Del Oso Cabernet from Ed Sbragia, 2008 Ancien Chardonnay, 2007 Rocca Grigsby Vineyard Syrah….and, the Mav’s won. Did sipping good wine help the win happen? I think so.
So, if you are looking for a great bottle to enjoy tonight to will the Ranger’s to win try one of these out. A few selections have been sent for editorial consideration.
Conundrum from Caymus defines how I felt last night at the end of the game..and how I am sure the guys felt. It is, however, one of the most interesting and popular blends of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Semillon, filled with apricot, peach, pear, honeysuckle, vanilla and spice, the only real question is should it be drunk on its own or with food…personally, I say both.
Grecante Grechotto dei Colli Martani DOC is an interesting Italian white of 100% Grechetto. Bright and steely with delicate stone fruit, golden apple and wildflowers, a good food wine to pair with anything from shellfish and roast chicken, to goat cheese or baked brie. I saw this yesterday at Jimmy’s when I was perusing the wine sale.
If tonight goes well consider opening a bottle of Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs Brut or Mumm Napa Brut Rose. The Biltmore, made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and made in the traditional Methode Champenoise where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. This one is filled with toasty, yeasty aromas of warm bread mixed with fresh lemon, stone fruit and honey. The Mumm Napa Brut Rose is a go to for me, and a great option for a California sparkler usually costing about $20 at my local Central Market. A blend of Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay with bright berry flavors of strawberry and raspberry mixed with bing cherry and just a hint of citrus. A great, balanced bubbly with a clean, crisp finish.
Conn Creek 2007 Spring Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows the elegance, earthiness and depth of flavor found in this organically grown vineyard. Hearty aromas of leather, cherry and pencil lead lead into bold black cherry and plum flavors with cedar, dark chocolate and spice with soft tannins, ready to be enjoyed now.
Betty O’Shaughnessy is an amazing woman – interesting, hard working and one heck of a winemaker. She and her husband Paul have been making incredible Cabernet Sauvignon since the early 1990’s. Their 98 point Mount Veeder 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is simply stunning. Filled with violets, forest floor and ripe fruit aromas leading into layers of red cherry and berry fruit, mineral notes, coffee and leather ending with a long, lush finish.
2007 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley shows how good Sonoma Cabernet can be. Delicate aromas of blueberry, blackberry and cherry with hints of vanilla and creamy chocolate lift from the glass, followed by red cherry, plum and berry with a velvety, lingering finish.
If any of the Napa wines interest you, consider taking a trip out to Napa for the inaugural Flavor! Napa Valley and take a tour at their Appellation Trail tasting event on November 18th where 120 wineries, including several of these, will be pouring great Napa wine paired with bites from chefs like Tyler Florence, Top Chef’s Richard Blais, Iron Chef Morimoto and other great places like Ad Hoc, The Restaurant at Meadowood and La Toque. I will be heading out to enjoy the festivities, which are almost sold out, but a few tickets to the events, including the Appellation Trail, are still available.
