Wine-o: Ponga Sauvignon Blanc

Ponga Sauvignon Blanc 2010, NEW ZEALAND
Alcohol: 12.5%

This was a lovely light Sauvignon Blanc.  It was purchased mainly because of the price and the fact that it is from New Zealand (New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blanc wines).

The flavors were very citrusy, with a hint of spice, as well as on the sweeter side, but not overbearing.  It paired very well with steamed clams.  I am sure it would also pair well with grilled salmon or other seafood meals.  I took it out of the refrigerator to let it warm up a bit before drinking and the flavor was wonderful.

Vintage Notes

Price: ~$11
Freya Score: 70
Mona Value: 6.4

Wine-o: Vendange Cabernet Sauvignon

Vendange Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CA
13.0% Alcohol

As a part of our road trip, we decided to be economical and camp in some of our favorite parts of the country. While The BF loves beer, I am partial to wine and so we had to make a precamping stop.  The Vendange Cabernet Sauvignon was perfect for camping because it cost $3.79 for about 3 glasses of wine neatly packaged in a milk-like carton.  Easy to drink and close, easy to throw out with other camping trash.

While not the best Cabernet by far, the wine was passable with simple fruity notes and a short finish.  I felt that this wine stayed true to the varietal despite the low cost.  It paired wonderfully with my hunk of Semolina bread and cheddar cheese, as well as grilled sausage and fresh cutthroat trout.


Vendange
Cost $3.79
Freya Score  35
Mona Value 9.2

Wine-o: The Show Cabernet Sauvignon

The Show 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County, CA
Alcohol: 13.9%

I confess I was very surprised to read the vineyard's notes on this wine.  I did not think this wine was "big and bold".  I enjoyed this wine with my grandmother (who has had several more wine tasting years than me and I assume therefore a more sophisticated palate).  We both agreed that the wine was simple, not overly flavorful and with a short finish.  The wine was fruity and a tad sweet, reminding me of the Masked Rider Petite Syrah.


We used a portion of this bottle in our slow cooked elk roast and it was delicious!  We mixed it with turkey broth, dry onion soup mix, several garlic cloves, and spices.  After 9 hours, dinner was ready and it was amazing!

Vintage Notes:

Like a Hatch print for an Elvis gig, The Show grabs your attention. Big and bold, it is dominated by full flavors of dried black cherries, jammy preserves and complex toasty, vanilla, and spicy oak. Learn more at www.threethieves.com

Other Notes:

86% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Petite Sirah 2% Zinfandel

Price: ~$15
Freya Score: 58
Mona Value: 3.9

Wine-o: Ferrari Carano 2008 Chardonnay

Ferrari Carano 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA
Alcohol: 13.9%


If the last Chardonnay I reviewed wasn't very buttery, this one definitely is!  It had a strong flavor I have found in several white wines that I've enjoyed and I think this can be attributed to the "soft toasty oak".  It is a very full and strong flavor, I did not find it subtle.  In a moment of laziness, I was also very happy to discover that the top is a screw cap top, an excellent choice for a party gift or camping.


This summer we are enjoying a 6 week vacation across the country before we relocate.  We enjoyed this wine in Aspen, CO.  It paired wonderfully with grilled salmon and zuchinni.

Vintage Notes from the Vineyard:

Grapes come from our vineyards in three growing regions in Sonoma County: Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Carneros. A year of fire and ice, we began 2008 battling heavy frost in April, fires in the summer, and heat in the early fall. Reduced yields but intensely flavored, well-balanced, ripe fruit was the happy result of a very challenging growing season. Harvest began mid-August and was completed the beginning of October — 2008 being one of the fastest harvests we can remember.

Price: ~$23
Freya Score: 78
Mona Value: 3.4

Beer Review: This Season's Blonde

The Aspen Brewing Company, This Season's Blonde
6.8% Alcohol

The Aspen Brewing Co. is a new Colorado brewery, but don't let that fool you into thinking they are unexperienced.  They produce a variety of beer that can be bought in liquor stores throughout the Roaring Fork valley and at their nice unassuming tasting room in downtown Aspen.

While we stayed in Aspen The BF checked out the tasting room and bought several six packs to enjoy on our adventures about the area.  He was very impressed by the tasting room, saying that while small, it was clearly a "locals spot" as it was not nearly as fancy as other bars and restaurants.

In addition to the Independence Pass IPA (such a clever name) and the Conundrum Red Ale, they have a variety of other including This Season's Blonde which was introduced in 2009 as a seasonal ale and kept on due to popularity (the graphic is way cool too, reminiscent of old time ski posters).  This Season's Blonde was a bit heartier than I usually like with a strong hoppy after taste.  I look forward to trying more of their beer!

This Season's Blonde

Cost (6-pack) $9.67
Freya Score 85
Mona Value 8.8