This past Friday though, the four of us were finally able to settle down into our familiar festivities.  And on this warm summer evening, we also welcomed two new faces to the mix.  The first was an energetic and electrifying pre-dinner visit made by our newest Fancy Dinner Friday Mascot – “Spaceman Storm Trooper”.

Spaceman Storm Trooper got things off with a bang – that’s for sure!  But for some reason, our 6 year-old son was nowhere to be found…hmmm?!

Our other special appearance was made by a bottle of 2007 Boeri “Martinette” Barbera d’Asti DOC Superiore that I received as a sample.

“Martinette” is the name for one of Boeri’s oldest Barbera vineyards.  Both the location and microclimate are very conducive for the production of Barbera grapes.  The Boeri estate uses several steps in making their Barbera d’ Asti.  In July, they first start with the “thinning” of the grapes. Harvest then begins at the end of September where clusters of grape bunches are selected and collected into small wooden crates.  Next, the grapes are then gently pressed. Afterwards fermentation (with the grape skins still on) occurs for about 7-8 days in barriques, where the wine is ultimately allowed to rest for the next 12 months before bottling occurs.

The result is a tantalizing, Super-poli grip of a wine. 

Right out of the gate, this wine absolutely fills your mouth, adhering to your teeth and gums, giving your taste buds a vigorous workout.  This is definitely not the kind of wine that you want to drink prior to your six-month dental exam if you hope to get out in less than 15 minutes.

The 2007 Boeri “Martinette” Barbera d’Asti DOC Superiore delivers an impressive jab of bright red fruit, accompanied by sweet spices through its finish.  I was also picking up a violets vibe and a very interesting slate & stone mineral-like finish.  All in all, it worked absolutely fantastico with a plate of thin spaghetti topped with a mixture of meatballs, grilled Italian hot sausage, and marinara sauce.

3 Stars out 4.  The 2007 Boeri “Martinette” Barbera d’Asti DOC Superiore is a distinctive and  gripping red that can moonwalk alone, but will really have your taste buds pulsating when paired with a variety of Italian foods!

(MSRP $10)

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When it comes to cheap wine these days, the choices are endless:  One can choose from boxes, jugs, magnums – heck, there’s even wine that comes in a one-gallon paint can!?  And it’s all right there in aisle 10, waiting to be picked for one long and twisted weekend with some good friends.

One of my most recent and pleasant discoveries in this aisle of broken dreams was the 2007 Ampakama Syrah from San Juan, Argentina.  For those who wouldn’t dare drink wine from a box or touch a wine bottle with a screw cap, fear not, it comes packaged in a 1.5L glass bottle with a real cork closure!  It sells in most parts of the US for less than 10 bucks, and the best part – it actually tastes pretty darn good!

The 2007 Ampakama Syrah is a bottle rocket of juicy red-berry flavors fueled with a respectable amount of black pepper and herbal spices.  My only complaint is that it comes up a tad short before the expected big finish.  Nonetheless, the 2007 Ampakama Syrah is far from being a dud and should rise to the occasion with anything off the grill, or whatever else you’ve got cooking in your backyard this weekend.

3 Stars out 4.  For what works out to be less than $5 per 750ml, this juice ain’t half bad!  BTW – the 2008 is also a safe bet.

So…What inexpensive wines are you bringing to the BBQ this 4th of July weekend?

Cheers!

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Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the 2007 Concannon Central Coast Shiraz.  I held out hope over a two day period for a similar rousing experience.  Sadly though, that something special that happens when a wine hits your tongue and fills your mouth, so that you almost don’t want to spoil the moment by swallowing it, just didn’t happen with this American Shiraz. 

The 2007 Concannon Central Coast Shiraz delivers a one-dimensional upfront dosage of moderately sweet red berries, partnered with lots of toasted vanilla-oak flavors, and struggles to display any fireworks on its finish.

2 Stars out of 4. 

SRP: $10.00

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However, there was one in particular that stood out from the others.  It was the 2007 Chateau Beauchene Grand Reserve.  The tasting notes on the label of the 2007 Chateau Beauchene Grand Reserve describe this wine as “rounded and unctuous”.

Unctuous…huh? 

Unctuous – 1. (adj.) buttery, fulsome, oily, oleaginous, smarmy, soapy, unctuous
Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech.
“buttery praise”; “gave him a fulsome introduction”; “an oily sycophantic press agent”; “oleaginous hypocrisy”; “smarmy self-importance”; “the unctuous Uriah Heep”; “soapy compliments” ~definitions.net 

I’m not sure I would want to drink something based on that definition, but in “wine-speak” it sounds much better:

“Rich, lush, intense wines with layers of concentrated, soft, velvety fruit are said to be unctuous.” ~erobertparker.com

Composed of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah grapes, the 2007 Chateau Beauchene Grand Reserve was thumping with vibrant and youthful red fruit, florally violet notes, and a punch of black pepper on the finish.  It was a naughty-good nightcap with some pita bread and a tub of roasted red pepper hummus.  I bet it would also be right at home with a variety of different meats and cheeses as well.

3 Stars out of 4.  The 2007 Chateau Beauchene Grand Reserve Cotes Du Rhone Red earned the right to call itself ‘unctuous’ or anything else in the dictionary that means, “really good”…and that’s not just buttery praise!

($11.99)

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This is the second bottle that I’ve had the pleasure of sampling from the folks at Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV), and I must say:  There ain’t no salmon gonna be safe with this tasty “salmon wine” sitting on the dining room table!  The 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate Vineyards’ Pinot Noir possesses very good fruit flavors of crushed cherries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries, with a gentle touch of spice and oak that pairs perfectly with fresh salmon and steamed mixed vegetables.  About the only thing that’s going to keep these little guys safe in the water and not on a dinner plate, is possibly a hefty-sized barbecue pulled pork sandwich!

All kidding aside, this particular Pinot Noir comes from the winery’s Tualatin Estate Vineyard, which is home to some of the oldest plantings in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  Tualatin Estate Vineyards was established in 1973 and is situated on 145 acres in the coastal rain shadows near Forest Grove, Oregon.  Both Willamette Valley Vineyards’ estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate are “Certified LIVE” (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and “Salmon Safe”, and all of the vineyards’ equipment uses bio-fuel.  WVV’s founder and owner, Mr. Jim Bernau’s philosophy is that “wines made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply taste better and are necessary to maintain and grow a sustainable company for the future.”  After tasting the 2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualatin Estate Vineyards’ Pinot Noir, I couldn’t agree more.

3 Stars out 4.  Conscious about environmental issues and sustainable practices, while still being able to achieve an enjoyable wine.

(SRP $40 USD)

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