Dedalus Wine Shop » USA

Fire up the grill! Joel Gott’s 815 is up to the challenge.

Jason — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:46:19 +0000

The 815 Cabernet is named for the August 15^th birth of Lucy, Joel and Sarah Gotts’ oldest daughter who was born during the 2003 harvest. In a very short time, Joel Gott has established cult status in California winemaking and earned a reputation as someone making affordable, carefully crafted wines. Aside from making wine, Joel also keeps his hands in several other successful businesses, including Napa Valley’s hottest burger stand, the iconic Taylor’s Refresher.

The fruit for this Cabernet is sourced from several different sites. Together, the appellations of Napa Valley, the Mendocino coast, Paso Robles, and Lake County create a balanced, well-structured wine with supple tannins and bright acidity.

The wine is a dark ruby color and aromas of blackberry, plum, & spicy oak spill out of the glass. This is a full-bodied red with flavors of blueberries, black raspberry, & mocha. It was aged for 15 months in French and American oak, 25% new barrels.

I like to drink this wine with anything off the grill, steak, ribs, or even veggies.

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California $15.50

Boom Boom! A Little Rock-n-Rolla’ in your Syrah

Jason — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:42:49 +0000

Originally from northern California, Charles Smith, proprietor and winemaker, hasn’t exactly been involved in the wine business his entire life. Nine years ago, this California native was managing a rock band in Copenhagen when he made an unusual career shift. He picked up and moved to Washington State to make wine. At first glance he still looks more the rocker than the winemaker, but after tasting his wines, it’s clear; he’s both. Each wine reflects the vineyard from which it was produced but there is also a house style; which lets you know immediately who made the wine. Charles Smith brings the distinct aspects of the vineyards where his grapes are grown and puts them directly into the bottle, and ultimately your glass; well-made, honest wines that reflect where they come from and not what the Wine Magazines say they should taste like.

The Boom Boom Syrah is explosive! It is smooth, firm, & dark. It has a deep purple color in the glass and exudes meaty dark fruit flavors of blueberry and black currant. Notes of Asian five spice & sweet tobacco intertwine with savory flavors. It is intense yet plush in texture. This wine is fun to drink. It’s playful and fresh, but seriously delicious.

The Syrah pairs nicely with anything from grilled Hangar Steak with a chimichurri sauce; to pan seared duck breast with an orange glaze. My best recommendation: if you’re looking for a red to drink with your Chinese take-out, grab this bottle and enjoy!

K Vintner’s Boom Boom Syrah 2008, Washington State $16.75

Explosive heavyweight Pinot Gris from Bethel Heights!

Jason — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:32:35 +0000

This Pinot Gris comes from several vineyard sites in Oregon. Bethel Heights, Elton, and Lewman are all in the Eola Hills region of the Willamette Valley; Melrose, in the Umpqua Valley of Southern Oregon. The fruit was fermented cold exclusively in stainless steel and finished without malolactic fermentation.

Bethel Heights’ estate grown wines were among the first certified LIVE wines and also one of the first vineyards to be certified “Salmon Safe” by the Pacific Rivers Council signifying an adherence to farming practices that help keep Oregon’s streams and rivers clean.

Initial minerality gives way to aromas of tangerine, lime blossom, and lemon zest. The palate has a firm core of acidity that runs through the wine, giving it structure and great length. Flavors of apricot, white peach and Asian pear develop in the glass.

With Pinot Gris, the “weight” of the food is as important as the flavors. Healthy and fresh, without the weight of too much cream or butter is perfect for Pinot Gris. Salmon, chicken, and even Pork work well, as do many Asian preparations, such as curries.

Bethel Heights Pinot Gris 2008, $18.00