Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Add
Alexander Valley Merlot Add
Rainier 'Mad Housewife' Merlot Add
Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon

Attributes:
Producer:

Terra Blanca
Region:

Red Mountain, United States
Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle Size:

750 ML

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 89
Body:

solid
Flavors:

cherry, currant, raspberry, smoky

1999: Tastings Rating: 86
Body:

full-bodied
Complexity:

rich
Texture:

velvety

1998: WineSpectator Rating: 83
Body:

lean
Flavors:

blackberry, currant, mint, pepper

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 90
Flavors:

black currant, blackberry, cedar

1997: Tanzer Rating: 85
Flavors:

berry, candied, raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry
Fruit:

sweet

Food Matches:
Cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Provolone
Fish or Shellfish: Sea Bass
Herbs & Spices: Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme
Poultry & Eggs: Game Birds
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Game, Kidney, Roast Beef, Sausage, Variety Meats or Organ Meats, Veal Carpaccio
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Potatoes, Roasted Mixed Vegetables

Cabernet Sauvignon:

(cab er nay saw vee nyon)—This highly adaptable grape grows almost anywhere it is relatively warm, but the best wines come from the Burgundy region of France (where it is a noble variety), California, and Australia. It became famous through the red wines of the Médoc district of Bordeaux and is now grown in Washington, southern France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make wines that are high in tannin and medium- to full-bodied. Usually identified as having black currant or cassis flavors, the grape can also possess vegetal tones when the grapes are less than ideally ripe. The best wines are rich and firm with great depth, and are often aged for fifteen years or more. Because it is highly tannic, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other less-tannic grapes such as Merlot.


Red Mountain:

The Red Mountain AVA (established in 2001) is located at Red Mountain within Washington State. It is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, lying in the lower portion of the Yakima Valley. Located between Benton City and Richland, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area is the smallest in the state with only 4,040 acres in area. The area has 600 acres under cultivation of primarily red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Despite being a relatively new AVA, the reputation of the wines produced in this area has brought Red Mountain worldwide acclaim. The vineyards in this appellation have produced grapes for some of the most sought after wines in Washington State.

Alexander Valley Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Alexander Valley Vineyards
Region:

Alexander Valley, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2005: Tastings Rating: 91
Body:

solid
Complexity:

deep, supple
Flavors:

berry, earth, fresh herbs, oak, plum, spice, spicy

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 82
Fruit:

juicy

2003: CGCW Rating: 85
Flavors:

herbal

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 82
Flavors:

berry, herb, oak

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87
Acidity:

soft
Complexity:

complex, nuanced, rich
Flavors:

blackberry, cherry, earth, herbs

2002: CGCW Rating: 85
Fruit:

juicy

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85
Acidity:

fresh
Complexity:

rich
Flavors:

blackberries

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 82
Fruit:

fruity

Food Matches:
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.

Rainier 'Mad Housewife' Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Rainier Wines
Region:

California, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

Food Matches:
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.


California:

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Balsamic Mustard Chicken with Potatoes

Rated

Ingredients

3 tbsp (45 ml) dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped onion
2 tbsp (45 ml) canola oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken half-breasts, cut into 1-inch (3 cm) strips
2 potatoes, very thinly sliced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

1. In a shallow dish, combine the mustard, vinegars, garlic, onion, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil. Add the chicken, cover, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. In a large pan, warm the remaining 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the potato slices and cook until slightly crisp.

3. Add the chicken and marinade to the pan. Cook for 10 - 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (no pink shows in the middle).

4. Add the chicken broth, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Serve hot.

Yield

Makes 4 servings