sean brendan

This weeks choice wine makes me want to say wow-wow-wee-wow (in honor of Borat) with every single drink. This is the one of the best chianti’s that I have ever sipped.
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico 2001
Ruffino: “To pass on the values of the land and its people by means of culture of […]

San Quirico Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2005 
According to WineBow: Made from 100% Vernaccia grapes organically grown in hillside vineyards surrounding the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. The grapes were harvested in September and October and were vinified in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures. Vernaccia holds the distinction of being the very first appellation to […]

Torres Family Sangre de Toro 2004

Sometimes when I’m roaming a wine shop in a hurry and didn’t have a particular wine in mind when I arrived, I’ll look for the most interesting label from a region of Europe that I’m not familiar with.  For whatever reason, when I’m in this mode, I don’t look for […]

This week’s wine is an A to Z Pinot Noir 2005, which we had tonight at Shamiana’s in Kirkland. The food was fantastic, by the way, but thats another post, and I’ll let my wife write about the food.
According to A to Z: Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed […]

Cavatappi Sangiovese 2005
According to them: The grapes are from the Wahluke Slope of the Yakima Valley. The bouquet is musty, earthy, and even a bit like wet wood; that is to say, it is a delightful fall wine. No light fruits are prancing around here. It has a pleasing finish and beautiful ruby color.

According to […]

This past Friday my wife and I ventured out through the streets of downtown Kirkalnd and found a new (for us) Italian joint in the midst of a terrential downpour.  Lets get this straight - I have a really really hard time with Italian restaurants in the United States.  Having lived in Italy, this is something […]

2003 Caves Fluery Bordeaux Rouge.
According to them: Le Bordeaux Rouge des CAVES FLEURY possède une robe légèrement pourpre. Il est finement concentré, intense et élégant. Ses arômes sont pleins de charmes, riches, avec une touche de fruits mûrs.
Adapté au plus grand nombre de plats, son équilibre séduira aussi facilement les dames que les messieurs.
Servir […]

Next time you are in Walla Walla, Washington - stop by and meet to folks at Va Piano. 
They have released the first edition of “Bruno’s Blend” and are contributing a portion of the sale from each bottle to help with Father Bruno’s work around the globe.  Yah dooood. I’ve heard great things about this wine, and […]

2002 Cote de Brouille Chateau Thivin en Beaujolais
Liz and I decided that it was time we expanded our knowledge of French wines a bit further, and picked up this bottle this week.  We enjoyed it on a Friday evening with our favorite thai food and a warm fire.
I had to dig deep in the wikipedia […]

1999 Monastero di Coriano Sangiovese
We found this wine at half price on site at the V. Sattui disneyland of wine in May while we were in Napa.  The label was actually the selling point, and is as original as the contents are Italian tasting.  This wine, only sold in Napa, is grown and barelled just outside […]

After a couple of months off, the wine of the week has returned. My teamates at work bought me a gift certificate to my favorite wine shop this week, for my birthday.  I went right over to Pete’s in Bellevue that afternoon and picked up something new for the occasion.
Medici Pinot Noir 2000 East Vineyard.
I am a sucker […]

This brings a smile to my face.
 
 
 
 
 

Campos Reales 2003 Tempranillo
According to the Francisco Aragon Guiller (another wine blogger who is an exceptional writer by the way): In the glass, this young Tempranillo shows through in ruby with violet tones. The aromatic profile includes well defined notes of strawberry, blackberry, red fruit, toasted vanilla, light smoke, oak, pepper and an exotic spice element. […]

If you are looking to read about a new wine daily, check out Robert Parkers site - http://www.erobertparker.com/
He is the founder and brains behind the Wine Advocate, and has reviewed a red-iculous number of wines over the years.
See his Business Week Profile.
 

If I had a website of the week, this would be this one.  Simple, classy, and informative. 
Nefarious Cellars
Their pinot is fantastic, and will surely be the wine of the week when I find an occasion to open up the bottle.
Did I mention the owners are super friendly?  well they are.