Local Wine Stores & Bars: Great Finds!

Albert's Liquors, Culver City
where you uncover gem wines

As summer comes to a close and fall begins, it's always fun for me to transition wines.  In the summer time I lean heavily on crisp, sharp whites like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Nobilo, Chenin Blanc or a well-balanced Pinot Grigio.

Now during the winter time, you'd be hard pressed to find me sipping white.  On a cool, even cold crisp night, I dig into my reds: a hearty Pinot Noir, a smoldering Cabernet Savignon, a vanilla or chocolate based Merlot or a bold blend.

This time of year often calls for a nice something in between--which I add is hard to find.  However, I got it.  Hahn Winery GSM



Hahn Winery, GSM
vintage: 2010
Central Coast

From the Central Coast of California hales a smooth, light to medium body three grape blend that dances across the palate. The uncommon grapes used to make this family vineyard inspired wine: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre creates levels of taste for one to enjoy.  The Grenache is soft, smooth, flavorful.  The Syrah provides a nice color and Mourvedre although somewhat elusive balances out the two dominant grapes, rounding out the firm structure of the wine.

It's notes are some of the most refreshing including:  black cherry cola, blackberry, fig and pepper.

This Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre showcases the best of these varietals from California’s Central Coast. Grenache brings berry and spice notes to the mix, while Syrah provides color and tannins, and Mourvedre adds acidity and structure. This deep-hued wine opens with intense aromas of dark fruit and berries, vanilla and clove.

Try pairing this wine with a rack of lamb and caramelized shallots, broiled filet Mignon on garlic mashed potatoes or grilled pork tenderloin with a blackberry compote.

And while it is present in many wine stores, I found this gem in a local favorite, Albert's Liquors in Culver City.  Local wine stores like Albert's are fast becoming a favorite of mine, because they tend to showcase the smaller, craftier vineyards with less than over-commercialized wines.

 

I recommend that you give Hahn GSM a try, and visit your local wine stores for some really great finds.

Tell me about your visit to your local wine store or bar and what gems you uncovered.  We'll showcase your establishment and gems here!

A Fancy Glass of Wine

Visit Wine Chateau for an extensive selection of fine wines.

I've said it before, I'll say it again.....A good glass of wine is what's good to you!  Recently I read a tweet from a wine enthusiast that I admire.  The question was asked, on what occasion do you open a fancy bottle of wine?

First of all, I watched a hummingbird descend on my patio and feast on my butterfly plant.  The site was amazing and rather than shoo away what I originally percieved to be an unwanted insect, I watched.  Through the wired screen, ushering in the fullness of California sunshine I watched.

I watched the wings flutter with precision to make one of God's creatures stand still in suspended air.  All of the technology in the world fails to master the utter creativeness and simplicity of God. 

Once I took in this glory and the breath of Lavender, Birds of Paradise and a Lemon Tree, I proceded to the wine fridge.  Sure it was ten in the morning, but my writing had been completed the night before and from all other vocations, I was headed for a day off.

In my "White" Fridge sits, Chateau Julien's Sur Lie, Nobilo (New Zealand) and Coppola's Director's Chardonnay. I pulled out my >25 dollar Sur Lie (worth every dime) and deemed the hummingbird that visited my patio a special occasion. 

You see wine is more than a beverage, it is an experience.  Price, time and type when one experiences wine is all up to the individual.  My point, everytime is the right time to experience wine, the place and the time is up to you.....

Cheers!

Gadgets vs. Gimmicks: Electric Cork Screws...

Continuing with the series that reviews various wine gadgets, I thought it fun to talk about my second favorite gadget of all times: the electric corkscrew.

Emerson corkscrew & stand

I first encountered an electric corkscrew at a cousin's house, I was curious.  Anything to do with making the wine experience more pleasurable, I'm usually for it.  Not totally convinced of its ease and utility, I didn't run out and buy one right away.  My second encounter caused me to just that.  I bought 3.  I was on the plane with the a flight attendant suffering from Fibromyalgia.  She pulled out the identical corkscrew I'd seen at my cousin's.  "I can't use the traditional corkscrew, I don't have enough strength in my hands."  She explained.

Although morning, (it was 5 o'clock somewhere) a passenger asked for a glass of wine.  My co-worker pulled out her gadget, locked it on the cork and depressed the button.  It didn't work because the bottle continued to spin.  I made the same mistake the first time I used it  that was until my cousin showed me how.  I obliged my co-worker.  You have to lock it on the neck, hold the bottle, depressed the down button and keep it pressed until the unit stops, not when you feel it has.  The unit should slide off the bottle with ease.  You release the cork by pressing the top of the button, again continue to press until the cork falls into your hand.

Why an electric corkscrew? 

Product Review Series: Gadgets vs. Gimmicks

I love the experience of wine.  When I enter a wine store or a bar I expect to spend countless dollars and time perusing wine and whatever else there is to offer. 

There is another side to wine that also tickles my fancy.  Things that surround the experience of wine are just as delightful.  I love glasses.  One might call me a glass aficionado, that’s because I get how a great glass can make or break the wine—pun intended—and an inappropriate glass can alter the experience dramatically.

Wine Gadget
bottle thermometer

Glasses aren’t the only accoutrements to wine.  The industry has supplied more than enough gadgets, to fill a hoarder’s closet.  So I thought it would be fun to interject a mini-series every now and again where I will discuss gadgets and rate them as gadgets or gimmicks.  Because there are so many, I will speak of two or three at a time.  I welcome comments about your experience with gadgets; it is always great to exchange information.

Before we get started on our first contenders in the series, I want to talk about gadgets in a general sense.  Most wine gadgets work and serve a viable purpose.  More than if a gadget works or not, satisfaction heavily depends on whether that gadget works for you.  Again, most work and yes some are absolute gimmicks, but gadgets are like wine, very subjective.

First up in the series is a staple in my wine room.  It is an “Aerator”. 

Some wine snobs label aerators as inorganic, trendy, lazy & disruptive.... 

Tasting Room Tips

Wine Tastings are everywhere, traditionally in Wine Tasting Rooms at vineyards, festivals, conferences, stores and now at home.  In fact as an Independent Wine Consultant for Wine Shop At Home, you may find yours truly in a number of living rooms and private events sharing the joy of wine from our Artisan Crafted, Napa Valley winery. 

Wine Tasting is one of those joys shared with friends and/or family or savored alone.  It can be a great discovery into what you like, don’t like and why.  It can be overwhelming but most importantly it should always be fun.  The following are some simple tips to enjoying a good tasting.

Temecula, Ca Tasting Room

1.       You taste wine with your mind first.  I was in a popular wine store when approached by a clerk who sought to sell me on returning for a scheduled wine tasting later that day.  This store was not my favorite store--Total Wine, particularly the Route 22 Springfield, New Jersey store--and shall remain nameless.  After further engagement, the clerk from a different store advised about the tasting and instructed me on how you taste wine with your nose first.  I’ve studied wine for more than ten years (informally).  “I don’t know about that” I said attempting to soften the disagreement.  “I’ve always learned that you taste wine with your mind first, eyes second, your nose third and finally your tongue.  “Nope.” He insisted.  “You taste wine with your nose first.  I just took a class.”  I didn’t further the disagreement but I pondered what I’d read and heard many times before.  Like in life, one must always have an open mind in a new discovery.  If your mind is closed, you won’t like anything and the experience will be less than pleasurable.  I’ve come to the conclusion, you taste wine with your mind first.

5 Ways To Enjoy Holidays With Wine

Happy Thirsty Thursday!  It’s Thursday and right before the holiday that marks the beginning of one of my favorite seasons, summer!  So as we approach this Memorial Day, I would first like to thank the Men and Women of the Military for your service and sacrifice, past and present!  Thank You!  We Celebrate You and in Your Honor.

Happy Memorial Day!  Thank You For Your Service!

As we ready ourselves, I thought I’d throw out a few wine holiday tips that are sure to keep your party going!

First and foremost make sure you drink responsibly and if you drink at all, Designate A Driver.  If you are hosting a party, barbecue or event, before the party begins Designate a Host Driver.  Ask someone who doesn’t drink to be on standby, to perhaps drive someone who doesn’t have a designated driver.  Worse come to worse, be prepared to call a cab for someone or make a palette on the floor.  Now let’s get to partying.

1)       Maintain the best possible temperature of the wine.  The biggest part of enjoying wine at a party especially an outside party is that it is important to maintain the best possible temperature of the wine; both red and white.  You don’t want to serve wine too warm or too cold.  Now it won’t kill white wine if you keep it on ice, and if you are outside, I recommend it.  However, you don’t want to keep red wine on ice unless it is designated so.  If you have a separate cooler, ice it down for an hour or so before the party.  When you are ready to put out the drinks, dump the ice, place the red wine in the cooler and close the lid.  Make sure the lid remains closed throughout the party.  If the red wine gets a little warm, dump about an inch of cold water (no ice or ice water) in the bottom of the cooler and close the lid.  This will help drop the temperature without making it too cold.

Wine Shop At Home! Come For The Taste Stay For The LifeStyle

Wine Shop At Home, a premier artisan winery located in the esteemed Napa Valley region is proud to accept one of our newest wine consultants, Toni Staton Harris. 

www.wineshopathome/tonistatonharris

Many of you know me as Wine With Toni, the enthusiast and lover of all things wine.  That hasn't changed; now I bring Napa to you.  In the privacy of your living room, I bring some of Napa's best for you to taste, sip and enjoy with family and friends.  You get to "try before you buy", but most importantly experience the wine, play games and learn about the tasting wines and wine in general. 

It doesn't matter if you are an enthusiast, a connoisseur or a novice.  If you are interested in wine there is something for you.  If you like what you've tasted or would like a steady stream of different tastes, an opportunity to purchase wines, join our wine club or become a consultant is presented to you at the end of each tasting.

Wine Shop At Home Wines
We bring Napa to you!

Wine Shop At Home is an artisan boutique winery that produces wine in small quantities so our savory wines tend to sell out quickly.  We are constantly introducing new and different grapes and reproducing favorites.  Your advantage however is great taste and convenience. 

You have the unique opportunity to try before you buy and having the wine shipped directly to you.    When you come home from a hard day's work and you want a glass of wine, rather than bee-line your way to the store, your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio can be sitting right at your door.  You know you like it because you've already tasted it. 

A tasting is also a great way to gather up to 14 of your family members and friends to get together and enjoy wine.  Maybe you want to celebrate a special occasion.  Maybe you've been Napa and you would love to experience it again, and just don't have the time.  Maybe you've never been to Napa but would still like to experience the region through wine.  I'm your girl, Toni Staton Harris and Wine Shop At Home is for you.

To host a wine tasting in your home it is very easy.  For $29.95 plus tax and shipping you receive five bottles of wine for you and up to 14 of your friends to taste.  You receive a complimentary host gift that can be shared with your guests or saved for later.  You provide, the friends, the living room and light appetizers such as cheese, french bread or crackers, fruit & chocolate and I do the rest.  I even bring the glasses (if needed) and you receive an expert guide, (me) through the world of Wine Shop At Home wines.  It is a fun and informative evening that you and your guests will enjoy.

 

Please feel free to contact me at www.wineshopathome/tonistatonharris or Toni@winewithtoni.com or 973-545-6314 for additional information.  I serve the Southern California region, Las Vegas, Texas, DC, New York and other East Coast states being added soon.  I also support a number of team members in various states that can get to you in a sip, so give us a call for a rep near you.  If you'd like to join my team and get paid to taste and enjoy wine, please contact me for details.  It's fun, easy and no experience required.  You don't need to live in California to play on my team, just live in one of the states we service.

Wine Shop At Home, Come for the Taste, Stay for the Lifestyle  Cheers!