Impromptu Mini-Wine Tasting Held April 27th

This past Sunday's dinner and PPV evening at Dawson's presented an opportunity to conduct an impromptu wine-tasting between two California Reds--in one corner was Black Fox, a 2005 California Cabernet Sauvignon from Morganville, Ca. (price point $9.99). In the opposite corner was Clos LaChance, a 2002 Central Coast Merlot from San Martin, Ca. (priced at $19.99). While no scoring took place during this contest, it was clear neither wine would have achieved outstanding marks on our standard 1-5 scale used. The Black Fox at first came across as unripened grapes and hot, but when paired with food, recovered nicely. The Clos LaChance was extremely fruity, with an immediate taste of heavy cranberry and grape juice. It was much easier to handle to me in standalone conditions, but when coupled with food, blending poorly and became rather heavy to handle. In fact, Dawson equated the taste of the twenty dollar combination Merlot/Cabernet to having a taste resembling cheap six or seven dollar wine. It was evident after a couple glasses of each wine the Black Fox, both for it's price and ability to pair up fairly well with food, proved to be the preferred wine (or lesser of two evils, depending on how you look at it).

May 10 Wine Tasting Approaches

The wines have been ordered and Ant, JP, Joe, Vin and John Z have confirmed attendance. We will be tasting a variety of wines from Argentina and Chile including, but not limited to Malbec, Carmenere, Cabernet and Bonarda with prices ranging from $5 to $60.

So far the following people have commited to the following foods:

JP - Pallella

John Z. - Variety of Cheeses

I am looking forward to seeing everyone. As long as the weather holds out we will be on the patio.

Wine Cellar Being Built at the Fernicola Home

By Joseph Fernicola
As Ant wrote, I am currently working on a wine cellar in my basement. It will be in the back corner. The area was partially framed, and my father-in-law and I finished framing it with 2x3 and 2x4 last weekend. The area needs to be wrapped in vapor barrier, which is "6-mil" plastic sheeting, and is a real pain in the ass to tuck between the studs and the foundation. I then put a layer of insulation and covered it with moisture-resistant drywall; half of one wall is done. We also laid a piece of plywood on the floor, which will eventually be covered with parkay tiles. I had to frame out a cutout for a cooling unit too. The whole room will be about 5 by 7 feet. When it's done I we'll have a wine tasting at my house.

WINEBLOG WEDNESDAYS

I will be particpating in the next WineBlog Wednesday. Stay tuned and check back often.

MAY 2008 Wine Tasting Scheduled

Okay, looks like we will be having a Spring Tasting. Saturday May 10, 2008 is the date and it will be hosted by the one and only Dawson Bloom. Featured wines will be those from South America (Argentina & Chile). Mark you calendars and I sencerely hope everyone can attend. Look for more updates as we get closer. We will be looking for volunteers to bring food. Two Wine tastings in a 3 months span...I'm pyched. We are really on a roll now!!!!!