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Kelly's Picks

May 2010

The Fishes and Dishes Cookbook: Seafood Recipes and Salty Stories from Alaska's Commercial Fisherwomen
$19.95

Okay, I'll admit that I wrote the section on "Pairing Wine with Seafood", but I have also been working my way through the many delicious (and easy to make) recipes, and I am impressed! I have also learned a lot about the commercial fishing industry, thanks to the many stories and tidbits of information peppered throughout the book. For more specific wine pairing suggestions from me, visit the Fishes and Dishes Facebook page. Each recipe I make comes with a pairing suggestion. Bon Appetit!

April 2010

2009 Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
$12.99

This is one of my favorite new Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, exhibiting crisp, fruity flavors at a reasonable price. This wine is bright and fresh, with tastes of creamy grapefruit, lemon and pineapple. Asparagus and egg often are challeningg to pair to, but this wine will match nicely with your Easter or Mother's Day brunch omelet of asparagus and creamy white cheese, served with mandarin orange or pineapple.

2008 Substance Syrah, Washington State
$16.99

Smooth and easy, baby, with flavors of black cherry, black licorice, vanilla, and hints of Tootsie Roll - you know, that fruity-fudgy thing going on. Definitely a crowd-pleaser, even if the crowd is just you and a friend. I'm having trouble pinning down a single pairing suggestion - everything from pizza and meat or mushroom pasta to grilled lamb or beef. Cheeseburger? You bet!

March 2010

2008 Podere del Giuggiolo Bianco, IGT Toscana
$13.99

This blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Incrozio Manzoni yields a crisp, dry styled wine, but with good mouthfeel, and flavors of pineapple, key lime, lemon, and stone. Because it's got a little weight combined with crisp dryness, pair it with more succulent seafood dishes such as lobster and drawn butter, black cod, or halibut cheeks sautéed in butter with garlic and freshly cracked pepper.

2008 La Quercia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
$10.99

With smooth black cherry and black currant flavors, and notes of wet leaves, this wine is medium-bodied, loaded with flavor but not too heavy. This combination of dark fruit flavor with medium body means that it will pair well to heavier meat dishes - it was a perfect complement to lamb tikka masala!

February 2010

Andrew Quady "Vya" Extra Dry Vermouth, California, 375ml
$16.99

This baby is your ticket to one of the better vodka martinis you'll have in your life! Andrew Quady is just one of those magician types who has, thankfully, produced my absolute favorite vermouth. It is dry on the palate, but with all these flavors of spicy mincemeat pie, with notes of dried orange peel, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Make sure your martini has a twist of orange peel in there, too. I also love it on the rocks with a twist of orange peel. Oh my gosh!

2005 Tasawik Merlot, Walla Walla
$29.99

This is the best $30 (or even $50) Merlot around, hands-down - winemaker Erik Dahle definitely has proven that Washington State can produce world-class Merlot. This one is the 2005, and is drinking beautifully right now, but still has some years left to age, if you can wait that long (I can't!). The texture is smooth and velvety in hte mouth, with flavors of black cherry, cedar, blackberry, black tea, black pepper, and hints of raspberry and dusty chocolate. You can drink this by itself, or with a grilled filet mignon - don't get too fancy on the preparation, though - salt and cracked black pepper, or with a mushroom demi-glace. Mmmmmmmm-hmm!

January 2010

2007 Château Faire le Pont Viognier, Columbia Valley
$25.99

This wine has an unusual label, which in my opinion, doesn't do justice to the quality of wine within. This Viognier is of the dry French style, with fragrance and flavors of papaya pastry and peaches, and hint of lemon zest and minerality, and lovely bright acidity. This wine is one of the nicest examples of Washington State Viognier that I have tasted in some time. It would pair nicely to a creamy seafood pasta or risotto - my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

2003 Wilridge Winery Merlot, Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain
$21.99

This Merlot is one of the finer examples of Washington State Merlot. The bit of age on this one has added softness and roundness to the flavors of black cherry, cassis, with additional notes of black pepper and black licorice, and subtle hints of tar and leather. I brought this wine for this past Christmas dinner, because (a) my Dad has been a sworn merlot fan ever since I was a child, and (b) it paired so perfectly well with the fresh, wild-caught king salmon we had for Christmas dinner. The medium-bodied texture of the wine makes it an excellent companion to more substantial seafood such as salmon and swordfish. You simply have to try it!

December 2009

2007 Clubhouse Cellars "IQ2" Red Wine, Columbia Valley
$10.99

Clubhouse Cellars is a second label for Page Cellars of Woodinville, and Jim Page knows how to make delicious wine! "IQ2" is his foray into more of an entry-level style, and I am still a fan! IQ is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, and 7% Merlot. Smooth and drinkable, the wine has flavors of blackberry, bell pepper, smoky bacon, with hints of black olive - this is the perfect accompaniment to your next "kitchen sink" pizza! And as a member of MENSA, I like the name, too!

2005 Nickel & Nickel "Dolce" Late Harvest Wine, Napa Valley, 375ml
$79.99

I may have died and gone to heaven, because this wine would do it… Made from botrysized Sauvignon Blanc, this jewel is the only American rival to the finest Sauternes. Aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, honey, golden raisin, with cardamom, ginger, yellow roses, and a hint of botrytis. The complexity goes on and on and on, with a finish that lasts unbelieveably long. This is your perfect match to foie gras, or, more simply, a New York style cheesecake.

November 2009

2006 Corvidae "Lenore" Syrah, Columbia Valley
$16.99

The Corvidae Project is a collaboration between winemakers David O'Reilly and Owen Roe, to provide delicious-yet-affordable wines from Washington State. Each wine references a member of the crow (corvidae) family of birds, and "Lenore" is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's Raven. With 4% Grenache, this deep and smooth wine carries dark flavors and aromas of smoky chocolate, black raspberry, cinnamon, black pepper, and blackberry deliciousness. Pair it with grilled pepper steak, roast rack of lamb, or better yet, smoked turkey.

2006 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
$49.99

I first tasted the 2006 vintage at the Seattle Wine Awards earlier this year. It had been opened for only 20 minutes, but what I expected to taste youthful came across as impressively smooth, soft, and rich, with cinnamon aromas, and flavors of black currant, creamy blackberry, plum and prune, with a hint of black licorice - it was stellar. This wine will also make a great holiday or host gift, since it is not only drinking great now, it will hold for years to come. I recommend enjoying it as part of a fireside steak dinner, complete with baked potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.

October 2009

2007 Betz Family Winery "La Côte Rousse" Syrah, Red Mountain
$69.99

Even though this wine is newly-released, I was completely floored by its strength, depth and complexity, even now (I couldn't even consider a second wine to recommend this month, because nothing else compares!).The wine is rich, dark, and smooth, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, cinnamon, and vanilla, yet with a subtly noticeable structure that will allow it to age for years, becoming a true knockout, well-deserving of its reputation. Either put it down for a while, or open it and let it breathe for 30 minutes, before serving it with roast or grilled lamb with rosemary. This beauty is my hands-down recommendation for that special Thanksgiving wine or Christmas gift. In any case, this wine represents the impressively undeniable quality of Washington State.

September 2009

2008 Chateau Moulin de Ferrand, Entre-Deux-Mers
$9.99

The 2008 vintage is here and just as delicious as the 2007! This great value from Bordeaux is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, and 40% Semillon, providing a fresh fruity burst of lemon, lime zest, guava, honeydew rind, along with some minerality. Deliciously crisp and fresh - perfect for a shellfish or vegetable risotto, or with oysters Rockefeller or actually, any shellfish you can think of. Cheers!

2007 Domaine Cheysson, Cru Beaujolais Chiroubles
$21.99

This wine is the most elegant example of Gamay you have probably ever had - it is a Cru Beaujolais, meaning it has come from one of the ten designated villages with the best vineyards in Beaujolais This wine is fragrant with red rose, smoky strawberry, with hints of cinnamon - elegant and refined. This wine would pair well with roast rack of lamb, alder-grilled salmon, or as a perfect partner with roast pork. You've simply got to try it! P.S. - grab an extra bottle or two and keep it around to go with the Thanksgiving turkey...!

August 2009

2008 Cedergreen Cellars "Old Vine" Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley
$19.99

What does "old" mean for a grapevine? Well, it depends, but there are no hard and fast labelling laws about it. These old vines were planted in Eastern Washington in 1968, which make them some of the oldest in the state, with trunks thick as elephant legs! The wine is refreshing, very slightly off-dry, with tropical aromas and flavors of banana, lemon, and pina colada. Enjoy it with soft, white cheeses, or with simply grilled shellfish or whitefish, or especially with cracked crab or lobster. Hungry yet?

2007 Angeline Pinot Noir, California
$16.99

This wine is blend of Pinot Noir: 75% Sonoma County, 25% Mendocino County. This wine a smooth, jammy fruit bomb, with flavors of stewed black cherry, Tootsie Roll, raspberry, black cherry jam, cinnamon, and a hint of clove. It has a full-bodied flavor, with a medium-weight body - it's great! Here is your perfect companion to grilled or blackened salmon, but also a great red to go with summer barbequed chicken and ribs - lots of flavor, but not too heavy. Yummy yum!

July 2009

McCrea Cellars Vin Rose, Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain
$17.99

This beauty from one of my favorite producers is dry, with great body and fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry, and refreshingly crisp minerality. A perfect all-around pairer for everything from ham to roast chicken to shellfish stew to an appetizer chees plate. Delish!

2004 Eric & Joel Durand "Empreintes", Cornas
$44.99

This sultry gem of a Rhone Syrah is smooth and dark, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, cinnamon, and cloves, and just the tiniest hint of black tea. This is the perfect partner to grilled rosemary lamb skewers or even a smoked pork shoulder, but it is perfectly wonderful all on its own or with a chess plate of manchego, morbieres, and fresh asiago.

June 2009

2007 Villa Antinori white blend, IGT Toscana
$11.99

This crisp, dry blend from the famed Villa Antinori of Tuscany is a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Chardonnay. With notes of lemon, lime zest, and honeydew melon, and a finish of lemon and stone, this is the perfect partner to shellfish pasta, grilled scallops, crabcakes, or Dover Sole with lemon. Go for it!

2005 Northstar "Stella Maris", Columbia Valley
$32.99

This wine is a blend of smoothy richness, with 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Syrah. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, black licorice, with notes of cedar and black cherry, and spiced prune - wow! This is the wine for your grilled filet mignon with a dab of sage butter - and don't forget the grilled asparagus and potatoes!

May 2009

April 2009

2007 Guardian Cellars "Angel" Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley
$23.99

Smoky hints of French and neutral oak balance the pearskin and lemon notes in this crisp, well-balanced wine. This delicious beauty is a perfect match to grilled scallops or your favorite crabcake recipe. Wow!

2004 Mazzei "Fonterutoli" Chianti Classico
$27.99

90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 3% Colorino, and 2% Malvasia Nera produce flavors and aromas of blackberry cocoa, black cherry, cinnamon bark, and a hint of leather and wet leaves. A glass of this Italian smoothness makes a great pairing to osso buco, lasagna bolognese, or a plate of charcuterie and cheeses.

March 2009

Schoenheitz Cremant d'Alsace
$21.99

This lovely, affordable sparkler is my absolute "go to" for bubbles at the $20 price point. Crisp and refined, with flavors of lemon pastry, and a hint of peach pit and wet stone on the finish. This cremant makes a wonderful choice for an appetizer course, or to enjoy with "Moules et Frites" (mussels and french fries), or even a grilled cheese (gruyere) sandwich!

2005 Chateau Fonbadet, Pauillac
$34.99

First of all - I recommend decanting it and waiting 30+ minutes. If you can do that, you will be rewarded with a fantastically aromatic blackberry nose, with smooth flavors of black cherry, cassis, dark wood, cinnamon, and hints of cocoa. I paired this Bordeaux with a plate of charcuterie, and - wow! Add in one or two firm cheeses, and you're there! Mm mm mmm!

February 2009

January 2009

Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo, 300ml
$17.99

This delightful sake is wonderfully delicate and complex, with flavors of canteloupe and honeydew melon, dried lavender, and a hint of clove. Medium dry SMV (Sake Meter Value) = +1.0. Enjoy it lightly chilled on its own or with, of course, your favorite sushi-sashimi combination!

2007 Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle Colchagua
$12.99

Another great value wine from Chile! This one still has some youth on it, but is smooth, with those Cabernet notes of cedar, blackberry, black cherry, and a hint of cinnamon. Enjoy it with anything from beef tacos to meat pastas and pizzas!

December 2008

2006 McCrea Cellars Roussanne, Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain
$23.99

This white Rhone varietal comes alive in the hands of Doug McCrea. Flavors of sourdough pastry and lemon combine with an almost-creaminess on the palate, with just a hint of dried banana. Try this as something a little different with roast chicken, or, more interesting, the shaved-noodle chicken chow mein from Shanghai Garden in the International District.

2006 Daure "Le Jaja de Jau", VdP d'Oc
$10.99

60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, this is a great value wine with a funky label. The palate is all cinnamon, blackberry, black cherry, and clove, but very smooth, and with smoky notes, and a hint of salami. Perfect everyday drinker with meatloaf and mashed potatoes!

November 2008

2007 Tre Donne Moscato d'Asti DOCG
$ 21.99

Here is your refreshing aperitif or Thanksgiving weekend brunch wine! Light, semi-sparkling, and deliciously sweet, with fruit cocktail flavors of pear and peach. Pair this with soft creamy cheeses before dinner, alongside a spinach salad with candied pecans in a light vinaigrette, or with an apple pastry at brunchtime.

2004 Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
$ 39.99

Jammy strawberry and raspberry on the nose. The big berry fruit makes the wine almost off-dry, smooth with cinnamon and notes of blackberry. Perfect with roasted (or better yet, smoked) turkey, or as a nice fruity red for those whose palates prefer a hint of sweetness. Also great with candied yams and sweet potatoes!

October 2008

2004 Me Matahiwi Pinot Noir, Wairarapa
$19.99

This New Zealand Pinot Noir is not your typical Pinot Noir! Not overly fruity or red-cherry-and-tobacco-leaf, I love it for its wonderful smoky notes behind blackberry and raspberry fruit - there's also a hint of bacon on this one - it's excellent! The body is light/medium, which will pair nicely with grilled salmon or swordfish, but also with roast pork - try it and see!

2002 Wilridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyards, Red Mountain
$32.99

I've found another Washington winner! First of all, I love Wilridge wines (try the Sangiovese if you get a chance), and I was very pleased at the complexity of this one. Flavors and aromas of blackberry, cocoa, cassis and black cherry, with hints of black licorice and a whisper of bell pepper. This is the perfect companion to grilled filet mignon, delicately topped with a dab of sage butter. Oh yeahhhhhhh.......

September 2008

2005 Schoenheitz Riesling, Linsenberg
$19.99

Dominique Schoenheitz of France's Alsace region is a truly talented winemaker, creating one of the best Rieslings I've ever had. The nose leans toward the tropical, with a palate of pineapple, guava, with a touch of minerality and sweetness. Exquisitely balanced and delightful. This wine paired perfectly with Asian five-spice prawns fried with a chili sauce. Amazing!

2005 Sheridan Vineyard "L'Orage", Yakima Valley
$49.99

I am definitely on a Washington "Big Red" kick! This Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot is big, rich, with smoky notes and flavors of blackberry and cassis. Very nicely balanced, with just a hint of dustiness. Decant for about 30 minutes, and then pair with roasted or grilled leg of lamb, or maybe a big juicy steak.

August 2008

2003 Vieux Telegraphe "La Crau", Chateauneuf-du-Pape
$48.99

How often do you come across a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape? Not too often, for me, anyway. This blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Roussanne comes from 12.5 acres of 35 year-old vines, and is fermented partially in tank, and partially in barrique. This lovely wine has a fuller mouthfeel, with balanced flavors of lemon, apple, white pepper, minerality, and a slight hint of pineapple and parmesan cheese. Try it alongside chicken breast with brown butter sauce, or a plate of French cheeses - heaven!

2005 Spring Valley Vineyards "Frederick", Walla Walla
$49.99

Washington State makes such great wine - I love it! This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot is richly resonant with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and black pepper, with hints of cocoa butter and black truffle. The pairing here is definitely grilled steak with sage butter - don't forget that baked potato - Wow!

July 2008

2007 Domaine LaFond "Roc Epine" Rose, Tavel
$19.99

Tavel is a region of France that specializes only in Roses, and this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault is perfect for sipping on the deck. Dry, with flavors of strawberry and black cherry, and just a hint of pomegranate. I'm thinking barbequed chicken, shrimp skewers and white king salmon, grilled simply. Yes!

2005 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State
$52.99

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep..." is what I think when I taste this wine. It is a big, rich, complex monster that needs 30 minutes in the decanter before serving with grilled leg of lamb, but then it is all smoothness of plum, cassis, black pepper, blackberry and cinnamon notes.

June 2008

2007 Sables d'Azur Rose, Cotes de Provence
$13.99

2006 Colombelle, VdP des Cotes de Gascogne
$8.99

This crisp blend of 70% Colombard and 30% Ugni Blanc is bright with lemon and lime zest flavors, a hint of white pepper, and floral notes of white daisy, with a slight minerality on finish. Try this with a seafood paella or dover sole. Lovely!

2006 Can Blau, Montsant
$16.99

This wonderful wine is a blend of Mazuelo, Syrah and Grenache. There are smoky and tobacco leaf aromas, with soft flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and pomegranate, and a hint of black pepper. Try this with a beef or lamb stew. Delicious!

April 2008

2005 Marques de Irun Verdejo, Rueda
$12.99

Verdejo is a Spanish grape varietal that I would describe as similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, but just a bit fuller. This one has pineapple and lemon on the nose and palate, with good acid; crisp and clean, with a hint of stone on the finish. Nice! I recommend serving this with shellfish, either as a paella or simply sauteed with garlic and butter. Are you hungry yet?

1977 Kopte Colheita, Porto
$59.99

The recent snow got me thinking of a cozy fireside again. Bottled in 2006, this aged vintage port is the all about the smoothness of walnuts and caramel, with hints of walnut skin and maraschino cherry. I served this to my father at Christmas and watched his immediate transformation from slightly grumpy to warm and smiling ("...wow, what is this?"). It's simply impossible to remain in a bad mood while sipping this. Mmmmm……

March 2008

2006 La Crema Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$19.99

This lovely little everyday Chardonnay is not too heavy, yet has a nice fullness to it. A touch of oak, very nicely balanced, with flavors of peach and tropical fruit. This would be wonderful with au gratin potatoes, roast chicken, or grilled swordfish. Yum!

2005 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla
$28.99

This is a wonderful Northwest Cabernet that doesn't receive nearly enough attention. The cedar nose opens to a palate of black pepper, and cooked blackberry fruit, This wine is well-balanced, with good structure, not too tannic, but juuuussssst right! Enjoy with grilled steak or dry-rub ribs (not too spicy). Pow!

February 2008 - There is love in the air! This pair of Beaune Premier Crus from Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils have become very dear friends that I encourage you to meet!

2005 Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau, Beaune Premier Cru
$34.99

2005 was a stellar year for Burgundy, and this Pinot Noir is complex and masterfully-balanced, with just enough fruit, just enough earth, just enough oak, with a hint of black pepper spice. It was twice an out-of-the-park winner paired on one occasion with grilled leg of lamb and on another with roast goose. Simply stunning!

2004 Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau, Beaune Premier Cru
$33.99

If there are any among you who don't typically enjoy Chardonnay, this is not a Californian, but the pride of all that is white Burgundy. Again, masterfully-balanced with not too much oak, not too much fruit, good acid, with a hint of stone on the finish. I paired this with a French cheese plate accompanied by Bibb lettuce salad with savory Dijon vinaigrette, which was heaven! It paired equally well with a baked Jerusalem artichoke casserole prepared with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and creme fraiche.

January 2008

2004 MillsReef Reserve Merlot-Malbec, Hawkes Bay
$19.99

This stellar and unusual find from New Zealand is big, yet soft on the palate, with notes of blueberry vines, black pepper, and cloves. Let this one open up a bit. Wonderful!

2004 Apex II Late Harvest Semillon, Yakima Valley
$9.99

This lovely little sweetie has a surprising amount of complexity on it, with flavors of golden raisin, honey, very slight minerality, and a walnut-skin nuttiness that produces a well-balanced sensory experience - wow!

December 2007

2005 Miner Viognier "Simpson Vineyard" California
$24.99

Wow! This Viognier is very typical of the varietal, with pineapple, apricot and peach fruit. Dry yet full-bodied, there are also notes of golden raisin and slight stone. Great!

2004 Ray's Station Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast
$14.99

I couldn't belive how full and rich this was when I tasted it - a winery that I had never heard of, and what a great price for a California Cabernet! Currant, soft blackberry, dark fruit, and hints of cocoa - you cannot beat this price/quality combination!

November 2007

2005 Cline Marsanne-Roussanne Sonoma County
$14.99

I have been very impressed with Cline Cellars in general for their wonderfully delicious yet affordable wines. This blend of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes yields aromas and flavors of pineapple and white peach, with a slight wheatiness that rounds out the mouthfeel. This would be delicious paired with an appetizer of brie and roasted almonds.

Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
$49.99

Taylor Fladgate has been my favorite port for many years now, and the 20 Year Tawny has a deep richness of caramel, pecan, demerara sugar, along with vanilla and spice notes - very smooth and mellow. I serve this (or the 40 Year Tawny) after dinner to my friends and family for instant relaxation and warm conversation.

October 2007

2005 Conundrum (California)
$27.99

This is my go-to wine for Thai and Indian food! Formerly part of Caymus, and now its own label, the Conundrum is a blend of five grape varietals, including viognier, sauvignon blanc, semillon, chardonnay, and a touch of muscat that gives it a hint of sweetness without being cloying. Fragrant and fresh, with complex fruit on the palate and a good acid balance, try it with chicken pad thai, aloo gobhi, or samosas. Now I'm hungry!

2005 Januik Red Wine (Columbia Valley)
$19.99

Even though Januik wines have a good reputation, I was still very impressed with the depth and complexity here. This blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah has a heady fragrance of cedar, vanilla, and cinnamon, with smooth flavors of black currant, blackberry, and hints of earth. Makes me think about enjoying a rare steak in front of the fireplace. Aaah...

September 2007

2006 Norton Torrontes
$9.99

Oh wow - this is a delightful dry-yet-full-flavored gem from Argentina. Lush flavors of pineapple and guava, with hints of rose petal. Crisp and clean!

2004 Brancaia Tre
$19.99

This blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is an Italian go-to wine. Dark fruit flavors of prune, baked blackberry, with notes of black pepper, spice, cocoa, and caramel. Wonderful!

www.brancaia.com