Lealtanza Crianza Add
Maryhill Merlot Add
Pride Mountain Merlot Add
Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

Lealtanza Crianza

Attributes:
Producer:

Bodegas Altanza
Region:

Rioja, Spain
Varietal:

Dry Red Table Wine
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: Tanzer Rating: 87(+?)?

Complexity:

focused

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 90
Complexity:

complex
Flavors:

bitter, cherry, tea, tobacco

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 90
Complexity:

complex
Flavors:

black cherry, blackberry, cedar, oak, tobacco
Fruit:

ripe

2004: Tanzer Rating: 90

Acidity:

tangy
Body:

medium-bodied
Complexity:

complex
Flavors:

cedar, cherry, redcurrant, rose, tobacco
Fruit:

ripe

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: 88
Compliments:

elegant, stylish
Flavors:

cedar, cherry, currant, earth, oak, toast

2001: Tanzer Rating: 87(+?)?

1999: Tastings Rating: 83
Body:

full-bodied
Complexity:

rich
Flavors:

black cherry, roasted meat, spicy, truffle

1999: WineAdvocate Rating: 88

Food Matches:
Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Almonds, Dates, Figs & Raisins, Hazelnuts
Herbs & Spices: Cilantro, Coriander, Cinnamon, Cumin, Saffron
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Spicy Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Vegetables: Artichokes, Beans, Green, Beans, White, Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gazpacho, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Peppers, Swiss chard or Kale, Tomato, Vegetable Gratin or Stew, White Aspargus with Mustard Vinagrette

Rioja:

(ree OH hah)—This region in north-central Spain makes the country’s most popular red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Rosado (rose) and white wines are also produced here. Traditionally red Rioja was aged for many years in small barrels made from American oak; this produced wines that were pale, gentle, and lacking in fruitiness. Current trends have been away from only oak aging and the wines are now much fresher tasting. In addition, the introduction of French oak barrels has contributed to its distinctive vanilla quality. The Rioja region is divided into three zones, the most well known being Rioja Alta. Alta-based wines tend to be firmer and leaner in style. Rioja Alavesa produces delicate, perfumed reds. Both Alavesa- and Alta-based wines are blended with wines from the third region, Rioja Baja, a somewhat warmer area that produces heavier grapes. The label of a Rioja will reveal much about the characteristics of its contents. Sin crianza Riojas receive no oak aging and are released young; they are Beaujolais-like, fruity and fresh. Some wines are aged for two years in oak or bottles; these are labeled crianza and, while still fresh and fruity, begin take on the famous oakiness. Wines aged for three years, at least one year in a barrel, are labeled reserva. These are often the most enjoyable of all Riojas. The most expensive wines are aged for five years or more, earning the status of gran reserva. The youngest Riojas pair well with seafood, spicy sausages, and Spanish-style bean dishes. The mature reds should be eaten with game, stews, and cheese.

Maryhill Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Maryhill Winery
Region:

Columbia Valley, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2001: Tastings Rating: 87

2000: Tastings Rating: 85
Body:

medium-bodied

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.


Columbia Valley:

The Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest in the state of Washington. It includes the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and Horse Heaven Hill AVAs within its boundaries.

Pride Mountain Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Pride Mountain Vineyards
Region:

Napa/Sonoma, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: CGCW Rating: 89
Flavors:

cherry

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 87
Body:

lean, medium-bodied
Flavors:

berry, herbal, mocha
Fruit:

fruity, juicy, sweet

2004: Tanzer Rating: 91
Complexity:

suave, supple
Flavors:

cranberry, leather, nuts, redcurrant, spice
Fruit:

austere

2003: WineAdvocate Rating: 88
Body:

medium-bodied
Compliments:

elegant, tasty
Flavors:

berry, mocha, oak

2003: CGCW Rating: 90
Compliments:

tasty
Flavors:

chocolate, oak
Fruit:

sweet

2003: Tanzer Rating: 92
Acidity:

fat, soft
Flavors:

cherry, chocolate, raspberry, red fruits
Fruit:

ripe, sweet
Texture:

smooth

2002: WineAdvocate Rating: 90
Compliments:

elegant
Flavors:

black cherry, mocha, white chocolate

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 93
Acidity:

clean, lively
Complexity:

complex
Compliments:

elegant
Flavors:

blackberries, cherries, mocha
Fruit:

sweet

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.

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