Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Indian Wells' Merlot Add
Flora Springs Trilogy Add
Pujanza Norte Rioja Add
Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Indian Wells' Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

Chateau Ste. Michelle
Region:

Columbia Valley, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 89
Flavors:

berry, licorice
Fruit:

ripe

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87
Complexity:

simple
Texture:

velvety

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 90
Acidity:

bright, fresh
Flavors:

blackberry, currant, oak, spicy

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 89
Acidity:

soft

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88
Acidity:

high acid
Flavors:

berry, black pepper, oak, plum, spicy

1998: WineSpectator Rating: 88
Flavors:

chocolate, currant, herb, plum
Fruit:

ripe

1998: Tanzer Rating: 88
Acidity:

fat, tangy
Body:

solid
Complexity:

supple
Flavors:

black cherry, chocolate, dill, licorice, raspberry
Fruit:

sweet
Texture:

round, smooth

1998: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90
Compliments:

delicious
Flavors:

cinnamon, herbal, spice, toasty oak, vanilla

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.

Flora Springs Trilogy

Attributes:
Producer:

Flora Springs
Region:

Napa Valley, United States
Varietal:

Proprietary Blend - Red
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: (89-91)
Acidity:

fresh
Body:

medium-bodied
Compliments:

elegant, tasty
Flavors:

black currant, cherries, herbs, minerals, raspberries, spice box

2004: Tastings Rating: 93
Body:

full-bodied
Complexity:

deep, rich
Compliments:

elegant
Flavors:

chocolatey, oak, spicy
Texture:

delicate

2004: Tastings Rating: 91
Acidity:

tangy
Flavors:

berry, currant, orange, spice, toffee
Fruit:

ripe

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 79
Texture:

round

2004: CGCW Rating: 85
Flavors:

berry, earthy

2003: WineAdvocate Rating: (90-92)
Flavors:

new oak

2003: CGCW Rating: 88
Complexity:

supple

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 87
Complexity:

supple
Compliments:

elegant, well-balanced
Flavors:

cedar, oak
Fruit:

ripe

Food Matches:
Cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Provolone
Fish or Shellfish: Sea Bass
Herbs & Spices: Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme
Poultry & Eggs: Game Birds
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Game, Kidney, Roast Beef, Sausage, Variety Meats or Organ Meats, Veal Carpaccio
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Potatoes, Roasted Mixed Vegetables

Napa:

This tiny strip of land just north of San Francisco is home to America’s most prestigious wineries. Its climate is ideal for viticulture. Ironically, it was deemed too ideal for some vintners, who have moved their vineyards from the valley’s flat plain to the hills in the east and west, adhering to the idea that grapes that struggle to grow yield better wine. The climate, soil, and individual wineries are enormously varied, so it’s impossible to identify a singular trait of Napa wines. In addition, nearly every noble grape is grown here, although Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the primary grapes. In the past, Napa’s wines have alternated between extremely fruity and fat to lean and subtle. Today the best Napa wines have achieved a balance between these extremes. Many are made to be drunk young and have abundant ripe fruit; others can be initially hard and tannic, but soften over four or five years to perfumed, cedary fruit. White Napa wines are excellent with fresh-grilled fish and chicken, but can also cope with more spicy and creamy flavors. Many Napa reds will overwhelm delicate cuisine, but rich red meat and cheeses do make good companions.

Pujanza Norte Rioja

Attributes:
Producer:

Pujanza
Region:

Rioja, Spain
Varietal:

Tempranillo, Red Blend
Bottle Size:

750 ML

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.


Tempranillo:

This Spanish grape gives wines deep color, low acidity and only moderate alcohol content. In recent years the Ribera del Duero region has been producing wonderful wines featuring this grape; in older, more traditional regions such as Rioja, the grape is blended with others.

White Beans with Sausage

Rated

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 teaspoon dried red pepper flake
1-1/2 tsp paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb italian sausage sliced on the bias, 1/2-inch thick
¼ cup tomato puree
1 lb. navy beans or other dried small white beans
salt
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then season with red pepper flakes, paprika, and black pepper.

Increase heat to medium. Add the sausage to onion mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add tomato purée, beans, and 4 cups water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until beans are tender, about 1 hour (though some types of beans may take considerably longer, depending on size and age).

Season to taste with salt and garnish with parsley.

Yield

Serves 5

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: 90 mins.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 5
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 97 Calories from Fat: 144
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 16g
24%  
Carbohydrates 10g
3%  
Dietary Fiber 7g
28%  
Saturated Fat 9g
45%  
Calories 97kcal
4%  
Cholesterol < 1mg
0%  
Protein 7g
11%  
Sodium 524mg
21%  
Calcium
0%  
Iron
15%  
Vitamin A
16%  
Vitamin C
20%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.