Wine consumption may be linked to lower risk of esophageal cancer, studies find

From our friends at International Herald Tribune, the study published in Gastroenterology on wine consumption and throat cancer--

http://tinyurl.com/cs3xeh

Rosa Regale

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! We're having Rosa Regale tonight as a special treat. It's a slightly sweet red bubbly from Banfi that you can have as a dessert by itself, or even more fabulous, with your favorite chocolate. Rosa Regale really brings out the flavors in chocolate. Try it sometime for a special occasion with that special someone.

Savvy Shopper - Wine Spectator

All right, the latest edition of Wine Spectator talks about choosing good value wines for $20 or less. My personal picks from their list:

Four Vines Zinfandel Paso Robles Biker 2006--I'm anxious to try this one. My husband and I positively love Four Vines Zinfandel. This is a different Zin from Four Vines. It's supposed to have a lot of character and zip. All for $25.

Concha y Toro Chardonnay Pirque Marques de Casa Concha 2007--I have rhapsodized about the $90 Don Melchior red that I had for Xmas 2007. This is a white from one of my favorite Chilean winemakers. And a reasonable price of $21, it doesn't break the bank, so I am looking forward to trying it.

Ok, Ok, I realize they're not under $20, but they were both listed in the Smart Buys section of the recommendations this month. Close enough!

Wine Glass Holding Plates

Check out one of the latest trends:

Wine Glass Holding Dishes - The 'James' Plate (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) Andrea Grossfuss, the founder of Olaf Kiessling German studio Sternform, has designed a plate prototype named “James” that features a hole to hold wine glasses from its handle.

Due to its broad and unglazed… [More]

Christmas Wish Answered!

Santa came through for me this year! I received a Wine Spectator's Top 100 wine for Christmas, one of the ones I wrote about in the beginning of December on my wish list.

Here it is:

#10 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007. 93 points, $24 "Aged 11 months in 75 % American Oak, it's a complex, seductive, pepper and berry laced Zinfandel with a supple texture and a spicy finish."

Believe me, it is just as good, if not better, than the description. A thousand thanks to our dear friend who blessed my husband and I with this lovely present.

In addition, we received a second Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne, this time a 2004 (see my previous post). It, too, is a great wine, but not as good as the 2002. Wine Spectator rated it at 94, one point below the venerable 2002.

Thanks again, Santa! Now, where's my Mollydooker?


Karen, the Wine Goddess

Louis Latour

Yesterday, I was generously given a bottle of Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2002 by a relative. Although a white wine, it went wonderfully with a dinner of sirloin steak, baked sweet potato and green beans. It has a beautiful golden color and smooth finish. I knew from experience that this was not inexpensive wine. I decided to look it up on Wine Spectator this morning. Here is the lowdown:

"Refined, with a dense core of apple surrounded by pear and apple pie spice aromas and flavors. Bright and impeccably balanced, this is harmonious and well-defined, yet dense, and has not revealed all its charms. Fine length with a creamy texture. Best from 2008 through 2020. –BS"

Score: 95
Release Price: $115
Current Auction Price: $169
Country: France Region: Burgundy
Issue: Jun 30, 2005


Rarely have I been able to enjoy a 95 point wine with a weeknight dinner :) Not to worry. I was actually given two bottles. The second one I'm saving for Christmas.

My personal Xmas Wish List from Wine Spectator's Top 100

In spite of the economy, I have some very lovely wines on my wish list from Wine Spectator's top 100 wines. Santa, please take note!

#6 Pio Cesare Barolo 2004. 94 points, $62 A "big juicy chewy wine" from a reliable Piedmont producer of Barolos.

#9 Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007. 95 points, $90 "One of the few great Australian Shirazes priced less than $100. "

#10 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007. 93 points, $24 "Aged 11 months in 75 % American Oak, it's a complex, seductive, pepper and berry laced Zinfandel with a supple texture and a spicy finish."

#12 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchior 2005. 96 points, $69 I had a Don Melchior at Christmas last year and it was excellent. "Aged 15 months in French Oak to create a red with a big core of roasted chestnut, warm fig and tar flavors."

#37 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2006 93 points, $27 "Emphasizes the intensity juicy acidity and sleekness this grape is capable of.

As you can see, this is diverse list. Italian, Australian, California, and Chilean wines are all here. One white, and four reds.