Staying at the Mantra in Parramatta is like a trip to the Dentist. You don’t really want to do go, it’s clinical and soulless and the people there tend to give small children nightmares. If you’re ever unlucky enough to find yourself in Parramatta, try a staying on a park bench instead; you’re likely to get robbed by a better class of person.
However, Friday night thankfully saw the end of my time there so to celebrate, and to kick off an unprecedented weekend of all things California, I opened up a 2000 Ridge Geyserville (Prince Wine Store, $85).
If Americans supposedly like things big, then Californian Zinfandel is a supersize testament to this; traditionally it’s high in alcohol, full bodied and has ripe concentrated fruit, sometimes with some residual sugar. This pretty much sums up the Ridge Geyserville, but to say it’s just that would be doing it a disservice. It’s superbly structured with well balanced acidity and an incredible length. There’s tinned cherries and earthy black fruit stuffed in it and although $85 is a lot of green stuff, I think that Ridge produce their wines with care that it almost seems like a bargain. Almost.
The California theme continued in the morning, with a tasting at the Prince Wine Store. A Schwarshenegger of good wines on show and too many to mention, but two that I really warmed to were the Dutton Goldfield Ranch Chardonnay 2006 and the Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
The Dutton has everything thrown at it, lots of oak and malolactic fermentation and I’m sure for that reason not everyone will be shelling out the $65 a bottle, but the structure is tight and it’s beautifully crafted. I don’t have any notes to hand for the Counterpoint, but it’s delicious, riper than your average cabernet and got lots of other stuff going on as well. You get the picture.
My wife and I finished our little California love-in with an episode or two of Veronica Mars, which is set in a fictional Ca. town. If you’ve not come across this before it’s essentially Buffy meets Phillip Marlowe. What makes it better than the usual crap is some very dark themes, good camera work and a really solid script. I’m sure I’m too old to be watching stuff like this but then I still think FIFA soccer is a great way to spend the night. Plus my wife likes it as it's got her name in it.
However, Friday night thankfully saw the end of my time there so to celebrate, and to kick off an unprecedented weekend of all things California, I opened up a 2000 Ridge Geyserville (Prince Wine Store, $85).
If Americans supposedly like things big, then Californian Zinfandel is a supersize testament to this; traditionally it’s high in alcohol, full bodied and has ripe concentrated fruit, sometimes with some residual sugar. This pretty much sums up the Ridge Geyserville, but to say it’s just that would be doing it a disservice. It’s superbly structured with well balanced acidity and an incredible length. There’s tinned cherries and earthy black fruit stuffed in it and although $85 is a lot of green stuff, I think that Ridge produce their wines with care that it almost seems like a bargain. Almost.
The California theme continued in the morning, with a tasting at the Prince Wine Store. A Schwarshenegger of good wines on show and too many to mention, but two that I really warmed to were the Dutton Goldfield Ranch Chardonnay 2006 and the Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
The Dutton has everything thrown at it, lots of oak and malolactic fermentation and I’m sure for that reason not everyone will be shelling out the $65 a bottle, but the structure is tight and it’s beautifully crafted. I don’t have any notes to hand for the Counterpoint, but it’s delicious, riper than your average cabernet and got lots of other stuff going on as well. You get the picture.
My wife and I finished our little California love-in with an episode or two of Veronica Mars, which is set in a fictional Ca. town. If you’ve not come across this before it’s essentially Buffy meets Phillip Marlowe. What makes it better than the usual crap is some very dark themes, good camera work and a really solid script. I’m sure I’m too old to be watching stuff like this but then I still think FIFA soccer is a great way to spend the night. Plus my wife likes it as it's got her name in it.
That's all, be seeing you.
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10 comments:
I'm 35 and I still watch Veronica Mars. Don't know if that make syou feel better or worse.
jeremy.
ps-like the site. Will defintely keep up to date with it. Best wishes.
Veronica Mars complements the Zinfandel perfectly. It’s superbly structured with well balanced acidity and an incredible length.
I always thought Veronica Mars was a chardonnay, or aged semillon show. :-) Will try it with a zinf soon...
jeremy.
thanks for the comments folks, I've just started the blog and as Gary rightly states at Winorama, the key will be keeping my chin up
As for Veronica Mars... I should start a blog for that too ;)
What wine would you suggest be enjoyed when celebrating Arsenal's victory in the premiership?
Something that will age for a very, very long time.
Is Zinfandel predominantly a Californian style of wine? Is Neptune a place that would be further appreciated when accompanied by such a style?
Like the team colours, Arsenal victories may be celebrated with either a good red or white. If talking reds, I would suggest something youthful and zingy, possibly mixed with the wisdom of a well managed merlot. As for the region, Spanish seems to be the talking point at the moment, though anything french will not lead you astray.
Well, with the developments on Winefront, here's your chance Rwashack :) Look forward to more wine posts, as much as I enjoy VM. Take care and drink well.
Thanks Jeremy, although this blog isn't intended to be anything like either rama or front, mainly as I don't have the skill, palate or patience to do that. I've been thinking that there's no mention anywhere of why I'm doing the blog. Apart from a history of writing and a keen interest in wine, there is no real reason apart from an outlet for me to rant now and again ;-)
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