Better than Birthday Cake

In a concerted effort to embrace this whole aging process, I decided that spoiling myself was obligatory.

I chose to fore go the customary birthday cake, and even ice cream (gasp!), opting for something even sweeter.

June 20th, 2010 marked the day when I went deep into my "cellar" (I use that term lightly!), and brought out something very special...liquid sugar from 2002. Getting older suddenly seemed a bit easier!

Dolce is, in a word, indulgence. In two words...complete indulgence. (They actually market themselves as having the ability to give hedonistic pleasure...that may be taking it a bit far!!!)Being the fine dessert wine it is, I had to take the opportunity to break out the crystal cordial glasses (if you're going to indulge, do it properly!).

I uncorked the pretty, 375 ml bottle, and poured a taste.

Let me preface the rest of this post with one thing...it's expensive. As you (should) know, I don't drink a lot of super-expensive wines, but again, this isn't just any old day! Oh, and another side comment... as you (may) know, I'm a dry wine kinda gal, BUT, as you also (may) know, I'm not one to pigeon-hole myself in categories like "red OR white", or "dry OR sweet".

Ok, back to it...so immediately I noticed how gorgeously shimmery it was. Intense gold - sparkling away like that was its job! I smell carmel, honey. When I sip, it's heavy! Concentrated, honey!, a bit of a hazel-nuttiness. A little goes a looooong way. So sweet!

Why is it so expensive? Situated in Napa, Dolce is the only American winery dedicated to producing a single late harvest (dessert) wine. They are highly selective with the grapes they use, and would rather make a much smaller quantity of wine, than put out a lesser-quality product. With this as their only focus, they strive for perfection, and damn, they're close. This is precisely what I needed today!

I highly recommend you try a dessert wine. They can be the perfect addition when you're looking for something a little bit special.

Sante!

What About New Zealand?!

I guess you can tell I can't get enough Australian wine (or wasn't I obvious enough?)...but what about New Zealand?! I'm not about to get in the middle of this ongoing Australia vs. New Zealand battle over who's the best. Luckily, when comparing wines, they are so different, everyone can be the best!

New Zealand is widely known for their superb Sauvignon Blancs, coming from regions like Marlborough and Hawkes Bay (towards the north). We, on the other hand, spent most of our New Zealand time in the south, conveniently driving right through Central Otago Valley. Unlike the north, the terrain in Central Otago is more suitable for growing Pinot Noir (Lucky me! One of my favorites!).

We stopped at the adorable, quaint Waitiri Creek Winery, pictured above. Surrounded by snowy mountains in the sunny valley. Their cellar is actually an old Presbyterian Church (no wonder that I chose Waitiri as my favorite in the Otago Valley)! Their small size allows them to focus completely on quality. I chatted with the wine maker for an hour or so, while tasting their wines.

No doubt their Pinot Noir was lovely...reminding me of tasting Oregon and Washington Pinot Noirs...New World all-the-way. More fruit and body than an Old World-style French Burgundy (aka Pinot Noir). Intense cherry and dark fruit. Earth (It's common with Pinot Noir to smell earthiness or even "barn-ness!"...LOVE IT!). Also, definite oak aspects...like hints of baking spices like vanilla, etc. Cheers!

Their Sauvignon Blanc was also quite nice, though very different (lighter) than the styles found up north. Honestly, I preferred their Chardonnay! Ry and I were equally impressed by the elegant balance. The aroma was intense...like a big creamy New World style....but when you taste it...it's just perfect! Not too "over-the-top" big! We definitely brought some home.

I told you before, and I'll tell you again (see blog on Sweet Cheeks)...Pinot Noirs rock!....when done well. They are delicate and require attention. A good one usually isn't too cheap. When you come across ones like we did in Central Otago, where it was so evident that the wine makers care deeply about their art, you can't help but be inspired.

The Barossa Valley - Highlights from Two Opposite Ends of the Vineyard

What can I say besides, "I'm in HEAVEN!"

Wine. Beautiful, big, New World, red WINE!

Hello, Barossa, where have you been all my life?

Of course you may recognize mainstream names like Penfolds and Jacob's Creek...with wine ranging from the overproduced cheapies to limited production high-ends, but what about the small, unknown vineyards?

Ryan and I had an absolutely gorgeous time with Russ and Janett visiting wineries, and tasting the vast range of delectible reds (yes, and whites!), across the Barossa Valley. Between clouds and sun, and fabulous Maggie Beers (THE BEST pheasant pate and fresh aged cheddar...gorgeous picnic!), we enjoyed some of the finest New World Reds in the world!

Jacob's Creek. In the USA, we get one or two types of their relatively mediocre wines. If you seek, you may find one of their special bottles. Alternatively, in Australia, lovely Jacob's Creek varieties abound! I feel so fortunate to have tried the Jacob's Creek Limited Release 2005 Shiraz (only for sale at vineyard shop...and absolutely gorgeous!!), and Jacob's Creek Johann Shiraz/Cabernet 2004...truly delectable...Brick-red color, with HUGE red fruit, a bit of mint (?), eucalyptus (perhaps?), and definite cassis. A twist of peppermill...oh yes! (Named in honour of Johann Gramp, the pioneering winemaker of Orlando Wines!) To me, it's the perfect combo of rich round fruit flavors (that's the Shiraz!) with solid tannin structure and length (that's Cabernet Sauvignon!). G'day harmony! G'day balance! (We are in Australia, after all!)

Needless to say, I never thought Jacob's Creek made such elegant, fabulous wines!

We also visited smallie, gorgeous boutique vineyards...some are hit, some are miss! JENKE....HIT! Ok, ok, it took a minute to warm up to them...but when we tasted the reds..hello!...gorgeous reds. Our favorite quickly became the the "1926 (age of the vine) Vineyard Shiraz". It was SPECIAL. Rich. Dense. Dark fruits, pepper, tobacco, earth, chocolate, even! Finish lasts and lasts. It will be lovely not just now, but for years to come. hope to taste it again, someday (Russ, save a bottle!!!!)

I can't believe how much I have learned during the past month. South Australia- I love your wine!

Photos:

~Jenke Cellar

~Jenke Vines, late autumn in Barossa Valley