Green Peppercorn

Green pepper is the one most of us probably know nothing about. We may have seen it in the clear pepper grinders mixed in with the other peppercorns. Green peppercorns are black peppercorns, just picked earlier off the plant. So, we could say they are under-ripe peppercorns. They are mild in their flavor and that is one reason to mix them in the grinder with the other stronger ‘hotter’ peppercorns. Green pepper is good to use on vegetables and sauces. When I tasted the different peppercorn I thought it tasted like the black peppercorn without the big bite. I think I’ll be getting a new pepper grinder to have on hand for the green peppercorns.

Tomorrow Pink Peppercorn Posting

White Peppercorn

White pepper is black pepper without the outer crust of the berry. Whitepepper.com has a brief explanation on white pepper. The flavor is usually cleaner. I don’t think it has that citrus bite like the black pepper. When I tested the white peppercorn, I did not get that citrus bite but what I did get was a hotter taste. When I taste the fine grind white pepper in a jar (wet the end of your finger and tap the white pepper) I defiantly get a softer pepper taste. No citrus. Remember that nice pungent smell of black pepper? Well, forget it when you smell white pepper. Whole white peppercorns smell bad. They are musky or like my wife (the bloodhound) said, ‘this smells like shit.’ White pepper does not have a pleasant aroma but, the taste if very good.

Tomorrow Green Peppercorn Posting

Black Peppercorn

Most of us are familiar with black pepper. We use ground black pepper in our homes and when we are out to eat. We may even have a pepper grinder to grind the peppercorns. I personally use the grinder. With the grinder I can adjust the coarseness of the grind. I like the chunky coarse grind on my salads. Then, I like a fine grind on my eggs, when they are over easy. Scrambled eggs I prefer a medium-fine grind. Black pepper will have a citrusy overtone and a hardwood note. I think the coarse grind helps to deliver that stronger citrus bite. Think of the times you have bitten into a small chunk of a peppercorn and you get that strong black pepper taste. Then, think of the times you use a fine ground black pepper and there is a slight floral note along with the other qualities. That pungent smell of black pepper is just wonderful.

Tomorrow White Peppercorn Posting

Understanding Pepper as a Tasting Note

When reading tasting notes on wine, beer or cigars you will eventually see the note of pepper. It may have a peppery aroma, slight peppery taste or a spicy peppery flavor. When I read the word pepper, I usually think of black pepper. And, there have been times when I taste a peppery note and I have started to think, ‘what kind of pepper is this,’ because it does not taste like black pepper it seemed softer. The peppery like taste can come from several things; the alcohol content, the ingredients used that make a bitter taste, and citrus notes.

So, thinking about pepper as a profile flavor got me to the Spice Merchant Store and I bought four different peppercorns: black peppercorn, white peppercorn, green peppercorn, and pink peppercorn. In this series of postings we will review the four different peppercorns so we can use them in our description of wine, beer, and cigars.

I bought a half an ounce of each peppercorn and I poured each into a small glass so I could spend some time smelling the peppercorns and then I took a bite of each one to experience its particular flavor.

Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine 2007: Review

I love Ice Wine! And, oh do I remember my first experience (we are talking Ice Wine). I was visiting Niagara On-The Lake, Ontario, Canada back in the late 90’s. I had stopped by a winery called Stony Ridge. They offered me a sample of ‘Ice Wine’. Being the Red Wine Snob I said, ‘I only drink reds thank you.’ He said, ‘does not matter what you drink this is an excellent dessert wine.’ Oh, then it is sweet. Sorry, I don’t do sweet wines. He returned, ‘do you like deserts?’ YES! Then, it was in my hand. I had one little sip; then another, and I said, ‘wow this is great!’

I ended up buying six bottles. And, the good stuff is not cheap.

Back then I had made it to the Niagara region to visit the different wineries several times. I am looking forward to getting back there one day. If you love wine it is a must plan trip.

I have been able to find the Jackson Triggs Ice Wine in a local wine store. This is a very good ice wine. It comes in a 187ml bottle for $20. This is a perfect size for me and my wife. It does come in a larger 375ml bottle. Remember, you are only going to drink about 50ml per person in a day.

When you drink this wine you should use an Ice Wine glass which holds about 50ml. And, that is all you should drink of this lovely sweet wine. The sugar content is really high.

The Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine has a fantastic summertime fresh fruit and tropical fruity flavor. The papaya and mango covers the tropical and the nectarine covers the summertime fruit. That sweet, syrupy, ripe nectarine in a glass.

Now, this is a sipping wine. Take your time and enjoy the flavors. It is best to chill this before serving. If you do not have Ice Wine glasses then use a cordial glass. This does go well with fresh fruit. Some people have told me that they have had it with ice cream. I love it with dark chocolate (70%). Or, the best why to have it --- by itself, after dinner.

This is a MUST HAVE.

A Wine Review: Clos Du Bois Briarcrest 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

I got this bottle at a fundraiser for Waggin Tails Dog Rescue. They had a wine tasting, auction, and the opportunity to buy some wine from Pilgrim Party Store located in Plymouth, Michigan. During the wine tasting I enjoyed this one and of course a few others so, I bought a bottle of each. Now, it is time to do a review on this tasty Cabernet.

Here is the bottle description: “This powerful wine showcases Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in its pure form: Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, anise, sweet tobacco, vanilla and spice.”

I really like this wine. The dark berry profile is flavorful. There is a nice earthiness to the body and I like the delicate spice. This is winner in my book. I think I’ll buy another bottle. This would be wonderful with a tasty filet.

Meritage? What red wine is that?

About the name ‘Meritage’

Meritage is pronounced like heritage. Meritage is a licensed name which started back in the late 1980’s. A Meritage wine can be made with these Bordeaux type grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and according to meritagewine.org/red-meritage, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. I did not know about these last three grapes.

If there is any other type of grape in the blend then it is only a ‘blend’ , it would not qualify as a Meritage Wine. Also, one grape cannot be more than 90% of the wine, according to meritagewine.org.

Copeland Creek 2002 Meritage

This Meritage has three of the classic Bordeaux grapes: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. And, for me I like it when there is more Cab Franc and less Merlot. It has a 13.9% abv. It is from the Sonoma Coast and bottled by: Copeland Creek Vineyards.

This Meritage puts the big berry flavors on the sidelines and has a strong starting lineup of cherry flavors. It is like they squeezed some black cherries and red cherries to make this wonderful taste profile. The Franc grapes and Merlot grapes seem to be in control with a nice supple texture and earthy structure to keep things together. There is a soft and delicate herbal like spice in the background.

If you can find a bottle of this 2002 buy it – it is still very good and the big cherry notes are a singing.

A Wine Review: Ventisquero Queulat Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Gran Reserva

The chit chat on the bottle leads you to think you have an ‘elegant and delicate’ wine in your position. The first glass I poured it was meaty, earthy and full of a eucalyptus taste that was overpowering. This bottle needs to sit and breathe for a while.

After an hour has passed, I decide to cork the bottle and wait till tomorrow.

One day later: Now, this wine tastes good. I like the earthy notes now. I like the strength of the berries. Why did it take a day to settle down? I don’t know.  This bottle was not 'elegant and delicate.'

Overall: not a bad wine from Chile. I am not going to be heading out to test another bottle though.  That is wine dripping down the label.

Toasted Head Untamed Red 2007: Tasting

Untamed is Uneventful

I am not a fan of Merlot but, Toasted Head Merlot is very good in my book. I know this is not a Merlot wine. Untamed is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Petit Sirah. The description on the bottle says, ‘Uninhibited, even slightly unruly …,’ I am ready for some big stuff here – right?

I get some berry notes. I would not call it ‘big’, ‘juicy’, or ‘rich’. Spice? What spice. Maybe some earthy notes, right. No, no earthy notes. This is pretty boring stuff here. I am truly disappointed with this Untamed Red. Untamed is uneventful even for a one dimensional wine. I do not remember how much I paid for the bottle but, if I saw this bottle on sale for $5.oo I would pass it right up. I would not even buy it for an unruly friend.

A Wine Review: Midnight Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wine - Midnight Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Nebula

This wine has a very dense dark body with a nice ruby color on the edges. It has a 14.2% abv. I selected this wine because it is from Paso Robles. Justin Winery and Liberty School are both from that region and I really like both of those Cabs.

The nose of this wine has a solid dark berry and spice profile. Right after opening the tannins are speaking. After a little time to breath the balance kicks in and the flavors come alive. The dark berries and cherry notes are yummy and mingle well with the spices and some oaky and vanilla oaky notes. This is a fuller bodied Cab. I am going to rate it a 7.5 on my strength scale. I could see an 8 but, the wine has such a nice finish of berry and plum that does not have that bitter bite of a strong blackberry. The earthy structure just coats the palate for a solid Cabernet Sauvignon taste.

This is a must buy. I would love to compare this to Justin Cabernet some day. This bottle cost me $18.00 at Everyday Wines in Ann Arbor.

I would recommend a big juicy steak on the grill with this wine.

Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2007: Review

I have always liked a good glass of Valpolicella. A lot of them are mild-medium in body. Along with that lighter body there is a solid berry or fruity aroma and the taste usually follows suit. This makes it a yummy wine that most people can enjoy.

Now, when I took a sip of this one I was surprised. If I did not have the bottle in front of me I would never guess Valpolicella. Two words are on the bottle to let you know that this is going to have a little more body than your average Valpolicella. First, Ripassa, meaning that the grapes go thru a slight re-fermentation which, helps to increase the alcohol and adds a little more body to the final product. This wine is then stored in tanks for 6 months before being moved to smaller oak barrels for 18 – 24 months. The second word on the bottle is Superiore. The Superiore label will mean that it has an abv of 12% or more. In the case of this bottle it is 14%. Watch out because this wine does not feel like it’s 14%.

The color is a deep amethyst with ruby hues on the edges. The nose on this wine is very berry and fruity. The wine has a wonderful taste. A variety of dark berries, blackberry, black currant, and blue berries greet the palate. There is a nice 80% dark chocolate quality that helps to add some character. At times I get a nice sweet grape taste on the edge that is then mingled with the fuller dark black berry and currant twang. To me this wine has a nice rich and thick body for a Valpolicella. I really like this wine. This is a must try and I am going to buy some more. I believe it is from Everyday Wines in Kerrytown, Ann Arbor, Michigan. From memory – I think it was around $14.00 a bottle. At that price this is a great buy.

the turk 2005 Blend: Review

What a great blend - 50% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, 16% cabernet, 6% mourvedre

By: Turkey Flat Vineyards
Barossa Valley
Australia
14.5%abv
turkeyflat

I remember a couple of years ago Carl, a friend from the cigar store, was raving about this bottle of wine. I said, ‘Let’s try it.’ The response was, ‘I can’t find it.’ Then, someone did find some and brought in a bottle. We all sampled the wine and everybody was in agreement, “This is really good!”

I finally got Jim Lutfy, from the Fine Wine Source (Livonia, Michigan), to get me a case last year. I am now down to my last three bottles. This is the farewell tour, so to say then. The 2005 turk was an excellent blend.

I am looking forward to the 2006, which is a different blend consisting of: 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz, 24% Mourvedre, and 18% Grenache.

the turk 2005 has a deep purple color. The bouquet is absolutely wonderful. The dark berries and fruit along with the spices hit the nose and I am in red wine heaven. As the wine hits the tongue I realize there is a smorgasbord of flavors to be had. The two dominant notes to me; dark berries and pepper (like a fine ground black pepper.) Then, the earthy and smoky style kicks in to coat the palate with red wine delight. Then, as I swallow that last sip, I taste the spice and peppery notes on the back of the palate.

Let me try to explain the mouthfeel. You know how your mouth gets coated from a piece of … let’s say 70% dark chocolate.  It just covers every square inch of your mouth. That is what I experience from this wine. It has that nice almost jammy feel on the palate.

The smokiness, the variety of berries, the spices, the earthy quality, the pepper – wow, this wine has some complexity.

If you can find a bottle of the 05 – I say, “BUY IT.”

And, Jimmy, can you get me the 06?

Bombing Range Red 2006 Blend

By: McKinley Springs, Prosser, Washington

Here is the story behind the name of this red wine, as it is stated on the bottle. “During WWII the U.S. Government asked our family, and other families in the Horse Heaven Hills to leave our farms so the area could be used to train fighter pilots. Bombing Range Red is our tribute to our troops and the colorful history of the Horse Heaven Hills.”

Bombing Range Red is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Syrah, and 4% Mourvedre. From their web site, http://www.mckinleysprings.com/, the description is – Raspberry and blueberry jam aromas with violet and cinnamon. The taste is rich blackberry, mocha and currant.

I love the look of this wine when it is in the glass. It is dense!  (No, honey, I am describing the wine) When I hold it to the light I cannot see through this puppy. So, I expect a fuller mouthfeel and some good complexity going on with this wine when I taste it.

This wine has a bold flavor profile of dark berries. It is like you could spread this across your toast in the morning. The two Cab grapes add a solid earthy quality. The mocha profile to me is more on the aftertaste. Honestly, with every sip I think, ‘life is good,’ I love the berry taste. I don’t notice much in the spice profile but, that is okay because I really like the thick berry profile coating my palate. As the wine opens up there is more of a soft peppery note and some spice. The Syrah and Mourvedre grapes are noted for bringing the spice and the pepper notes to the table but, these two grapes only makeup 12% of this blend. So, the focus is on the Cab grapes. The complexity is not great, but very good in the berry category.

This is an excellent choice for a value priced wine.

A Wine Review: Fess Parker’s Syrah 2004 Rodney‘s Vineyard

On the bottle it reads: “rich, full-bodied wine… berry, cherry, cassis, clove, spice, earth, toast, and smoke flavors.” Once again, a lot of wineries proclaim they have a ‘full-bodied’ wine. And, once again this is right on mark. But, it is Fess Parker Winery, he was Daniel Boone, and he wouldn’t lie now. This is my second bottle of this vintage and I think it is becoming a new favorite.

This is a fuller bodied wine that is loaded with flavor and it still has elegance to it. The nose is smoky upfront with dark berry and earth on the back, to me. The smokiness continues in the taste. I have had a lot of wines that talk about a smoky profile and usually I never get it. Well, this one has it. The bite of blackberry is right up there with that wonderful smokiness. Take your time tasting this baby. Wash the mouth with this wine and experience the flavors. While it has a big profile of dark fruit it also has a spicy feel to the taste. While, the mouthfeel is on the fuller side it also has a pleasing feel to the texture.

The Fess Parker’s Syrah Rodney’s Vineyard is a must buy.