Veni, Vixi, Vino

"Come, come. I have lived! And for wine..." -- Tony Vasile

Nothing is more self serving than quoting yourself, but I just had to share. This quote came about while I was messing with Latin words and phrases the other day...

Anyway, I'm glad you could join me today because I want to tell you about a couple new adventures I've taken on. First, back in December of 2010, I started working for Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula. It is a 100% Estate Winery which means it owns all the vineyards that the wine grapes come from and they control the entire process. Also, all of the vineyards are in Temecula, so no importing of grapes or juice from anywhere else. These are my favorites the winery produces, so far:

2009 Viognier

The nose is very floral and aromatic with touches of honeysuckle, peach and apricot blossom, and nectar. On the palate you get ripe peach, apricot, and passion fruit, with a nice amount of grapefruit in the finish. Refreshing and delicious.

2007 Cabernet Franc

Usually a blending grape, Monte De Oro does it justice on its own with ripe red and black cherry up front, in the nose and on the palate, with a bit of blackberry present. Soft touches of oak follow and it finishes with soft tannins and slightly sweet earth.

2007 Syrah

Well structured and quite bold, the nose offers loads of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, and a hint of smoke. You taste the fruit as well as a nice helping of cracked black pepper on the finish. It drinks big.

2005 Synergy 65 Inaugural Red Blend

The blend consists of 36% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Zinfandel. It has a distinct nose of ripe red and black fruit with touches of sweet oak. On the palate it is very well layered. The first layer is ripe raspberry, ripe blackberry, and black cherry. The second layer is earthy and complex. The third is of soft tannin and low acidity. This is a very elegant wine.

My second new adventure is working for Uncorked Wine Bar and Bistro in Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a wine shop with a nice tasting bar, offering great wines by the glass or bottle and appetisers. I serve tables, pour wine, and do a good bit of cooking there. Soon I'll be introducing some of my own creations to the menu. I encourage you to stop in anytime Wednesday through Saturday evenings to enjoy some great wine, great eats, and have a few laughs!