tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57657197461990234062024-03-14T00:51:53.523-07:00The Grape TeaserJhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-52911041635815994922013-09-02T04:45:00.001-07:002013-09-02T04:45:10.215-07:00How to survive a day at work with alcohol.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1) </b>There is nothing quite like a shot of tequila to start a rumble in your belly and to help you move from a sleepy disposition to a rather energized bunny. At least when you get to work, there'll be something other than sleepy dust in your eyes.
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<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2)</b> To drown out the meaningless sound of your boss's dulcit tones when he drones on and on in Monday morning meetings, try lacing your tea with absinthe. Not only will his tales of his time spent in the Kruger become a comedic experience, but you may even start to see him as one of the big five.
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<pre style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3)</b> 10am snack time calls for a tot of whiskey coz nothing says 'Hells Bells, let's move this sh!t along' like some Jack Daniels.</span></pre>
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<b>4)</b> Lunch is the time when all the plebs congregate in the kitchen and you have to listen to people's boring weekend habits like 'I made pot roast but the meat was off so I doused it with salt and my husband couldn't tell the difference.' What is needed now is a clean, long glass of vodka. Neat. No one will be able to tell that it isn't water as it leaves no aftetaste and has no smell. Now sip. Smile. Nod.</span></pre>
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<b>5)</b> I always need to wet my whistle at about 3ish and nothing helps me get through the last 2 hours of work than a gin and tonic. I always feel decidedly British when I drink it and it gives me that stiff upper lip to cope with the remaining bull of the day.</span></pre>
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<b>6)</b> Home time calls for a celebration. Break out that rum and feel the magic moving through your legs as you kick off the rubbish of the day and laugh over the perpetuable crap that you don't get paid enough to deal with.</span></pre>
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Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-88188125195720621482012-10-11T23:42:00.004-07:002012-10-11T23:42:58.619-07:00Acid attack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>In the name of wine I drink all sorts of liquids that claim
they were once grapes.</b> Today was no exception. As Spring draws ever closer
threatening Winter with its milder climate, I find myself reaching for the
lighter things in life. That big blustery Shiraz stays in the wine fridge at
work stays put and out comes the Sauvignon and Chenin Blancs. Unfortunately the
pickings were slim at the office and myself and a team of experts (I use this
term loosely for fear of their being a qualification war) were supplied with
the following, of which we give our honest assessment:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These descriptions may offend but, we
were ‘under the influence’.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">D’aria Music
Sauvignon Blanc 2011 </b></div>
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Sprightly and gay was what I wanted, insipid and lack-lustre
was what I got. Less fresh grass and more raw courgette. Less fresh exotic
fruit and more ‘made in China’ plastic fruit.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fort Simon Chenin
Blanc 2009</b></div>
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I find that wine has the ability to bring out my more
descriptive of expressions and my first thought was ‘this tastes like my dead
Grandma’s Arctic Fox <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fur stole.’ </div>
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It was beautifully golden and there were hints of pineapple
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those who sat next to you were saying. </div>
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It’s something you’d find in a retirement home behind a
glass case that has never been opened because some old dear lost the key in her
bed pan.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hoopenburg Chardonnay
2011</b></div>
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If I had fillings, they would have melted. There was enough
acid in it to strip a tank and possibly the bodies inside it. As we each tried
to compose ourselves and prevent our stomachs from curling up and dying, we
could all taste Cod Liver Oil and no not the healthy ‘take one a day’ tablets,
but the oil of a viciously slaughtered cod-fish.</div>
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I strongly believe that had I been in possession of a bottle
of this wine when I was repainting my house, I would have used it as thinners.</div>
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Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-36398821260874728232012-10-05T02:42:00.000-07:002012-10-05T02:42:25.789-07:00Jonkheer Africa: The Future. Together in Wine.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>On Wednesday night we attended the launch for the Samora Biko Limited Edition Shiraz at 15 on Orange in Cape Town.</b> We went with due excitement at the prospect of such a unique partnership steeped in history as well as the opportunity to meet and mingle with wine folks who seriously have no boundaries when it comes to having a good time.<br />
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The food was delicious, the speeches meaningful and the unveiled Shiraz, hailing from Bonnievale, was young yet full of potential with a nose of forest berries. It's a wine that will undoubtedly age very well and as part of the Jonkheer Africa range, will hopefully accompanied by other wines in 2013.<br />
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The gift bag was a big disappointment though. Comprising of a DVD and a black wrapped bottle, I was excited at the prospect of going home with my very own Shiraz but once home and unwrapped, we found that it was a bottle of Pinotage. The design looked as though it had been created in a hurry with the label stuck on in equal haste. <br />
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However, the entertainment was amazeballs with the Black Ties taking us through a range of croon-worthy songs in their smooth, chocolaty vocals. Yes, I did rock it on the dance floor along with Mr Biko and his lovely wife.<br />
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Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-89384139067421322642012-05-09T01:59:00.000-07:002012-05-09T01:59:50.215-07:00Mooiplaas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Every so often, one finds a hidden gem amongst the Winelands and Mr H and I were fortunate to do just that.</b> Hidden down a bumpy gravel road and shielded from the world by oak trees and vines, Mooiplass stands just waiting to be discovered by wine lovers. The tasting room itself dates back 300 years and the trees are perhaps older still. The greeting you get is friendly and warm but the knowledge that our tasting room assistant demonstrated was mind-blowing. I could have stayed there for hours listening to her as she described the types of soil that is used for each grape variety, the pairing suggestions and the history of Mooiplass. The tasting is R10 per person and that includes as many wines as you wish to pair, I'm not joking. That is one of the reasons why I don't remember the lady who helped us *cough* I was a little, teeny weeny, tiny, bit tipsy.</div>
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The wines are lovely and the variety is huge. I never realised that most of their wines have won awards, even double golds.</div>
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For wine lovers out there, you must try this estate especially as they have a wonderfully meaty and smokey Pinot Noir that screams "Middle Ages" at you as well as a Cabernet Franc that has the aroma and initial taste of chilli peppers!</div>
</div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-28336995256775804622012-05-09T01:52:00.000-07:002012-05-09T01:52:02.592-07:00Bilton wine and chocolate tasting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>South Africa is home of amazing wines and food experiences.</b> If you've never had a mouth orgasm then you need to relocate to Cape Town and "get some!". I got some when I headed to Bilton wine estate.<br />
Bilton has not been in my good books. The first time I went there was for their wine and chocolate tasting about a year ago and it was so disappointing that I felt like bottling my vomit and sending it to them. You see, chocolate is difficult to pair with wine because of the sweetness and the tannins which don't match. However, I am a big believer in second chances and so I let my senses be subjected to Bilton's new chocolate tasting course. Boy do I stand corrected!<br />
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Chocolats Marionettes (check out the delicious offerings <a href="http://www.chocolatsmarionnettes.co.za/">here</a>) is now on the menu and it is possibly the best chocolate you have ever tasted and the wines go perfectly together as if angels pooped them out. The pairings were:<br />
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<b>Cabernet Sauvignon and Espresso chocolate</b><br />
<b>Shiraz and Cape Malay milk chocolate</b><br />
<b>Merlot and 65% Venezuela chocolate</b><br />
<b>Sauvignon Blanc and Lime infused white chocolate</b><br />
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I don't want to explain too much about the magic that erupts in your mouth when you combine the chocolate and wine because I need you to go and experience it for yourself and a little bit of mystery is very, oooh, sexy.</div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-50713970663832065072011-09-14T23:32:00.000-07:002011-09-14T23:32:10.208-07:00Why Women like champagne...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/190731435_BP6mJxiP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<b>1)</b> Women like to appear classy. In my eyes, and it is only my opinion so don't get bitchy, nothing says dyke alert more than a girl swigging a pint. A real lady wants to give off the appearance of sophistication and champers does just that. Even better if it is Bollinger.<br />
<b>2)</b> Nothing gets you tipsier quicker than bubbly. There is just something about bubbles that gets into your blood stream at a rapid rate which actually makes it a very cost effective tipple. Men take note.<br />
<b>3)</b> Women are prone to like golds and pinks which makes for a gorgeous champagne colour too. It just screams femininity.<br />
<b>4)</b> Red wine can stain the mouth in a very unsightly manner. Champagne does none of that but instead, adds sparkle to your teeth.<br />
<b>5)</b> It's in the movies. No girly party is complete without the fizz. (<i>See the Sex & The City movie etc.)</i><br />
<b>6)</b> Champagne makes you giggly. Girls love to giggle. In fact, we see it as a cute ploy to get men to notice us. What we don't realise is that sometimes, with bubbly, a giggle can turn into a snort. Even worse, try gracefully sipping your champagne whilst grunting like a pig and see which orifice it comes out of...<br />
<b>7)</b>Women like to talk. In fact, they hardly ever shut up. Champagne is primarily used as an accompaniment to toasts, the boring part of weddings and events in which people can drone on endlessly (<i>see movie Bridesmaids</i>). Therefore, why would women not like a drink that inspires more yadda yadda?<br />
<b>8)</b> Keeping in the vein of speeches and weddings, women often have a malicious streak and get satisfaction from seeing men struggle to drink from a thin narrow flute. As an alcoholic beverage, it is so unmanly that women never need worry about men stealing it from them. Bonus.<br />
<b>9) </b>Women just want to get rat-faced and by doing it on champagne, they defy the laws of alcohol by getting pissed on a drink that really only promises a slight buzz. Congratulations Ladies, you prove to us once again that you don't even need spirits to have a good time.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">From the expert opinion of a University graduate....(don't take it too much to heart)</span>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-70210320629557418192011-09-11T23:37:00.000-07:002011-09-11T23:37:28.307-07:00Men, Wine & Sushi<b>Most of the men in my life are big sushi fans.</b> Brett in particular is addicted to the stuff which I find as repulsive as shoving my face in a steaming cowpat. Nevertheless, I will not stop him from enjoying it and so, a few moons back, he had his cousin and Wayne over to make their very own Sushi and drink copious amounts of alcohol...wait, that was me doing the drinking.<br />
Having purchased a Sushi making dvd and his very own Sushi knife, Brett was prepared to tackle those salmon roses like a pro...his friends however, were not. What happened was a mess of rice, wasabi and tears, from me laughing too hard.<br />
Wayne's first attempt at making a roll should go in the Sushi hall of shame. Dousing his seaweed with far too much rice, Wayne made for himself a roll the size of an 8year old's leg.<br />
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</div>It got better though, and whilst I enjoyed eating pop tarts and drinking Bon Courage Red Muscadel, the boys really did me proud with their creations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> I however, will never be persuaded to eat Sushi....although, i'll willingly accept a challenge off any Sushi restaurant that wants to try and convert me..*wink wink*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-42456000939579224452011-09-09T00:56:00.000-07:002011-09-09T00:56:17.078-07:00Rupert & Rothschild<b>Wayne has been moaning at Brett and I to go to Rupert & Rothschild for aaaages.</b> He should have pushed us more. It is such a stunning winery! The rolling lush green hills and the hints of blossom on the trees make for one of the best locations to taste wine.<br />
We had been told/ordered to sample the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Chardonnay, Baroness Nadine</span>. You know me, I'm not a Chardonnay lover, they are usually too harsh and vomit-like....<b>this was the most beautiful Chardonnay I had ever tasted</b>. As Wayne put it, I'm pretty sure that angels drink this on a regular basis. The flavours are divine, subtle, sweet and fruity with hints of nutty nougat. This is going to make its way into our collection.<br />
We then tried the Classique which is a Cab/Merlot (obviously Brett was happy). It's such a palatable wine without the fussy airs and graces of other expensive labels. It's got a slight earthy undertone and can be rather drying but the hints of berries is rather lush.<br />
Our third wine was the Baron Edmond. We were supposed to be able to taste coriander but all I got was the cigar aftertaste, not that I am complaining. Granted, it was smokier than the Classique, but it is still so easy to drink that you fall in love with it.<br />
It was such a lovely afternoon spent in the company of gorgeous wines and beautiful views.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws9QpsKmGUw/TmibtepPBsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/zpbKoEVvWjE/s1600/rupert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws9QpsKmGUw/TmibtepPBsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/zpbKoEVvWjE/s320/rupert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPlTmSxxqCY/TmibvQc1JbI/AAAAAAAAAX8/BJQqYc2aRdk/s1600/rupert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPlTmSxxqCY/TmibvQc1JbI/AAAAAAAAAX8/BJQqYc2aRdk/s320/rupert2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-35826069206785444802011-09-08T01:07:00.000-07:002011-09-08T01:07:50.514-07:00Amarula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SUBQaiKFNw/Tmhp9WLoxnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3xYxK58BE5A/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SUBQaiKFNw/Tmhp9WLoxnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3xYxK58BE5A/s400/IMG_0860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Darlings, I have been away for too long and I humbly apologize</b>. You know how it is though when alcohol is involved, days blur together and your memory fails you. Such a lot has happened in my wine world that the blog posts are backed up immensely and it has been hard to know which post to do first.<br />
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So let me start with a non-wine write-up from the adventures of Brett, the rogue, who took a trip to Amurula in Phalaborwa. This is, so they say, the Spirit of Africa but I'm pretty sure that people survive on stronger stuff, stuff that isn't in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, the location itself is rather magical and as for being "nowhere" it is an inspiring setting. The experience consists of tastings and a little history lesson for instance, did you know that the Marula tree is also known as the marriage or elephant tree (which is why there is an elephant on the bottle!) and the trees bear fruit in February and March. The Marula fruit is harvested for 3 months of the year and is then fermented rather like wine and afterwards is distelled in copper pot-stills. Maturation takes about 2 years in small oak casks and the liquid is enriched with pure Marula extract and cream to give that sweet and silky Amarula Cream.<br />
On a tasting note, Amarula is as you would expect, creamy. Yet it has a hint of fruity sweetness. It must always be served chilled. Warm Amarula is repulsive and makes me want to vomit, it's like drinking off milk. A good way to have Amarula is in this cocktail <a href="http://www.spill.co.za/south-african-restaurant-reviews/amarula-cocktail-lovers-revenge/4981/">here</a> (uber yummy).<br />
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Brett said there were some rather delightful chocolates at the Amarula Lapa that he wanted to get me...note the word "wanted". Apparently it was just too hot for chocolates. Balls. *cough*<br />
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As an alcoholic experience, it's a bit of a ways out but if you are around that region, I recommend it for learning about the history and creation of such an iconic South African drink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amarula cocktails.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDWXXycoA3k/Tmhp06lp9HI/AAAAAAAAAXI/DcUlbme_AH8/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDWXXycoA3k/Tmhp06lp9HI/AAAAAAAAAXI/DcUlbme_AH8/s400/IMG_0873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vct6ZotNzdE/TmhqMTuWvvI/AAAAAAAAAXU/FWQsA1NUMwU/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vct6ZotNzdE/TmhqMTuWvvI/AAAAAAAAAXU/FWQsA1NUMwU/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-66734542781855663762011-07-11T00:20:00.000-07:002011-07-11T00:20:01.175-07:00When wisdom and wine combine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/38782036_fQdcopZJ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/38782036_fQdcopZJ_c.jpg" /></a></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-20009193572896559652011-07-07T05:39:00.000-07:002011-07-07T05:39:49.448-07:00Fairview Beryl Back tasting<div class="MsoNormal">For a birthday treat, Brett took my mum, my dad and myself to Fairview and, under strict instruction from Wayne; we chose the sit down pairing option. </div><div class="MsoNormal">As you may have read in my previous Fairview entry, I’m not that impressed with their wines so I was really hoping for something short of a miracle….<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Take note, you <b>MUST</b> try it! It was glorious, so good in fact that it turned my parents into wine lovers and they hate the stuff. My father is more of a Baileys/Schnapps and Amarula man, the sweet stuff, and my mother is pretty much tee-total.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OhzgzRn5w/ThQJ8NOiv2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/zQoXqbTVjpY/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OhzgzRn5w/ThQJ8NOiv2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/zQoXqbTVjpY/s200/IMG_0584.JPG" width="200" /></a>The table was set up with two glasses, a wooden tray of small bite-sized cheeses and a bowl of bread and 3 types of olive oil (very yummy). Our server was Patrick and he was wonderful. I can’t help but gush over the way he knew the answers to every wine question we could think have and he even let us have second helpings.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, let me begin with the wines…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97JMnbjeqVQ/ThQKQV_r3FI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0Axyq7GrhSY/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97JMnbjeqVQ/ThQKQV_r3FI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0Axyq7GrhSY/s200/IMG_0594.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Darling Chenin Blanc 2011 paired with Goat’s milk feta cheese<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Very pale wine<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Delicious hints of pineapple with an almost fruit salad sweetie finish.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> There is a slight nose tingling property to it but an overall fruity sensation<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Very easy drinking but with the feta cheese it became harsh and uninviting<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBh64wxVyIM/ThQKdx3ubOI/AAAAAAAAAPE/eI_avXQ4cgA/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBh64wxVyIM/ThQKdx3ubOI/AAAAAAAAAPE/eI_avXQ4cgA/s200/IMG_0597.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Darling Sauvignon Blanc paired with 100% Jersey milk feta cheese<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Still a very fair looking wine</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Ah that delightfully acidic Sav Blanc smell is evading my nostrils which always inspires a bit of upchuck however, I was definitely getting a grapefruit smell <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> It has a strangely potent fizz to it like drinking soda water which does get the back of your throat but not as badly as some Sav Blancs. It has a very zesty feel.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> I am told by Patrick that this was only bottled 3 weeks ago which means that some of the flavours have yet to appear yet the cheese adds considerable softness to the wine.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXVTjKytSn4/ThQKyXOBybI/AAAAAAAAAPI/Oxt59Ta5OGs/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXVTjKytSn4/ThQKyXOBybI/AAAAAAAAAPI/Oxt59Ta5OGs/s200/IMG_0604.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fairview Riesling R35 paired with Cream Cheese with Sweet chilli<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Pale yet voluminous like a Botticelli babe</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Picking up the hint of blossom and pear with notes of freshly mowed grass.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> Got a delightful fizz to it like laughter in your mouth with some beautiful fruit flavours.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallo</b>w: Smooth and creamy and totally divine for a white wine. I find myself dreaming of lazy summer days where I would quite happily finish off a bottle of this paired with mounds of Philadelphia cream cheese.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f0BsJLgdPc/ThQLlNOe4tI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ur3Ofqpvkxc/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f0BsJLgdPc/ThQLlNOe4tI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ur3Ofqpvkxc/s200/IMG_0616.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ooom Pagel Semillon 2009 paired with garlic and herb cream cheese<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Far more golden than its predecessors</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Has a very straw/dusty smell, like a civilised barnyard in France<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> Incredibly earthy taste to it but a very classy wine<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Paired with the cheese, it was divinely rich and alluring with a scrumptious melon aftertaste. I even think my mother has been converted!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoP7L39zSi8/ThQLzpUvahI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rKnaHalm2Ng/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoP7L39zSi8/ThQLzpUvahI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rKnaHalm2Ng/s200/IMG_0620.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pegleg Carignon 2009 paired with Cream cheese and French onions<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look</b>: A slightly watery looking red wine </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Smelt of old leather and wood with a slight trace of strawberries and cranberries<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> Having been matured in French oak, I was expecting a kick and there was a dash of shoe polish upon first sip. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Maybe because I’m getting a little bit tipsy now, I’m feeling a lot more generous but in all honesty, the smell was giving me flashbacks to high tea at the Mount Nelson.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Dad’s quote of the day: “The taste of old boots doesn’t do it for me”.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ij5sC9n400Q/ThQMB7hYjuI/AAAAAAAAAPc/_nq9M_qOY1Q/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ij5sC9n400Q/ThQMB7hYjuI/AAAAAAAAAPc/_nq9M_qOY1Q/s200/IMG_0625.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Petite Syrah paired with white rock with cranberries<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Luxurious and deep red</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Smelt of ripe berries to begin with<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> My least favourite as it stung a bit and was like engine oil<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Lots of muscle to this drink bursting with some intense flavour but it was drying and the cheese was far too sweet. It gave me a serious case of carpet mouth and I did not appreciate that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NviRpWwSU28/ThQMOE6HvSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/XBA4yjHzkv4/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NviRpWwSU28/ThQMOE6HvSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/XBA4yjHzkv4/s200/IMG_0629.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beacon Shiraz 2006 paired with Blue Tower<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Beautifully rich with great legs like Miranda Kerr</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> An aroma of fruitcake and brandy is giving me such a rush<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> It’s quite heady with rich punch to it<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Quite a serious after-burn with some deep leathery tastes, yet paired with the cheese, it was very Moorish.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://nettareegioia.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/2002-spice-route-malabar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://nettareegioia.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/2002-spice-route-malabar.jpg" width="132" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spice Route Malabar 2006 paired with Dark chocolate (R350)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> Rich and powerful looking</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Enchanting scents of plum, vanilla and treacle sponge<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> Opulent fruit-filled flavours with a tinge of chilli and chocolate<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow:</b> Made with 5 different grape varieties it is perfectly divine. There is a slight spicy kick to it but mainly smooth and sweet with a hidden coffee flavour. Paired with the tiniest slither of dark chocolate, I was literally drooling.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR1s3KZzruE/ThQMml9N71I/AAAAAAAAAPo/RozfNbOYl4Q/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR1s3KZzruE/ThQMml9N71I/AAAAAAAAAPo/RozfNbOYl4Q/s200/IMG_0633.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">La Beryl Rouge 2010 paired with two types of cheese, Paprika and pepper cream cheese and chakalaka cream cheese<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look:</b> It’s beautifully brilliant ruby red</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nose:</b> Smells of raisons, treacle and fairgrounds selling candyfloss. Unfortunately it was served on ice therefore the full potency of the flavours couldn’t be fully released.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sip:</b> Describing it would never do it justice. If it was warmer, I guarantee that it would be out of this world. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swallow: </b>Sweet Mother of the pope, I’m saved. It is a soulful and incredibly fruitilicious wine. I almost don’t want to tell you about it in fear of you buying too much!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-41649372394619855782011-07-05T05:46:00.000-07:002011-07-05T05:46:10.586-07:008 uses for wine that you might not know about<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/27249139_bdK09o7k_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/27249139_bdK09o7k_c.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1)</b> Run out of gas? Don’t worry, just grab that bottle of Tassenberg and pour into your engine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2) </b>Got a boring white top that needs a bit of life injected into it? Throw wine on yourself and be amazed at how many compliments you get from your friends.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3)</b> Have an over active pet/child in the evenings? Make some mulled wine and give it to them. Watch how your evenings become the perfect “you” time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4)</b> Need a bath but your worried about wasting water? Fill your tub with wine, light some candles and relax. This is also very good for the environment too as it saves on washing up glasses. Added bonus, wine osmosis.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>5)</b> Suffering from a cold, the flu or another annoying ailment? Drown it with wine. It might not remove it but it will certainly help you care less.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>6) </b>Need a reason to take a day off work? Get yourself a glass of Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon empty it, now repeat until bottle is finished. Lie down on your bed and wake up only when you can once again feel your legs<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7)</b> Wine has been linked to improving eyesight, to take full advantage of this research, pour wine into your eyes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>8)</b> We have all heard of using wine as bait for getting women but what about using it as a defence weapon. Cederburg Chenin Blanc 2010 is so potent that upon opening the bottle, that crazy hag who has been causing you so much stress will evaporate from the sheer acidic smell.<o:p></o:p></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-74885313845386956192011-06-28T05:09:00.000-07:002011-06-28T05:09:47.500-07:00Fairview<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPYX4wbHhtg/Tgm-91tgXLI/AAAAAAAAAOg/dtSc9RD5qDI/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPYX4wbHhtg/Tgm-91tgXLI/AAAAAAAAAOg/dtSc9RD5qDI/s320/IMG_0462.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>I love Fairview.</b><br />
<br />
It was the first winery that Brett took me to over 3 years ago. In fact, it was one of our first "dates".<br />
<br />
It's changed a lot in that time with the tasting room being redecorated, the restaurant enlarged and a steady stream of new servers filling your glass.<br />
<br />
What I have realised though is that Fairview doesn't do nice wine. Maybe a lot of you will disagree with me but there are only 4 wines that I like and two are Limited editions. That is pretty poor when you see the extent of their collection. However, I am not faulting Faiview at all because they have done amazingly well because they know their market and they stick to it AND they make La Beryl Rouge which is my favourite wine in the entire world. Also, their cheeses are so delicious.<br />
<br />
We chose our serving bar and weren't greeted with much joy by the servers, which is one of my pet peeves at Fairview. Back in the day (hate that phrase) the servers used to be like your best friends. They knew the wines, knew what you would like and didn't stick with just letting you have 6 wines to taste. Nowadays, it's like walking in to a prison. "Glass. Wine. Next", are the orders barked at you but let me not dwell on this too much because things can change....<br />
<br />
Anyway, for this particular tasting, I decided to be adventurous and go for some white wines as well:<br />
<br />
<b>Riesling R35</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Faint yellow colour which doesn't inspire me with hope.<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
A slight hint of fruitiness to it but still resembles the odour of stale wee<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Leaves a fresh taste in your mouth of bitter and sweet.<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
It wasn't half bad. I've been really wanting to try this type of grape and as a first time, I had no real qualms with it.<br />
<br />
<b>Viognier R70</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Muddled yellow.<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Remember when you went to visit your elderly Grandma and every time you went to hug her (which was never often) you would get hit with a waft of urine. That was what I got from smelling that wine.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I wouldn't say that I could taste the apricots but there was a slight peachy aftertaste.<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Very palatable so no complaints but I did have to hold my nose for it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejzDGNaoZus/Tgm_Tvr0VQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/wDcK8yEwdoo/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejzDGNaoZus/Tgm_Tvr0VQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/wDcK8yEwdoo/s320/IMG_0480.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Pinotage (note the unhappy face)</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Reddish-purple but not proud like Plaisir de Merle<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sweet almost coffee-like tint to it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Burnt coffee beans mixed with firewood. Very earthy</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I'm not sure why it had to taste like a vat of toxic acid. Maybe it was having a bad day, I know I sure was after spitting that away.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Special Late Harvest</b></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I love a strong golden colour and this wasn't it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When your Special Late Harvest smells like cat litter then you know it's a very bad day.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Better than the smell but then that wasn't asking for much.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">They say it has a "long finish". What they fail to tell you is how the finish will have you almost coughing up blood. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>La Beryl Blanc</b></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Beautifully golden. How I imagine Rapunzel's hair to be like.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Stunning array of fruity scents reminding you of lazy summer days.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
An orchestra of heavenly apricot and peach flavours floating around your mouth.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /></div></div><div>Oh sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln. I've got golden syrup swirling around my stomach. I'm a very happy girly again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyf2cZ9c_VQ/Tgm_sfR1-uI/AAAAAAAAAOo/l23zFZrPSZA/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyf2cZ9c_VQ/Tgm_sfR1-uI/AAAAAAAAAOo/l23zFZrPSZA/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, upon making friendly banter with our server, she blossomed into a starlett and was an awesome help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-16726790267724141782011-06-27T03:49:00.000-07:002011-06-27T03:51:23.914-07:00Mulled wine<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; word-spacing: 0.05em;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/2450510_FF9iLbSN_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/2450510_FF9iLbSN_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="display: block;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Usually if I'm cold, I find my Hubby and cling to him like a limpet until he physically has to use a crowbar to dislodge me. But, with him up in Gauteng, I am alone and without human warmth. Therefore I move on to the next best thing...Mulled wine or Gluhwein as some people call it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; word-spacing: .05em;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One cup and I'm left wallowing in a fuzzy cloud of warmth that brings a rather lopsided smile to my face. You could punch me in the face and I would most likely kiss you for it.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; word-spacing: 0.05em;"><span style="display: block;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It would be selfish however, if I kept this recipe to myself and stopped you from giving your insides a magical glowing hug.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="display: block;"> </span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ingredients</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 bottle of red wine (can be a cheap one and don't feel the need to stick with just one bottle)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">the skin of one Orange<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 Cinnamon stick<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">4 cloves<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">7-10 Tablespoons of sugar (Don't overload it with sugar, rather it needed more than less)<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Method</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Combine all ingredients in a deep pot, simmer, don't boil, until hot. <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="display: block;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Simple but delicious!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-52423931813655176242011-06-24T02:04:00.000-07:002011-06-24T02:04:24.185-07:00Wine designs"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".<br />
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I love a good bit of art and design especially when it's wrapped around a wine bottle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/meteormerlot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meteor merlot2" border="0" src="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/meteormerlot2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="tablewine1" height="320" src="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/tablewine1.jpg" width="307" /><img alt="tablewine2" height="320" src="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/tablewine2.jpg" width="164" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/tablewine6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tablewine6" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/tablewine6.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/longviewepitome1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Longview Epitome 1" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/wp-content/longviewepitome1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="vinaceous wine packaging" src="http://www.designer-daily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/vinaceous-wine-packaging.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZTYQpg9eLI/TZQFoU5EnGI/AAAAAAAASfE/XdMszUb5CTo/s400/Backyard+Wine23.jpg" width="328" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="label design ideas 16 50 Exquisite Wine Label Design Samples" src="http://www.designjuices.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/label-design-ideas-16.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One day, my face is going to be on a wine bottle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Images from <a href="http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za/">http://www.seriousaboutwine.co.za</a></span></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-63107116160562540992011-06-22T01:03:00.000-07:002011-06-22T01:03:45.082-07:00Plaisir de Merle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x55Q0JadTuA/TgGap7Ccq1I/AAAAAAAAAMc/N6hdqB_WgFY/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x55Q0JadTuA/TgGap7Ccq1I/AAAAAAAAAMc/N6hdqB_WgFY/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I've wanted to visit Plaisir de Merle for so long now. I think it's the price of their wine in the bottle store or the fact that I heard that they did a chocolate and wine pairing. I've been begging Brett to take me and he made me a very happy girly when he took us, myself, Brett, Julz (dude with a severe hungover) and Michael (the wine virgin) one rather wet and windy Thursday.<br />
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I've been blown away by scenery before to then have my taste buds trampled on so I'm always wary of excessive beauty but throwing caution to the wind, I am truly in awe of Plaisir de Merle. It is in an exquisite location, the tasting room overlooks the most stunning scenery that reminds me very much of an English countryside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpWTFjxOHbs/TgGacPamUgI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_WUbWTB45OI/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpWTFjxOHbs/TgGacPamUgI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_WUbWTB45OI/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We were greeted by a lovely and attentive lady and were given the wine tasting options. No chocolate and wine but they did have a four fudges and four wines pairing. I was sold. The boys choose to taste 6 wines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee9r8tkDLg8/TgGbLHbTusI/AAAAAAAAAMk/zWb1F4gwgEU/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee9r8tkDLg8/TgGbLHbTusI/AAAAAAAAAMk/zWb1F4gwgEU/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wr7aOxB2N7o/TgGbcRNmNyI/AAAAAAAAAMo/6w8eoxAXqk4/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wr7aOxB2N7o/TgGbcRNmNyI/AAAAAAAAAMo/6w8eoxAXqk4/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>My first wine was a Merlot which was to be paired with an orange flavoured fudge.</b> (Yes, I thought it was a little odd too)<br />
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Look:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
A deep and luscious full-bodied wine.<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
The first smell was divine. A rich infusion of raspberries, loganberries and wild fruits.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
A strong minty taste which I was told was down to the vines growing near Eucalyptus trees. It had a very complicated taste that did burn somewhat.<br />
Swallow:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I can't lie, it wasn't pleasant but incredibly tannic. I probably could have started a motor on the fumes.<br />
<br />
The fudge, surprisingly, tasted better alone but was good in emptying my mouth of the smokey aftertaste.<br />
<br />
<b>Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a rum fudge.</b><br />
<br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I can't fault the look of these wines. Stunningly rich colouring<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
There was a faint fruit smell but totally swamped by a clinical medicinal odour.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
I feel as though I just pushed charcoal into my face. I'm pretty sure that isn't normal right?<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
Obviously, I wasn't alive during either World War but I can gather, from swallowing that Cab Sav, what Mustard Gas must have been like.<br />
<br />
The rum fudge was a welcome relief and I hate alcohol infused treats.<br />
<br />
<b>Shiraz paired with chilli fudge.</b><br />
<br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
Again, looks amazing and has a kick-ass body<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
This one shocked me. The usual peppery notes were in full swing but it was actually quite appealing. However, the second time around wasn't so appetising and I felt a little emotional.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
My nose hairs are clinging on for dear life.<br />
Swallow:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
Wow! I feel as though I have just been kicked in the stomach. The chilli, combined with the Shiraz has seriously got me sweating.<br />
<br />
<b>Grande Plaisir - The flagship wine paired with cherry fudge</b><br />
<br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Can't fault it at all.<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
You really get the spices and fruit flavours in this one<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
How disappointing. Reminded me of a time I used turps to get paint off the floor.<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I could barely move my lips as the wine was so drying. Even the cherry fudge couldn't save it as I spluttered crumbs everywhere. I could have drank an ocean dry. With the server standing next to me I just had to grin and bear it but I'm still trying to locate my tongue.<br />
<br />
If we were going off the body of the wines and the initial smell then we would have found a winner but I think in this case, expensive isn't always better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6M5CopLkTo/TgGbv0QSTCI/AAAAAAAAAMs/VntiE6s9jm8/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6M5CopLkTo/TgGbv0QSTCI/AAAAAAAAAMs/VntiE6s9jm8/s320/IMG_0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Wine quote of that day was from Mr Hungover upon smelling the Grande Plaisir:<br />
<br />
<b>"It smells like coffee! Wow. Quick, I need to put it in my mouth."</b><br />
<br />
Poor boy, he never saw it comingJhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-22351821958818120852011-06-15T00:05:00.000-07:002011-06-15T00:05:58.739-07:00Classy glass<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever been for dinner somewhere and you got presented a drink in an extreme arty farty piece of glassware that is so apposed to human use that you might as well have smashed it into your a face? OR, have you ever</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> been to a restaurant and been served champagne in a flute so narrow that your nose got stuck?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The right glass really can have an impact on the way you experience your tipple. For instance, you wouldn't serve Brandy in a mug would you? (Well I might but that's because I use it for medicinal purposes *cough*)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to wine boffins, there are certain glass shapes that should be used for certain drinks.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><strong>Red wine</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Red wine should be served in a glass with a large, wide bowl as it allows the air to circulate freely bringing out the wine's aromas. However, I object to it when they offer you a HUGE glass yet they only give you a tiny drizzle of wine. I took Brett to Nobu for his Birthday last year and they served wine in a glass big enough to put my head into. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also draw the line at this:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.yuppiechef.com/docscache/static.yuppiechef.com/docsraw/4256/picture20110204150140_300x330q80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://static.yuppiechef.com/docscache/static.yuppiechef.com/docsraw/4256/picture20110204150140_300x330q80.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.yuppiechef.com/docscache/static.yuppiechef.com/docsraw/4256/picture20110204150140_300x330q80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's called a wine glass not a wine tumbler.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><strong>White wine</strong></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For white wines one needs a narrower bowl because this helps to keep the wine cooler for longer by protecting the wine from contact with the outside air. White wine is more delicate than red and so it needs a narrower opening to protect those aromas. I think the below glasses are perfect for Wayne.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/14794309_lujlGm1U_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/14794309_lujlGm1U_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><strong>Champagne</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">According to some sources, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Champagne is traditionally served in a “flute”, a tall, narrow glass specially designed to enhance the flow of the bubbles and to concentrate the aroma. However, I prefer Champagne when it appears in these creations:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/crystal_champagne_glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="crystal champagne glass $400,000 Diamond & Crystal Encrusted Champagne Glasses for High Taste " border="0" src="http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/crystal_champagne_glass.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I think these types of glasses are simply stunning and remind me of old-fashioned elegance.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">However, this "saucer" shape, which was designed in the 17th Century for sweet sparkling wine, makes the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">bubbles to dissipate too quickly. Even so, n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">owadays, you have to channel Michael Jackson's nose if you want to sip Champagne through a flute. Alternatively, you could save money by just drinking from the bottle. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b>And finally,</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Whatever glasses you choose, remember to check with us on what to fill it with! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Images from Pinterest</span></span>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-11557278849956862822011-06-14T07:40:00.000-07:002011-06-14T07:40:02.865-07:00Sp-URGH<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Guest Post by <b>Wayne....<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the name of duty, service and perhaps also stupidity. I nobly decided that we would dedicate our time to aiding <b>the most prolific wine writer to pass through the vats in recent years</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brett and I decided to enter Spur to test their wines and pair them with the <b>Spur R20 breakfast</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This already sounds like the beginning of a horror novel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our table was sunny and warm with great views, interrupted only by swarms of <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">pre-teen <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">schoool kids on "educational" tours of the airport which would only have been worthwhile if they had actually left them there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With great gusto we ordered our breakfasts with us only differing on the eggs, one scrambled and one sunny side up. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87-uxre3A6w/TfdpblzHnqI/AAAAAAAAALg/SshhPJsCQzI/s1600/spur+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87-uxre3A6w/TfdpblzHnqI/AAAAAAAAALg/SshhPJsCQzI/s200/spur+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And then, we chose 3 wine to test (in a pairing contest of sorts).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87-uxre3A6w/TfdpblzHnqI/AAAAAAAAALg/SshhPJsCQzI/s1600/spur+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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o:title="spur+2"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_x7vnBecfck/TfdpdKaWX9I/AAAAAAAAALk/pL4Lo0vU8oU/s1600/spur+3.jpg"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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o:title="spur+3"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The wines, from the<b> Botteleray Range</b>, arrived BOTTLED which was the first shock because we really believed that Spur only believed in "wines by the glass" that originated from a BOX so kudos to them....for now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScKIYqSC978/Tfdphj0FZWI/AAAAAAAAALw/kbkluHv0XmY/s1600/spur.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3"
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o:title="spur"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScKIYqSC978/Tfdphj0FZWI/AAAAAAAAALw/kbkluHv0XmY/s1600/spur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScKIYqSC978/Tfdphj0FZWI/AAAAAAAAALw/kbkluHv0XmY/s200/spur.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our waitress, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mompie, (didn't want to ask how she got that name for fear of blushing) was our wine connoisseur and diligently introduced each wine to us:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2PBkWLxNI/Tfdpe_WCH5I/AAAAAAAAALo/IJFjoKYATfA/s1600/spur+4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4"
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o:title="spur+4"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2PBkWLxNI/Tfdpe_WCH5I/AAAAAAAAALo/IJFjoKYATfA/s1600/spur+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2PBkWLxNI/Tfdpe_WCH5I/AAAAAAAAALo/IJFjoKYATfA/s320/spur+4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>The Red wine was "from red grapes" and was "definitely NOT a Merlot."</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The White was described as "something a bit sweeter...I think Chenin Blanc?" <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>And finally the Rose was introduced as "some red wine mixed with some white wine".</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">All of this shocking testimony proved beyond reasonable doubt that Spur Waitresses couldn't up-sell wine if they tried...!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><u1:p> </u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I paired the White with my scrambled egg, half hoping that it would taste like a Chardonnay. I should have been hoping that it would have tasted of anything at all as it was possibly the worst white wine I have ever had in my short life. One could describe it as something a little more interesting than </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Valpre bottled water, or maybe <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Valpre with a dash of cat pee. It was so disgusting that my eggs started to curdle in my mouth as I chewed.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Red wine was less "<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">gagable" and far more fun. Paired with Spurs greasy, oil ridden streaky bacon it was light, slightly fruity and left no residual aftertaste. In fact, it is the type of wine you could happily serve at a <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">braai after 3 good wines, and everybody would think it was FANTASTIC!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But all good things must come to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brett and I looked at the <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Rosé like participants in Fear Factor who were on the verge of shooting back Cow's Blood. Perhaps it was the colour that was putting us off as it was neither a light nor a dark pink but resembled a sort of sunlight grapefruit dishwater pink.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We decided to pair this with our so-called grilled tomato which was actually hard and pretty much semi-frozen. We gingerly took a sip of wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My whole life flashed before my eyes. Nightmares of my misled youth started to re-surface!!! Remember the dentist's chair as a kid? Remember that chloroform filled pink ladybug-coloured cocktail that you had to use to rinse your mouth after tooth extraction???<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well......IT WAS BACK!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brett thought I was having a stroke the <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Rosé was that bad!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After gaining consciousness, all I can say is, if you are going to try eating at Spurs then stay well away from their wine. <b>You are better off sticking to bad </b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b>Spoornet-style coffee in greasy coffee cups....</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-59446128575644793322011-06-13T04:28:00.000-07:002011-06-13T04:28:15.676-07:00More of the Wacky Wines<div class="MsoNormal">As promised, I have the details of the three other wine farms (worth mentioning) that Brett and I went to during our Wacky Wine escapades. I'm not gonna lie, but some wineries were severely dodgy. One was claiming to have a Farmer's Market which consisted of a jam stall. To make matters worse, the lady behind the stall managed to guilt trip Brett into parting with R40 on a pot of uber sweet Granadilla jam which is never going to get used. *sigh*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Moving swiftly on....under order from Wayne, we headed out to....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Springfield Estate<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>A beautiful location marred slightly by the hordes of tipsy people trying to keep each other upright.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Now this is rather unfair on the wines themselves, but the servers were so moody looking and uninterested in what they were doing that I could almost taste their resentment in the wine.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I wasn't really impressed.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>On a design level, the labels look great but I wasn't there to drool over paper (although it may have tasted better)</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.springfieldestate.com/Whole%20Berry%20Cabernet%202009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.springfieldestate.com/Whole%20Berry%20Cabernet%202009.jpg" width="55" /></a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
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</o:p></div>The Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon was described as having a velvety taste but to me it was very earthy. I expect a lot from wine that has been matured partly in new oak but it unfortunately didn't really deliver for.<br />
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</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.springfieldestate.com/work%20of%20time%202004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.springfieldestate.com/work%20of%20time%202004.jpg" width="58" /></a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
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</o:p></div>The Work of Time blend (24% Merlot, 45% Cab Franc, 29% Cab Sav, 2% Petit Verdot) was not a taste I can recall, again, perhaps this was because of the fact that I was jostled so much that my nose got squashed against my glass.<br />
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</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.springfieldestate.com/WY%20Chardonnay%202008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.springfieldestate.com/WY%20Chardonnay%202008.jpg" width="60" /></a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wild Yeast, was an unwooded Chardonnay. This I do remember! When I see the word unwooded, I try and grab a taste just in case it could be the one white wine that I actually like! This wasn't it. I think cat litter might have smelt more forgiving. And I really did want to like it but when it hits the back of your throat like a steam train then it is a little hard.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Images from <a href="http://www.springfieldestate.com/">http://www.springfieldestate.com</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p>However, saying this is all very well but I'm sure that if I went back, minus the rubbish servers and the drunken idiot who kept telling us that drinking Brandy was "a really baaaad idea", I may just have had some really good things to say. </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Zandvliet<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It’s very sad when you go to a wine farm and are not impressed by anything that they serve up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://websites.wine.co.za/Modules/getBrandPicture.aspx?BRANDID=517" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://websites.wine.co.za/Modules/getBrandPicture.aspx?BRANDID=517" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Starting with their My Best Friend range which is labelled as an easy drinking companion, I found myself trying to hold back the urge to wretch. Bitter, vinegar smelling wines with a nose that wasn’t subtle but over-poweringly strong to the point of burning nose hairs. The aftertaste on both the red, white and rose was very dry and smoky, like eating cigarette butts.<br />
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</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://websites.wine.co.za/Modules/getBrandPicture.aspx?BRANDID=1032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://websites.wine.co.za/Modules/getBrandPicture.aspx?BRANDID=1032" width="134" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>We quickly moved on to the Le Bistro wines that are supposed to be “Classy yet Unpretentious”. Perhaps I am being unfair as I am apposed to white wooded wines yet I hold out hope that someone can suprise me with something drinkable. No such luck here. The acidic after taste was so bad it made my eyes water.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Images from <a href="http://www.zandvliet.co.za/">http://www.zandvliet.co.za/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am willing to be corrected by anyone who had a better experience there?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
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</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Rusticus<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I only went there for the mulled wine and boy did I get served well. It was stunningly good. Warming, sweet and with hints of citrus. It didn’t burn like some mulled wines do but made me a very happy, very fuzzy-headed lady. It even got smiles from Brett and prompted him to go back to a heavingly full Bon Courage to buy 12 specials of Like Father Like Son red wine so that we could make our own at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/2235002_67Y5mdSa_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/2235002_67Y5mdSa_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</b></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-82127037388472714252011-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:002011-06-12T13:55:53.434-07:00MeerendalThis was Brett's choice and a lovely Saturday surprise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ii1mqjwrbQ/TfUgkndSOyI/AAAAAAAAALQ/REGEsGYCE5o/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ii1mqjwrbQ/TfUgkndSOyI/AAAAAAAAALQ/REGEsGYCE5o/s320/IMG_0385.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>Meerendal is a pretty stunning location with a tasting room overlooking rolling hills. I think the location made me expect a lot from the wines.<br />
<br />
For R20 you get four tasters which, compared to some wineries is a little cheap-ass of them so we decided to be equally poor and share one tasting together - which I think is rather sweet. *vomit*<br />
<br />
We chose 3 reds and 1 naturally sweet white.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=25489&Type=Picture" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=25489&Type=Picture" width="128" /></a><b>Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2006 R199</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
It was incredibly watery looking with no real body to it. A Lindsay Lohan of the wine world.<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Very peppery and disappointing for Brett.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
At least my throat is still in tact but I'm losing sensation in my tongue.<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
I remember before I got some of my teeth pulled out and they put a numbing agent on my gums. Ya. Same feeling yet not as flavour-some. At least it didn't burn so that is a bonus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=26628&Type=Picture" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=26628&Type=Picture" width="128" /></a><b>Merlot Reserve 2007 R188</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" />1/2<br />
A little more body but there still seems to be a watery film on top.<br />
Nose:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Very fruity causing a mouth-watering sensation in the mouth<br />
Sip:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Bit of a nose tingle but it has a distinct hint of chocolate and vanilla. Oooh fruity.<br />
Swallow:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" />1/2<br />
It doesn't have the same numbing effect as the wine before and I like the delicious fruity after-taste<br />
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<b><br />
</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=20983&Type=Picture" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=20983&Type=Picture" width="128" /></a><b>Pinotage Heritage Block Single Vineyard R320 (This is where Brett and I differ - he quite enjoyed this but then he does tend to go for expensive things)</b><br />
Look: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Still watery but a bit more of a deep and lush red<br />
Nose:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
More tannins than the other two so a bit of a nose tickle yet there were some delicious sweet cherry and strawberry scents wafting from the glass.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /> 1/2<br />
The first sip is a gorgeous explosion of fruit followed by a slight after burn<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Brett looks happy but I'm struggling to locate my mouth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=26622&Type=Picture" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.wine.co.za/Directory/GetWinePicture.aspx?WINEID=26622&Type=Picture" width="128" /></a><b>Chenin Blanc Natural Sweet 2008 R105</b><br />
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Look:<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Rich golden colour characteristic of a Noble Late Harvest<br />
Nose: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Sweet and utterly divine. Amazing toffee smells and hints of apricots, oranges and peaches.<br />
Sip: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
A fruit explosion similar to eating my Gran's treacle tart with apricot syrup.<br />
Swallow: <img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Brett was taken with it and usually he finds that sweet wines have a musky, old people aftertaste. But this was a beautifully constructed wine combining layers of yummy fruit flavours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-AWjdyMDJE/TfUgG5ITI_I/AAAAAAAAALI/Z2qL7-w1PF4/s1600/IMG_0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-AWjdyMDJE/TfUgG5ITI_I/AAAAAAAAALI/Z2qL7-w1PF4/s320/IMG_0380.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a state of sweet wine heaven....</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-70748332124929253532011-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:002011-06-11T01:27:15.162-07:00Wine-O!I've started something....something that will be big.<br />
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<b>Wine pairing nights.</b><br />
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This is the sort of thing we're wanting to grow. We're wanting to put on regular pairing evenings in the hope of people becoming more aware of the wealth of good wines out there, within a comfy and relaxed environment.<br />
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Our first one was back in April and was just Brett, Wayne and myself and then recently we got hold of two more willing <strike>victims</strike> participants. I told them to expect lots of alcohol and lots of food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9tGnnSmehY/TfJqqTVBljI/AAAAAAAAAKU/l7HThq3jyn8/s1600/IMG_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9tGnnSmehY/TfJqqTVBljI/AAAAAAAAAKU/l7HThq3jyn8/s320/IMG_0310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Let's begin.... (NB: I'm only rating on the swallowing factor)<br />
1. <b>My Wyn MCC Brut. </b><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRc7QSW71yo/TfJqTKX0w-I/AAAAAAAAAKI/n_PGKqglxg4/s1600/IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRc7QSW71yo/TfJqTKX0w-I/AAAAAAAAAKI/n_PGKqglxg4/s200/IMG_0302.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIBWHYFqSbM/TfJqZZmT2RI/AAAAAAAAAKM/jLGegohxO1o/s1600/IMG_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIBWHYFqSbM/TfJqZZmT2RI/AAAAAAAAAKM/jLGegohxO1o/s200/IMG_0305.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>Bought by Wayne from a lady who only makes two barrels of the stuff a year thus making it rather special. As it has a very biscuity aftertaste, he paired it beautifully with Hummus and Salticrax.<br />
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2. <b>Fleur Du Cap Natural Light. </b>(I'm not allowed to rate it as it is a mysterious unmentioned grape blend)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyyBnzcNAVc/TfJqgJQNYEI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/cIAdQz4S7yc/s1600/IMG_0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyyBnzcNAVc/TfJqgJQNYEI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/cIAdQz4S7yc/s200/IMG_0307.jpg" width="133" /></a>Paired with a suprisngly tasty Snoek Terrine from PnP. I liked the light taste and it was effortless to drink but would have preferred to know the type of grapes used.<br />
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3.<b>Zonnebloem Chardonnay. </b><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWGepWtflqQ/TfJq5j59pzI/AAAAAAAAAKc/i7cGDWnP4oE/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWGepWtflqQ/TfJq5j59pzI/AAAAAAAAAKc/i7cGDWnP4oE/s200/IMG_0319.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dneh6fOdsx8/TfJqyeznyCI/AAAAAAAAAKY/2JC6fOvdbpY/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dneh6fOdsx8/TfJqyeznyCI/AAAAAAAAAKY/2JC6fOvdbpY/s200/IMG_0315.jpg" width="133" /></a>This was the final white wine. I'm not a white wine person because most of the time it tastes like 5 day old vomit yet this had been matured in new French oak and so the woody, acid taste was far less potent. This was paired with Avo and boy did my tummy thank me for it. The rich, nutty and creamy flavour of the Avo coupled with the slight woody flavour of the Chardonnay was delicious with neither over-powering the other.<br />
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4. <b>Lathitha</b> <b>Rosé </b><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oS_y3PJ_cBM/TfJrheYeaiI/AAAAAAAAAKo/1jiWB-1KceU/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oS_y3PJ_cBM/TfJrheYeaiI/AAAAAAAAAKo/1jiWB-1KceU/s200/IMG_0322.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUJL0JUwnG0/TfJp5-vSVLI/AAAAAAAAAKA/mRUOBIeBmuw/s1600/IMG_0320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUJL0JUwnG0/TfJp5-vSVLI/AAAAAAAAAKA/mRUOBIeBmuw/s200/IMG_0320.jpg" width="133" /></a>Paired with BBQ chicken salad and mini cherry tomatoes.<br />
<i>I'm not sure if I'll ever be a Rosé girl, I can't help but think that it's trying to be something that it is not and it fails miserably at that. Rather it grew some balls and was actually a red. </i><br />
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5. <b>Red Gold</b> <b>Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. </b><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-xdvhQzuho/TfJsNb5ZmxI/AAAAAAAAAK4/XTnv93xmObA/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-xdvhQzuho/TfJsNb5ZmxI/AAAAAAAAAK4/XTnv93xmObA/s200/IMG_0331.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKbG7AULxKI/TfJr0gOHH3I/AAAAAAAAAKs/qJRHEy4yLwU/s1600/IMG_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKbG7AULxKI/TfJr0gOHH3I/AAAAAAAAAKs/qJRHEy4yLwU/s200/IMG_0323.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now, Brett picked out a wine on special when we were at Wacky Wine. I was highly dubious and with good reason, he enjoys Tassenberg! However, I have been corrected thoroughly and took a huge slice of humble crumble pie. Paired with Brett's homemade pizza (cherry tomatoes, roast beef, mushrooms, spring onions, garlic and mozz) it was amazing. The biggest suprise of the evening. The nose was gorgeous, no tears just a happy warming feeling sliding down my throat. And <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>Wayne LOVED it so get yourself a bottle now!</b></span><br />
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6. <b>Zonnebloem Pinotage. </b><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uemwt9v8nwM/TfJsAqIzSFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/R5lJ9YPb9Jk/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uemwt9v8nwM/TfJsAqIzSFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/R5lJ9YPb9Jk/s200/IMG_0329.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZB1AL1icA/TfJsHJ074cI/AAAAAAAAAK0/J03zSXEDRYA/s1600/IMG_0330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZB1AL1icA/TfJsHJ074cI/AAAAAAAAAK0/J03zSXEDRYA/s200/IMG_0330.jpg" width="133" /></a>Paired with chicken, pepper, mozzarella and tomato bruschetta. A fairly decent Pinotage but nothing to dance about. A nice fruity nose though.<br />
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7. <b>Four bottles of Like Father Like Son cab/merlot. </b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDZtUoRB81U/TfJsjmCk6jI/AAAAAAAAALA/0V8TmuSAqgI/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDZtUoRB81U/TfJsjmCk6jI/AAAAAAAAALA/0V8TmuSAqgI/s200/IMG_0334.jpg" width="200" /></a><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIyVrTpmgAcl5vhD_rrTgDyG-dyZ8sMYlLbYXhlC3Wlv0uIJ_1" /><br />
Mulled wine. Oh how I love it. There is nothing quite as nice as sipping a mug of steaming mulled wine during winter. It warms the cockles of your heart (an English saying). Paired with chocolate chunk cookies and everyone becomes my best friend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>(I'll be sharing my recipe for good mulled wine in another blog post so watch.this.space)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ignhnOa6ae8/TfJsa7-H3CI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1OJIXb2Cf6g/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ignhnOa6ae8/TfJsa7-H3CI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1OJIXb2Cf6g/s320/IMG_0333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-67880769894546101502011-06-10T07:32:00.000-07:002011-06-10T07:32:57.985-07:00Wacky Wine's Winerys<div class="MsoNormal">This year was the 8<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Wacky Wine and with over 16,000 visitors expected and a persistent husband almost blackmailing me into going, I decided to jump headfirst into a weekend of alcohol and over-eating.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The only winery that I had been to out in Robertson had been Bon Courage but we had been given advice from Wayne that Roberston holds some amazing wine gems. So Brett and I were expecting big things from the weekend and I was sure that I would come away with some wine favourites and some bottles to add to our collection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our first stop on the Friday night was Rooiberg but it's seriously not worth a mention at all except to say that their port tasted like old slippers. Moving on...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday morning came bright and glorious and we cleverly decided upon Bon Courage as our first stop. Brett had seen the hoards last year and I was adamant that I would get a chance to taste everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal">At around 10:30am people were already there and set up with their wine and oysters. Scoffing down a quick pancake to line the stomach we set about filling our glasses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I should have stayed there all day. I was in sweet heaven with these tipples </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</b></b></div><b>Red muscadel</b> – I’m a big fan already because the sweetness you experience in the first sip isn’t drowned out by a strong fumy aftertaste and the flavours just keep getting better. Bought a case!<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/speciallateharvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/speciallateharvest.jpg" width="77" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Special Late Harvest</b> – A medium sweet taste with not as much body as the Noble and with more of a zesty aftertaste. Brett liked this more than the following...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/noblelateharvestmock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/noblelateharvestmock.jpg" width="51" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><br />
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</b></b></div><b>Noble Late Harves</b>t – It felt as though I was eating an apricot and peach crumble with baked currants. If you had given me a pot of clotted cream I would have literally made out with you.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> My favourite and the winner for the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/inkaracabcauv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.boncourage.co.za/pictures/winebottles/inkaracabcauv.jpg" width="96" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Inkara Cabernet Saviougn</b> – Oh.My.Word. I may just have drank angel blood!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having won numerous accolades including the Diamond award from Winemakers Choice, this beautifully delicate yet rich wine is AMAZING. I often find that a Cab Sav is too high in tannins which destroys the taste for me. I have a delicate palette, but this smelt heavenly and went down like a friggin dream. </div><div class="MsoNormal">We stupidly only bought two bottles (R107) but are determined to stock up as we have been told that it has excellent aging potential. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I never left...... (Next blog post Springfield, Rusticus and Zandvliet)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765719746199023406.post-36320349333327017072011-06-07T07:03:00.000-07:002011-06-07T07:03:44.215-07:00An affair to remember<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/30447992_EY70BDj4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/30447992_EY70BDj4_c.jpg" width="175" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span>You may be wondering why I, a big lover of all things cake related, would want to start up a wine blog? Or why anyone would even give a damn about my grapples with the red, white and rosé but maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, when I want to master something then I’ll go all out. I’ve mastered the art of the perfectly moist chocolate brownie, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the tantalising chocolate chip cookie and I can make an orgasmic banana bread so now I am obsessed with<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing everything about South African wines. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was younger, wine used to be that disgusting vomit tasting liquid that old people used to drink. My Gran would always tell me that it was an “acquired, adult taste” and now that I am an adult I think I’m just about getting it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I’m still what you might call a “grape tease”. I play around, I flirt with grape varieties, I cheat on different wine farms and I dabble in the sweet wines because I’m a sweet sort of person. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am trying though and I’m willing to be pointed in the right direction. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Jhordan's Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10307966112091573278noreply@blogger.com1