Quick! Before the sun goes away, here are my top 5 picks for wines this spring. Let’s get to it!
2009 Reininger Syrah
This baby is tasting really really delicious right now. Aromas of soy sauce, sesame oil, plum sauce, blueberry pie and lavender! Silky smooth texture and medium bodied. Flavors of blueberry, black pepper, cumin, orange peel. A spicy wine with nice balance.
Plays well with Minted Lamb Burgers and Spicy Harissa Lamb Flatbreads
2007 Reininger Late Harvest Viognier
Peaches, peaches, peaches! I am particularly enamored with mid-summer peach juice running down my chin, the sweetness and floral notes a fleeting moment of high summer perfection. A rich, concentrated wine, with heady aromas of fresh peach and orange peel, accented with subtle lemon minerality. Smooth and rich on the palate, it is dominated by flavors of peach jam, lavender and honey.
Plays well with desserts like Roasted Stone Fruit served with cream/amaretti cookies as well as Honey Ricotta Cheesecake
2009 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon
This solid, masculine wine is like diving into a bowl dark cherries (but without the mess). Bright red-garnet color, ripe black cherry, dried plum, and cassis with a kiss of wood spice finishing with lingering fruit and fleshy steak tartar. A sumptuous mouth, as if leaping into a huge pillow of tannins – big and poufy, yet very round and incredibly soft.
Plays well with Blue Cheese Soufflé and Skirt Steak with Red Wine Pan Sauce (made this last night to rave reviews!)
2008 Reininger Malbec
If you read our posts, you already know how I feel about this one! Displays a rustic character of leather, earth, mushroom and spice reminiscent of traditional Malbec; perhaps it’s the maturity of the nine year old vines. Finely ground white and black pepper, dried fig, pomegranate, black currant with ripe blackberry flirting in the background satiates my palate along with hints of cocoa and vanilla beans.
Plays well with Braised Winter Greens with Chorizo and Chicken Drumsticks with Asian BBQ Sauce
2008 Helix SoRho
Of course I’m going to sneak in the SoRho. SO GOOD. The aromas of fresh strawberries and purple Mr. Sketch marker tickle your nose while subtle game, raw meat, and wet gravel follow for interest. Medium bodied with juicy acids and great balance, the SoRho displays beautiful flavors of pepper, pomegranate, dried herbs and just a touch of Framboise.
Plays well with Classic Fondue and Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens
Now get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather before it’s gone again!